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The Armenian Reporter | June 13, 2009 National Distinguished Armenian-American health professionals to convene in New York City for medical congress, July 1 to 4 by Florence Avakian New York – A 16-year-old athlete from Englewood, N.J., falls on the baseball field and injures his knee. He is taken to the nearby hospital where a stat MRI is performed. Thank Dr. Raymond Damadian, inventor of the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), who will be attending and speaking at the Armenian Medical World Congress at New York’s Hilton Hotel, July 1–4. A father needs immediate bowel surgery and doesn’t want to miss his daughter’s wedding. Famed surgeon Lord Ara Darzi KBE does robotic surgery from his London office. Professor Darzi, parliamentary under-secretary of state and government spokesperson for the UK Department of Health, will attend, speak, and be honored at the medical congress. A young mother of three in Los Angeles has postpartum depression. Acclaimed psychiatrist Hagop Akiskal treats this patient. Dr. Akiskal will attend and speak at the medical congress. A 73-year-old grandfather in New York, on his way to his grandson’s high school graduation, develops severe abdominal pain. He is rushed to Lenox Hill Hospital where vascular surgeon Dr. Vicken Pamoukian operates on him. Dr. Pamoukian will attend and speak at the medical congress. Speakers to relay latest medical information Dr. Damadian who captured world attention as the inventor of the MRI, is among the distinguished plenary speakers on Friday July 3. He will discuss current MRI innovations. His work also involved collaborating in the development of an MRI-compatible pacemaker. He has won numerous awards, including induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1989. Lord Darzi is one of the world’s leading surgeons at the Imperial College London, where he holds the Hamlyn Chair of Surgery. He specializes in minimally invasive and robot-assisted surgery, and has pioneered many new techniques and technologies. He was awarded a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II for his service to medicine and surgery, and subsequently elevated to the peerage in 2007. He will speak at the congress on healthcare delivery in Great Britain on Thursday, July 2, and on robotic surgery on Friday, July 3. Dr. Akiskal, a noted psychiatrist, is best known for his research on temperamental and bipolar disorder (manic depression). He served as the senior science advisor at the Raymond Damadian, M.D., Recipient of the 2009 AIMBE Honorary Fellow Award. Institute of Mental Health from 1990 to 1994, before going to the University of California San Diego where he currently is a professor of psychiatry. He is regarded as today’s leading conceptual thinker in the area of bipolar subtyping. He is scheduled to speak at a morning symposium on Saturday, July 4. Dr. Pamoukian, a prominent vascular surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, is experienced in all areas of complex endovascular surgery, including thoracic, Ara Darzi, Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham KBE. abdominal aneurysms, as well as carotid, peripheral, and renal stenting. He will be among the speakers in a group discussion on Friday afternoon, July 3, covering various topics on surgical subspecialties. These medical professionals are among the many distinguished doctors, their families, and interested laypeople who will be attending the Armenian Medical World Congress, hosted by the Armenian American Health Professionals Organization (AAHPO), at New York’s Hilton Hotel. Scheduled are plenary sessions on Comparative Health Care Systems, Innovations in Medicine, and symposia on Tele-Medicine, and Diaspora Issues, as well as a Sub- Specialty day on July 1 covering such topics as anesthesia, dentistry, mental health, nursing, ophthalmology, pediatrics, and physical therapy. Notable attendees will include the health ministers of Armenia and Karabagh, the rector of Yerevan State Medical University, the director of the National Medical Library of Armenia, as well as Armenia’s diaspora minister, and cochair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, Rep. Frank Pallone, among many others. In addition to the medical symposia and meetings, the four-day special event will feature a dinner cruise on a luxurious yacht on Thursday, July 2, and a gala banquet in the Hilton Hotel’s main ballroom on July 4 where Lord Darzi, and the father and son humanitarian and Medical Outreach team of Nazar Nazarian and Dr. Levon Nazarian will be honored. Also of great interest will be a bus trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to view a magnificent khachkar on loan from Armenia. f connect: aahpo.org/amwc09 Ambassador Yovanovitch: There are many ways for more Armenian-Americans to get involved with Armenia n Continued from page Talking Turkey AR: The State Department has said – and yesterday Assistant Secretary Gordon reiterated – that Armenian- Turkish relations need to be normalized “without preconditions and within a reasonable timeframe.” Mr. Gordon also said yesterday normalization should not be linked with other issues. I take this to mean the Karabakh issue primarily. I think that’s very important thing that we hadn’t heard explicitly stated before. He also said, “We have seen no flagging of commitment” on the part of either Armenia or Turkey. At the same time, since the middle of April, the prime