PERSIAN TRIBUNE Volume 2, Issue 5 by Persian Tribune

www.PersianTribune.ca â&#x20AC;¢ Volume 2, Issue 5

NOROUZ

ON MY MIND

Rumi has inspired Rumi

Persian Carpet, the Ultimate Art of Timeless Luxury

AN IN-DEPTH AND ONE OF A KIND INTERVIEW WITH A GENUINE PERSIAN CARPET

THE CHANGING FACE OF POLITICS

CANADA, 150 YEARS OF HISTORY & ARTISTIC TALENTS THE REAL ESTATE BUBBLE ISSN 2291-580X

STERLING NAPA CHARDONNAY,

9 772291 580004

A HIDDEN NECTAR FROM NAPA VALLEY

On behalf of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism, we wish all Iranians a joyous Norouz celebration!

IN THIS ISSUE FEATURE STORY PERSIAN CARPET

THE ULTIMATE ART OF TIMELESS LUXURY

ART

CANADA, 150 YEARS OF HISTORY, AND ARTISTIC TALENT

SHEDDING AN ARTISTIC LIGHT ON THE IDENTITIES OF TODAY'S IRANIANS

PEOPLE

PERSON OF THE MONTH: DR. JAVAD MOSTAGHIMI

FOR LOW-INCOME STUDENTS

POLITICS THE CHANGING FACE OF POLITICS

BOOK REVIEW COMING DOWN AGAIN…

HEALTH

SOUR CHERRY, ROSÉ CHICKEN ROAST

JEWELLERY

FROM THE PERSIAN KITCHEN:

SOUR CHERRY, ROSÉ CHICKEN ROAST

FIVE DIET TIPS TO SURVIVE EATING OUT OVER THE HOLIDAYS

MUSIC

"25% REDUCTION ON YOUR HYDRO BILLS"

PHOTOGRAPHY 21 11

EVENTS OUT AND ABOUT WITH PERSIAN TRIBUNE

ENVIRONMENT

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE BUBBLE 2017

RUMI HAS INSPIRED RUMI

AN EYE FOR LASTING IMAGES

39 38

STERLING NAPA CHARDONNAY 2013 BAROSSA VALLEY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

WOES

FROM THE PERSIAN KITCHEN:

UTILITY

CULTURE

NOROUZ ON MY MIND

FOOD & WINE

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• PERSIANTRIBUNE MAGAZINE

LETTER FROM EDITOR Once again it is that time of the year to send a heartfelt “Norouz Shaad Baad “wish to all Iranians and to all those who celebrate Norouz and welcome the Iranian New Year. For Iranians living in every corner of this ever shrinking world, Norouz is an important link and connection to the Iranian culture and tradition. You could say that celebrating Norouz is one of the most significant components of the Iranian identity even for those who were born outside the motherland.

Volume 2, Issue 5

Throughout its over 3000 year history, Norouz has endured many challenges and difficult times, but the deep meaning of its ancient roots, existence, and its strong connection to nature, are some of the reasons of why Norouz has always been victorious. Today, Norouz is recognized and celebrated by the United Nations and many countries around the globe. As a proud Canadian Iranian, I wish you all a Victorious Norouz or as in Farsi, “Norouz Peerouz Baad”. In this issue we had an extraordinary opportunity to have an exclusive interview with one of the internationally renowned icons of the Iranian culture and history, a Persian Carpet!! All I can say is that it was one of those out-of-this-world interviews which I am sure you will find interesting and educational.

Publisher: Persian Tribune Inc.

Editor-in-Chief: Kiumars Rezvanifar

Senior VP Marketing Communications: Silviu C. Apostolide

Creative Director: Ramin Deravian

Graphic Designers: Alireza Bibak Hoda Gharaie

Associate Managing Editor: Teresa Tiano

Contributing Writers: David Akhlaghi Robert Atkinson Courtney Boyden Hon. Steven Del Duca, MPP Naz Deravian Kim Galway Ian Hanington Dr. Jeff Brown Natalia Lisochkina Doris Pontieri Artmiz Rahimi Naser Roushan David Suzuki Bryon Wilfert

Associate Editor: Artmiz Rahimi Copy Editor: Kim Galway

You will also read about the artistic endeavour of renowned vocalist, song writer, Shahryar Rumi, who took it upon himself and a twenty piece orchestra to tell and present Rumi’s life and his profoundly rich literary messages to audiences around the globe. Indeed Rumi has inspired Rumi…

Research: Artemiz Rezvanifar

This year Canada celebrates its 150th year anniversary and Doris Pontieri elaborates about the history of the artistic talent in this great country.

Account Executives: Arman Hedayat Nooshin Riahy David Zand Behrouz Ziaci

We also learn about a Norouz celebration in Canada, from the point of view of an Italian born Canadian Iranian.

Special Projects Jacques Reiss

As you may have noticed, the image on our front cover of this issue has a very different look, it is about an object rather than a person. Alireza Bibak is the photographer who has shot our cover page image. You will also learn about him and his professional and passionate work in this issue.

Web Management: Ramin Emadi

I hope you enjoy this issue and once again, Norouz Shaad Baad & Norouz Peerouz Baad

Art Director: Courtney Boyden

Managing Editor: Courtney Boyden

Printing: Quatro Canada

Director of Marketing Development: Dawn S. Marvasti

Kiumars Rezvanifar Editor-In-Chief kiu@persiantribune.ca

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

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Dubai Office Ms. Roya Devon royadevon@outlook.com 0097-150-734-8005

Paris Office Mme. Niloufar Manii 9, rue de Chartres 92200 Neuilly Sur Seine, FRANCE

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

Members of the Ontario Liberal Caucus wish the community a

Kathleen Wynne

Happy Nowruz

Yvan Baker Etobicoke Centre 416-234-2800

Chris Ballard Newmarket-Aurora 905-750-0019

Brad Duguid Scarborough Centre 416-615-2183

Scarborough-Guildwood 416-281-2787

Mitzie Hunter

Indira Naidoo-Harris Halton 905-878-1729

Michael Chan Markham-Unionville 905-305-1935

Michael Coteau Don Valley East 416-494-6856

Premier of Ontario 416-325-7200

Steven Del Duca Vaughan 905-832-6630

Marie-France Lalonde Tracy MacCharles Peter Milczyn Ottawa-OrlĂŠans Pickering-Scarborough East Etobicoke-Lakeshore 416-259-2249 613-834-8679 905-509-0336

Dr. Shafiq Qaadri Etobicoke North 416-745-2859

Soo Wong Scarborough-Agincourt 416-297-6568

David Zimmer Willowdale 416-733-7878

Nathalie Des Rosiers Ottawa-Vanier 613-744-4484

Reza Moridi Richmond Hill 905-884-8080

•ART

CANADA, 150 YEARS OF HISTORY, AND ARTISTIC TALENT By: Doris Pontieri

s Canadians, we begin our yearlong celebration of 150 years, and our sesquicentennial brings the pride of a nation in so many forms. Early Aboriginal peoples inhabited this country for thousands of years prior to the establishment of the colony of Canada. Dating back to the 16th century, the colony of Canada was first established by the French in 1534. Great Britain gained and lost territories within British North America in the late 18th century, with what mostly geographically comprises Canada today. The British North America Act, on July 1, 1867, saw the colonies of Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia joined to form the federal Dominion of Canada. Canada is a federal parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy, with Queen Elizabeth II being the head of state. English and French, our two official languages, contribute to the fact that we are one of the world's most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations, largely due to immigration from many other countries. Canada's abundant natural resources and diversity make this a very desirable place to live. The undeniable rich history of Canada also includes the emergence of great, gifted artists, beginning with Aboriginal and Inuit artists who defined this land and its creatures with tales of significance in every work of art. This culture lives on with the children and families of these artists carrying on traditions and continuing to tell the stories of how this land came to be what 8

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it is today. These stories live on in the artwork created and the writings of the people who lived here long ago and shaped the country we now know. Indigenous artists view the sesquicentennial with mixed feelings, with some using it as a platform to tell their peoples' side of the story, and others opting to boycott the celebrations altogether. But conflict can be born out of any event.

or the most part, pride is the largest component of Canadian art. Take the infamous Group of Seven. The Group came to be in 1920, seven artists – Lawrence Harris, J.E.H. MacDonald, Arthur Lismer, Frederick Varley, Frank Johnston, Franklin Carmichael and A.Y. Jackson. The Group's first exhibition opened at the Art Gallery of Toronto in May 1920. The Group of Seven, also known as the Algonquin

•ART

School, was a group of Canadian landscape painters from 1920 to 1933, originally consisting of Franklin Carmichael (1890–1945), Lawrence Harris (1885–1970), A. Y. Jackson (1882–1974), Frank Johnston (1888–1949), Arthur Lismer (1885–1969), J. E. H. MacDonald (1873– 1932), and Frederick Varley (1881–1969). Later, A. J. Casson (1898–1992) was invited to join in 1926; Edwin Holgate (1892–1977) became a member in 1930; and LeMoine FitzGerald (1890–1956) joined in 1932. This group opened the door to worldwide recognition of Canadian artists like Emily Carr, Jean-Paul Riopelle and Robert Bateman, to name just a few recognized names in our history. I travel the world and when I say I'm from Canada, I'm always asked about our culture and heritage. The conversation invariably turns to art and lively discussions ensue about Inuit art and its influence. There has been a huge resurgence in the desire to collect Canadian sculptures and to understand the meanings behind them. I have listened for hours on end to sculptors describing their heritage and how they see Canadian history reflected through their works.

the Canadian people, or our wide open spaces filled with so many beautiful lakes and mountain ranges. Vistas just waiting to be captured on canvas, photograph or sculpture. But what fills me with pride is that so many of those talented artists choose to stay here and call Canada their home.

o as we celebrate our sesquicentennial, Canada's 150th birthday, let's remember what we stand for and how the rest of the world looks with tenderness at our people, our culture and most of all our heart. 

