PERSIAN TRIBUNE Volume 1, Issue 4 by Persian Tribune

www.PersianTribune.ca • Volume 1, Issue 4

King of Hearts an exclusive interview with

Dr. Bob Kiaii

World Renowned Iranian Canadian Robotic Heart Surgeon

Artist Kazem Gharai

Portrait of Feelings

Persian Queen’s

impact on Jewish History McMichael Gala

a Devine Evening Under the Stars

OMDC

FTheorLegacyt Continues Yo rk

Wine Celebrating Malbec

Canadian D e m o cr a c y

Investing in Ontario

ISSN 2291-580X

9 772291 580004

and the Unelected senate

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7 History

29 Wine

8 Art

30 Home

10 Media

32 Events

12 Art

35 Health

Purim: Persian Queen’s impact on Jewish History

A Journey to the Louvre Part Two with Doris Pontieri

OMDC: Investing in Ontario’s Thriving Creative Economy

Portrait of Feelings Kaz Gharai

14 Politics

Canada to Welcome 5,000 Iranian and Iraqi Refugees

12 10

16 Main Feature King of Hearts An exclusive interview with Dr. Bob Kiaii

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

9 Ways to Enhance your Wealth

McMichael Moonlight Gala 2013

Orthodontics for Adults

36 Food

Mediterranean Burgers

37 Food

Khoresht Karafs

39 Life

Constable Zabi Aryai

20 Tourism

40 Real Estate

26 Investment

43 Health

Fort York Today

Market Update 2013

27 Politics 4

David’s Wine Pick of the Month

Democracy and the Unelected Senate

Are you Paying too much for Real Estate?

METTA Meditation

46 People

Person of the Month Dr. Reza Moridi

Photo credit: Tom Ridout www.industryous.com

Volume 1, Issue 4

Letter from Editor As we witness another renewal of nature in this part of the world, it is indeed a pleasure to once again experience and feel the warm weather and see the blue skies. I believe that this is a sentiment that is being shared by all of you as well. At Persian Tribune magazine each edition has resembled a new beginning and season to all of us involved. There are many commonalities among each issue, yet they have their own distinct characteristics. In this issue we are proud to be one of the Media Supports for the upcoming McMichael Canadian Art Collection’s Moonlight Gala 2013. It is also our pleasure to welcome the Canadian food guru, Rose Reisman and her health conscious recipes to Persian Tribune as a monthly contributor. We are also welcoming Naz Deravian from L.A. to our editorial team. You can enjoy her stories as well as her delicious recipes in our “From the Persian Kitchen” section. A new segment in this issue is “Persian Tribune’s Person of the Month”, where we will introduce to you men and women of Iranian descent from different professional backgrounds who have achieved levels that are unachievable by many. Great news is that you can now pick up copies of Persian Tribune magazine at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, one of the busiest shopping malls in Canada, and we’d like to thank Oxford Properties for this opportunity. As always you can also read this publication on line at: www.persiantribune.ca. We look forward to your comments and you can reach us at: contact@persiantribune.ca. I hope that you enjoy this latest issue. Kiumars Rezvanifar Editor-In-Chief

Volume 1, Issue 4 Publisher: Persian Tribune Inc.

Creative Director: Ramin Deravian

Editor-in-Chief: Kiumars Rezvanifar

Art Director: Courtney Boyden

Associate Editor: Shaadi Aryan

Graphic Designers: Mark Kowalski Shadi Raoufi

Managing Editor: Courtney Boyden Associate Managing Editor: Teresa Tiano Copy Editors: Arezou Amin Edi Grace Senior VP Business Development: Ramin Deravian Senior VP Marketing Communications: Tina Rogers VP of Sales and Marketing: Sima Aryan Account Executives: Amir Amirsolaimani Bobby Boroujerdi Mehri Rahimian Manijeh Sari Print Production Manager: Omid Jesmi

Web Management: Ramin Emadi Contributing Writers: David Akhlaghi Robert Atkinson Sarvenaz Barghgir Dr. Elaine Chin Steve Conn Dr. Kevin Davis Naz Deravian Ali Ehsassi Jasmine Jackman Dr. Davod Kafai Eli Lukawitz PC Blair McQuillan Costas Menegakis MP Doris Pontieri Rose Reisman Dr. Kevin Rod Shamsi Shahrokhi Dolly Sidhu Andrew M. Stewart Teresa Tiano Mike Ulmer Bryon Wilfert Diane Wilson Hon. Kathleen Wynne Ali Zohouri Mehdi Zohouri

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. Canadian Head Office (Toronto) Persian Tribune magazine, 25 Valleywood Drive, Suite 12, Markham, ON L3R 5L9 Canada

U.S. Office (Los Angeles) Persian Tribune magazine, 22726 Ventura Blvd., Suite C, Woodland Hills, CA 91364, U.S.A.

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

HISTORY •Feature

Persian Queen’s impact on Jewish History Purim is a colourful Jewish celebration with its costumes and loud noises that are made whenever the name Haman is spoken in order to blot out his name. It is the story of how Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai saved the Jews of Iran (then Persian Empire) from genocide. While this is a Jewish celebration it is closely tied to Iran since that is where the story took place and Esther was the Queen of the Persian Empire. Also let us not forget that Jewish people are one of the peoples of Iran, not a majority but a part of Iran since the time of the Achaemenid (Persian) Empire. The story takes place during the reign of King Ahasuerus, who was either Xerxes I (486 BCE to 465 BCE) or Artaxerxes II (405 BCE to 359 BCE). During a massive feast that had been going on for months in the winter capital of the Persian Empire, Shushan (Susa), the Queen had angered the King by refusing his commands and as a result she had lost title as Queen and her estates. The King then commanded that all the beautiful girls of the realm should appear before him so he could choose his next queen. Eventually Ahasuerus fell in love with a Jewish orphan named Esther. Esther was raised by her cousin Mordechai who was a member of the King’s court (Esther was the daughter of Mordechai’s uncle). He had instructed her not to reveal that she was Jewish. According to the Book of Esther, Mordechai’s family was enslaved by the Babylonians when they had captured Jerusalem, which also means that his family must have been freed by Cyrus the Great when he conquered Babylon. Shortly after Esther was made queen, Mordechai learned of a plot to assassinate the king. He revealed the plot to Esther who informed Ahasuerus. The plot was stopped, the conspirators hung and Mordechai’s loyal act was recorded by the royal scribes. During this time the king had grown very fond of one his advisers, Haman, and had made him the second most powerful person in the empire after the King. Haman had made a decree that all the members of the King’s court must bow before him, and all had except for Mordechai. Angered by Mordechai’s action, Haman decided that he would kill Mordechai and all the Jews who lived in the Persian Empire. To carry out his plan he convinced the king that the Jews in his lands did not respect his authority. Hearing this from his most trusted advisor, Ahasuerus gave Haman the authority to do whatever he deemed necessary. Haman ordered that during the twelfth day of the thirteenth month (the Jewish month of Adar) that the people of the empire must rise and kill all of its Jewish residents. Esther learned of Haman’s decree from Mordechai and was left with no choice but to seek help from her husband the king. She spent a few days preparing spiritually and then went to the King’s court. Upon her arrival at the court she was warmly

By: Mehdi Zohouri

greeted by Ahasuerus who promised to give her anything that she petitioned for. Esther requested that the King and Haman attend a banquet that she would be holding the next day where she would make her petition to the King. That night Ahasuerus could not sleep and had the royal scribes read him their records through which he learned of Mordechai’s loyal act. He wanted to reward Mordechai for his deed and so he sought Haman’s advice. When the King saw Haman he asked his most trusted advisor about the best way to reward a person who had performed a great service for the King. Haman believed that the King was referring to him and so he replied that the person should be given kingly clothes, a kingly horse and be led around the city by a prince. So the King ordered Haman to provide Mordechai with kingly clothes, a kingly horse and to lead him around the city. Haman who had wanted to hang Mordechai was distressed but he had no choice but to obey the King. Soon after Haman had honoured Mordechai he arrived at Queen Esther’s banquet. There the Queen revealed to the King that it was her people, the Jewish people, which Haman had ordered to be wiped out. The King’s was also informed of Haman’s plan to hang Mordechai. The King was so enraged that he ordered the execution of Haman. Esther and Mordechai received Haman’s estate and Mordechai became the King’s right hand. According to the Book of Esther the law of the empire did not allow the King to reverse his previous orders, so Ahasuerus sent out new orders. The King commanded that all who served him must support the Jews and granted the Jewish population the right to arm themselves and to destroy all of their enemies in the empire on the thirteenth day of Adar. In the end Haman’s ten sons were also hung at the request of Esther and the Jews of Persia killed over 75,000 thousand of their enemies but they did not take any of their slain enemies possessions. Iranian Jews and the King’s court celebrated this victory which became known as Purim. Purim is celebrated on the fourteenth day of the month of Adar (Jewish calendar) as was decreed by Queen Esther of Persia (Iran). While the main two protagonists of the Purim are Jewish, they are Iranian Jews and the story takes place in Iran and every other important person in the story is also Iranian. Therefore in my humble opinion all Iranians should feel free to celebrate this event if they desire it. Mehdi 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. PERSIAN TRIBUNE

