Issue closed

Any possible trip to New York was officially a closed issue today as I received an e-mail rejecting the proposed trip. One of my fellow correspondents working in Tehran for another organization is going and of course I feel let down, but being employed by a media corps, I have no choice but to back down.
There's one thing I can do and that is to believe this outcome was a preface to a much better route for success that I would be glad I didn't go. I might find out a year later when I decide to go for the next one where there could be a historical event which seems very unlikely this year!

PS
This year all the spotlight will be on this person... at least in Japan...

he's on the headlines of Iranian media too!

Still no enthusiasm...

The lingering languidness continued on throughout the day and it was probably the same for all my staff as they all finished work at regular hours and I was alone at 5PM. My wife went out to enjoy tennis and I was left alone at the office. I had no enthusiasm for work and just waited for my wife to return... The day went past quickly and I thought it was a waste... Well, too bad... how can I motivate myself when there isn't anything I really want to do here!

PS
At least my wife tried to motivate me by fixing a meal that waters my mouth...

curry rice... my favorite!

About me... after eight years...

It's already eight years from the day that changed the world. On that day, I was covering the typhoon that hit Japan at the press club of the Meteorological Agency in Tokyo and was shocked to see live on our news channel, the pictures of the twin towers being hit by passenger planes. The world changed drastically, and though I was able to cover the news going to New York shortly after the breaking news, but I was rather satisfied with the course of my career I had chosen to continue on domestically. There were so many things to learn to be a pertinent reporter, looking for news that I wanted to report on.
After eight years, I'm not satisfied at all with my position and writing about dark and sad news about things that have no vision of happiness is so discouraging. After the news that changed the world eight years ago, I think many pieces of news are discouraging, and only a firm sense of mission or ambitions of being on the center of attention could make the correspondents continue their tasks of covering such discouraging news. I lack both characteristics and my mission still is to cover pieces of news which would not get any attention if I had not bothered to do so. That's what I think we should try to put our efforts into and being a correspondent here, I feel I'm going further away from my mission...

Wanting to finish...

It was a Thursday, and I wanted to finish as soon as possible... I just didn't want to work! There's no way I can do sabotage and I didn't want any wicked phone calls from Tokyo, so I decided to stay in my office till at least 7PM... much later than my staff who all left by 3PM. It's still paradise for me to finish by 7PM and return home. With things getting tighter with the international issues and still having dark clouds covering the domestic issues, it's so stressful to be watching the news channel and reading articles written by agencies. Staying away from them is the best way to soothe my withered body after a week at work. From next week, it's going to get worse. I'm already looking forward to leave this city as soon as possible, but I don't know when that would be... not soon I guess...

Miscalculation lead to misfortune...

I was thinking, or rather hoping that the proposal will be handed to the parties concerned early... at least while the sun is still high... but sadly it was much later than 6PM. I was invited to a dinner party starting at 6:30PM, but I had to write the story and then wait for the editor in Tokyo to publish it which took until 9PM... I finally reached the venue of the party at 9:30 and we only stayed there for an hour and a half... When I happily accepted the invitation two weeks ago, I had no idea there would something like this today! If it were yesterday, I had no problem! Miscalculations lead to misfortunes... boo...

PS
Another fatal mistake...

I didn't realize I placed the pen in my pocket without putting the cap on the right place...

Receiving orders...

Once again, after receiving orders, I decided to write about something I really don't care about. I can't blame anyone, because it was coming from my weakness that I asked for advice and since I did ask... there was no way but to follow the advice...
I'm not a confident correspondent, as many decisions I made were not correct and I really hope someone who would be confident enough to take over my position would stand up and raise his or her voice. I'd happily recommend to take the post!
Though my motivation is at the lowest level, I have to commit myself to accomplish the required work. It's my fault I didn't say I don't want to be here, but who would have known it's one of the worst spots to work as a correspondent!?

