Thank you to www.peymanmeli.org for image.

If you are on Twitter, set your location to Tehran and your time zone to GMT +3.30.

Security forces in Iran are hunting for bloggers using location/timezone searches.

The more people at this location, the more of a logjam it creates for forces trying to shut down Iranians’ access to the internet.

Please pass on.

FYI :  Blogger M. Baseley says “Actually, changing the time zone has no effect, since the only person who sees the time zone is the account holder. Not sure what effect changing your location has, though.”

Their next major event will be an evening with Ruan Zongze, the Minister Counselor of the political department of the Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC.  Mr. Ruan’s topic is "China-U.S. Relations in an Emerging New World Economy."   The UNLV Institute for Security Studies is co-sponsor for the dinner at the Pinot Brasserie, Venetian Hotel. 

Both Members and non-members are invited to attend Friday May 29 from 6pm-9pm.  The cost is $50 pp, paid with cash or check at the door, and includes a 3 course dinner.  The no-host cash bar and social reception are from 6pm-7pm, with dinner starting at 7pm. Mr. Ruan will speak and allow time for questions.

Email: bsturmnv@gmail.com for this great opportunity to meet the Minister Counselor of China, Ruan Zongze.

Regular meetings of the WAC are held on the second Wednesday each month, 6:30p-8:00p, at venues alternating between the eastside and the westside.  There is a nominal charge (usually $20 pp) which may include a wine tasting or appetizers, depending on the locale. 

The monthly meetings revolve around specific discussion topics such as "Peace in Peril: The Indian sub-continent – Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and the U.S."  The discussions are lead by a moderator with active group participation in the form of questions, comments and friendly debate.

The merger of the WAC and NCFR makes sense. Both have the same mission – to provide a forum for globally-thinking Las Vegans to meet, to be informed by national and international figures, and to discuss international events, especially the direction or misdirection of American foreign policy.

Las Vegas has a bad reputation for low intellectualism, probably not undeserved.  This group demonstrates that there are people here who think – and think about a world beyond work, daily life and the Strip. If you are looking to meet other people interested in the complex and intriguing U.S. role in global politics, this is the group for you.

Email bsturmnv@gmail.com for more information and be placed on the email list.

For more on Ruan Zongze, visit http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/people3/Ruan/ruan-con0.html

For more on the World Affairs Council visit http://www.worldaffairscouncils.org/main/index.cfm?Category=Main&Section=Main

Related posts:  The Law in Russia and Las Vegas, US-China Military Relations, LVWAC International Educator of the Year, Future of the Space Program Dinner, Terry McCauliffe, Hillary and the LV World Affairs Council, The Lost Boys of Sudan

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The program itself is hosted by Senior US District Court Judge Lloyd George, who has hosted many delegations of Eastern European judges here in Las Vegas.

Venue is the Petrus Room at Wynn Las Vegas. Registration and networking starts at 11:30 am with lunch and speaking event from noon to 1pm. Cost is $40 members/$50 non-members/$20 students and includes lunch. Public welcome and encouraged to attend. For more info, go to the LVWAC website lvwac.org.

Note: I attended the luncheon last year with the Ukranian judges. It was my first LVWAC function and I was hooked! What a fascinating group of people and level of discussion. If you have a world view that extends beyond the city limits of this town and hunger to interact with others with similar perspective, check out this dynamic group with wide interests and global experience. But don’t be intimidated – an interest in national politics, international affairs and the wide world are all that are required to participate and enjoy.

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Oct 26 – 8 pm – Denyce Graves, Mezzo-Soprano
Nov 27 – 8pm – Yefim Bronfman, Pianist
Jan 23 – 8 pm – Itzhak Perlman, Violinist
Feb 14 – 8 pm – St. Petersburg State Ballet Theatre (Giselle)
Mar 01 – 8 pm – Band of the Coldstream Guards and The Pipes, Drums, and Dancers of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
Mar 12 – 8pm – The State Symphony Orchestra of Mexico
May 02 – 8 pm – Zukerman ChamberPlayers

For tickets and more info: Call the UNLV Performing Arts Box Office 702-895-2787 or go to pac.unlv.edu.