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.

ut it's not just our abundance of home grown talent that gives this country its rich artistic heritage. Many talented people from every conceivable culture have chosen to live here in Canada. Referred to as an inclusive country whose people embrace all newcomers with open arms, the attraction of this vast beautiful country is undeniable. Perhaps it is PERSIAN TRIBUNE

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A TRIBE CALLED RED

ALESSIA CARA

ANDREW STANILAND

BARBRA LICA

BASIA BULAT

BILLY TALENT

COLD CREEK COUNTY

CRYSTAL SHAWANDA

DANIEL CAESAR

THE DIRTY NIL

DONOVAN WOODS

DRAKE

EXCO LEVI

THE FRETLESS

GORD DOWNIE

JAZZ CARTIER

JENNY WHITELEY

JULY TALK

JUSTIN BIEBER

MANAFEST

MARK MASRI

MATT DUSK & FLORENCE K

MATTHEW BARBER & JILL BARBER

MONSTER TRUCK

PROTEST THE HERO

SHAWN MENDES

SHIRANTHA BEDDAGE

SPLASH’N BOOTS

STEWART GOODYEAR

THE STRUMBELLAS

TANIKA CHARLES

TASHA THE AMAZON

THE WEEKND

WHITEHORSE

ZEDS DEAD

TAFELMUSIK BAROQUE ORCHESTRA & CHAMBER CHOIR

Congratulations to Ontario’s JUNO Award Nominees Ontario produces music that the whole world enjoys. And the Ontario Media Development Corporation is helping to build a stronger music industry in Ontario through the Ontario Music Fund. Be part of it.

OMDC.on.ca

We’ve got it going #ONcreates @OMDCtweets

OMDConline

•UTILITY

“25% REDUCTION ON YOUR HYDRO BILLS”

By: Steven Del Duca, MPP

e have heard loud and clear from people across York Region – people exactly like you – who are concerned about what life is costing them day-to-day. We know that right now we need to be making investments in ways that are affordable for you and that are taking the financial burden off of Ontarians. That is why Premier Kathleen Wynne has introduced a strong plan to lower your electricity bills by an average of 25% beginning this summer. She has also announced that your bill will not increase beyond inflation for at least 4 years. This is decisive action that will help every household in our community with no loop holes or exceptions.

The original terms used to finance these improvements meant that the $50 billion cost of this rebuild were put only onto our electricity bills – the bills of one generation – and that isn’t fair. You have been paying for both the costs of past neglect and subsidizing ratepayers who will benefit from these energy assets in the future.

nd while electricity is a necessity, many people living outside of large urban centres were also facing high delivery charges that led them to make impossible choices between groceries, rent or electricity. That is why we made the decision to stretch the rebuild costs out over a timeframe that better reflects the lifespan of the assets we’re paying for. This ensures that our generation isn’t the only one paying the price and helps lower everyone’s bills, preventing them from jumping back up in the future. We believe this is the fairest way forward.

For a long time, Ontario enjoyed one of the best electricity systems in Canada; however decades of underinvestment by governments of all stripes began to have very real effects on our province. About 15 years ago, the past quick-fixes caught up with us: brownouts, blackouts and dirty coal plants became a danger to our electricity system, our environment and our health.

o we took strong action. We closed all of Ontario’s coal plants, built new transmission lines and invested in renewable energy. We now have a clean, reliable system that is going to benefit our children and grandchildren for decades to come – but, as with any major home renovation, these improvements come with a price tag.

e also made the decision to improve existing electricity support programs and introduce additional ones that will help low-income, rural and Northern families afford their electricity bills. One example is the Rural or Remote Rate Protection (RRRP) program, which we are enhancing so that 800,000 rural homes will now be able to qualify for lower delivery charges. With this change, everyone in Ontario is going to be paying roughly the same in delivery charges. These are strong actions that will have a very real, and very positive effect, on your electricity bill. And they are actions that will result in the largest electricity rate cut in Ontario’s history. You have my commitment that the Ontario Liberal team will keep working hard to help you and your family in your everyday lives. 

You can learn more about what these changes will mean for your electricity bill by visiting: www.ontario.ca/page/ontarios-fair-hydro-plan. PERSIAN TRIBUNE

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BOOK TICKETS AT AGAKHANMUSEUM.ORG OR CALL 416.646.4677

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Image: Shirin Aliabadi, Miss Hybrid 3, 2008. Â© Shirin Aliabadi. Courtesy: Mohammed Afkhami Foundation.

•ART

SHEDDING AN ARTISTIC LIGHT ON THE IDENTITIES OF TODAY'S IRANIANS PHOTOS BY: JANET KIMBER

pened just last month at the Aga Khan Museum, “Rebel, Jester, Mystic, Poet: Contemporary Persians” showcases the work of 23 different artists from Iran. From a bright blue “heech” by Parviz Tanavoli to a pop-art style photo by Shirin Aliabadi, this colourful yet poignant show brings together a wide variety of sculptures, painting, video, and more — reflective of the variety of today’s contemporary art world. Titled after the identities or roles that can be ascribed to the artists involved in the exhibition, “Rebel, Jester, Mystic, Poet” showcases the work of those who use their art to deliver critiques (the rebels), those who employ humour in their art (the jesters), those who seek transcendence from divisive politics (the mystics), and those who infuse their art with poetry (the poets). “Despite the sanctions, isolation, and political unrest characterizing Iran in this millennium, the creative forces of Iranian artists have not been dampened,” says

Dr. Fereshteh Daftari, curator of the exhibition. “The narratives presented in the exhibition are woven out of genuine obsession and eloquent resilience. This is not the first exhibition on the subject, but it is the first to cast these artists and their works in light of their fortitude.”

he works featured in the exhibition confront such topical issues of today as gender, politics, and religion — issues familiar to those in the Western world — through the four strategies of rebellion, humour, mysticism, and poetry. Created in 1998 and beyond, the works are situated together at the Aga Khan Museum to present a different side of Iran, one not seen by Western audiences, yet very familiar in its medium and messaging. PERSIAN TRIBUNE

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•ART

ach of the 27 works on display was selected by the curator, Dr. Fereshteh Daftari, from the private collection of Iranian-British financier and art collector Mohammed Afkhami. Afkhami is well known for his art philanthropy and his contributions towards preserving and promoting modern art from the Middle East: he is a Founding Member of the British Museum’s Middle East and North Africa Art Acquisition Committee, a member of the Board of Patrons for Art Dubai, and has even endowed the Mohammed Afkhami Scholarship at the University of Pennsylvania.

Suitable for both seasoned collectors of the arts and casual visitors seeking to appreciate beauty, the soft critiques presented in “Contemporary Persians” are sure to captivate viewers from start to finish. The artworks can be found not only on display on the floor and walls, but also hanging from the ceiling (like Shahpour Pouyan’s 2015 sculpture Projectile), glowing against light (like Afruz Amighi’s 2010 installation Angels in Combat 1), and even spilling out of the second-floor gallery and into the first-floor Permanent Collection space (like Farhad Moshiri’s 2007 installation Flying Carpet, made of 32 stacked machine-made rugs).

“A passion for the arts of Iran, tinged with patriotic undertones, is part of Mohammed Afkhami’s family history,” notes Dr. Daftari. “In a little over a decade, Afkhami has acquired some 300 works, many of them now iconic, from 1961 to today.” hort of being on private display in the collector’s own home, the works shown in “Contemporay Persians” have never before been exhibited together — making this exhibition a world premiere.

elebrating the arts and culture of Iran, “Contemporary Persians” is accompanied by a diverse array of special on-stage programs. The Museum just wrapped up an artist’s symposium centred on the exhibition, and will be hosting Iranian dancer Afshin Ghaffarian for a vibrant and whimsical show this April. The Museum’s restaurant, Diwan, is also offering special menu items such as Koobideh Kabob throughout the run of the exhibition. “Rebel, Jester, Mystic, Poet: Contemporary Persians” is curated by Dr. Fereshteh Daftari in cooperation with the Mohammed Afkhami Foundation and runs through June 4, 2017. 

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Reza Moridi, MPP Richmond Hill

May Nowruz 2017 bring you blessings of joy, health and prosperity as we welcome spring and the hopes of a great new year into our homes. Nowruz-e-tan Pirooz

Har Rooz-e-tan Nowruz!