minister of Turkey has explicitly and unequivocally set a precondition, the same precondition that has existed for the last 16 years, and it’s exactly a link to Karabakh. In other words, what Assistant Secretary Gordon seems to be saying is that the precondition set by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is not consistent with this commitment to getting this done without preconditions and in the earliest possible timeframe. So where does that leave us? Do you have any reason to believe that Turkey will listen to what the United States government is saying, and proceed with working toward the normalization of relations on the terms that the State Department is urging and recommending? MY: I think that as Assistant Secretary Gordon said yesterday, Turkey is committed to doing it. I think it’s the official position of the government of Turkey to go forward with normalization and that it would be independent of any other issue. And that’s true also of the Armenians. I think both sides recognize that this is an important step forward: opening the border, normalizing relations, having free commerce among individuals and groups would be beneficial to Armenia, would be beneficial to Turkey, would be beneficial to the region, economically, politically, and it would also increase the security in the region. And for all of those reasons, I think both countries recognize that this is an important step to take, and are moving, as Assistant Secretary Gordon said yesterday, toward that. Now is this a simple thing to do? It is not. And so I think you see that reflected in some of the statements, and I think that Assistant Secretary Gordon is right: there is no flagging of commitment, we are moving forward. Is Turkey playing for time? AR: There were statements from the American side, the Turkish side, and the Armenian side that in the near future we’ll see new developments. When can we expect new developments, or is Turkey just playing for time? MY: I would just let those statements stand. I think that Turkey is committed to an actual opening of the border and not just the process, not just playing the process as you indicated. And I think, as Assistant Secretary Gordon said, we are moving forward. And we’ll have to wait and see. AR: On the ground, we see that Turkey closed the border in 1993, and since that time Turkey has been saying that we will not open the border until the Karabakh issue is resolved to Azerbaijan’s satisfaction. What is the reason that Turkey would now open the border if the Armenian-Turkish process is not linked with Karabakh? MY: Because it is the right thing to do. AR: So Turks didn’t understand for 16 years that it was the right thing to do, to open the border, or did something change in our region? What is the reason the Turks are now changing their minds and are now ready to open the border and have normal relations with Armenia? MY: Well, I think that’s a question you’ll have to ask the Turkish government, but what I would say is that it’s pretty clear it is the right thing to do, because it will be positive on a political level, positive on U.S. envoy to Armenia will visit Greater Boston, New York, Southern California, and Washington Yerevan – U.S. ambassador to Armenia Marie L. Yovanovitch will meet with members of the Armenian-American community during a visit to Greater Boston, New York, Southern California, and Washington from June 18 to July 1. Ms. Yovanovitch will meet with business leaders, media representatives, civil society representatives, and members of the Armenian religious community to discuss present and future cooperation between the United States and Armenia. At community meetings, open an economic and commercial level, and positive on a security level. So I think what we’ve been seeing is the Turks and the Armenians moving forward toward something that’s in the common good. AR: Do you know whether Secretary Hillary Clinton brought this issue up in her meeting with her Turkish counterpart? MY: She addressed that in her public statement on Friday at the press availability, so I would direct you to those comments. AR: Actually, our Washington editor was there, at the press availability on Friday, and we’ve covered Amb. Yovanovitch to confer with Armenian- Americans June 18-July 1 Amb. Marie Yovanovitch. Photolure. to the public, Ms. Yovanovitch will exchange views on current developments in Armenia, U.S.-Armenia relations, and U.S. foreign policy in Armenia. She will also highlight U.S. government assistance efforts in Armenia. that already. I just wondered if you had anything to add. Finally, can you say something about your experience so far in Armenia? MY: It’s been terrific. I’ve been here eight months and it’s been challenging, it’s been interesting, people have been very warm and welcoming and I’m looking forward to coming to the United States and sharing some of that experience with people in the U.S. and I’m looking forward to my first summer here in Armenia because I hear they’re terrific. AR: They are! Thank you. f Greater Boston Friday, June 19, at 7:00 p.m. Armenian Cultural Foundation 441 Mystic Street, Arlington, Mass. New York Monday, June 22, at 7:00 p.m. Diocese of the Armenian Church Haik and Alice Kavookjian Hall 630 Second Avenue, New York, N.Y. Southern California Thursday, June 25, at 7:30 p.m. Western Diocese of the Armenian Church 3325 N. Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank, Calif. Friday, June 26, at 7:30 p.m. Western Prelacy of the Armenian Church 6252 Honolulu Avenue, La Crescenta, Calif. Washington Tuesday, June 30, at 12:30 p.m. Library of Congress, Mumford Room 1st Street SE, Washington, D.C. f