Back to the most important issue...

I was caught up so much with the domestic issues of this country obviously because the main topics of this year was the 30th Anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in February and the Presidential Election of June and its irreversible aftermaths. I was working on the most important issue for several days and then today there was a small development here in Iran just before a meeting that will be held in Germany tomorrow.
The most important issue is of course the future of nuclear talks between Iran and the West and this will be the main theme for the coming months. If I would be able to spend the rest of my mission here smiling or grumpy will all depend what will happen from now on.

Out in the cold

Clouds were surrounding the city... predicting a rough day coming up!


It was an important day for politics in this country as the deliberations of the President's choice for his cabinet started in the Parliament. But for the international community, the more influential issue is the historical event taking place in my native country. The opposition is calling it a "revolution" and surely with the reports coming in, the expression fits perfectly.
Sadly, I'm left out in the cold this time from this decisive election for the future of my country. I remember I voted for the opposition last time though the government side had won it in a landslide. This time I wasn't even able to vote as I didn't hand in the necessary papers to be registered. Looking at the news that the opposition has won more 300 seats in the lower house completing its "revolution", I should have been dancing around, but it's makes me more sad that I couldn't participate in the coverage of such an exciting event.


it was news for the Iranian media too!
(from Press TV)

(7PM news on IRIB Channel 1)


watching internet sights along with JSTV broadcasting the special coverage from Tokyo...

Anyways, the true battle has not ended today, it's actually going to be a rough ride for the new government, as there are so many inexperienced people on the roster and incompetence will not be an excuse to handle grave issues in the middle of an economic turmoil and major decisions in foreign policy coming up. I'm sure they're not treading in air at this early stage, but they must realize they're walking on a very rough minefield. The laid mines are the same element that has taken them to power... the people... they will be watching very carefully... if the expectations are not fulfilled, the people... with the help of the media... will crush this victory, just like they have done with LDP's last landslide victory only four years ago!

Running out of time...

The "West" is heightening its pressure as the summer passes by as the deadline for talks is set for September. I also am running out of time as I have to make a decision whether I should go to New York like last year to cover the executive leader of this nation to make his fifth visit. The round trip to New York is quite costly and the hotel prices in Manhattan is incredibly high, with prices like $250 a night! I was very lucky last year I was able to file some reports thought there weren't so much attention for the defiant, but I was lucky that not much correspondents cared to attend. But this year the picture is completely different as the G20 Summit will be held in Pittsburgh at the same time frame and many other countries are catching attention these few months. The flu uprise is another issue that would catch attention especially when it is said the second wave would start any time. Would I be able to make any stories that would make my costs redeemable? Just like the nuclear issue, I'm running out of time to make the decision!

PS
Something that is supporting me recently...

some manga books my wife rented from her friend! Time flies by when I'm reading these... uh-oh! it's already 7:30!

Going slow...

I can't produce... My work is slowing down and I couldn't make out any story I can sell to Tokyo. Maybe I'm in a slump. Or perhaps everything's in summer vacation recession. I told my wife I'm not being productive and sooner or later, I'll get the slap from my bosses. She just smiles and says why not take it easy when you can!? When you're busy you won't get that luxury at all!
She's right. Okay, I'll take it easy and go slow... Maybe it's the only time of the Iranian year except the Norouz time that I can...

At night, we watched a Persian-Japanese joint film, "Hafez" (Japanese title: "Hafez, Persia no Uta" http://www.bitters.co.jp/hafez/) together.

it was a very difficult film to understand with a complex plot... at least I was able to see completely different aspects of this nation full of varieties...

Ramazan in midsummer!

Ramazan (Ramadan) time has arrived in the Islamic countries! I'm not a Muslim, so I do not intend to fast, but I want to at least show some appreciation by not drinking in front of my staff who are fasting.
I had some regrets when I found out how tough it is not to drink anything in midsummer though we have airconditioning! It would be even tougher when we have to go outside to cover something! I hope we wouldn't have a major press conference for a while!