9555 Yonge Street, Suite 311 Richmond Hill, ON L4C 9M5 T: 905-884-8080 rmoridi.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org www.rezamoridi.onmpp.ca b facebook.com/rmoridi | a @rezamoridi

Happy Nowruz!

Steven Del Duca MPP Vaughan Constituency Office 5100 Rutherford Rd, Unit #3 Woodbridge, ON L4H 2J2 Telephone: 905 893-4428 sdelduca.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org b/StevenDelDucaMPP | a @StevenDelDuca www.stevendelduca.onmpp.ca

•CULTURE

NOROUZ O By: Artmiz Rahimi

y parents are from Iran; I was born in Italy, and now I reside in Canada. So I am Canadian, or you can say I am Persian-Canadian and proud. I have been raised celebrating Norouz my whole life, but what does Norouz really mean to me? I remember that at the beginning of March, my house would get cleaned top to bottom with the sounds of Googoosh, Andy, and Shamayezadeh and other popular Iranian singers, blaring in the background. You could say that they all helped my mother with the cleaning. Some call it spring cleaning, but Iranians call it New Year’s cleaning. My mom would start growing lentils on a plate, and within a week, there would be a mini garden of grass (sabzeh) right there in my kitchen. While most kids grew up painting eggs for Easter, I always thought that this was supposed to be done for Norouz Celebration. My closest cousins and aunts would come over, eat, laugh, and paint the eggs; it was tradition. Every household has their own approach to preparing for the Iranian New Year (Norouz) festivities, but why is Norouz so special to Iranians and the rest of the world who celebrates it?

The items include: Sabzeh (greenery) symbolizing rebirth Samanu (syrup) symbolizing affluence Senjed (dates) symbolizing love Seer (garlic) symbolizing medicine and health Seeb (apple) symbolizing beauty Somac symbolizing the sunrise Sonbol (hyancinth flower) symbolizing spring Serkeh (vinegar) symbolizing old age and patience

n more modern times, people have created new customs and have included items to the haftzeen such as mirrors, fish, money, painted eggs, coins, candles, cookies, candies, pistachios etc. This opens a new gateway to the younger generation such as myself to come up with and celebrate new traditions during this happy time. Why do we do these things? For me, it’s something that I just had to do, and was expected. It was no different to me than putting up a Christmas tree, or brushing my teeth. It is a part of my life and makes me feel fantastic.

orouz literally translates to “New Day”, (in Farsi, “No” means “New” and “Rouz” means “Day”) which for Persians, marks the New Year and is celebrated all around the world. Norouz lands on the first day of spring, but it is at a different time every year due to the vernal equinox.

The New Year is a new slate, and the past is washed away by the present year. It is a time to not only clean your house so everything is new, but to buy new clothing, furniture, shoes, and to be a better person by starting fresh. It is a fabulous time to start unmarked and to visit all the members of your family.

There are certain traditions that Iranians participate in, that make the holiday feel magical. Persians eat Sabzi Polo Mahi (herb rice with fish) because it is tradition! Another ancient tradition is the Sofreh Haftzeen (table with seven S’s). Persians set up a table with 7 items that start with the sound of “S” that all represent something different.

Typically, the younger members go to the elders’ homes. It is a pleasant way to connect with your family members. If there was animosity or disputes during the previous year, by visiting each other and wishing the best for one another, these issues get resolved automatically.

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•CULTURE

N MY MIND I

remember on the day of Norouz, just about a couple hours before the actual arrival time of the New Year my mom would prepare the final touches of the traditional Haftzeen spread as we anxiously awaited the exact arrival of spring. How would we in North America know the exact time you ask? By watching Iranian radio and television programs. We would then join them for the countdown of the exact time, which would add more excitement to the already anticipated festive day. Just a minute before the exact time my mother would light the candles. At this time I could hear my own heartbeat because I could not contain my excitement. In one minute the old year would be gone and the New Year would begin! I would be receiving my highly anticipated “Eidi” gift. We would hear the voice of the announcer doing the countdown, subsequently the New Year would arrive, and we could hear the sounds of old Persian music come...then it was time to kiss each other and say ”Happy New Year!”. We would eat cookies and candies and then my parents would give us our New Year gifts. I also remember, as it seemed scripted, the phone calls would start flooding in…family members from overseas calling and calling and calling non-stop to wish their Canadian families “Happy New Year”.

he happiness among my family members, created positive energy that was complimented by the fragrance of the haftzeen spread, especially the Sonbol flower. You could see the magic of Norouz all over our home. Despite being a child raised in Canada, I could feel the magic in the air, which is somehow indescribable. One of the more unforgettable memories I have was my anticipation while I waited for my “Eidi” which is a custom, where the older members of the family give the younger members gifts, which is money

most of the time. It was always very exciting being one of the youngest. We would take the money and plan out what we were going to do with it, not realizing that twenty dollars could not go that far with our wish lists.

he funniest memory I remember was my father, giving my then three-year-old sister a penny as a joke. My sister was ready to take my entire family, including extended cousins, out for Chelo-Kabob with her penny. Even at her young age, this holiday brought out only the best in my sister, which is widespread during this time. I asked my mom what makes this holiday special for her, and she replied, “ On Norouz you spend time with your family no matter what, and this is what makes it so special for me.” I later asked my father and he said, “Sabzi polo is my favourite dish of Norouz. When I was young there were celebrations and happy gatherings within the relatives. Of course receiving Norouz gifts was unforgettable.” You could say Norouz triggers something different in every individual’s memory, young or old. I believe Norouz brings out one of the most sacred and beautiful memories of our childhood. Everyone speaks about it with such passion because everyone has different memories linked to the occasion.

s an Iranian-Canadian, Norouz is indeed part of my identity and I couldn’t imagine life without it. For us Iranians, Norouz is a national legacy, and resides within us and raises passions for us in bringing back old memories, traditions and love. I strongly believe, as long as there is a soul with a belief in Norouz, this phenomenon will last forever. NOROUZ SHAAD BAAD or Happy Norouz….!!!!  PERSIAN TRIBUNE

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•PHOTOGRAPHY

AN eye FOR

ALIREZA BIBAK

LASTING IMAGES By: Courtney Boyden

lireza Bibak is a Toronto based photographer specializing in Architecture, Interiors, Commercial Spaces, as well as Fine Art Photography and graphic design.

was noticed by many in the building industry as well as many designers in Toronto. Currently he works as a freelance commercial photographer specializing in the areas of food and architecture.

He was born in 1975 in Tehran and received his BAA in Photography from the University of Art and Architecture of Tehran in 1992.

When shooting, Alireza strives to show the soul of his architectural subject matter whether photographing a small home or a high rise overlooking the ocean.

His talented, artistic works were noticed and he was considered highly sought after as an Architectural Photographer in Iran who had a wide range of the clientele. He arrived in Canada in 2015 and a year later founded AB studio in Toronto. Shortly after his work

y glancing at Alireza’s work you will notice that every single image is meticulously crafted with expert attention to each detail. His unique style of shooting an object is his expertly combined use

‘

"IF I SAY THAT I LOVE

PHOTOGRAPHY IT WOULD BE AN UNDERSTATEMENT”

‘

ALIREZA CLAIMS. “NOT ONLY I LOVE IT, BUT I ALSO LIVE AND BREATHE IT EVERY TIME I HOLD MY CAMERA”.

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•PHOTOGRAPHY

of natural and artificial lights both in indoor and outdoor - one of his trademarks for bringing his work to life.

n the field of Graphic Design, he designs and produces unique and special handmade books for architects and designers. When Alireza was living in Iran he travelled with his pickup truck for 5 years to many cities, national parks, deserts, and mountains in that country which resulted in the production one of the remarkable archives of photos of landscapes and wildlife of Iran.

n 2016 he was invited to photograph the first Norouz Celebration in Parliament Hill in Ottawa. He documented this momentous event by creating a limited number of special books of photography which he proudly kept one for himself which has the signature of the guest of honour on that gathering, The Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. "If I say that I love photography it would be an understatement” Alireza claims. “Not only I love it, but I also live and breathe it every time I hold my camera”. 

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Rum Rumi •MUSIC

Rumi

Rumi..

Has Inspired

H Ins Has Inspired

By: Kim Galway

PHOTOS BY: MARJAN RAHBAR

hahryar Rumi is a Persian vocalist and songwriter born in Tehran, Iran. He grew up in Sweden and started playing the piano at the age of 11.

Shahryar’s interest and love for the arts does not stop with music. His interest in architectural monuments took him to the respected Florida International University in Miami, where he received his degree in Architectural Design and Business. Throughout this era, he never took his eyes off his inner passion, music.

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Shahryar’s debut album, Aghaze Shirin (The Sweet Beginning) was finally released in 2004 and with that he found his place in Persian music industry by his classy music and silky yet strong voice. He started working on his second album immediately.

hahryar was fond of Persian poetry and literature from his youth. He was introduced to the poetry and philosophy of the Great Rumi years after, and this was a beginning of a new chapter in his life. Rumi's teachings

miRumi •MUSIC

Rum Rumi...

