Virtual Existence Time Machine

Greetings to all… So much time has passed, and I did not write. I take notes, I keep track of my root-home in Wyoming, my second home in Belize, my friends in California (a very old home), New York, Hawaii, and Canada (more homes of different decades!) With all of that time and experience in the background, I come to another point of view (cinematically speaking). I left the United States in 2004 and now see our world far beyond the "American Illusion." This is my second year living in Tehran, Iran; after several years in Belize, Central America photographing and painting about the Mayans; and half a year in Europe (especially Paris). Remember I lived in the Americanized version of Iran under the Shah some thirty years ago; and have returned to live in the Islamic Republic of Iran (and its ancient history) for a while. It is a question of overlaying memories, the past with the present. First of all, the Old America, the Good Old USA, where I grew up in small-town ...

How to win hearts and minds..   According to the legislation, the US government will spend $30 million to expand activities of Radio Free Europe's Persian-language radio broadcasts into Iran. Washington will also take measures to counter Tehran's "efforts to block, censor, or monitor the Internet in Iran" with another $20 million, the ratification said. The Senate also urged President Barack Obama to prepare a report on non-Iranian companies that have helped "Internet censorship efforts" in Iran. The legislation also called on the US State Department to "make public information about human rights in Iran" with the use of $5 million allocated by the Act.   I think certain hawkish US Senators have an agenda that might be related to their campaign contributions and weapon-connected investments. Why else would they So deliberately interfere with another nation.   Create an illusion, create a belief...   As part of this illusion ...

I first   worked in Iran back in 1974 on a movie project, later teaching in the National Theatre. I didn't leave until the revolution was well under way in November of 1978. I had a unique point of view being one of the very few Americans who worked inside the Shah's government. And during those years I never knew or communicated with any of my countrymen as they were inside their gated, Americanized communities. My friends and co-workers were from all parts of the city, both upper class, diplomats, artists, actors, and ordinary workers and craftsmen, plus all their families. The hospitality of all these Iranians was enormous and heartfelt.   There is so much concern and conflict about the current situation of 2009 that I am compelled to write about what I have seen. This is my own personal experience and memory. I hope my friends will not worry about me as much.     I remember, there was a line across the city; an east-west street named Shah-Reza (now named Enghelab) ...