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You’ll get an 5 course French gourmet dinner and glass of wine for $49.50 pp + tax & tip. You definitely need to make reservations as this is a dynamite line-up with some very popular talent. The doors open at 6pm, dinner is served at 7pm and the show starts at 8:30 pm. Reserve at 702-227-4575 Josette’s Bistro 4983 W. Flamingo Rd (west of Decatur) Las Vegas NV. www.josettesbistro.com

Don’t forget the every Saturday Dinner Cabaret with Kiki Kalor.

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Oct 18 6:30 – “El Norte” (1983) USA. Oscar nominated film on the plight of Mayan Indians in Guatemala and as illegals in LA.

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Oct 13 – 8pm – Paul Taylor Dance Company
Oct 20 – 8pm – The Broadway Divas
Nov 08 – 8pm – Tango Buenos Aires
Jan 20 – 8pm – Monterey Jazz Festival 50th Anniversary Tour
Feb 02 – 8pm – Christine Ebersole
Feb 23 – 8 pm – An Evening of Words and Music with Anthony Rapp

For tickets and more info: Call the UNLV Performing Arts Box Office 702-895-2787 or go to pac.unlv.edu.

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Schedule for the Festival:
Sat Sep 15 11a-midnite
Sun Sep 16 11a-11p

The location is in the shopping center next to Target and Sears on Flamingo Rd, off the 215. Go west on Flamingo, then turn left on Grand Canyon Dr. Free parking.

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Sun Sep 09 – Haka Tori – New Zealand Maori Dance

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Aug 07: “Made in USA” (2006) A girl who lives in an isolated village in Peru has her life changed by a visiting geologist. In Spanish with English subtitles.

Aug 14: “The Bothersome Man” (2006) A man is trapped in a strange city. In Norwegian with English subtitles.

Aug 21: “Mother of Mine” (2006) During World War II, a Finnish child is sent to live in Sweden. He is unhappy and confused. In Finnish and Swedish with English subtitles.

Aug 28: “Viva Cuba” (2007) The friendship between two children is threatened by their parents. In Spanish with English subtitles.

Related Free Epic Films @ Library

Sun Aug 19 – Middle Easter Music
Sun Oct 21 – Bongomania - the Afro-Caribbean Jazz and Rhythms Band

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If you want to view videos, go to livearth.msn.com

A global environmental musical event called “Live Earth” took place 7-7-7. Let’s hope it’s true that today is the luckiest day in a thousand years cause the planet could use some help. Stars performed at nine concerts around the world to raise awareness of the environmental trends which portend massive climate change for the third rock from the sun that we call home.

Ex-Vice-President Al Gore, who quipped that he is “ex-next President of the United States” stated that this was the greenest event of its kind, ever.” For more details on the event, log onto liveearth.org. Gore, co-founder of Live Earth, has also turned filmmaker with his 2007 Academy award-winning film on global warming titled “An Inconvenient Truth.” For more on the film see climatecrisis.net, imdb.com.

Venues for the concerts were: New Jersey, Washington DC, London, Johannesburg, Shanghai, Tokyo, Sydney, and Hamburg – with a mini-concert with scientist performers in Antarctica, making it a musical/environmental event spanning all 7 continents.

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Event tickets for $20/$30 can be purchased for Jul 20 & Jul 21 @ 7pm at UNLV Box Office 702-729-3267 or go online to unlvtickets.com.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway 702-644-4444 lvms.com 7000 Las Vegas Blvd N Las Vegas NV.

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The summer solstice is highly celebrated in the northern countries of Europe with bonfires and parties over all the lands. No tradition for that here in the US, whether from the Puritan influence or just too many different people from too many different places. The custom never seemed to catch on. Too bad. I had a fabulous time both in Cornwall with the lighting of bonfires on every hilltop, and in Denmark where you take to the sea and sail along the coast to see the hundreds of bonfires and revelers celebrating this ancient rite.