Has spired d and philosophy inspired him in such a way that his entire life-vision was influenced. He found his mission in conveying Rumi's message and life story to the world, performing musically and narrating Rumi's life story in English and Persian through the influence of Western music and Eastern philosophy.

hahryar’s sixth album Dolate Eshgh (The State of Love) was released in 2013. It was the beginning of a new era in his musical life.

n order to bring Rumi's life and his messages to stage, Shahryar launched a successful worldwide tour with a 20-piece orchestra in a series of concerts titled "The Mystical Romance, The Tale Of Rumi". He has taken Rumi’s message from the cities in US to England, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Canada, and Dubai. After all, you can say that the profound messages of Rumi has inspired another Rumi……. 

PERSIAN TRIBUNE

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•POLITICS

THE CHANGING FACE OF POLITICS By: Bryon Wilfert

olitics as we know it is dead.

There is no question that the rules of engagement are different and how the relationship between political leaders and the public - and their interaction with each other - has changed. Some of this change relates to the rise of social media, expectations of the electorate and indeed the cynicism of policy makers and their decision making. The rise of populist movements both in the United States – the Trump phenomenon and in Europe – Le Pen and Geert Wilders in the Netherlands, demonstrate both a change in mood and in tone of large sections of the population who are dissatisfied with the old answers, methods and approaches to governing in an increasing changing economic environment.

n Canada, there is increasingly a view that politicians do not know best and as Prime Minister Trudeau’s “road show engagement tour” demonstrated, when people have an opportunity to vent directly to politicians, anything can happen. Trudeau should be commended for his willingness to engage directly with voters, but the fact that he did it at all may show that he felt his government had drifted away from what Canadians expected, only a year into his mandate. At times, he spoke as if he were simply a conduit between the public and government, and that he would take the concerns of Canadians directly to the government in Ottawa. As we saw in the United Kingdom last year, the unexpected result of the referendum shook the political establishment to its core with the Brexit vote. The British government, having agreed to call a referendum on whether the United Kingdom should stay in the European Union, was not prepared for its country’s deep seeded mistrust, anger and disenchantment with the current political situation. It allowed factors other than those directly related to the issue - immigration, the displacement of old workers, especially white male workers - to come to the forefront of the debate.

he recent Presidential Election in the United States and the slogan “Make America Great Again” was fuelled by discontented working class, who felt estranged from Washington and believed that politicians had either ‘tuned out’ when it came to issues in places such as the ‘rust belt states’ (where manufacturing jobs had disappeared or in places such as West Virginia and Kentucky, and where traditional jobs in the

coal mines had closed because of perceived environmental regulations). The unorthodox Donald Trump, had tapped into this sentiment long before the November election, stunning political observers who now seem surprised at his anti-immigrant approach and intent to roll back government regulations as well as re-negotiate trade deals such as NAFTA.

anada is not immune to populist sentiment – as a ‘significant segment’ of Canadians have indicated that the refugee target of 40,000 is too high, while one in four Canadians want the Federal Government to impose its own Trump-style travel ban. The Angus Reid Institute poll shows the changing shift of many Canadians to our traditional ‘welcoming approach to newcomers’ as the economy continues to languish and people are worried about their jobs or the difficulties their children are having in finding good paying full time work.

his red flag on immigration indicates that Canadians are reaching their limit and the recent arrivals crossing the border from the United States into places such as Manitoba and Quebec are putting a further strain on both resources of small communities, as well as the patience of many who see this as the beginning of a much wider problem. Our political leaders need to make either a stronger case for their policies or start listening better to the voices that are getting louder due to political, economic and social alienation.

evin O’Leary is just another example of an individual who has a ‘solution to the economic ills of Canada,’ by indicating that a business person can without any previous political experience solve the country’s problems. His standing in the Conservative Leadership race reflects that attitude. If Canada wants to avoid the rise of populism or quick fix solutions as being seen in both Europe and the United States, the notion that our leaders know best, needs to end. 

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. PERSIAN TRIBUNE

• 23

•FEATURE

PERSIAN CARPET,

THE ULTIMATE ART OF TIMELESS LUXURY

AN IN-DEPTH AND ONE OF A KIND INTERVIEW WITH A GENUINE PERSIAN CARPET BY: NASER ROUSHAN & ARTMIZ RAHIMI PHOTOS BY: ALIREZA BIBAK

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

•FEATURE

N THE WORLD OF ULTIMATE LUXURY WE HAVE ALWAYS HEARD OF PERSIAN CARPET AND ITS FAME. SOME OF US HAVE ADMIRED IT FROM THE PICTURES IN THE MAGAZINES AND SOME OF US ARE PRIVILEGED ENOUGH TO OWN ONE OR TWO. STILL THERE IS A LOT OF CONFUSION AND UNANSWERED QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE MASTERPIECES THAT HAVE CAPTIVATED THEIR AUDIENCES IN SHOWROOMS AND MUSEUMS AROUND THE GLOBE. YOU COULD SAY PERSIAN CARPETS ARE WELL-KNOWN BUT NOT KNOWN ENOUGH.

ECENTLY WE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE AN EXCLUSIVE AND OUT OF THIS WORLD INTERVIEW WITH A GENUINE PERSIAN CARPET AT ONE THE UPSCALE CARPET SHOWROOMS IN TORONTO . HELLO PERSIAN CARPET AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ACCEPTING OUR INVITATION TO HAVE THIS UNIQUE AND EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW. TO START, TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF. I was born in Ancient Persia, modern day Iran. I have been made by men and women who have the knowledge, skill and lasting patience to create me. I am hand knotted, and I can be made of wool, silk or cotton, in different designs and patterns with many beautiful colours. I come in a variety of different shapes and sizes.

INTERESTING! HOW LONG HAS YOUR FAMILY LIVED IN IRAN, AND WHAT MAKES YOU SO SPECIAL? To answer this question, I should tell you that I, as a Persian carpet, do not know when our first generation was born, but I have learned that one of my ancestors was excavated in 1949 from the grave of Scythian, in the Pazyryk Valley in Siberia. Radiocarbon testing indicated an age of around 2500 years, now this distinguished relative lives in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. I also have other ancient relatives who have been alive several centuries and are spread throughout museums worldwide; they are always captivating audiences with their intricate and timeless beauty.

My creators must know how to weave me. They possess a high level of skill and knowledge and a great deal of experience. That is why ordinary people cannot create me. It is also because of the love, passion, and energy that have been devoted to me that results in me having special healing powers, creating mindfulness which not only soothes the mind, but also the soul.

FROM WHAT I’VE HEARD, YOU ALSO HAVE SIBLINGS ALL OVER THE WORLD. HOW MANY ARE THERE, AND HOW DIFFERENT ARE YOU FROM EACH OTHER? I do not believe that I have siblings all over the world, as I mentioned before, only a few countries possess the resource and skill to make the likes of me. The saddest part is that most other creators copied my designs and colors with no originality applied from their own cultures. Today when most of the consumers around the globe see any carpet, they may mistakenly think it is a “Persian Carpet”. It is difficult for ordinary people to distinguish between me, an authentic Persian carpet and the others, which only an expert will know. As you mentioned, I have my family members scattered around the world, but few of them resemble me. They can be found in India, Pakistan, Turkey, China, Nepal, and Tibet, although, designs and qualities vary greatly. PERSIAN TRIBUNE

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•FEATURE

TELL ME ABOUT HOW YOU ARE CREATED AND COME ALIVE?

Before my creation and the weaving process, the artists need to prepare the materials, which are as follows: • Wool: Once the wool is sheared from sheep and washed clean, it is then spun to produce yarn, which is then prepared for the next step: dying. • Silk: There are some areas in Iran that cultivate silk worms. From these regions silk yarn is obtained and used as highlights in wool rugs or used exclusively to weave pure silk rugs. • Cotton: There are some areas - especially in the northern part of Iran - that grow cotton. The cotton is processed in local factories to produce cotton yarn. • Dyes: Dyes and colours can be extracted from plants, invertebrates, or minerals. The majority of natural dyes are vegetable dyes from plant sources like roots, berries, barks, leaves, and wood. The yarns of wool and silk are now ready for colouring. First the dyes are mixed with hot water to create the dye bath, then the yarn is immersed in the simmering colour bath for at least 50 minutes. Then the dyed yarns are taken out from the bath and hung to dry. After the coloured yarns are completely dry, the weaver will use them to weave me. • Loom: To weave a carpet, the weaver needs a loom with a base the same as the width of the carpet. The loom can be vertical or horizontal. • Map (Pattern): The artist will draw a map based on the design and colours. The map indicates to the

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

weaver, which colour yarn to use at what location in the rug to create the overall design. Think of it as pixelby-pixel instructions. After all the materials are ready, the foundation threads (warps) of the carpet are tied to the bottom and top of the loom running vertically. Weavers start from the bottom of the loom and make knots on the first row according to the colour of each knot indicated by the map. When the row is completed, weavers put the cotton yarn (weft) horizontally between the rows to hold the knots together. This process is repeated row by row until the carpet is finished. When the carpet weaving is completed on the loom, the piles are too high, so the next step is shearing and processing. At this point, I am taken to the salon where I am sheared, washed, and dried.