Today, unexpectedly, we had some flowers sent to us! Wow! Our neighbor gave us these to show her gratitude as we had let her maid stay in our living room yesterday... Oh, we just wanted to help a neighbor and we felt a bit overthanked, but being awarded with flowers feels nice in any circumstanes!


a beautiful flower sent to my wife!

A big difference?

In Japan, the election starts, in which they say a change in the power structure is evident more than a week before the voting. What if the opposition doesn't win? In our country, it's almost impossible to carry out a fraud, but who knows what could happen in the voting behaviors of my fellow countrymen and women. It will be a very crucial 12 days for my country. I'm a little distressed that I can't participate in this historical election, but I'm too far away from home... I'll just have to watch as a spectator!

General election in Farsi...

entikhabat-i omumi...

Not convinced...

I can't make a decision. Should I say no just because it will cost us a lot!? I know I have a limited budget and looking only at the price, I only can say no... I really don't like making decisions only because I don't have the money. But right now, any media is forced to cut down on expenses and we're no exception. I'd even use my own money if I had to. If that would be a good experience for us, why should I hesitate?
This is only a soliloquy. I already know the answer, but as always, I just can't convince my mind to shut up!

PS
It was quite a "Japanese" day!

having a "Wafu" dinner...

and a Japanese snack!
(we bought this at the Japanese food in San Jose! my wife's favorite!)

Under pressure...

Working as a correspondent, I always feel the invisible pressure... The western media always write everything... especially if it's threatening to the West... obviously. And the existence of this nation is already a threat to them... so they write everything! I always receive these wired news and I have to make a decision to write about the same topic or not even before I get the first hand information myself.
Please be reminded that we're not a "western" medium! Why do I have to be intimidated if I don't write about stories that they write! If I'm going to continue my job, I would love to go to Asia, but everyday I'm losing my motivation. I'd rather completely quit what I'm doing and go to the United States, but visiting my hometown last week, I'm fully aware that it's not easy to earn a living in that country.
So for now, all I can do is go on feeling the pressure and hope for the best, that someday I would be able to take a job I would love to engage in!

PS

we shared our Japanese souvenirs with my staff... they're all tasty!
thanks Mom and Dad!


and with some magic liquid, I had my favorite snack at night!

Thinking about the near future...

I have to admit the recent series of events is boring to cover. I have to think about the near future and plan ahead. I really have no confidence about what could happen from now on, even about tomorrow, but I just have to plan for it.
To be honest, I don't know how I can cover them, but there would be many events coming up, domestic and international, and I have no confidence in making the necessary arrangements for a sensible and worthwhile coverage.
Well, I'll try my best!


a nice dinner prepared by my wife... sushi rolls!

preparing a DVD... copying the tape of my sister's wedding!

Truly blue...

It was peaceful today, but a story written by a rival agency dropped me into the bottomless pit... It wasn't a bad day till the report came in, but maybe because I was a loafer today, it was a punishment from Heaven... I had to spend the rest of the day feeling truly blue.

In Japan, I was true blue to my horse betting some money via internet, but sadly he finished 10th... He's already 7 years old and maybe he's in the verge of retiring...

Me too... I want to retire...


Photos of today...
In the afternoon, I went out with my wife to check out...

a handicraft shop...

and into another small shopping center...

with a shop with so many handicraft goods...

It was hot outside so...

we finished off with some cold drinks!


betting on my horsey... but...

Two stories...

I wrote two completely different stories. One was connected to Japan. The news always catches attention when it's related to our nation and I learned today that I should not be hesitant even a second about topics especially connected to business. The other story was about the recent turmoil. Of course, another one I would never be allowed to miss.
It's okay to write more than two stories in a day. But I had to ask myself... is this really what I want to write about!?

PS
Working till late at night, my dinner was...

cheeseburger... two days in a row!