•7

•ART

A Journey to the Louvre (Part Two)

he Louvre Museum, in the heart of Paris, is one of the largest and most important museums in the world. Housed in the expansive Louvre Palace, it is home to thousands of paintings, sculptures and priceless works of art like the ‘Mona Lisa’, and the ‘Venus de Milo’. This exquisite art collection was first established in the 16th century as the private collection of King Francis I. The King continued to purchase pieces, building this collection while also receiving many donations. The Louvre eventually became a national art museum in 1793, with all of its treasures available for public viewing. Although the Louvre is home to this permanent collection, there are temporary exhibitions from time to time including the Annual SNBA, a four day international show that takes place every December. After being selected, along with eleven other Canadian artists to represent this country at the SNBA show in December 2012, my life as an artist has certainly changed. This journey began one year ago, when I learned the news that I would be part of this delegation travelling to Paris for this prestigious show at the famed museum. The feeling that comes over you when such an honour is offered is quite a humbling one. It was difficult for me to put this into perspective, having never even been to the Louvre . With the knowledge of the importance of the museum, and what it has meant to so many artists, my trepidation surfaced as the painting chosen was a very emotional piece for me. But I put my concerns aside and looked forward to the opportunity.

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By: Doris Pontieri

Preparations began early, meeting several of the other artists from Canada who would take this trip with me. Time passed quickly and with all flights, hotels and itineraries arranged the day finally arrived to fly to France. My time in Paris leading up to the show included a visit to the Canadian Cultural Centre and meeting with Mme Sylvie Bedard, the director of the Centre, sightseeing and of course visits to the art museums of Paris. This city is alive with culture, history and incomparable beauty. I was instantly smitten by its charm, waking up each day to a new adventure. My daughter Lily joined me for the last three days, and we celebrated her birthday touring the river Seine, the historic buildings and ending the day at the infamous ‘Moulin Rouge’. People have told me that Paris is a city that should be shared with someone you love, and that is just what I did. Prior to the set up of the exhibit, we were asked to bring our paintings and look at the space designated for the Canadian artists. We were escorted to the basement of the Louvre where the vaults are, to house our paintings overnight until we set up the exhibit. As I walked the hallways of the basement, a special place that no one who visits this museum is allowed to see, I wondered how many artists had done the same over the centuries. Perhaps I walked in the same path Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec had walked so many years ago. With the excitement building, and the set up complete, we prepared for opening night. M. Kim Butler, Ambassador for Canada in France, greeted us at the opening

gala to discuss our paintings with each of us. Over four thousand people attended, filling the gallery with dignitaries and artists from around the world. The Society for Arts, Science and Letters of France made their selection from the international artists and I was informed later that evening that I had been selected to receive a medal for outstanding achievement in art. I am honoured by this award and will be returning to Paris in June 2013 to receive this award. As the exhibit continued, I had an opportunity to discuss with the other artists how this had affected them, and each one had a look of pride and wonderment on their face as they told me of their personal journey, leading up to this moment. Each person I spoke with had stories to share about what led them to this, and the struggles they have faced in an industry that can be so unforgiving. As an artist, the greatest achievement is to be recognized for your work. Exhibiting in the same building that houses the most beautiful, priceless works of art in the world is indeed among my greatest moments. Following four euphoric days at the Louvre, we began to take down the display and, after a celebratory dinner, we said our goodbyes to the friends we had made and to the city of Paris, which had been our home for just over a week. I will never forget the feelings that ran through my mind and body during this journey that left an indelible mark on my heart. So,what is next for me? I will be exhibiting my work at the Brenart Gallery in Brussels in June, then off to Cannes, France in September to exhibit at the “Artists of the World” fair. The fair’s ambassador, Ms. Marina Picasso, the granddaughter of Pablo Picasso, has selected my work, along with others, to be considered for an annual international award. As for my home in Canada, I continue my wonderful association with and representation by my dear friends at Artworld of Sherway, Sherway Gardens, Toronto www.artworldofsherway.com.

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.

PERSIAN TRIBUNE

•9

•MEDIA

On tari o M e di a Investing in Ontario’s thriving Development economy Corporation

creative

Domestic film and television accounts for 70 per cent of all production activity [behind the camera shot – Flashpoint]

O M

ntario’s creative industries are thriving – leading the world in innovation, content and technologies. Contributing $12.2 billion to the Ontario economy and 300,000 jobs every year, our creative and entertainment cluster is now the third largest in North America after Los Angeles and New York, providing more to the province’s GDP than the Energy, Mining, or Agriculture & Forestry sectors. Over the past decade, the creative industries have experienced employment growth of nearly 40%, more than double that of the provincial economy as a whole. Funded by the provincial government, the Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC) plays a leading role in building Ontario’s creative economy by promoting investment and job creation in the book and magazine publishing, film and television, interactive digital media and music industries.

OMDC stimulates growth in these six creative sectors through a wide range of services and funding programs that allow Ontario companies to develop new business opportunities and secure international sales and distribution. “The success stories from our cultural media sectors are too many to count 10

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

and continue to surprise and excite us every day,” says Karen Thorne-Stone, OMDC’s President and CEO. “In fact, on every newscast, blog and financial report these days it is content and distribution companies that are creating the buzz in this digital world. These industries have a tremendous impact on the health of our provincial and national economies.”

By way of example, the number of consumer magazines in Canada has grown by 36% over the past decade and more than half of those magazines are produced in Ontario. Support from OMDC has led to a $24 million increase in revenues and an explosion of digital magazine options.

From Page To Screen encourages the screen adaptation of Ontario books [photo of meeting]

•MEDIA Ontario is home to more than half of Canada’s book publishing industry, with Ontario-based companies bringing in revenues of $1.4 billion a year. With help from OMDC, the book publishing industry has increased revenues by $44 million in the past six years and garnered award nominations in all genres.

The Good Lovelies perform at the 2012 Trillium Book Awards. Ontario’s sound recording and music publishing industry is the largest in Canada, with the highest revenues across the board.

Ontario’s music industry is the largest in Canada from artist management to sound recording, having added $23 million in revenues with support from OMDC in recent years. Ontario’s live music scene has been labeled among the best in the world and our artists regularly appear on the top ten lists. There are now more than 1,000 digital media companies in the province, up from 600 just ten years ago and support from OMDC has led to 700 new jobs and $56 million in revenues from interactive digital media

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products – not to mention the multitude of international awards!

Film and television production experienced spectacular growth in recent years, contributing almost $1.3 billion to the provincial economy in 2012, the industry’s best year ever in Ontario. Nearly 70% of that production activity is domestic, reflecting a strong local industry creating content that is in demand around the world. In fact, Ontario’s reputation for quality, leading industry standards and innovation make Ontario businesses a trusted partner for international companies and has led to both critical acclaim and sales in hundreds of countries and languages worldwide. Another of Ontario’s great advantages is our strength across so many different sectors – OMDC is uniquely

Phil Hall, 2012 Trillium Book Award winner. Ontario is home to the largest book publishing industry in Canada.

Ontario’s $1.4 billion interactive digital media sector employs 16,000 people. Smokebomb Entertainment’s Totally Amp’d, won a 2012 Digi Award for Best in Mobile Applications

positioned to bring these creative communities together and has a number of programs specifically targeted at encouraging collaboration between the various creative industries to exploit those strengths to even greater advantage. In a digital environment of constant change, crosssector partnerships are more vital than ever to the success of our cultural industries.

More than 1,600 cultural media products with budgets of over $2.6 billion were supported by OMDC last year. OMDC is committed to sustaining the commercial and market success of Ontario’s creative companies through investment and incentive programs; investing in companies and content; opening doors to new markets; and helping to kick start deals. Ontario’s creative industries are delivering impressive returns on modest investments and have enormous potential to advance even further.