The Armenian Reporter | June 13, 2009 5 National agbu given “exceptional” rating by watchdog NEW YORK – The world’s largest Armenian nonprofit organization, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (agbu), received a four-star rating – the highest allotted – for sound fiscal management from charity watchdog Charity Navigator (http://www.charitynavigator. org/). agbu, whose overall score was based on its short-term spending practices and long-term sustainability, ranked above a number of leading nonprofits, including the American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, Amnesty International, and the Smithsonian Institution. Charity Navigator explains that its four-star rating denotes that the organization “exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in its Cause.” In a letter of acknowledgment for agbu’s achievement, Ken Berger, president and chief executive officer of Charity Navigator, wrote, “We are proud to announce Armenian General Benevolent Union has earned our 4-star rating for its ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances.... This ‘exceptional’ designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Armenian General Benevolent Union from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.” Founded in 2001, Charity Navigator is the nation’s largest and most-utilized evaluator of over agbu “exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in its Cause,” says Charity Navigator. 5,000 of America’s best-known charities. Their rating system examines two broad areas of a charity’s financial health – how responsibly it functions day to day, and how well positioned it is to sustain its programs over time. Each charity is then awarded an overall rating, ranging from zero to four stars. The organization does not charge charities that are evaluated and provides its service free of charge to the public. Established in 1906, agbu (agbu. org) is the world’s largest nonprofit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City, agbu preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs, annually touching the lives of some 400,000 Armenians on five continents. alma offers student internships this summer and fall WATERTOWN, Mass. – As the largest Armenian museum outside Armenia, the Armenian Library and Museum of America (alma) offers many unique internships opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students looking to build their careers with hands-on experience in their field of study. This summer and fall, alma is accepting curatorial assistant, public relations, and Web development interns to execute a variety of exciting projects under the direction of alma’s curators and professional staff. Curatorial assistants will have the chance to execute a range of activities related to preparing temporary exhibitions and permanent exhibits. Interns will be responsible for preparing correspondence related to incoming exhibition proposals, assisting with the preparation of exhibition texts, and researching artists and incoming artifacts. Occasionally, interns will also type general correspondence, prepare purchase orders, record incoming acquisitions, send acknowledgements for donations and gifts, and organize exhibit materials. Public relations interns will assist the public relations department with projects that increase alma’s visibility in the public eye and create buzz about upcoming programs and exhibits. Under the direction of alma’s professional staff, interns will write calendar listings, maintain press clippings, track editorial calendars, prepare press materials, draft copy for alma publications, execute promotional mailings, assist with event planning, and help with other related office duties. (Some evening and weekend work may be required.) Web development interns will work to enhance the Museum and Library’s online presence. Web development interns are responsible for maintaining alma’s website, The Armenian Library and Museum of America. developing online videos and uploading virtual exhibits, and ensuring online content is accurate and up-to-date. Web development interns will also have the opportunity to design appealing banners and graphics for the website. This multidisciplinary position requires proficiency in Dreamweaver, html and Adobe Photoshop. All internships offer either college credit or a stipend and are designed to help fulfill interns’ professional and educational goals as well as the needs of the museum and library. Interns must be able to work 20 hours a week for eight weeks. Qualified applicants are enthusiastic undergraduate and graduate students with either a background in art history, anthropology, museum or library science, communications, public relations, web design and/or are interested in Armenian history and culture. Applicants should possess strong communication skills, be highly organized, have a proactive attitude and be able to work in a deadline driven environment. connect: christie@almainc.org 1-617-926-2562, ext. 4 Reporter.web.review 1.0 Before launching what I hope will become a new regular Armenian Reporter feature, just a few general thoughts on the subject of the Internet. It has become a cliché to say that the popularization of online technologies has fundamentally altered our lives. This change over the last 20 years