Update 3/2/08- The video now works. Apparently the earlier versions were pirated, while this video was embedded directly from NBC's website.
Here was a video that aired on Saturday Night Live last night. Enjoy!
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As many media outlets covered the Iranian President's speech at Columbia University, so did the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). This organization is Iran's official mouthpiece, funded by the Ministry of National Guidance, and had a somewhat different take on Ahmadinejad's visit. Here is the text of the IRNA article: On second day of his entry in New York, and amid standing ovation of the audience that had attended the hall where the Iranian President was to give his lecture as of early hours of the day, Ahmadinejad said that Iran is not going to attack any country in the world. Before President Ahamadinejad's address, Colombia University Chancellor in a brief address told the audience that they would have the chance to hear Iran's stands as the Iranian President would put them forth. He said that the Iranians are a peace loving nation, they hate war, and all types of aggression. Referring to the technological achievements of the Iranian nation in the course of recent years, the president considered them as a sign for the Iranians' resolute will for achieving sustainable development and rapid advancement. The audience on repeated occasion applauded Ahmadinejad when he touched on international crises. At the end of his address President Ahmadinejad answered the students' questions on such issues as Israel, Palestine, Iran's nuclear program, the status of women in Iran and a number of other matters. Despite entire US media objections, negative propagation and hue and cry in recent days over IRI President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's scheduled address at Colombia University, he gave his lecture and answered students questions here on Monday afternoon.
Which brings me to the second point: There is absolutely no mention of the blistering introduction he received from Lee Bollinger. Almost all other media outlets, including a story from al Jazeera, highlighted such instant classics as "Mr President, you exhibit all the signs of a petty and cruel dictator." But I guess IRNA wasn't watching C-SPAN during the intro.
Third, IRNA is correct that Ahmadinejad took on many different topics from students. But I find it interesting that the news agency doesn't mention that the President took on homosexuality in Iran. It mentions Israel, Palestine, nuclear programs, and women, but not homosexuality. Maybe the topic wasn't covered because it isn't really that pertinent, as Ahmadinejad clearly stated that "In Iran, we don't have homosexuals like in your country." More likely the topic isn't mentioned because that statement prompted laughs and boos from the audience.
I think IRNA needs to pay more attention to its leader's speeches. Or at least watch more C-SPAN.
Here is part 3 of 3 of my Vlog on the 9/11 Unity Walk 2007. Make sure to catch the commentary at the end. Click the play button below to view:
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Here is part 2 of 3 of my Vlog on the 9/11 Unity Walk 2007. Click the play button below to view:
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Well, here it finally is: My vlog on the 9/11 Unity Walk 2007! This event faced the hatred of the ideology of bin Laden with a message of inclusiveness.
The vlog, which includes some commentary, will be uploaded tonight in 3 installments, and the whole video is less than 20 minutes. Click the play button below to view part 1:
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I've had the flu for the past several days and have been unable to work on the 9/11 Unity Walk Video without making my computer a casualty of projectile vomit. I'm feeling better, though, and intend to have the vlog up by late Tuesday night.
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This past Sunday I attended the 9/11 Unity Walk in Washington, DC. The purpose of the event was to commemorate the victims of 9/11, and face the hatred of its perpetrators with a unified message of tolerance. Leaders and believers from many religious communities attended, including Baha'is, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, and Zoroastrians.
I'm currently editing my video blog of the event, but I hope to have it up by this coming Sunday at the latest. Here are some photos in the meanwhile:
Ambassador Akbar Ahmed at Washington Hebrew Congregation
A Cafe Cordover Satire
In the tradition of Christie Brinkley, Tyra Banks, Drew Barrymore, and Queen Latifah, terror mastermind Osama Bin Laden has been tapped as the new CoverGirl Spokesman.
"America is weak because it has no moral foundation. But with CoverGirl's Saladin Radiance Restorative Cream, at least it can have a foundation that reduces wrinkles and fights embarrassing blotchy skin!" pronounced the founder of al-Qaeda in a new ad campaign. "The infidels shall meet the fate of the sword, but my eyelashes shall be clump-free with CoverGirl's Ummah VolumeExacting Mascara. I am easy, I am breazy, I am beautiful. I am, inshallah, CoverGirl."
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