“Not only are they key to our quality of life,” says ThorneStone, “the creative industries are key to our future prosperity – to achieving a stable and growing economy and ensuring high value jobs into the future.” Find out more about OMDC by visiting their website at www.omdc.on.ca PERSIAN TRIBUNE

• 11

Kazem Gharai Portrait

of Feelings

az Gharai is an artist whose work spans a wide range of techniques. He is known in the field of graphic design, his portfolio containing movie posters, catalogues, book covers, brochures and brand identities. But his skill set is also comprised of a variety of painting styles, including acrylic, watercolour, oil paint and airbrush. Not surprising, considering his career in art began 55 years ago. Ta n g o

Fare w ell K iss 12

â&#x20AC;˘ PERSIANTRIBUNE

L ast of Virginity

Fighting Rooster

â&#x20AC;˘ART

orn Kazem Gharai in Tehran, Iran in 1946, his style of art and design developed the course of three important periods in his life. The first of these was during his school days, where he began to teach himself how to draw and paint. Though he received no formal training during this time, he was the recipient of art awards, an early indication of natural talent. His second developmental period came when he attended Tehran University, studying visual arts and graphic design. Graduating with a B.A in 1976, he now possessed knowledge of the great international artists that came before him, such as Van Gogh, Gauguin and Monet. It was this knowledge that led him to pursue impressionism as his dominant artwork style. Though this was his initial stylistic preference, many years experience as an artist has led Gharai to employ a variety of other styles, such as realism, surrealism and abstract. The third period of his development came after his graduation. He began to work professionally as an artist and had his work exhibited at several art galleries in Tehran, which was a huge success.

ince those early days exhibiting in Tehran, Gharaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work has been featured in many festivals, galleries, museums and art shows internationally. These include the Beijing International Art Expo (2006-2008), and the Art and Heart Studio in Italy (2006) where he received accolades for his work. More recently, Gharai is currently preparing to participate in the 2013 Toronto International Art Expo, with Toronto Life magazine covering two of his pieces that will be exhibited. In a moment of pride for the Persian community, Gharai will be the only Iranian Canadian participating in the Expo. In addition to exhibiting his own work, Gharai is a believer

Gymnast in passing on knowledge and experience to the next generation. Going above and beyond expectations, Gharai has also been a dedicated teacher for over three decades.

ut what goes into a Kaz Gharai painting? For him, the first step is sketching. Once this is done, he then applies colours and texture to a canvas. He evokes feeling through the use of different colour schemes, contrasting vibrant, sharp colours with dull or cold colours. He will also texturize his painting when he feels it will make the work more dramatic. All of this combined seems to create an almost musical effect in his work. By

portraying his own feelings on the canvas, there is a thematic variation in his artwork. Some of his inspiration comes from current social and cultural issues, which are points of interest for him. By considering things from a different point of view he can convey power, war, beauty, freedom, or revenge in a unique way, though this does occasionally prove to be challenging.

Kaz Gharai lives and works in Toronto. His work is represented by the McCaul Art Gallery.

PERSIAN TRIBUNE

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•Politics

Canada to Welcome 5,000

Iranian and Iraqi refugees Now in Turkey

By: Costas Menegakis, MP of Richmond Hill

anada has a longstanding tradition of welcoming victims of persecution in need of protection. As Member of Parliament for Richmond Hill, my office has handled many a file over the last two years from individuals seeking asylum. It is my experience that the refugees Canada helps each year truly understand the value of freedom, democracy and security. They also bring a phenomenal work ethic and devotion to the family, and are eager to make a positive contribution to their new country. Refugee protection is simply part of our history and national character. Since the Second World War, Canada has provided a haven to over one million refugees. We have one of the world’s most generous refugee resettlement programs, and welcome one out of every ten refugees who are resettled worldwide, the highest per-capita level in the world. Even with this impressive record, it remains our goal to provide more people an opportunity for a new beginning. We are in process of increasing our target for admission of refugees and other individuals in vulnerable circumstances by 20%, in our continued commitment to Canada’s humanitarian tradition. We are on target to welcome upwards of 14,000 resettled refugees next year and have increased resettlement funding by 20% to help them settle and integrate quickly. By doing so, Canada is providing a new beginning and opportunity for these individuals to live a safe and free life. Earlier this year, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced that Canada will resettle up to 5,000 refugees, now in Turkey, by 2018. Most of these will be Iraqi and Iranian refugees, and their resettlement here will help Turkey deal with the growing pressure from the influx of Syrian persons seeking protection in that country. To date, some 12,000 Iraqi refugees have been resettled in Canada, mostly out of Syria and we remain committed to our 2009 and 2010 pledges to resettle up to 20,000 Iraqi refugees in need of protection. Minister Kenney’s announcement brings us closer to that goal and will also mark the first time Canada has made a specific multi-year commitment to resettling refugees out of Turkey. 14

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Canada will continue to work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to help them address the needs of refugees and other vulnerable persons in Turkey. Ours is one of only a few countries to operate a resettlement program out of Turkey, and only the United States takes more refugees. The majority of these refugees will be referred by the UNHCR to Canada for resettlement. We are also supporting humanitarian efforts to meet immediate emergency needs - including food, water, shelter, medical care and safety - of people affected by the Syrian crisis. Since January 2012, Canada has responded with over $48 million in support for those affected. This assistance is being delivered by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) through its humanitarian partners. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Syrian, up to four million people inside Syria, including two million who are internally displaced, are in need of humanitarian assistance. Minister Kenney has been working hard to make Canada’s asylum system faster and fairer. The Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act provides protection more quickly to genuine refugees, while removing individuals whose claims are rejected from our country, faster. In order for Canadians to continue to strongly support Canada’s tradition of providing protection to victims of persecution, they must have faith in the integrity of our asylum system. With our recent improvements, we are ensuring that genuine refugees fleeing persecution will receive the protection they need while, at the same time, failed asylum claimants from generally safe countries will be removed much faster. Costas Menegakis is the Member of Parliament for Richmond Hill, and a member of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration. He can be reached by phone at 905-770-4440, by email at Costas.Menegakis@parl.gc.ca or through his website at www.costasmenegakis.ca.

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•Feature

King of Hearts

an exclusive interview with

Dr. Bob Kiaii

World Renowned Iranian Canadian Robotic Heart Surgeon

By: Teresa Tiano

Dr. Bob Kiaii’s accomplishments as a cardiac surgeon are incredible. His CV, which is the length of a novella, is beyond impressive. Since 2010, he has been the Chair, Division of Cardiac Surgery, at The University of Western Ontario, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Surgery in London, Ontario, as well as the Chief, Division of Cardiac Surgery at the London Health Sciences Centre. He teaches and lectures all over the world; he is at the forefront of groundbreaking research and minimally invasive cardiac surgery, and he is only 45 years old. In a recent interview with Dr. Kiaii, Persian Tribune was fortunate enough to get a glimpse of the man behind the world-renowned surgeon. 16

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

•Feature

What propelled you towards medicine and more specifically, cardiac surgery? When I was in Grade 12 my father found out that he had evidence of blocked heart arteries and had to have an operation. My father was very affected by his symptoms; he could barely do anything and was quite debilitated due to chest pains. We were advised by his doctors that the triple bypass surgery was a high risk surgery with a 10% risk of him not surviving. But he was also at a high risk of having a heart attack. We decided to go with the surgery, and my father did great and it improved his quality of life immensely. He is now 82 and is still able to work. The surgery had a significant effect on his life and on our life overall. I was really impressed with how the profession of medicine, specifically heart surgery, could have such a profound effect on an individual’s quality of life and improve their longevity and survival. At that time, I decided and was determined to become a heart surgeon.

Where did you study for your degree and your various specializations? I did my undergraduate degree in Sciences, specifically biochemistry. In 1988, I graduated from the University of British Columbia (UBC) with a Bachelor of Science. I then moved to London (Ontario) and received my Medical Doctorate Degree in 1992, and did one year of internship there. From 1993 to 1998, I lived in Calgary and went to the University of Calgary where I trained to become a General Surgeon. Once I became a General Surgeon I then applied to become a cardiac surgeon. For that, I returned to London. From 1998 to 2002 I did my heart surgery training and one year of a further sub-specialty in transplantation, specifically heart transplantation. I then moved to Germany in 2002 for one year where I did my extra sub-specialty in robotic

and minimally invasive heart surgery. In total, post high-school it was nineteen years of education and training.

Could you tell me about your childhood and what you experienced growing up in Iran, moving to Italy and your family’s immigration to Canada? I was born and raised in Tehran. I was in Grade 6 when the revolution occurred in the summer of 1978. My parents decided it was best for us to leave the country and we moved from Iran to Rome, Italy. We attended a private school called the Iran Zhameen School and they were in the process of opening a school in Spain, so we initially went to Spain. Unfortunately, the school was not ready, so our parents enrolled us in the American Overseas School of Rome, we spent the next few years there before we immigrated to Canada in 1982.