“

Tabriz

•FEATURE

Isfahan

PERSIAN CARPETS ARE NAMED AFTER THE CITY OR REGION THEY ARE WOVEN. SOME POPULAR ONES ARE TABRIZ, ISFAHAN, SHIRAZ, SAROUK, HERIZ, BIDJAR, KASHAN, AND QOM. EACH HAS ITS OWN UNIQUE DESIGN, COLOUR COMBINATION AND WEAVE.

”

Shiraz Sarouk Heriz Bidjar Kashan Qom

MANY TYPES OF YOU ARE BEING PRODUCED IN IRAN. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES AMONG ALL OF YOU? In Iran we have various cities, towns, and villages that are involved in rug weaving. Another group to consider are the Nomads. There are many different views and cultures among the people of Iran, so every region creates a rug based on their culture, and environment. The differences are patterns, colours, material, and knot type.

DOES THE GEOGRAPHY OF THE REGION YOU ARE PRODUCED IN HAVE ANY SIGNIFICANT INFLUENCE ON YOU? Yes indeed. Depending on the geography and culture of the region my siblings and cousins take on many different forms. There is a direct relationship between the subculture and the design, colours and materials used in our creation. For the nomads, designs are spontaneous and do not come from a preconceived pattern. Symbols of their surroundings such as trees, animals and people are woven into the rug. The bright vibrant colours they use come from dyes extracted from wild flowers. All

wool materials are normally used, including the warp and weft, since creators in this part of Iran have tended sheep for generations. For this reason wool is the material they have produced independently for centuries. Jump over to a city like Tabriz and things are very different. The patterns become more detailed and delicate, and the quality of the weave increases because weaving rugs here is more than just a form of self-expression, it is ancient fine art. In this region designers create detailed maps and the materials come from all over the country to make the finest rugs. There are more colours than those of the nomadic rugs because there are no limitations from the environment. Persian carpets are named after the city or region they are woven. Some popular ones are Tabriz, Isfahan,

PERSIAN TRIBUNE

• 27

•FEATURE

“

I COULDN'T SPEAK THE LANGUAGE. PEOPLE COULDN'T PRONOUNCE MY NAME. I LOOKED DIFFERENT. I WAS STRUGGLING FINANCIALLY. I FELT VERY MISPLACED AND LOST. I CHANGED MY MINDSET AND INSTEAD OF LOOKING AT MY PROBLEMS ALL AT ONCE WHICH MADE THEM LOOK IMPOSSIBLE TO OVERCOME, I DEALT WITH EACH OF THEM INDIVIDUALLY. IT TOOK TIME BUT I ALWAYS KEPT REMINDING MYSELF WHAT MY GRANDMA USED TO SAY, "THE WORLD IS LIKE A MIRROR, IF YOU SMILE, IT WILL SMILE BACK." SO I LEARNED ABOUT BEING THE HERO IN MY OWN MOVIE CALLED LIFE!

”

TO THE PEOPLE WHO WOULD WANT TO HAVE YOU AS AN INVESTMENT PIECE, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM? If you treat me as part of the family I will live a long life. As time passes the cost of weaving me goes up and the price of materials and labor are always increasing. And since I am a timeless hand-made piece, my value Shiraz, Sarouk, Heriz, Bidjar, Kashan, and Qom. Each has its own unique design, colour combination and weave.

YOU TALKED ABOUT THE PATIENCE OF YOUR WEAVERS. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR YOU TO BE CREATED AND HOW LONG DO YOU LIVE? It took my weavers close to a year to create me. But it all depends on the size and quality of the rug. In regards to my lifespan, I am very durable and I can live for centuries and across generations. My lifespan depends on my quality; higher quality rugs live longer. Another point to mention: if my owner takes good care of me and washes me every 4 to 5 years then I can be healthy and be around for as long as some of my great grandparents.

AS YOU MENTIONED SOME OF YOUR OLDER GENERATION ARE STILL AROUND. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE? That is true, even some of my great grandparents are still around. If you see the antique Persian books or checkout the reputable auction houses around the world dealing with antique carpets, you will see many of my grandparents are still in good shape even though their age is over hundreds of years old. As I mentioned earlier, my oldest living relative is around 2500 years old! This is possible due to the extremely high quality of the Persian knots! They can take a lot of punishment and still keep going. They are tight, and made with solid materials. 28

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

“

•FEATURE

IN IRAN WE HAVE VARIOUS CITIES, TOWNS, AND VILLAGES THAT ARE INVOLVED IN RUG WEAVING. ANOTHER GROUP TO CONSIDER ARE THE NOMADS. THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT VIEWS AND CULTURES AMONG THE PEOPLE OF IRAN, SO EVERY REGION CREATES A RUG BASED ON THEIR CULTURE, AND ENVIRONMENT. THE DIFFERENCES ARE PATTERNS, COLOURS, MATERIAL, AND KNOT TYPE.

”

appreciates. So if you bought me many years ago and enjoyed my beauty and warmth, and now want to sell me, you will get more money than you paid originally. That is why many people see me as an investment.

WHY HAVE SOME OF YOUR ELDERS BEEN SOLD AT A VERY HIGH VALUE? When we pass the age of 100 years, we are considered antiques. Some of us live in the museums around the world and we love to see you guys pay us a visit whenever you get a chance. I cannot tell you how hard it is for us to be away from home, feeling homesick. Some of us are also sold through well-known auction houses. One of my oldest relatives from the city of Kerman was sold at Christie’s Auction House in London in April 2010. It had a size of approximately 6’ x 9’, and was made of wool. It had been woven in the 17th century and was sold for $9,600,000.00! We were so happy for him.

BUT WHY ARE YOU SO EXPENSIVE? Let me preface this question by noting that most consumer products increase in price in relation to increasing quality.

But also if one considers art, the artist’s popularity comes into play when value is discussed. Both reasons come into consideration with Persian Rugs. There is a price to be paid for my high quality, which means highly skilled master weavers hand-weaving very fine knots using the highest grade of natural materials. The consequence of fine knots is that more material and more time is required to weave. If I am woven by a famous master weaver or created by a famous designer my value increases further. Once I am an antique, given that I have been properly cared for, I will be worth multiples of what I am now. That is not to say all Persian rugs are expensive. With such a wide range in production, quality, workmanship, and time there are many Persian rugs that are considered inexpensive.

IF I INVITE YOU TO MY HOUSE, HOW CAN I CARE FOR YOU? To take good care of me you should know a few things: • Don’t expose me to the direct sunlight; this will cause my colours to fade over time. • Change my position every two years; I want to wear evenly. PERSIAN TRIBUNE

• 29

•FEATURE my design and colours have stories behind them and show the culture behind which ever region I have been made. It bothers me when I am sitting among other carpets from other countries, which I know are copies of me, and buyers see all of us as the same. The buyer cannot recognize a real Persian carpet, unless an expert explains or shows them which one is real, and shows them the quality and workmanship of Persian carpets compared to others. So the greatest misconception about me is that I am like the rest and we are all the same.

YOU HAVE HAD A LENGTHY LIFE. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR EXPERIENCES THAT COME TO MIND?

• Vacuum me every week with normal hard floor attachments; do not use the heavy-duty motorized brush, especially on my foundation (fringes). • Every 4-5 years send me to the professionals for traditional hand washing. • In the case of an accident like spilling wine or juice, do not spot clean me, just send me to an expert carpet cleaner before the stain sets.

YOU ARE VERY POPULAR THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, AND A LOT OF PEOPLE TALK ABOUT YOU. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION? As a Persian carpet, I have originality and character. I have passion and healing powers. I have a long history;

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

My entire life I was the best and everybody admired me. Homeowners around the world would wish to have me in their homes. I was always sitting in their special rooms where everyone would admire me and talk about my quality, workmanship, and colours. You could say I was the conversation piece. When technology stared to grow, machines were created to mass-produce carpets. But they could not substitute a machine made carpet for me, the authentic carpet, because there was big gap between us in terms of quality, workmanship, and character. I was admired as piece of art, I wasn’t just another product. When other countries started to copy me, in the form of hand knotted carpets, there were some rough times for me. These carpets were promoted as “hand knotted Persian design” carpets, so the consumers throughout the world could not recognize the authentic Persian Carpet and were assuming all carpets are the same. That has been one of the saddest experiences that I can remember.

•FEATURE

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW BEFORE I ACQUIRE ONE OF YOU, AN AUTHENTIC PERSIAN CARPET, OR AS I SAID BEFORE TO INVITE YOU TO MY HOUSE?

GREAT ANSWER, I LIKE THAT. SO MY LAST QUESTION IS WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE EVERYBODY IN THE WORLD TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

Thank you for thinking of inviting me to your house! That is very “Persian” of you! To answer your question, I should tell you that we come in many different variations, from design and colour, to material and knot count. The most important thing to note is the knot quality, usually represented by the amount of knots in a predefined length. Basically you can think of it like pixels in a picture. The higher the pixel count, the higher the quality of the picture. The same principle applies to hand knotted rugs, the more knots in a given space, the higher quality the rug is.