Related Full Moon Festivities

“I Don’t Want to Sleep Alone” is set in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and directed by Tsai Ming-Liang. I must give this a mixed review in that the story of a mattress, two men and two women and the noisy, sweaty, gritty backstreets of Kuala Lumpur is intriguing to a point. But it shifts abruptly and uncomfortably at the end of the film from stark realism to misty surrealism. Acting is suberb. As a speedy Westerner you find yourself slowly winding down to the pace of the sultry tropics. Others might find the realism appealing, but personally, I don’t enjoy watching a film that focuses so much on bodily functions. Original version with English subtitles.

“Viva” by Director Anna Biller (who also starred) was set in the swinging 70’s when nudism and free love were synonomous with California. Once you get past the fun part of totally 70’s decor, dress and all the kitsch of the era, the film is just plain silly. Billed as a tribute to vintage sexploitation films, I felt a bit exploited as audience. Cast and Director present for Q&A. American.

The Festival is also introducing “La Proxima Ola” (The Next Wave), films by the new cinema mexicana which hold promise for a fascinating surrealist expression particular to the Spanish mind. Some of the films were more successful than others, all have been technically excellent with a remarkable authenticity both in acting and art direction.

“Once Upon a Time Maria” (Eros Una Vez Maria) is by first time feature film director Jesus Magana Vazquez. It is a stream of consciousness erotic saga that moves from fragmented memories of the various (and many) Marias of the protagonist’s life. Replete with sexual content and interesting score of original jazz and electronic music, the film is shot sometimes in black and white, otherwise in muted palette, sometimes with digital and sometimes 16 mm film. Jesus is obviously experimenting. The director was on hand for Q&A; he charmingly admitted that the film has no message and that filmmaking for him at this stage is a “game.” Spanish with English subtitles.

“Morirse En Domingo“’s (English title “Never on Sunday“) should really be “To Die on a Sunday” or more aptly “Never Die on a Sunday.” This is director Daniel Gruener’s second film, the first ten long years ago was a Mexican horror film “Sobrenatural.” This time round Gruener tackles an unbelievable tale of the death of a beloved familiy member and the odyssey of his body and his nephew as they are caught in one intrigue following another – all the more arresting because it is based on a true story. This film codifies that truth is indeed stranger than fiction. If you have firsthand experience with Mexico you’ll even more appreciate the inside look at the underbelly of Mexican life with its flawed and complex textures. Gruener is a master of tension and mixes just enough surrealism to give the film that special Latin flavor. Cinematography, musical score and acting are superb. Gruener was also on hand for Q&A. Spanish with English subtitles.

I don’t want to say that I have left the best for last, because I thoroughly enjoyed Gruener’s film. But “Malos Habitos” or “Bad Habits” by director Simon Brass was such a visual delight and so exquisitely produced that it remains my favorite so far. The entwined tales of women with eating disorders is set in another Mexico from Gruener – this is the Mexico of privilege beside the Mexico of fervent Catholicism. Food is a tool, a symbol of weakness, of power, of pleasure. Brass comes from a background of directing commercials and he has all the requisite skill to produce breaktaking dream-visions which combine the baroque palette of Velaquez with the imagery of surrealists like Dali. He has assembled a wonderful cast of natural actors who lead us most convincingly (including extreme weight loss and gain) along their excruciating journeys. Brass was also available for a Q&A session after the film. Spanish with English subtitles.

This is a taste of high calibre film coming from our southern neighbors. The directors exhibit a remarkable ability to combine grittiness with humor, pathos with eros while telling a good story with finely-drawn characters of great believability. Despite the melodramatic cirumstances of complicated lives, our glimpes into the bottomless depths are achieved by subtle and often brief dialogues, only rarely punctuated by intense emotional outburst. I am left with a hunger for more.

Dates of festival: Jun 06-Jun 16. Showtimes vary. My calendar in the left column indicates only the first screening of each day. Tickets are $10 per screening, with passes ranging from $100-$525. For more info call 702-507-4849 (Theatre Box Office) or 888-883-4278 or visit cinevegas.com. Venue for most screenings is the Brenden Theatres at the Palms 4321 W Flamingo Rd Las Vegas NV.