Were your parents influential in your education and were they supportive? My parents were very influential in terms of education. Education was the reason we went to an English speaking school because the goal was for us, had the revolution not occurred, to go to university in either England or the United States. For both my parents, but especially for my mother, because she was brought up with education being very important, it was highly emphasized from the time that I was in elementary school. Both my parents provided the path to follow education. We left Iran because they wanted to ensure that our education was not affected. Even though it was very difficult for them because the tuition was extremely expensive for the school in Rome they did their best. As you know, when we left Iran, most of us left almost everything behind. We went from a high class society PERSIAN TRIBUNE

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•Feature make a living. My father worked in construction and then opened a video store. It was very difficult for my mother to find work in her field of chemical engineering. After several years she found a job in a lab but not what she was accustomed to doing. They made a huge sacrifice for their family and children in order for us to have a better quality of life.

You are at the forefront of computer assisted cardiac surgery with the use of the DaVinci Robot. Could you please explain what it is?

to a low class society in Europe because of the fact that we weren’t able to take our belongings with us. It was extremely challenging for my parents to be able to pay our tuition, but for them it was a priority. My mother sacrificed a lot; she gave up her job as a chemical engineer. Our time in Italy was very trying, but because education was so critical they made sure we went to the best school and in the end, that school was a great school because it provided the foundation for all three of us, my two sisters and I, to move on to university.

What influence has the Persian culture had on your life? The main influence that it has had on me is that it has allowed me to appreciate its history and the unbelievable culture that existed. It has made me a better individual, with appreciation of all the amazing accomplishments in science and literature which made Iran a great place over the centuries. It pushed me to be more willing to work hard in order to achieve an equivalent type of accomplishment.

What were the early years like here in Canada? What were the challenges as an immigrant family? Being an immigrant family definitely had its challenges in terms of getting settled and being accepted. We moved to Vancouver from Rome in December of 1982. I started high school not knowing anyone and it was quite difficult getting accepted, and becoming part of things. It was challenging for me to get to know people and to allow people to get to know me. In terms of my parents, it was very difficult for both of them. They came here having given up their jobs and pretty much everything for us to have a better life. For them it defined new methods by which to work and 18

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

The purpose of the DaVinci Robot became very well illustrated when it became apparent that we didn’t have the adequate instrumentation to do regular robotic surgery. It became apparent that in order to do endoscopic or minimally invasive heart surgery there was a need to have better control and accuracy over the instruments. The DaVinci Robot exactly translates the motion of the surgeon’s hand onto the patient, so you get all the degrees of freedom. With regular endoscopic instruments you lose your degree of freedom, you do not have the wrist movement. The DaVinci Robot allows you to perform the operation as if your hands were inside the chest. Big incisions are not required because the instruments are small enough.

Can this device be translated to other types of surgery and what does it mean for the patient in terms of recovery? Absolutely it can be translated to other surgeries. We first used it for heart surgery in 2003 because there was a need for it, but most recently it is applicable to all types of operations, however currently it is mainly used by urologists and gynecologists. Basically, it is a highly advanced instrument that can be used by all surgeons. For the patient it is a less invasive approach to whatever surgery they are having. So with less invasion and smaller incisions, the patient’s recovery is significantly faster not only in the hospital, but also when they get discharged. The best benefit is that recovery is significantly improved but also cosmetically, smaller incisions are a lot more acceptable to patients.

•Feature

Could you please tell us about Viola Addison and why she is important? Viola Addision was the very first patient in the world to have robotic technology (the DaVinci Robot) utilized to treat her specific problem. This 86 year old patient’s pacemaker had suddenly perforated her heart chamber and she required emergency surgery. Normally the approach would be to cut the breast bone in half or go in and make an incision between the ribs and spread the ribs to be able to get to the chamber to fix the perforation. Fortunately, we (a team of seven) were able to apply robotic technology to repair the hole in her heart by only making three small one-centimeter incisions. We were able to get the pacemaker lead removed and also have the hole in the heart repaired. Robotic surgery could not be possible without this team approach. Ms. Addison was well enough to be sent home after two days in the hospital.

With robotic surgery, you are now able to by-pass the ICU portion of the patient’s recovery in some cases. How is this possible? With people undergoing bypass surgery with the use of robotic technology, we have been able to perform surgeries without the use of the heart/lung machine and again the invasion of the body is quite minimal. Individuals therefore have a little amount of trauma; with that taken out of the equation it became more evident that these patients do not need to go to the intensive care unit for post monitoring because the extent of surgery they have had has been reduced, and they can be treated similarly to patients who undergo more common surgeries such appendix or gallbladder operations. They can be sent to the recovery room, monitored there, and if they are okay they are then transferred to the regular ward. We started that two years ago, and we have done it with close to fifty patients. It is obvious, that in a selective group of people (as not everyone meets the criteria) if the patient is healthy generally, they can go from the recovery ward to the regular ward and it expedites recovery. A patient can potentially leave the hospital within two days of having bypass surgery. Patients are incredibly happy and it is extremely beneficial.

What keeps you motivated, everyday in such a high pressure high stress position? The biggest motivation I have is the reward that I get from my job. When I see an extremely sick individual recover and leave the hospital and resume their normal quality of life it is extremely rewarding and allows me to come back and do the same thing again because you know you are making a huge difference in people’s lives and their potential for survival. That is the driving force that brings me back every day.

You are head of cardiac surgery at LHSC, you teach and lecture all over the world, how do you balance this with your life at home? It’s very, very challenging to balance. It is difficult to make the home environment and work environment

equal. Being in this type of field, it is difficult to “shut” things off because you cannot predict what will happen to a patient. My wife, Laurie Shaw, is an incredibly supportive wife. In fact, the word supportive has to be underlined and bolded. In order for a surgeon to be successful you have to have an extremely supportive spouse because everything is so unpredictable and there can be a lot of frustration and disappointment in regards to personal family time.

What would you say is your greatest achievement? I think professionally, my greatest achievement is being able to provide minimally invasive surgery and to further expand the field of minimally invasive surgery, specifically heart surgery and providing it to patients that benefit from it. Personally speaking, it is to be able to achieve a balance and enjoy the fine things in life and enjoy the moments with friends and family and to cherish good health, because sometimes that is not well appreciated and it is underrated. Without good health, good friends and good happiness, no matter how hard you work unfortunately you will not be able to achieve and accomplish what you want.

Is there anything you would like to add? When speaking about individuals who are immigrants and children of immigrants it is important to understand that they came here to improve the life of their family; it is also very important to appreciate everything they did for their children. During the entire time that I witnessed the sacrifice that my parents made for me, my goal was to achieve what they wanted me to achieve, so that I could make them proud and they would know that the sacrifices they made were not wasted, and it resulted in what they had always wanted. As a child of an immigrant you work as hard as you can to be able to accomplish that. I think that this applies to many Iranians who have had to go through this experience, whose parents had to sacrifice for them to have a better life. As children of immigrants we want to make sure and appreciate what has been done for us and try to make sure to make the best of it. PERSIAN TRIBUNE

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Fort York Today our Common Ground

oronto is an ancient place. Dozens of villages of Native people dating back to the centuries before 1700 are scattered across today’s Greater Toronto Area -- several of them now thoroughly documented by archaeologists. But our modern sense of the city that we call Toronto, which began as the Town of York, can be traced to an untouched site near the foot of Bathurst St. Originally established in 1793 to protect the entrance to Toronto Bay, Fort York National Historic Site is the place to explore our city’s origins, and more.

Death of U.S. Brigadier-General Zebulon Montgomery Pike at the Battle of York in Toronto, 27 April, 1813, rather fancifully depicted in an anonymous print, c. 1815 (credit: Library and Archives Canada, C-7434)

ot many cities have preserved the precise ground where they were first established. Ours is one of them. At Fort York you can stand in what is essentially an eighteenth-century landscape. In layers of soil beneath your feet are the remains of more than two centuries of unbroken history: the garrison established

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

By: Andrew M. Stewart

in 1793 by the legendary Queen’s Rangers -- an antecedent regiment of today’s Queen’s York Rangers of the Canadian Armed Forces; the foundations of the province’s executive headquarters -- Government House -- destroyed by an American army; and military works begun immediately following this attack.

oday, Fort York is unique in North America. Having survived the expansion of the young capital it was built to defend, this walled fort is now part a 43-acre national historic site, battlefield and park at the heart of North America’s fourth-largest city. Its history recalls

Fort York National Historic Site in the heart of downtown Toronto. (credit: Tim Stewart)

Fort YORK •TOURISM

curiosity, we brought no clothing with us, more than we wore at the moment; and, consequently, left York… to commence a journey of 200 miles through the woods of America…without an outside garment of any description, or a second pair of shoes."