What I would like everyone to remember is that I am not just a piece of carpet to cover the floor; I am made with a lot of character, passion, hard work, and love. I represent different cultures. I bring beauty and warmth to your home and I am always considered as a unique piece of art. I can - and do - survive for centuries and as time passes, my value increases, just like fine wine or any other antique.

The best thing to do is to find retail stores near you that carry Persian Carpets. Inquire about buying an authentic Persian Carpet, not imitation ones from other countries. This can be difficult because as I mentioned earlier, our designs have been stolen and reproduced. The first step is to look at the workmanship. That means the numbers of knots per square inch, to show you the quality. Compare the weave qualities of various pieces. Take samples of the colours used in the room you are decorating, such as pillows, fabrics, and hardwood and compare these colours with the carpet. If you like a few carpets and do not know which one works best, then take them home for a trial period. Most stores will allow this because it is the only way to make sure the carpet fits with the lighting and colour scheme of the room.

I HAVE SO MUCH MORE TO ASK YOU MY DEAR PERSIAN CARPET, BUT AS I SAID THAT WAS MY LAST QUESTION FOR TODAY. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS INFORMATIVE AND EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW. HONESTLY, NOW I SEE YOU WITH A DIFFERENT SET OF EYES AND MINDSET. I CHERISH AND RESPECT YOU MORE THAN EVER. FOR SURE, YOU ARE NOT JUST THERE AS A FLOOR COVERING. YOU ARE A PRECIOUS AND VALUABLE PIECE OF EXCEPTIONAL ART IN THE WORLD THAT HAS STRONG TIES TO THE PERSIAN CULTURE AND HISTORY AND IDENTITY. THANK YOU AGAIN.  Naser Roushan is a President of Blue Paisley Fine Rugs located at 1440 Bathurst St. Toronto in Canada Bluepaisley.com PERSIAN TRIBUNE

• 31

•HEALTH

FIVE DIET TIPS TO SURVIVE EATING OUT OVER THE HOLIDAYS By: Dr. Jeff Brown

s a former family physician who decided to specialize in weight-loss, I’ve worked with a diverse group of patients over the years. But there’s one common problem that seems to give dieters an especially tough time maintaining their weight loss goals over the holidays: ‘eating out’. Needless to say, we all tend to put holiday plans ahead of our commitment to stick to our diet, unfortunately our own well-being and proper nutrition often falls by the wayside. Time-challenged and eager to socialize we tend to eat a huge amount of convenience or take-out food, and dine at restaurants far more often than we should.

e all love dining out and especially over the holidays, it can become an expectation. A meal or two at a relative or friend’s home or even a favourite restaurant does not need to derail your weight loss success. While dining out may be unavoidable, it can be controlled. The key is to think proactively to avoid indulging in the inevitably high fat/salt/sugar holiday menu offerings. Not sure where to start? Use these five tips and make this year your most diet friendly yet:

Check Your Calendar. The only way to take

control of your dining experience is to know when you’ll be dining out. Take a look at your schedule and determine which days you will (or might) wind up eating a meal that is not fully under your control so you can be prepared.

Do Your Research. Once you know when you’ll

be dining out, offer to make the restaurant selection and reservation. That way you can pick somewhere with plenty of diet-friendly meal choices. If that’s not possible, visit the restaurant’s website to scout out healthy

meal options. And don’t be afraid to ask for substitutions on carb-laden side dishes. Whenever possible, swap those delicious fried potatoes for steamed vegetables or a side of brown rice or quinoa.

Avoid Chain Restaurants. Many dinners wind up being held at finer national chain restaurants such as Milestone’s or Moxie’s. These restaurants are often conveniently located and offer expense friendly meal options. The trouble is most still rely on prepackaged and processed foods full of — you guessed it — sugar, fat and salt, not to mention cooking methods such as deep frying. Whenever possible, pick independent restaurants, which tend to prepare fresh dishes on-demand and with fewer processed ingredients. Call Ahead. If necessary call ahead to your host or the restaurant and explain that you have food sensitivities or allergies and need special dietary accommodations. Whether true or not, this will allow you to steer the menu towards foods you love that are not forbidden on your diet plan, don’t feel guilty, you need to do whatever it takes to avoid derailing your weight-loss objectives. Resist Temptations. Once you’ve made your

meal selection in advance, stick to it and don’t allow your self to be seduced by daily specials or other suggestions. And when other guests suggest ordering calorie-laden alcoholic drinks, desserts or fat and carb-filled appetizers, be sure to take a pass. Sticking to a diet is never easy when you’re celebrating or catching up with family and friends. But like anything else in life, a little discipline and determination goes a long way to achieving your goals. You’ll have a healthier and more productive year for the effort. 

Dr. Jeffrey Brown, MD, is the founder of Your Body Evolution. The Vaughan, Ont. based clinic specializes in helping patients achieve fast and sustainable weight-loss results, while promoting dramatic improvements to their overall physical well-being. Visit www.ybevolution.com to learn more. PERSIAN TRIBUNE

• 33

•JEWELLERY WHEN A HEART SKIPS A BEAT…

That’s Carrera y Carrera

By: Natalia Lisochkina

arrera y Carrera is a Spanish luxury jewellery brand established over 130 years ago and renowned as one of the 30 most prestigious jewellery firms in the world. Famous women like Madonna, Sofia Vergara, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and Jennifer Lopez – just to name a few – choose Carrera y Carrera pieces for various red carpets, galas, and for their very own personal collections. The brand’s designers take their inspiration from everything Spanish: culture, architecture, nature, wildlife, art, music, and other traditional themes that tell the world beautiful stories and legends through stunning pieces of jewellery. The breath taking Universo collection is reminiscent of notes from an old travel journal titled “Universo”, discovered by Carrera y Carrera designers in a Madrid second-hand bookstore. This collection is represented by jewellery pieces that give life and form to the traveller’s stories uncovered in his journal.

xquisite Carrera y Carrera pieces are all handmade and pass through several artisans in Madrid’s workshop, making the 2-month production period a usual process for the intricate and sophisticated designs. Each bearing a one-of-a-kind code to ensure the jewel’s authenticity, Carrera y Carrera pieces are never identical but are always exceptionally well-crafted. The passionate style in the marriage between sculpture and jewellery truly shows the brand’s uniqueness. It was this innovative idea of sculptors and jewellers working together that brought the brand its fame and numerous accolades.

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

•JEWELLERY The passionate style in the marriage between “sculpture and jewellery truly shows the brand’s

uniqueness. It was this innovative idea of sculptors and jewellers working together that brought the brand its fame and numerous accolades.

”

arrera y Carrera craftsmen work with 18kt gold, various precious and semi-precious stones and use sand-blasting technique on some parts of the jewellery pieces to create the brand’s iconic combination of matte and polished finishes. This makes the details and shapes of the pieces stand out even more and displays all of their beauty in an innovative way that is extremely hard to replicate. Adding to more than 140 points of sales across the world, the first North American Carrera y Carrera boutique was opened in Toronto’s prestige Yorkville shopping area destination in 2016, bringing unique handcrafted pieces to North American jewellery lovers.

he boutique looks more like a jewellery box than a retail location. Its glass showcases display stunning jewellery pieces that do not bear price tags, making the guests feel as if they have wondered into a museum with exquisite pieces of art that they can, nevertheless, make a part of their own jewellery collection. 

The Carrera y Carrera boutique is located at 138 Cumberland Street on Old York Lane, in Toronto and it is open 7 days a week. For more information or online shopping please visit Canadian e-commerce website www.carreraycarrera.ca and enjoy free shipping. PERSIAN TRIBUNE

• 35

•BOOK REVIEW

COMING DOWN AGAIN… By: Courtney Boyden

ugust, with her slow, burning afternoons and limpid dreams. August, a brief, bittersweet respite from the doldrums of strung-out schoolboy hours and watching eyes. August, and the blues. One seemingly endless summer in Tehran, Asha, a broken hearted schoolboy on sleepy Cypress Lane, finds himself with nothing to do. Nothing, that is, except daydream about escaping to London to become a rock star, wait for Keith Richards and the Stones to come on the television, let his imagination run amok in his mum’s closet, and pine away in vain for Arezu, the pretty girl upstairs who’s hit it off with a classmate of his. Down and out in the manic, bustling Iranian capital, Asha only finds solace in Ghermezi, his battered cherry-red guitar, the pin-ups on his bedroom wall, and his dreams. Though he longs to leave Tehran, in which he sees no place or future for himself, he also holds in his heart a special love and affection for the only city he’s ever known.

ritten in Bekhrad’s signature prose, with vivid descriptions of Tehran, references to rock and roll, and heavy doses of angst interlaced with humour, Coming Down Again paints at once a delicate, endearing portrait of a disillusioned Iranian teenager and a city so often misunderstood. ‘Coming Down Again' has received great reviews by literary icons:

Coming Down Again offers a rich, rewarding immersion in the strangely familiar; its Bowie fan protagonist, Asha, cherishes his idea of London’s glam scene even while he struts and dreams in the streets of Tehran, amid that city’s very different sights, sounds, and scents. A wonderful portrait of teen abandon and ambition, and a fascinating counterpart to two of Bowie’s favourite books, The Buddha of Suburbia and Absolute Beginners. Will Brooker, author of Forever Stardust: David Bowie Across the Universe

oobin Bekhrad’s Coming Down Again is packed with the faded ennui, delicious dalliances, and aching moments of invincibility that define a Iranian teenager’s coming of age. A brilliant novella by a clear, conscious voice in the style of excellent exile literature; evocative, crisp, and sumptuous, and abounding with poetic realism. Tina Gharavi, BAFTA-nominated screenwriter, director, and activist Playing Ziggy Stardust in Iran: a magical rock and roll riff on growing up in Tehran. Tom Holland, Hessell-Tiltman Prize-winning writer and historian.