Back in the ring

The opposition, defiant as always, returned to the fight against the authorities. They never said they will back down so it was no surprise, but though there's many people risking their lives, it's now more like a propaganda warfare and I'm trying to be cool as possible unlike the Western media who don't even have correspondents inside the country. I know there will be no end to this war and my country may have done the same though ours ended when we lost the World War more than 60 years ago. I can't imagine how hard it is to apologize as I always try to be apologetic as I detest people who are angry and threatening. Why do they have to hate each other so much? Maybe anger is the fuel for these people and the propaganda backing both sides is happy to fuel them up for more crashes. I hate even more those people who are bystanders and taking part in the propaganda war. They're surely going to say "we're just reporting what's happening". Yeah sure... Sorry, but I think they're just reporting about what they think what's happening, or rather what they would want to see happen. Being a propaganda machine for their nation's interest, I think they're doing their job correctly, but sorry, I loathe these guys!

PS
Today's late dinner...

some Indian curry my wife brought home!

Demand and Supply

At lunchtime, I was asked to give out a live report for a program broadcasted at night in Japan and I had to scramble to write my script. There seems to be a shortage in the news in the world as Europe is completely in its vacation mode and I'm sure many people are enjoying their days off. Here it's just as usual, a bit hot of course, but just over 40 degrees Celsius, much cooler than it is in the Gulf. I don't know where the people in Europe would want to go as I would love to go to Europe, even if is the center of work, to spend time leaving this crazy place. I'm hoping I would really be able to take a day off from next week after the important ceremony due to take place one week from today. Anyways, just like the weather, the news of the turmoil continuing in this country is still hot and it seems like Tokyo is targeting me to import some supplies for satisfying the demands to fill in the international sections of the news programs. I know very well that they would switch to a better story especially from the West which bumps in after I send my stories, but it's more like an obligation to send in anything so they wouldn't be worried about the stocks.

After the job was done, I rushed to a party commemorating the 80th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between Japan and Iran. The FM of Iran attended and it seemed to be a very friendly party. I talked to many of my Japanese friends who I hadn't talked for a long time after I was preoccupied with the coverages of the election and its aftermath. Many say they will take their summer vacation and actually many already have left the country to take theirs. I always have to be envious about how people can easily take their vacations, but the responsibility I get for being a correspondent is incomparable. I thought I was used to this, but after getting married, it really hurts to realize the position I'm taking. I hope things go the way I hope it will. I really do this time!


heading north to the party...

Sympathy?

Today, I spontaneously proposed that I would write a story and things were looking good until I found out at nighttime that there were more information coming in after 7PM. It was too ridiculous to write the story over so I decided not to think about it. But I was worried so much that I decided to be on the alert till midnight. Fortunately, I had no calls from Tokyo and though I never feel relieved, it's much better than hearing sarcastic comments via phone calls.
Working under an "absolute" authority, I even feel some sympathy to this person who seems to be defiant to such unconditional entities. I seems like suicide, but maybe like the supporters, you see a hero in adversity which could very well be just a Don Quixote. For me, it would be unimaginable to make such a challenge, but I feel some sympathy in the fact that I would have done the same if I had the guts to fight back the adversities.
Several years back, I think I was accumulating enough expertise to be a bit defiant to my "absolute" organization, but I was thrown out to somewhere completely different twice... and whatever happens twice happens thrice as we say in our country, and here I am. They have ripped off my expertise and even my confidence that all I could do is obey.
Of course if I look at everything positively, I should say these are great opportunities for me to build up more capacity and further develop as a stronger professional.
But was this what I wanted? At least everybody is trying to hypnotize me to believe that this was what I had wanted. But hey, I'm not going to fall into that kind of trap... maybe like... him!

PS
Another one I always feel sympathetic...

he or she always cries for food...


meow, meow
I'm sorry... I don't have anything for you...