The Fort York Visitor Centre, opening next year, will transform the public entrance to Fort York National Historic Site (credit: Patkau Architects Inc. / Kearns Mancini Architects Inc.)

the gradual development of Canada as an independent nation within North America – made possible through partnership and alliance with First Nations before and during the War of 1812. This evolution over centuries gave rise to the pluralistic society we enjoy today.

he Battle of York, occurring on 27 April 1813 and involving about 3000 American and British regular soldiers, Canadian militia and First Nations warriors, was a traumatic event in Toronto’s history. We lost the battle but gained a legacy of stories and historic and

his spring, the bicentennial of the Battle of York is the occasion for a tremendous series of events and ceremonies involving the Canadian Army and First Nations – be sure to check www.toronto.ca/1812/events for details.

Appreciative spectators at the Queen’s York Rangers’ Battle of Brandywine Parade at Fort York in 2010. (credit: Kathy Mills)

oday, Fort York hosts a huge diversity of cultural, educational and ceremonial programming. Last year’s The Encampment at Fort York, a 10-day installation of Toronto’s Luminato festival, attracted more than 10,000 visitors. With expert cooks, the fort regularly creates period-setting meals, using authentic recipes and foods that include historic varieties of vegetables and fruits grown in the fort’s own gardens.

Historic varieties of fruit and vegetables are cultivated in Fort York’s kitchen garden beds. (credit: Kathy Mills)

Entrance to Fort York (credit: Taku Kumabe www. smaku.com)

archaeological material that we can now use to explore this history in books, exhibits, films and interactive media. For example, Patrick Finan left a vivid account of how, as a 12-year old, he walked with the retreating soldiers and refugees on their two-week trek to Kingston: "As in the morning we had very foolishly entertained no apprehension whatever of being defeated… and walked out from the breakfast table as if to look at some

n 2014, the innovative Fort York Visitor Centre will open to the public. The Canadian Architect award-winning Visitor Centre will help interpret the entire 43-acre national historic site. Universal themes of conflict, security and shared borders, which are vital to the history of Fort York, will be explored in exhibits and interactive programming. For the first time, Fort York

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•TOURISM

» will have Class-1 museum space for exhibiting rare and

important artifacts from the City of Toronto Museum Service’s collections, many never before seen, as well as other material borrowed from private and public collections. The national historic site, located near the waterfront at the intersection of pedestrian and biking trail networks, will soon connect to a series of new parks and a pedestrian bridge over the railway corridor, making the site accessible as never before. Photo credit: Tom Ridout www.industryous.com

Performances for National Aboriginal Day draws an audience at Fort York. (credit: Jose San Juan for City of Toronto Culture)

he Fort York Foundation has been working with City of Toronto Culture to raise $25 million to build the Fort York Visitor Centre. The Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto have, together, committed $19 million. We need to raise another $6 million from individuals, corporations and foundations to complete this project.

ort York National Historic Site is our common ground. This is the place where Toronto began. We hope that families and communities of people who have more recently chosen to settle in the Greater Toronto Area from outside Canada will experience resonance with Canadian history at Fort York and find common cause with Canadians from all backgrounds to support this project.

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•INVESTMENT

Market update 2013

By: Sarvenaz Barghgir

guidelines, are once again becoming active in the mars we turn the page on another year in GTA real ket” said Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) President estate, experts are trying to forecast what 2013 will bring. Toronto’s real estate market got off to a fast start Ann Hannah. this year, with reports of packed open houses and bidIn 2012 we had 70% of MLS sales from resale and this is ding wars in some neighbourhoods. The average selling predicted to be 80% for 2013. price for February 2013 was $510,580 – up two per cent The MLS® HPI Composite Benchmark price covering in comparison to February 2012. We are seeing a 2% all major home types eliminates fluctuations in price drop in sales in the MLS from 2012 in the price range growth due to changes in sales mix. The Composite of $500,000 or less. This is caused by mortgage rules such as amortization changing from 30 years to 25 years, Benchmark price was up by more than three per cent on a year-over-year basis in February. stricter mortgage lending guidelines, and down payment requirements, and also the fact that the economy “We will undoubtedly experience some volatility in price is still in recovery. growth for some market segments in 2013. However, months of inventory in the low-rise market segment The Bank of Canada recently indicated that interest will remain low, resulting in average price growth above rates are unlikely to rise anytime soon, because the rate three per cent for the TREB market area this year. Our of inflation is in check. “There will be enough compecurrent average price forecast is $515,000 for all home tition between buyers in the marketplace to prompt types combined in 2013,” says Jason Mercer. continued growth in home prices in 2013,” says Jason Mercer, the Toronto Real Estate Board’s senior manager These are some key points for the housing market in of market analysis. 2013: Sales are moderating as first-time buyers become The Board says that while the number of transactions less active. Expect more momentum in the second half of 2013. Repeat buyers will continue to drive the market. is down slightly compared to last year, the rate of Conditions to remain balanced . The condo market decline has slowed since the end of 2012.“This suggests is softening but unlikely to experience a significant that some buyers, who put their decision to purchase correction. on hold last year due to stricter mortgage lending

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Democracy and the Unelected Senate

•POLITICS

Time to Turn the Lights Out

n a matter of minutes on November 16, 2010, a team of unelected Senators side-stepped decades of Canadian democratic tradition and voted to kill a piece of legislation that had been approved by a majority of our country’s elected Parliamentarians. Even worse: they did so without studying or debating the bill, and after four years of government promises that the Senate would never be used to deny the will of the elected Members of Parliament. The death of Bill C-311 (The Climate Change Accountability Act) marked the first time since 1939 that the unelected and unaccountable Senate had eradicated a bill after it had been passed by our elected MP’s not without first studying and debating the bill at length. Clearly, such an act is not representative of the ‘sober second thought’ the Senate is supposed to provide when creating our country’s laws. This is but one example of the failure of the Senate. Senators can indirectly veto legislation by either letting it languish in committee and die on the Order Papers, or to amend a bill, effectively changing the will of the elected House of Commons. Some facts about the Senate that you and I are paying for: • •

• •

105 Senators work three days a week for 29 weeks a year Senate expenses can go as high as $300,000+ (per Senator) but there is no documentation that the public is allowed to see that will tell us what the spending limits and regulations are. It is unavailable to the public. The Senate operates in secret. A Senator makes $132,300 a year in salary plus expenses. They receive more money for holding different positions such as Committee Chair

Senators are supposed to represent the province/ territory where they have a ‘permanent residence.” The recent controversy illustrating that some Senators don’t know where there permanent residence is, has put the spot light on travel expenses and living

By: Bryon Wilfert allowances– having a second residence/or paying for hotels away from your home. Apparently some Senators who are required to fill out a one page form to confirm every year where their permanent residence is located – don’t know! Stephen Harper has appointed to date –58 Senators– one now facing criminal charges, two others facing internal audits and others being questioned about their expenses. In my mind, this is a particularly troublesome indication of the current Government’s clear disrespect for the democracy that drives this country and for the voters who serve as our democratic fuel. After years of deriding any opposition Senator who even slightly delayed a government bill by seeking to examine it further, the Conservative Government has now instructed its own Senators (now the overwhelming majority) to delay and destroy any opposition bill that makes it past the House of Commons. Simply put, this government is putting politics and power ahead of Canada’s needs and democracy. The Climate Change Accountability Act was first tabled in the House of Commons in March 2010. Bill C-311 drew upon nearly five years worth of exhausted studies to propose firm but realistic emissions targets for Canadian corporations and industries over the next 40 years. The bill passed 149 – 136 in May 2010. At this point, however, the bill was sent to the Senate for further study and consideration – a requirement of all bills passed by the House – where it remained in limbo for 193 days as the Conservative-led Senate refused to either debate the bill or to send it to committee to be studied. This illustrates contempt for democracy and demonstrates the failure of the Senate to act. Given many of the members either could not get elected, or are “party cronies” who have been given their reward for service to the party. I make no distinction between Conservative and Liberal. Canada’s Senate has become highly politicized and this has resulted in many debates about how it can be

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•POLITICS

» reformed to better reflect our country’s political needs.