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Cool, but not hipster, Tehran: disaffected youth yearning for nothing more than their counterparts in the West do: sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Joobin Bekhrad’s Coming Down Again is a wonderful journey there. Hooman Majd, journalist, author, and commentator

ekhrad is a master at exploring the difficulty teenagers have with making such life-changing choices. Morning Star Coming Down Again is a wonderfully written book. I enjoyed every exuberant word of it. Roald Nasgaard, award-winning author and curator, Officer of the Order of Canada, and Professor Emeritus of Art History at Florida State University An award-winning writer, Joobin Bekhrad (BBA, MSc.) is the founder and Editor of REORIENT (www.reorientmag.com), a publication celebrating contemporary Middle Eastern arts and culture, and recently served as the Guest Editor of Columbia University’s Columbia Journal. He has contributed to such publications as the Cairo Review of Global Affairs, The Economist , Forbes, TheGuardian, Aesthetica, i-D/Vice, Artsy, Christie’s, Encyclopaedia Iranica, Harper’s Bazaar Art Arabia, Canvas, and Songlines, has been interviewed by news outlets such as Newsweek and the CBC, and has seen his articles translated into Persian, Arabic, Italian, Russian, and Chinese, among other languages. Primarily writing about visual art, literature, music, and film, many of his articles focus on subjects such as identity, Persian culture, and the experience of living in the Iranian diaspora. In 2015, Joobin was granted an International Award for Art Criticism (IAAC) by London’s Royal College of Art. He is also the author of a new translation of Omar Khayyam’s poems from Persian into English, the foreword to AfroIran, and With My Head in the Clouds and Stars in My Eyes, a forthcoming collection of stories and essays. 

One Advisor just for you. Imagine someone always ready to help with your finances. That’s what you get with CIBC Imperial Service.* One contact that works with you to create a truly tailored financial game plan that works just for you and your family. Happy Nowruz from CIBC. Talk to me today. Atussa Samandari Senior Financial Advisor 2161 St Clair Ave West 416 762-7522 ext 344 atussa.samandari@cibc.com *CIBC Imperial Service is part of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (“CIBC”). Banking products are provided by CIBC. Investment products and services are provided through CIBC Investor Services Inc.,Member of The Canadian Investor Protection Fund and Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada, or by CIBC Securities Inc. (“CIBC SI”), and in Quebec by CIBC SI. CIBC Cube Design & “Banking that fits your life.” are trademarks of CIBC.

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•WINE

DAVID’S

Wine Pick OF THE MONTH By: David Akhlaghi

Executive Director at The Wine Cave

STERLING NAPA CHARDONNAY 2013

terling Vineyards was born in the 1960s, a time when creativity and entrepreneurial spirit abounded, especially in California. In 1964, Peter Newton, once a paper broker in England, purchased 70 acres of land in Calistoga and became a Napa Valley winemaker. He planted grapes that others did not, bottled varietals that others did not, and built a dramatic winery with an aerial tramway. His innovations put Sterling Vineyards into the public eye and helped establish the Napa Valley as a premier travel destination. It's hard not to think of Napa Valley when thinking of California wines. The region is, after all, the one that brought world recognition to California wine making.

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The area was settled by a few choice wine families in the 1960's who bet that the wines of the area would grow and f lourish. They were right. The Napa wine industry really took off in the 1980's, when vineyard lands were scooped up and vines were planted throughout the county. A number of wineries emerged, from large conglomerates to small boutiques to cult classics. Cabernet Sauvignon is definitely the grape of choice here, with many winemakers also focusing on Bordeaux Blends. Whites are usually Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

alanced and complex, this Napa Valley Chardonnay layers fruit from several vineyards in the AVA, marrying the lush, bold ripeness of mid-valley with the richness and depth of Carneros. Bright, golden fruit opens the nose, rounded with notes of honey, caramel, baking spice and toast. A bold entry of lemons and ripe apple develops weight and viscosity as it evolves through the mouth. The barrel contribution leaves an almostsweet almond impression across the finish. Displaying true Napa style, this well-poised wine is perfect for all occasions and will pair with a variety of foods. 

From the Persian Kitchen...

•FOOD By: Naz Deravian

Sour Cherry, Rosé Chicken Roast

n this Sour Cherry Chicken Rosé Roast, whole chicken legs are marinated in saffron, cinnamon, honey and a crisp, dry rosé, a bottle that will dance with you straight from the kitchen to the table. After briefly marinating the chicken legs, I gently stuff a handful of pitted sour cherries under the skin. The natural acidity and juices of the cherries flavours the chicken as it roasts. The rest of the cherries are cooked on the stove, lightly sweetened with a hint of honey, cinnamon and another splash of rosé. Drape the sour cherries over the roast chicken when serving, for a stunning feast for all senses. Sour Cherries can be elusive to find. If fresh sour cherries are not available you can use frozen, unthawed. Jarred cherries in light syrup are also another option. But, be sure to drain these well, and taste before adding honey. They might not need any sweetening at all. SOUR CHERRY ROSE CHICKEN ROAST INGREDIENTS: {Serves 4} 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling the sheet pan 4 large garlic cloves, crushed Juice of 1 large lemon, about 3 tablespoons 1/4 cup dry rosé wine, plus 2 tablespoons 4 tablespoons honey 1/4 teaspoon ground saffron 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more as needed 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 4 whole chicken legs, about 3lbs total 1 large onion, cut into eighths 1 pound sour cherries, pitted

1. Heat the oven to 425F. 2. In a small bowl make the marinade by combining the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, wine, 2 tablespoons honey, saffron, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, salt (if not used earlier on chicken) and pepper. Place the chicken and the onions in a large bowl and cover well with the marinade. Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes. 3. Drizzle the sheet pan with a little olive oil. Place the chicken on the sheet pan without over lapping. Grab a handful of sour cherries and very gently run your finger under the skin of the chicken (without tearing the skin) and stuff each leg with 3 or 4 sour cherries. Pour the marinade and the onions over the chicken. Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. 4. While the chicken roasts, place the remainder of the cherries in a small pan over medium-high heat. Sprinkle with a little salt and stir in 2 tablespoons honey. Bring to a very gentle boil, splash in 2 tablespoons rosé wine, and cook for about 2 minutes. Turn down the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the cherries soften and the syrup thickens slightly. Set aside.

rape the chicken with sour cherries and its juices and serve with a crisp glass of rosé. 

Naz Deravian is the 2015 International Association of Culinary Professionals Award Winner for her Narrative Culinary Blog Bottom Of The Pot - Adventures In Cooking Persian Food And Beyond and 2014 Saveur Magazine Best Food Blog Finalist. www.bottomofthepot.com PERSIAN TRIBUNE

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•REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE BUBBLE 2017 By: Robert Atkinson

t's not the first time I've had someone comment that the "bubble" is going to burst, and I'm sure it won't be the last, but today's comment was a little different. Today the comment was that because I had sold a high priced home that I was contributing to market inflation and I thought I would shed some light on the real estate 'bubble'. I think most people would agree that real estate prices have grown at a rate that outstrips income and prices many first-time home buyers out of the market so the real question is, why is this happening? Is it happening due to some manipulation (like the mortgage fraud that occurred in the US) or is it due to other natural factors? The mortgage fraud that occurred in the US, often referred to as a 'financial crisis' in 2008, was a manipulated market that caused many people to buy houses at inflated prices and then when the lenders were called on the debts the pyramid collapsed and the 'crisis' causes billions of dollars in damage and ruined many peoples finances around the globe.

he Canadian banking system is very cautious and as such Canada was the last country to feel the pinch and the first to recover, other countries were not so fortunate. So why have house prices in the GTA shot up so high and so rapidly? Real estate is cyclical (goes up and down) but over time land has always appreciated due to supply and demand, there is limited supply of land but the population is unlimited so its prices have to

rise. The GTA is projected to be the fastest growing region of the province, accounting for over 68 per cent of Ontario’s net population growth to 2041. The GTA’s population is projected to increase from 6.6 million in 2015 to almost 9.5 million in 2041. The region’s share of total Ontario population is projected to rise from 48.0 per cent in 2015 to 52.7 per cent in 2041. It passes the 50 per cent mark in 2025!

o with all these people coming where will they live? Builders are betting on condos and those that want detached homes in the GTA are looking east and west. Growth in the other census divisions of the GTA such as Durham, Halton, Peel and York are projected to be significantly faster than the Ontario average, with the addition of over 1.9 million people to the suburban GTA. Is it expensive to live in the GTA? You bet, but given Toronto being a world class city we are not expensive in comparison and we are 3rd in population behind New York and Los Angeles. Bottom line, as long as we have continued population growth, low interest rates and strong employment there seems to be no reason for home prices to go anywhere but up. 