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In between you fill the days with an eclectic mix of tantalizing selections from the powerful Mexican cinema industry, – some fascinating documentaries including “Mr Untouchable” of the Harlem drug trade of the 70’s and “The Devil Came On Horseback” witnessing the genocide in Darfur, – throw in World Premieres such as “All God’s Children Can Dance,” an English-language version of a Murakami short story, – enhance with British and Hollywood comedies – and still the varied selection is far from complete. Student filmmakers have a chance to display their promise with Short Films UNLV and Short Films CCSN.

Complement the mix with Mike Newell’s receipt of the Vanguard Director Award, Jerry Weintraub’s Vanguard Producer Award, Charlize Theron’s Half-Life Award – and a reprise of David Lynch’s 1986 “Blue Velvet” and you begin to sense the scope of the selection.

Dates of festival: Jun 06-Jun 16. Showtimes vary. My calendar indicates only the first screening of each day. Tickets are $10 per screening, with passes ranging from $100-$525. For more info call 702-507-4849 (Theatre Box Office) or 888-883-4278 or visit cinevegas.com. Venue for most screenings is the Brenden Theatres at the Palms 4321 W Flamingo Rd Las Vegas NV.

Related Free Films for Family and Adults

There are three packages for tickets:
All-Event price – admittance to every session both days
Single Day All-Session price – admittance to all sessions one of two days
Single Session price – one session

There are also three seating options: Gold, Silver and Bronze. The Gold seats are reserved for All-Event tickets. Ticket prices on the website range from $30-$160. For seating chart, available tickets, driving directions, parking etc. see unlvtickets.com.

What is the difference between Greco-Roman and freestyle? In Greco-Roman it is “forbidden to hold the opponent below the belt, to make trips, and to actively use the legs in the execution of any action.” Freestyle wrestling “allows the contestants to hold the legs of the opponent, to make trips and to use actively legs on the execution of any action.”

Where is Baku? Azerbaijan is part of the old Soviet Union, a fascinating corner of the world on the Caspian Sea in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. Close to Turkey, Iraq and across the Caspian from Iran, it was one of the first areas of the world to exploit its oil resources. Known as a crossroad of cultures, there was historically a generous mix of Orthodox Christians, Eastern Catholics, Armenian Christians and Muslims.

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You have one more opportunity to meet with him and share the experience of his teachings:

Fri May 18 7p-9p. The Tibetan Art of Lucid Dreaming. “The sleep state is an occasion to travel to the paradise of awakening, contact subline beings, and unfold the true heart of compassion.” Lohan School of Shaolin 3850 Schiff Dr Las Vegas NV.

Sat May 19 4p-6p. Living in the Heart: The Way of Awakening. “Techniques that we can use everyday and every moment to touch our loving and compassionate heart.” Sahara West Library 9600 W. Sahara Ave Las Vegas NV.

Sun May 20 2p-4p. Communion with Mystical Consciousness. “If one can contact that truth (of the heart), one communies with our eternally blissful nature.” Lohan School of Shaolin 3850 Schiff Dr. Las Vegas NV.

Donation of $10, but no one turned away for lack of funds. For more info call Betzi 702-219-1191. www.compassionfellowship.org.

The two-hour season finale is Mon May 21, the event is 7:30p-11p. If you are lover of “24” like me, you’ll want to share the fun. The cost is $20 members/$30 non-members. All “24″ fans are welcome to attend. www.lvwac.org Four Seasons Hotel 3960 Las Vegas Blvd So Las Vegas NV

Don’t mess with Jack Bauer!

Related LV World Affairs Council Int’l Trivia, Int’l Educator of the Year Awards

Against the Stream

On Sat May 19 1:30pm-4pm Levine will lead meditation. Considered a Spiritual Revolutionary, he is based in Los Angeles where he effects social change by teaching, writing and counseling, including work with juvenile halls and prisons. He has studied both Theravada and Mahayanan Buddhist traditions. Fee $30.

Call 702-798-YOGA (9642), email info@itsyogalasvegas.net or check out excellent website itsyogalasvegas.net. It’s Yoga Las Vegas 4634 So. Maryland Pkwy #101 Las Vegas NV.