The recent scandals clearly demonstrate that the time has come to do what Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia did years ago – turn the lights out and abolish the place. Given the scrutiny on the House of Commons, which unlike the Senate, is televised and where issues such as attendance and spending are made public, does it make sense to have a body that is accountable to no one except the person who recommended them to the upper chamber – the Prime Minister. The Governor General appoints

Robert_Atkinson_AD_Issue4DRAFT.pdf 1 4/26/2013 10:59:13 AM

CMY

them on the advice of the Prime Minister. Are we over governed? Given a population of 33 million and 10 provinces and 3 territories with their own legislatures, over 5000 municipal governments and scores of unelected bodies, I believe the answer is yes.

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.

David’s

Wine Pick of the month

•WINE

c e b l a M

By: David Akhlagi Executive Director at The Wine Cave

More than a few reasons to celebrate the success of Argentina’s famous grape:

MALBEC.

History of the grape Some believe Malbec is named after a Hungarian peasant who spread the grape seed across the French countryside (Janos Malbec-seed, perhaps?). But modern day oenologist Pierre Galet suggests that it was originally called “Côt” and Malbec may perhaps be the name given to it when it was grown in Burgundy. Regardless, the varietal was once one of the most popular grapes grown in France. However, it is very sensitive to frost and coulure (breaking apart), and after a particularly harsh winter in 1956, plantings of Malbec in France are now mostly limited to the Southwest , particularly in Cahors, and to the Medoc in Bordeaux, where it is a blending grape. Malbec has become the star red attraction in Argentina, where it is often produced in a lush, fruity style. Some parts of the country were resistant to the Philoxera epidemic, allowing some vines to grow without the need for grafting. Wines made from these very old vines are highly sought after for their concentrated structure. In Mendoza, some of the most distinguished Malbec is produced from plantings in dizzingly high vineyards in the foothills of the Andes, where hot days and cool evenings allow for a long growing season and precise acid to alcohol balance in the grapes. In other parts of the world, such as parts of the US, Malbec is rising in popularity as modern growing techniques have adapted to its precise growing needs. Characteristics of the grape Deep red/purple/garnet, deep tannins, plum, dark cherry, blackberry, anise, tobacco, espresso Regions where the grape is currently important: France: Bordeaux (Medoc), Cahors, Buzet, Bergerac, Languedoc, Saumur; Argentina, Chile, California, New York, Washington, Oregon, Australia Type or types of wines the grape produces Dry red, rosé, dessert, sparkling

ALTAMIRA DE LOS ANDES RESERVE MALBEC 2009 VINTAGES 308338 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 28.95 Made in: Mendoza, Argentina By: Vistaflores Estate S.A. Release Date: Mar 2, 2013 Style: Full-bodied & Smooth Wine, Red Wine 15.2% Alcohol/Vol. Varietal: Malbec Sugar Content: 6 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D - Dry Tasting Note: Altamira de Los Andes’ 2009 Malbec Reserve spent 18 months in 50% new French oak. Fragrant aromas of toasty oak, earthy minerals, Asian spices, leather, and black cherry lead to a velvety-textured, succulent, nicely proportioned wine that opens in the glass to reveal excellent volume and length. It will evolve for 2-3 years but can be approached now. Score - 92. (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2011)

David also suggests: VALDIVIESO SINGLE VINEYARD OLD VINES MALBEC 2009 Price $ 16.50 Chile XD - Extra Dry D EUMAYEN TREZ RESERVA MALBEC 2007 Price $ 27.95 Argentina XD - Extra Dry ALTOCEDRO RESERVA MALBEC 2009 Price $ 24.95 Argentina D - Dry PERSIAN TRIBUNE

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•Home

9 ways to enhance your wealth Everyone wants to improve their wealth luck. Here are a few simple tips.

By: Dolly Sidhu

1 Sit facing your success and wealth 6 The amazing wealth wallet direction (Sheng Chi) This is the direction that brings wealth and growth. Everyone’s personal sheng chi direction is based on one’s gender and date of birth. This formula is known as the KUA number.

2 Three coins in your wallet

Keep three Chinese Prosperity coins tied with red cord in your purse or wallet. This is to ensure that you are never short of cash. These coins invoke the energy of heaven and earth, which then blends with your own human energy to create good luck.

3 Place a sailing ship in the foyer

Place a sailing ship symbol in the foyer to signify wealth coming in. The ship should be sailing in and not out of the home or office. The ship must not be empty. Fill it with coins, dollar bills, ingots, precious stones and jewelry.

Create a wealth wallet. Tie three Chinese coins together and place in a red packet (ang pow). Keep the red packet in the wealth wallet. The wealth wallet must not look cheap. It must have a dragon symbol on it. It is extremely auspicious when the wallet is in red, gold or silver colours.

7 A bank behind you ensures financial support

Hang a picture of a well established bank to signify continuous financial support.

8 Leafy green plants increase incomes

Display leafy green plants in the Southeast of the living room or office. The plants must be healthy and have thick round leaves, such as the jade plant.

4 Boost your career with good mentor luck 9 Create a wealth vase Hang a picture of your mentor on the Northwest wall of your office or at home to create patronage luck and to attract influential and successful friends. Mentor luck comes in the form of greater opportunities for advancement within the work environment.

Make your own personal wealth vase and keep it well hidden. The vase has to have a fat bottom and a small neck with a lid. Fill the vase with various essential wealth essences.

Sailing ships made of gold and laden with gold ingots, coins or precious gems bring excellent wealth and business luck. Creating a harbour of ships signifies many sources of income.

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

5Create a “harbour” to attract wealth luck

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

EVENTS

McMichael Moonlight Gala 2013 A Divine Evening under the Stars By: Diane Wilson, McMichael Board Trustee

he McMichael Canadian Art Collection will hold its second annual fundraising gala on June 8, 2013. The much talked about Moonlight Gala will be an evening of excitement with jazz chanteuse Holly Cole headlining, and chef Jamie Kennedy creating mouth-watering delicacies. It is an evening of Who’s Who, with Honourary Patrons including The Right Hon. Adrienne Clarkson, The Hon. David Peterson, The Hon. Pierre Pettigrew, The Hon. Pamela Wallin, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan CEO Jim Leech, Herzig CEO Cherry Tabb, and more. The Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua, Mayor of Vaughan, is Honourary Chair of the event, and Tina Tehranchian is Event Chair. Funds raised from the evening will support excellence in interactive and accessible programming and inspirational exhibitions at the McMichael, that will create a legacy for Canadian art and culture. Last year, gala guests were awestruck by the beautiful setting and lingered late into the evening. This year, the gala promises more, much more! From the minute you enter the McMichael gates off of Islington, you will be transported to a land of enchantment. Drive slowly through the wooded forests. Note the magnificent Sculpture Garden to your right as you pull up the drive. Emerge from your car, and before you know it, you will have a drink in hand. Delicious, carefully curated foods will follow. You will find yourself dining and dancing under the magnificent stars in the open air, and you will be the recipient of the finest wines and award-winning scotches, both of which are being carefully curated and donated by long-time McMichael friend Felice Sabatino, owner of Via Allegro Ristorante.

This year’s gala guests will be treated to internationally acclaimed jazz chanteuse Holly Cole, who will serenade us with her rich melodic tones. A self-professed night owl, Holly has said, “The night is filled with secrets and the wonder of their potential,” and this evening we’ll stay up with her, perhaps to howl at the moon, or at least, listen to songs from her latest album, aptly titled “NIGHT”. 32

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

Chef Jamie Kennedy will be in residence to talk about his gourmet fare and about the culinary landscape of Canada. Gala goers will sample his very delicious and innovative approach to gastronomy this evening. The McMichael Moonlight Gala will feature an excellent silent auction with trips and jewellery, as well as other high ticket items. Sponsors of the gala include TD Bank, Herzig Eye Institute, Deloitte, Progressive Waste Solutions, The Source, John Paul and Company, BMO, The Cleveland Clinic, and many more. The McMichael Moonlight Gala is delighted to have the support of The Persian Tribune, as well as City Life and Dolce Vita magazines, JAZZ FM91, Toronto Life, and Arabella. The McMichael Moonlight Gala’s official media partners are The Globe and Mail and Bell Media’s CTV and CP24. Guests of the exclusive event will have a unique opportunity to check out the renowned Canadian gallery that has garnered so much attention this past year, due to its internationally acclaimed Painting Canada exhibition. Venture inside the McMichael and explore the fabulous gallery that is home to a very special collection of Canadian art, most notably 6,000 artworks by Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, their contemporaries, and First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other artists. Learn why visitors from other countries flock to the McMichael to learn about Canada. Indeed, the McMichael welcomes 100,000 visitors annually. The McMichael is the spiritual home of the Group of Seven. You will even notice that several of the original members of the Group of Seven, along with gallery co-founders Robert and Signe McMichael, are buried in an historic cemetery on the McMichael grounds. The McMichael Moonlight Gala is a very special evening carefully orchestrated by McMichael Trustee Tina Tehranchian. The event committee starts early and works hard to get just the right mix of music and magic to create an evening that will awe even those with the most active social calendar. This year, the McMichael Moonlight Gala hopes to see a wider range of attendees, including many who may not have visited the gallery before. The McMichael Moonlight Gala is an intensely evocative and chic evening. It all happens at the McMichael in Kleinburg, surrounded by 100 acres of spectacular woodland. For more information and to buy your tickets, visit www.mcmichael.com/moonlightgala.