Robert Atkinson is a Real Estate Broker with Century 21 Leading Edge Realty Brokerage in Markham. For more information visit his website at www.RobertAtkinson.ca PERSIAN TRIBUNE

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â&#x20AC;˘ENVIRONMENT

WOES By: David Suzuki with contributions from David Suzuki Foundation Senior Editor Ian Hanington.

Photo: Sam Cox via Flickr

eskantaga First Nation in Ontario has had to boil water since 1995. "We're over 20 years already where our people haven't been able to get the water they need to drink from their taps or to bathe themselves without getting any rashes," Neskantaga Chief Wayne Moonias told CBC News in 2015. Their water issues have yet to be resolved. They're not alone. In fall last year, 156 drinking water advisories were in place in First Nations in Canada. More than 100 are routinely in effect â&#x20AC;&#x201D; some for years or decades. According to a 2015 CBC investigation, "Two-thirds of all First Nation communities in Canada have been under at least one drinking water advisory at some time in the last decade." Water advisories vary in severity. A "boil water advisory" means residents must boil water before using it for drinking or bathing. "Do not consume" means water is not safe to drink or consume and a "do not use advisory" means water is unsafe for any human use. Water on First Nations reserves is a federal responsibility, but "severe underfunding" (in the government's own

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words) for water treatment plants, infrastructure, operations, maintenance and training has led to this deplorable situation. Canada has no federal standards or binding regulations governing First Nations' drinking water.

fter years of pressure from First Nations and Indigenous and social justice organizations, the Liberal party promised in its 2015 election campaign to end all First Nations' long-term drinking water advisories within five years of being elected. In 2016, the new government's budget included $1.8 billion over five years, on top of core funding for First Nations' water infrastructure, operations and management. Funds have gone to help Neskantaga and other communities, but money's not enough. If the federal government is to fulfil its commitment to ending advisories in five years, it must reform its system.

he David Suzuki Foundation and Council of Canadians have published a report card rating government's progress on meeting its commitment in nine First Nations in Ontario, which has the highest number of water advisories in Canada. The "Glass half empty?" report found advisories in three communities have been

•ENVIRONMENT IT'S UNACCEPTABLE THAT SO MANY FIRST NATIONS LACK CLEAN WATER AND FACE SERIOUS WATER-RELATED HEALTH RISKS — ESPECIALLY FOR CHILDREN AND THE ELDERLY — IN A COUNTRY WHERE MANY PEOPLE TAKE ABUNDANT FRESH WATER FOR GRANTED. THE UNITED NATIONS RECOGNIZES ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION AS HUMAN RIGHT, AND CANADA HAS FURTHER OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE UN DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES.

It's unacceptable that so many First Nations lack clean water and face serious water-related health risks — especially for children and the elderly — in a country where many people take abundant fresh water for granted. The United Nations recognizes access to clean water and sanitation as human right, and Canada has further obligations under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

he report card concludes that the system for addressing unsafe drinking water is overly cumbersome and must be streamlined, First Nations must have more decision-making power to address community-specific drinking water issues, and government must increase transparency around progress and budgetary allocations. It calls on government to redouble its efforts to advance First Nations-led initiatives, fulfil its fiduciary responsibility to First Nations, respect the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and ensure the human right to safe and clean drinking water.

The federally funded Safe Water Project is one example of a First Nations-led approach. The Keewaytinook Okimakanak Tribal Council started the initiative in 2014 in response to long-term advisories in four of six member nations. The project keeps management at the community level and includes training and certification of local water operators, operational support while local water operators pursue certification, and remote water quality monitoring technology.

he project's success illustrates the benefits of a local approach. Community-specific, traditional and cultural knowledge are integral to developing lasting solutions. Because the federal government holds the purse strings, it calls most of the shots and often overlooks knowledge held by community members. This needs to change. Clean drinking water on reserves is not just an Indigenous issue. It's a human right and it should concern all of us. 

Dr. David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author, and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. He is Companion to the Order of Canada and a recipient of UNESCO's Kalinga Prize for science, the United Nations Environment Program medal, the 2009 Right Livelihood Award, and Global 500. Dr. Suzuki is Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and holds 27 honorary degrees from universities around the world. He is familiar to television audiences as host of the long-running CBC television program The Nature of Things, and to radio audiences as the original host of CBC Radio's Quirks and Quarks, as well as the acclaimed series It's a Matter of Survival and From Naked Ape to Superspecies. His written work includes more than 52 books, 19 of them for children. Dr. Suzuki lives with his wife, Dr. Tara Cullis, and family in Vancouver, B.C.

Photo: Kent Kallberg

lifted or will likely be lifted within five years. Efforts are underway in three other communities, but uncertainty lingers about whether they'll succeed within the fiveyear period. Three others are unlikely to have advisories lifted within five years without reformed processes and procedures. And in one community that had its advisory lifted, new drinking water problems emerged, illustrating the need for sustainable, long-term solutions.

Learn more at www.davidsuzuki.org PERSIAN TRIBUNE

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Farah Financial Services Inc.

Farah Jahed Senior Financial & Insurance Advisor

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Hire Robert, an agent who puts your needs above all others. Buyers and Sellers need an agent they can TRUST when they want to make a move, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m that agent.

Robert Atkinson | Sales Rep Century 21 Leading Edge Realty Inc. www.RobertAtkinson.ca

•EVENTS Out and About with

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MAX AMINI CANADIAN TOUR

CANADIAN ETHNIC MEDIA ASSOCIATION AWARD 2017 Photo: Dennis Lam

MAX AMINI CANADIAN TOUR

CANADIAN ETHNIC MEDIA ASSOCIATION AWARD 2017 Photo: Dennis Lam

NOROUZ PERFORMANCE AT THORNLEA S.S. FARSI PROGRAM Photo: Pretty Face

MAX AMINI CANADIAN TOUR

CANADIAN ETHNIC MEDIA ASSOCIATION AWARD 2017 Photo: Dennis Lam

MAX AMINI CANADIAN TOUR

HUNGARIAN RAKOCZI BALL

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•PEOPLE

PERSIAN TRIBUNE

PERSON OF THE MONTH

Dr. Javad Mostaghimi Distinguished Professor in Plasma Engineering in the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering at the University of Toronto and the Founding Director of Centre for Advanced Coating Technologies (CACT).

rofessor Dr. Javad Mostaghimi is the Distinguished Professor in Plasma Engineering in the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering at the University of Toronto and the Founding Director of Centre for Advanced Coating Technologies (CACT). Dr. Mostaghimi received a BSc degree from Sharif University, Iran, in 1974, and MSc and PhD degrees all in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, in 1978 and 1982, respectively. Before joining the University of Toronto in 1990, he held positions at Pratt & Whitney Canada, Longueil, Quebec, and the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec.

r. Mostaghimi’s main research interests are in the study of thermal spray coatings, transport phenomena and electromagnetics in thermal plasma sources and partially ionized gases. In particular, he is interested in studying flow, 46

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temperature, and electromagnetic fields within arcs and RF inductively coupled plasmas. Professor Mostaghimi has done extensive simulation of the dynamics of droplet impact and solidification in thermal spray processes and in automotive spray painting.

rofessor Mostaghimi is a Fellow of the following professional societies: Royal Society of Canada (RSC), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), American Society of Metals (ASM), Canadian Society of Mechanical Engineers (CSME), Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC), Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE), American Association for Advancement of Science (AAAS), International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), Massey College at the University of Toronto, and Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo (Japan). He is a recipient of the 75th Anniversary Medal of the ASME Heat Transfer Division, the recipient of the 2013 Robert

W. Angus Medal of the CSME for outstanding contributions to the practice of mechanical engineering, 2012 Heat Transfer Memorial Award of the ASME, 2011 Jules Stachiewicz Medal of the CSME, 2010 NSERC Brockhouse Canada Prize and the 2009 Engineering Medal in R & D from the Professional Engineers of Ontario.

r. Mostaghimi is a member of the editorial board of Plasma Chemistry and Plasma Processing and a member of the International Review Board of the Journal of Thermal Spray. He organized and chaired the two most prestigious conferences in plasma processing, i.e., 17th Int’l Symposium on Plasma Chemistry in Toronto (2005) and the Gordon Research Conference on Plasma Processing Science in New Hampshire, USA (2002). During his academic career, Dr. Mostaghimi has supervised/co-supervised some 35 doctoral (PhD) students, and has published approximately 200 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals. 

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