Yesterday the long overdue health reform in the USA came one step closer, with a narrow win in the Senate. It is merely a vote to hold a full debate on the issue, but even this was vehemently opposed by Republicans, influenced heavily by the hugely wealthy health insurance and pharmaceutical industries. Continue reading
Category Archives: Life
In an age where we are all encouraged to watch our words and to please everyone and not to ruffle feathers, here is a refreshing politician from the US (Alan Grayson) who is determined to have his say, however uncomfortable it may be to the opposition and to viewers. Continue reading
If you have been following the progress of Elham, daughter of Bibi Zahra, I am excited to say that she kept her promise of studying hard and has scored a high mark in the national entrance exams. Continue reading
It is a week since I returned to UK from Iran. While I was flying back the demostrations started. Everyone is waiting to see what happens today. Whatever happens, we all hope it does not involve bloodshed. But feelings are high, and frustrations intense. Continue reading
I am visiting my dad in Mashhad, in Iran. The presidential election campaigns here are at their peak, ahead of voting on Friday. These include several live TV debates. Last night my friend Hamed Zaghaghi (a talented programmer, and one of the few free software advocates in Iran) asked if I wanted to go to one of the rallies for Karroubi, and to watch the debate on a makeshift, large-screen TV. Continue reading
I dislike large, impersonal, corporate hotels. Unfortunately I am almost forced to stay in them when attending conferences. It is much easier to stay at the conference hotel, as I can go back to my room at any time to rest or get something. Continue reading
Following my promise after my first visit, a few weeks ago I returned with my cousin Mohammad and family, to see Bibi Zahra, the woman I found so much admiration for. Good news is that Elham is spending most of her time in the nearby village of Torgabeh, in the library, and takes sandwiches with her to maximize her study time. We hope to see her in a university in a few months. Continue reading
I am normally not too sentimental when reading about the news. Like most others I have been desensitized by the constant images of suffering I have seen. But this picture hit a raw nerve somewhere in me. It is a picture of Hussein, one of the many children and infants we (the adults of this world) have injured or blinded in Iraq. Continue reading
I am in Prague, streaming a conference live on the internet, over the weekend. It is the third time I am doing this and it is going quite well so far. See the webcast here. (Update: conference over.) Continue reading
The Persian new year, or Norooz, is calculated to the nearest second each year. It happened about 1 hour ago, at 12.45pm, London time. To coincide with this, Barack Obama has sent a video message to Iranians, wishing them a happy new year in Persian, or Farsi. Continue reading