AN EVENING IN SUPPORT OF THE McMICHAEL CANADIAN ART COLLECTION SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2013 7:30 PM – MIDNIGHT

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•health

Orthodontics for Adults By Kevin Davis, BA, DDS, Cert.Ortho (Harvard), MPH, FRCD(C)

races are certainly not just for kids anymore. In fact, 25% of my patients are adults. Teeth can be moved easily and predictably at any age and my oldest patient is in her 80’s. If you want to feel better about your smile, it’s never too late to get your teeth straightened. Canadians and Americans of all ages are spending more time and money improving their appearance and self-confidence with orthodontic treatment. Some experts attribute the recent attention in orthodontics to more aesthetic, less noticeable treatment options made possible by cutting-edge technology. The most popular – and most high-tech – of these innovations is Invisalign. This is a method of straightening teeth using a series of clear, almost invisible, removable aligners. Invisalign combines the doctor’s clinical treatment plan with proprietary 3-D, computer-generated software to make several sets of unique, custom-made aligners that move teeth in very precise increments. If Invisalign is not a good option, clear braces and braces-behind-the teeth are much less visible than the old metal styles. Technological advancements have also made orthodontics more comfortable and less time-consuming. Some orthodontists only require office visits once every two months to get your treatment done on time. Most of my patients require only 5-18 visits in total. Invisalign requires an impression of the starting position of your teeth so that the path to a perfect smile can be established. Some people are reluctant to have a mold taken because they have a strong gag reflex. Some orthodontists use a digital scanner that takes a three dimensional video of your teeth using a miniaturized high-definition camera connected to a computer. Since the scan is more accurate than a conventional tooth

mold, the aligners fit better and your treatment tends to finish more quickly. Be sure to find out how many Invisalign cases your provider has completed. If you look online and the orthodontist has the “Invisalign Elite Provider” or “Top 1%” designation from Invisalign, then you can be confident that your treatment will progress smoothly.

Many adults, including celebrities, are having their smiles improved with Invisalign. Tom Cruise wore braces, then Invisalign at age 45, and so can you. In February 2013, Faith Hill performed at the Grammy’s with her braces on and talked very candidly about feeling fine with how they look. If you’re not comfortable with your teeth, visit an orthodontist and find out how we can help boost your self-confidence and your health, and improve the way you feel about smiling. 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. PERSIAN TRIBUNE

• 35

•food

Mediterranean Burgers From Rose Reisman’s Family Favourites Mediterranean Burgers Recipe with

By: Rose Reisman

INGREDIENTS 1 lb extra-lean ground beef 1 egg 1 tsp dried basil 1/2 tsp dried oregano 3 Tbsp seasoned dry breadcrumbs 3 Tbsp ketchup 2 tsp finely chopped garlic 1/4 cup finely chopped onion 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 1 oz) SAUCE 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 1 oz) 1/4 cup light cream cheese (about 2 oz), softened 3 Tbsp low-fat plain yogurt (or sour cream) 1/2 tsp finely chopped garlic 1 Tbsp lemon juice 1 Tbsp water 1/2 tsp dried basil GARNISH (OPTIONAL) 3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley The sauce is a must and totally completes this burger. No need for a bun. 36

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

Feta Cheese Sauce

1. To make the burgers, combine the ground beef, egg,

dried basil and oregano, breadcrumbs, ketchup, garlic, onion and feta in a large bowl and shape into 4 burger patties. Grill or sauté in a pan lightly coated with cooking spray. Cook on 1 side for 7 minutes, then turn over and cook 3 to 5 more minutes or just until beef is done.

2. Combine all the sauce ingredients in a food processor and purée until smooth. 3. Serve the burgers with the sauce and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. THE NUMBERS per burger Calories 257 • Protein 29 g • Carbohydrates 11 g • Fiber 0.9 g • Total fat 11 g • Saturated fat 4.8 g • Cholesterol 126 mg • Sodium 370 mg • prep time 15 minutes • cook time 10 minutes • make ahead Prepare the burgers up to 1 day in advance or freeze, separately wrapped, for up to 2 months. Grill without defrosting, just before serving. • Nutrition watch: Lean ground beef is a high quality protein, is a good source of B vitamins and iron and contains zinc.

•food

From the Persian Kitchen... By: Naz Deravian

“KHORESH KARAFS”

n days that we crave something comforting, something familiar, something that says home, love and family. That dish for many of us is called khoresh karafs - celery stew. This dish used to be a favorite to many as a child and has become a staple supper for many. You can use the entire celery head - green leaves included which add so much flavor along with fragrant parsley and mint. There is actually more to the combination of celery, and aromatics like mint and parsley. Celery can cause excessive gas. Mint and parsley are known to help with flatulence and digestion - helping to offset the possible indigestion of celery. An elegant dance choreographed by our ancestors hundreds of years ago. This stew is also a classic example of the marriage of saffron and turmeric in most Persian dishes. Combine these two spices together in one form or another and you’ll have the makings of a Persian stew. Like most stews, the longer you let it simmer on a low flame the more flavorful it will be. This is also a great make-ahead-of-time dish. It tastes even better the next day (and makes an excellent school lunch - thermoses come back licked clean). If you do make it ahead of time just make sure that when you reheat it you adjust the liquid. You will most likely need to add more water and

1. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and saute for 3-5 minutes.

2. Add chicken. Give a quick stir and add 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and turmeric. Stir and saute for 2 minutes. 3. Cover, and turn down heat to medium/low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. 4. Heat up remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large pan over medium/high heat. Add celery and celery tops (if using). Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Saute celery for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the celery doesn’t stick.

orCelery Stew

adjust the seasoning. This is not a dry stew, nor should it be runny like soup. But you do want it to be juicy. Traditionally it is served over rice. This is how many enjoy it, but you can also serve it with a side of quinoa or other grain of choice. INGREDIENTS Serves 6-8 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 medium yellow onion, diced 2 skinless boneless preferably organic chicken breasts, cut in 1” stewing cubes 1 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 head celery, sliced in 1/2”-1” slices green celery tops (leaves) chopped (if using) 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped 3 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped plus 1 teaspoon dried mint OR 2 tablespoons dried mint (if not using fresh mint) 3 tablespoons fresh lemon or lime juice, more according to taste 1/4 teaspoon ground saffron dissolved in 5 tablespoons hot (not boiling) water 1 cup water

5. Add parsley and mint. Stir constantly and saute with celery for about 5 minutes. Turn down heat if needed. Mint can burn very quickly. Keep an eye and a nose on it. 6. Transfer the celery, parsley, mint mixture to the chicken.

Add lemon juice, saffron water, 1 cup water and remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Stir everything to combine. Bring to a VERY GENTLE boil. Cover and simmer over low heat for at least 45 minutes. You want the celery to be cooked and tender but NOT mushy. It should hold its shape.

7. Adjust seasoning to taste, add more fresh lemon or lime juice if needed. Add more water if it’s too dry. Serve over rice. PERSIAN TRIBUNE

• 37

•life

Constable Zabi AryaiE By: PC Blair McQuillan

“

You must always remember where you came from... You are a police officer and a member of our community. You have obligations to serve both.

rom the time he was a young boy growing up in Iran, Constable Zabi Aryaie knew he wanted to become a police officer.