has affected the way individuals worldwide communicate with one another, entertain themselves, consume news, and, increasingly, trade goods and do work. The generation gap is slowly disappearing. There are some weeks when I exchange more e-mails than phone calls (regular or over the Internet) even with my parents, who are relatively new Internet users. My family is more likely to see photos or videos of their grandchildren online rather than in print or on disc. And you are more likely to read these words on your computer screen than on a printed page. From 2000 to 2008, the number of Internet users more than quadrupled from 361 million to 1.6 billion out of an estimated global population of 6.7 billion people. This is nearly every fourth person the world. With ready Internet access on most new telephones and improved and in- i n expensive cellular connections, it is likely that world’s entire population will have online access in the next decade. This new organization of humanity into personal e-mails, websites, blogs, and Facebook, Tweeter, and YouTube accounts can seem cacophonous, dizzying, and often distracting. Certainly, this new array of media is becoming an evermore significant challenge for traditional media, whose readers, listeners, and viewers have migrated to the web in droves. But it has also provided mass media with unique new opportunities. One is to study people’s preferences and attitudes with an ease and accuracy that is unprecedented. By simply checking Internet monitoring traffic sites, one can learn how this newspaper’s readership changes month-to-month and even how popular this article is compared to others. This web.review is intended to cast a look on what we and our readers believe are the more important trends in human relations as reflected online. Since our newspaper’s determined focus is on things Armenian, this inaugural review will take advantage of the aforementioned measuring tools to look Armenian armored cavalry in Total War computer game. Sirusho Harutyunian who this week wedded Levon Kocharian, the younger son of the ex-president. Eurovision TV photo. at what the world’s most popular Internet gateways – places where most of humanity find what they are looking for on nearly every subject – have to offer on the subject of Armenians. Or, in effect, what it means to be Armenian in the world today. According to the regularly updated Alexa. com, the five most popular websites worldwide are Google, Yahoo, You- Tube (also owned by Wikipedia logo. Logo for Armenia group on facebook. Google), Facebook, and Microsoft’s Live (most recently branded as Bing). When searching for “Armenian” (or most other terms) on Google, Yahoo, or Live one is invariably directed to relevant entries in Wikipedia, a collaborative user-created encyclopedia that anyone can edit and which itself is the seventh-most-visited website in the world. In recent years, Wikipedia has trumped all other established reference sources. Today, having a well-written and updated reference page on Wikipedia is often more important than having one’s own website. Wikipedia’s “Armenia” page is “semi-protected,” meaning that only registered users can edit its content which – a result of more than five years of updates by volunteers – on first glance appears comprehensive and accurate. On YouTube, entertainment videos rule. And it is Sirusho who continues to represent Armenians after performing in the Eurovision song contest last year. Three separate videos of Sirusho’s “Qele, qele” have been viewed more than a million times each. No other video on an Armenian subject comes close. This year’s Eurovision contestants Inga & Anush with “Jan, jan,” a video that has been online only three months (as opposed to Sirusho’s more than a year), are a distant second with over half a million views. Oddly enough, when sorted by “Relevance” the most popular Armenian-themed video is a re-play from a computer game “Total war” pitting forces of Rome, Armenia and other ancient states. As it turns out, Armenia is the foe to beat in that game with an especially tough armored cavalry known as cataphract. Even stranger are the second and third “relevant” entries. They are, respectively, a talking parrot and a Chinese student from Beijing University practicing their Armenianlanguage skills. Finally, what do Armenians concern themselves with on Facebook? If one is to judge by most popular groups, it is seeking to “Recognize the Armenian Genocide.” A group by that name launched by several Armenian-American students had more than 32,000 members as of this week. An apparently rival “Armenian genocide? Bull****!!” group created by a lone Turkish activist has grown to more than 23,000 members. Meantime, a group set up by several dozen individuals affiliated with a number of Turkish universities “Armenian genocide? Bull****!” (note just one exclamation sign) has 8,300 members (with at least some overlap in membership likely). The second most popular Armenian group “Armenia,” also started in the United States, has just over 3,800 members and it too seeks to highlight the Armenian Genocide recognition campaign. To sum up, Armenia’s Eurovision contestants, echoes of the campaign for and against Armenian-Genocide recognition, and little-known volunteers behind Wikipedia’s Armenian entries are the three most influential elements shaping the Armenian image online. —Emil.Sanamyan@reporter.am For links, go to reporter.am
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