Related Spiritual Skydiving (Kriya yoga)

California took the most medals with 25, Wisconsin 14, Colorado 12, Washington State 12, Oregon 11 and Illinois 10. Nevada won 4 medals which is not bad considering brewing not something we’re known for. The winners for NV are:

Big Dog’s Brewing Co. (Las Vegas) Gold Medal Red Hydrant Ale Style: English-Style Brown Ale

Brew Brothers Brewery (El Dorado Hotel – Reno) Gold Medal Redhead Amber Ale Style: German-Style Brown Ale / D???sseldorf-Style Altbier
Brew Brothers Brewery (El Dorado Hotel – Reno) Bronze Medal Brew Brothers Barleywine Style: Barley Wine-Style Ale

Chicago Brewing Co. (Las Vegas) Gold Medal C.B.C. Belgian-Style Dubbel Style: Belgian-Style Dubbel

If you are going to Lee’s Beer Experience Sat May 12, you might want to check out the 2006 Winners spreadsheet to see if any of the World Cup winners are represented. The 100 hand-crafted beer tasting event is for USA breweries only. Look for more info on the 2008 competition as well as the 2006 Winners Spreadsheet (.xls 58k) @ beertown.org

What is the World Beer Cup? A panel of beer judges honor the top three beers in 81 beer style categories with gold, silver and bronze awards. It is known as “The Olympics of Beer Competitions” because it’s one of few international beer competitions awarding one gold, silver and bronze in each category.

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Admission is Free. For more info call 702-794-0090 or go to jccsn.org. The Venetian Resort, Palazzo Ballroom, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd So Las Vegas NV.

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Our family favorite is the mashed sweet potatoes flavored with cinnamon and a perfect accompaniment to the grilled Tilapia, Chicken Kabobs or West Indies Ribs. For dessert I recommend Bananas Supreme or Rebecca’s Key Lime Pie. I fancy myself somewhat of a connoisseur of key lime pie and have driven from Miami to Key West on a sampling mission. To my surprise, the version at Bahama Breeze competes with anything I had in Florida.

It’s a chain restaurant, which I usually like to avoid. But there are exceptions to every rule and I hold with the theory that the more choice, the more fun. Open til midnite weeknights and 1:00 am Fri & Sat. Bahama Breeze 702-731-3252 375 Hughes Center Drive Las Vegas NV (@ E. Flamingo) bahamabreeze.com

The Town Hall Meeting starts at 7:00 pm and includes dinner at the Four Seasons. In cooperation with the National Committee on US-China Relations and their National China Town Hall Day, the event is hosted by the LVWAC who will lead a discussion of the present and anticipated military relationship between China and the US. Cost is $50 members/$75 non-members. All interested parties welcome; membership not required. Pre-Registration appreciated www.lvwac.org. Venue is Little Macau Restaurant 3939 Spring Mountain Rd Las Vegas NV.

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Jun 05 – “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown” (1988) Spanish actress loses her lover for another woman. Spanish with English subtitles.

Jun 12 – “Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!” (1990) Mental patient stalks and kidnaps an ex-porn star. Spanish with English subtitles.

Jun 19 – “The Flower of My Secret” (1995) Romance novelist wants to get serious. Spanish with English subtitles.

Jun 26 – “Live Flesh” (1998) Five peoples lives are entwined in romance, freindship and rivalry. Spanish with English subtitles.

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First, you can’t beat the view. Perched up above the Strip at just the right height, you have magical vistas of casino lights north and south with the glorious fountains of the Bellagio at your feet. There are few views in Vegas better than this.

Couple that with excellent French cuisine and impeccable personal service and you are in for a memorable evening. It is pricey, but not that bad considering other places around town. Final tab depends on cocktails and what wine you select. You could get out for $100 pp, if cautious with the alcohol. But this is not a place to go to count pennies.

Reminiscent of the world-famous Jules Verne Restaurant in the original Eiffel Tower in Paris – France, that is – this is a setting for dreams and memories.

If you’re not ready for the full ticket, just go for a drink in the bar. If you do eat – do not miss the Grand Marnier or chocolate souffle with vanilla sauce. Now this is what dreams are made of!

Reservations required. Call 702-948-6937 or online www.eiffeltowerrestaurant.com. Paris Hotel 3655 Las Vegas Blvd So. Las Vegas NV

Related Prato Haggadah at LV Art Museum