“I have been interested in law enforcement since childhood,” said Aryaie, who moved to Toronto in 1995 with his family at the age of 18. “Obviously, policing in Canada is different than it is in Iran and that really got my attention when I arrived here. I knew I wanted to get involved and make a difference in the community.” In addition to his keen interest in law enforcement, Aryaie also had a passion for technology. When it came time to attend post-secondary school, Aryaie elected to obtain a diploma in computer networking at Seneca College. During that time, he also became a licenced insurance broker and spent four years working for a national bank following graduation. “I was still thinking about policing at that time,” Aryaie said. “It was still a career I wanted.” In 2006, Aryaie was hired by York Regional Police. After completing his training internally and at the Ontario Police College in Aylmer, he was assigned to #2 District Headquarters in the Town of Richmond Hill. In 2010, he transferred to the Community Oriented Response Unit and is currently completing six months of training in the Criminal Investigation Bureau as part of the police service’s career development process. During the course of his career, Aryaie has been conscious of the need to develop an enhanced relationship between police and the Persian community. In April 2010, he hosted the first York Regional Police Citizens Academy to be offered in Farsi. The academy was offered as an interactive, hands-on learning experience with practical demonstrations that

”

taught participants about the many facets of policing. Topics covered during the program included a history of York Regional Police, duties police officers perform, recruiting and policing in a diverse and multicultural community.

“When immigrants first arrive in Canada there is sometimes a lack of knowledge and understanding of how law enforcement functions,” Aryaie explained. “Through programs like Citizens Academy people become more comfortable with the police. It was a great experience for everyone involved.” In addition to hosting the Citizens Academy, Aryaie participates in community events. Over the years, he has become a constant fixture at local Norouz celebrations with York Regional Police Chief Eric Jolliffe. “I really enjoy being active in the community,” Aryaie said. “Attending these events allows us to interact and connect with members of the public, as well as other police officers.” For individuals who are interested in becoming a police officer, Aryaie has simple words of advice. “You must always remember where you came from,” he said. “You are a police officer and a member of your community. You have obligations to serve both.” Aryaie said he is glad that he pursued his dream of becoming a police officer and is proud of the fact that he has been able to assist citizens every time he goes to work. “I have always felt that as a police officer I have the ability to achieve something that few others can,” he said. “I have the ability to make a difference in people’s lives each day.” PERSIAN TRIBUNE

• 39

•real estate

Are you paying too much for Real Estate? By: Robert Atkinson

fight for your interests and get the best deal possible for you! Not having sufficient cash on hand may leave you at risk. A general rule of thumb is to have 4-7% of the purchase price set aside as cash for the purposes of the deposit and closing costs. If you offer too small of a deposit you might give them the impression that you can’t afford the house and the seller may simply pass on your offer for a more serious buyer. By not getting expert help in every step of the process you may be buying a house of cards. Great real estate agents have a team of experts to support you all the way, like home inspectors, mortgage brokers, real estate lawyers, master electricians and others. Agents have knowledge of recent sales (failed and actual), motivation of sellers, and also the local factors impacting the value of a home which become useful in your offer. Choose an agent who puts your needs first. Great agents always go above and beyond building a loyal client base for years to come.

Here are the Top Five Mistakes people make when buying a home: 1. Estimating your Budget 2. Looking only at open houses 3. Using the Sellers Agent 4. Not having sufficient cash on hand 5. Not getting expert help Estimating your budget using an online calculator or stale information from a lender is a huge mistake! Talk to a mortgage broker to find out what you can be approved for before shopping for a home. Mortgage rules and rates change frequently. Finding your dream house only to discover later that you aren’t qualified for the mortgage is a dream killer. Looking only at open houses means you are missing 90% of the homes for sale. Not great odds. You want to have access to ALL the available homes to ensure your dream house doesn’t escape you. Agents have access to all the homes on the market, often days before the public even becomes aware of them. This inside information can save you thousands! Using the Sellers Agent can cost you more than you think. If you were fighting a legal battle, would you ask the lawyer for the other side to represent you? Would you trust that they are going to be fair to you? I hope not! Asking the sellers agent to help you buy the house is no different. Make sure you have your own agent to 40

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

Robert Atkinson is a Real Estate Sales Rep serving the GTA and works for Century 21 Leading Edge Realty Brokerage. For more information visit his website at www.RobertAtkinson.ca

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•health

METTA Meditation: The Healing Effects of Compassion and Love By: Dr. Kevin Rod, MD,CCFD,FCFP, DAAPM, DCAPM

etta Meditation is one of the oldest traditions in different schools of Buddhism. The focus of this practice is cultivating compassion and love in one’s mind. The interesting point in Metta meditation is that love starts with accepting oneself and then emitting love to others. Many emotional conflicts start with the loss of self-respect. A conflicted mind starts to have judgments about self and disliking aspects of self. Bad memories and scars of the past lead into losing interest in oneself and building resentment. In this practice, the meditation starts with what we love and are most proud of about ourselves. Then it moves gradually to what we are neutral about and last, the focus is turned to what we dislike or hate. The idea is for one to accept different parts and portions of the self as equal and embrace them all equally. This process would lead into acceptance and inner peace. Once the meditative mind has achieved self-acceptance and compassion to self, it becomes capable of sending compassion to our loved ones. The circle of love and compassion can be expanded and ultimately incorporate the whole universe.

There has been significant attention brought into meditation practices lately by the modern scientific communities. There is compelling evidence in the Compassion Meditation literature about healing effects of giving love and compassion to others. By focusing on compassion in meditation practice one can overcome feelings of loneliness, depression and anxiety. This modern approach of compassion meditation is the revival of the 2,500 years old Metta Meditation practice. In old Tibetan Metta Meditation tradition, one would practice breathing meditation by breathing in suffering and breathing out love and compassion. Traditionally we have always been taught that love and compassion equals with giving and selflessness. However, in this model one would achieve and gain as much as offer and give to others.

Love and compassion can heal all of society’s conflicts. 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. PERSIAN TRIBUNE

• 43

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•people

Persian Tribune

Person of The Month Dr. Reza Moridi, BSc, MSc, MTech, PhD, FInstP, IEE, FHS, CEng, CPhys, MPP

First Iranian Canadian MPP and Ontario Minister

Dr. Reza Moridi was appointed Minister of Research and Innovation by Premier Wynne in February 2013. He has also served as the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, the Minister of Research and Innovation and the Minister of Energy. He currently sits on the Cabinet Committees on Legislation and Regulations, Northern Ontario and Jobs and the Economy. He previously served on the Parliamentary Standing Committees on Public Accounts, General Government and Justice Policy. Dr. Reza Moridi was born in Iran and is a graduate of Tehran University, Iran (BSc and MSc) and Brunel University, UK (MTech and PhD). He is a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Physicist. In 1986, for his original contribution to physics, Dr. Moridi was elected as Fellow of the Institute of Physics (FInstP) of the UK. In 1992, for his original contribution to engineering, Dr. Moridi was elected as Fellow of the Institution of Electrical Engineers (FIEE) of the UK. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the profession of Health Physics, the Health Physics Society of the USA presented Dr. Reza Moridi with the Fellow Award in 2002. In recognition of his contributions to the 46

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

understanding of nuclear materials and radiation, the Canadian Nuclear Society presented him with the Education and Communication Award in 2001. Dr. Moridi has sat on the advisory boards of not-for-profit organizations such as the Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra, Justice Net, Education International for the Poor and Spirit of Life. He served as the Honorary Chair of Tirgan Festival 2011 and is the Honorary Patron of Tirgan Festival 2013. Dr. Reza Moridi is the recipient of Toastmasters International Communications and Leadership Award, 2012 for outstanding service to his community, province and industry through communication and leadership. He is also the recipient of the Iranian Canadian Congress President’s Award for Exceptional Service to the Iranian-Canadian Community 2013. In addition to his political career, Dr. Moridi is an award-winning scientist, engineer, educator, business leader and community activist. Dr. Reza Moridi is an Editor of Health Physics, The Radiation Safety Journal, published by Health Physics Society, USA. Dr. Moridi is author and co-author of over

150 research papers, conference abstracts, technical reports and documents, training manuals and articles. He has made presentations at over forty scientific conferences held in North America, Europe, Asia, New Zealand and Australia. Prior to his entry to politics, Dr. Moridi had a 17-year career at the Radiation Safety Institute of Canada where he was the Vice-President and Chief Scientist. He also worked as a CEO and Chair in the electrical industry. His career in academia included serving as the Dean of the School of Sciences, Chair of the Physics Department, University Chief Librarian and member of the Senate at Alzahra University in Tehran. Dr. Moridi was first elected to the Ontario Legislature in 2007 and re-elected in 2011. He represents the riding of Richmond Hill where he has lived with his family since 1991. In his role as Minister of Research and Innovation Dr. Reza Moridi’s extensive political, business and scientific background provide him with the knowledge and the experience needed to bridge academia and innovators with business and government. He continues as well, to advocate on behalf of his constituents in Richmond Hill.

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