Entries for the 'Sports, Art, and Entertainment' Category

New York, USA –Basima is a Chaldean victim of an accident that kills almost her entire family, including her husband and her newborn baby; she takes off her head scarf, revealing the burns on her face.  She sits before an audience sharing her private hell and the suffering of the Iraqi people. 

On the stage of the New York Theater Workshop creators, Erik Jenson (co-writer) and Jessica Blank (writer and director) share the personal tragedies of Iraqi citizens during the war.  The play titled “Aftermath” in its final week of performance has earned impressive reviews as it depicts the private experiences of Iraqis.  Including the hardest hit and most vulnerable among Iraqi citizens, Chaldeans.   Leila Buck, plays a Chaldean dermatologist forced to treat the wounded against her will. 

The play tries to show the war’s continual effect on ordinary Iraqis widely ignored by media coverage since a new president was elected in the United States.  A voice-over during the play explains how over four million Iraqis remain refugees from their land. 

From the stage a young attractive woman softly murmurs, “Most Americans don’t know what a bomb sounds like. You don’t feel your eardrums, from the sound. We also don’t know what it smells like after the bomb has hit the target.”

“You don’t get that from TV,” the translator adds.

Michigan, USA - The 2009 Chaldean Football League (CFL) season begins this Sunday, August 2nd holding their season game opener at West Bloomfield High School.  The CFL celebrates 30 years of community sport service.  This '09 CFL season promises to be one of the more electrifying as player match-ups, rookie talent, and new coaches add a highly unpredictable dimension of excitement and uncertainty. 

The '09 season caps the third and final year of player protection leaving the 2010 season wide open as all sixty CFL player contracts are available for draft.  The change leaves two rookie coaches little time to review player talents or adapt to the highly competitive league.  Coach Mike Zeer will be leading team White replacing Coach Joey Kejbou, who was forced to step down due to required hand surgery reports Commissioner Jonna.  Team Black's Coach Roy Sitto is sidelined with a shoulder injury and being replaced with Coach  Tarik Kama.   "Both new coaches have years of CFL experience and are looking to make the most of the coaching opportunity," said the CFL commissioner. 

California, USA –The Grossmont Symphony Orchestra (GSO) have been invited to play along with world class Chaldean musicians in the presentation of “Middle East Meets West.”   The GSO, under the musical direction of Dr. Randall Tweed, is a seventy-five member orchestral ensemble comprised of music and non-music majors, and talented musicians from the community.

The orchestra, whose musical performance home is El Cajon's own "East County Performing Arts Center" (ECPAC), performs a large variety of concerts from serious classical "arts" performances to lighter "pops" entertainment. Local and nationally reputed performing artists are frequent soloists with the GSO.

The St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Church in El Cajon helped organize the appearance of special guest artist and world class violinisht Luay Yousif. Yousif, born in Baghadad in 1979, has performed with the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. He has lived in the U.S. since 2007.

Baghdad, IRAQ – Christan and Muslim Iraqis mourn the passing of one of their countryman’s sports heroes.  Emmanuel Baba Dawud, better known as Ammo Baba (Uncle Father).  He was known as the Arab world’s Pele, the “Sheikh of Iraqi coaches”, and a winged angel.  He scored the first ever international goal for Iraq against Morocco at the second Pan-Arab Games in Beirut in 1957 and coached the Iraqi national football team to various victories. 

Ammo Baba led Iraq to three titles in the Arabian Gulf football tournaments and the gold medal in the 1982 Asian Games in India. He was revered as a hero in his homeland.

Ammo Baba was born in Hinaidi, Baghdad during a time when Muslim and Christian relations were civil.  Dawud was a reluctant pupil at the base’s school. “I used to run out of school,” he recalled. “I was very lazy in my lessons, but I was very good at sports.”

So good that, for a time, he held the record as one of Iraq’s fastest 400-metre runners.

Michigan, USA - The Chaldean Church Sports League (CCSL) has reached the playoff point.  Five divisions of the Chaldean community's top basketball players compete in a final four showdown for a bid at the championship game.  Games begin at 2 o’clock in the afternoon at the Boys and Girls club of Southeast Oakland County in Royal Oak.

The CCSL proves to be one of the Chaldean community’s hottest leagues showcasing top talent from ages 10 – 18 in basketball.  The heat is on in the CCSL in all divisions as last year’s returning coaches hope to repeat.  However, new rookie coaches in the league are proving to be a bit to handle. 

The CCSL final four will be played this Sunday at the Boys and Girls Club of South Oakland County.  CCSL organizers invite the entire community to join their family, friends, and fans as they cheer their players on to the championship games. 

Baghdad, IRAQ - Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki attended the inaugural re-opening of Iraq’s National Museum.  “The opening is another sign of Iraq’s stabilization,” says Thair Yatooma, of the Iraqi Citizen Council of Art, an advisory group of the National Museum.  “The opening of the National Museum in Baghdad is a message from the government to foreign tourists: you are welcome." 

The Prime Minister cut the ribbon at the official reopening saying, "We have ended the black wind (of violence) and have started the reconstruction process." This morning, the first tourists entered the museum: for now, only guided tours for groups are allowed; it will take time to reopen the museum to private citizens.

However, some say the Museum must bring the Christian history of Iraq back into the light.  The National Museum had a long standing policy of prohibiting any display of Christian art to the general public.  The section dedicated to the Christian community could be visited only by foreign tourists; it was not accessible to Arab Iraqis. “The Christian presence is profound, deeply grounded, setting down roots over centuries; Saddam Hussein may have protected it, he always concealed it from the eyes of ordinary citizens" says Yatooma.

Illinois, USA – Chaldeans and basketball may become as natural as American and apple pie.  The sport is taking hold of the community as some of the most dedicated fans show their support.  However,   becoming fans and sitting on the sidelines is rarely enough for the ambitious community. 

Adel Meram a former basketball coach in Baghdad Iraq taught fundamental basketball in the early 60’s to Iraqi students.  Meram says it seems basketball is returning to its historic roots when dealing with the Chaldean community.  Today the Chaldean Basketball League and the Chaldean Church Sports League boast one of the largest and most competitive and action packed youth leagues in the community. 

Meram says the natural competitive drive of Chaldeans soon pushed them on the court to take on their school peers and friends in parking lots and playgrounds.  Meram goes on to share that basketball was invented in 1891. The inventor of the game was a Canadian clergyman, James Naismith.  Fr. Naismith invented basketball as an alternative to the calisthenics and marching of his faith filled students to keep fit in the winters.  

Washington DC, USA – Chaldean businessman Andy Shallal looks to capture and convert that energy into capital.  Not the type of energy that turns on your lights or moves your car.  The energy of millions of people pouring into the Washington DC to participate in Obama’s Inauguration is prime for celebration and prime for businesses. 

Although Andy Shallal, a native of Virginia has never been to an inaugural ball he sure plans to make the best of this one.  Shallal owns a number of restaurants around the DC area and is known in private circles as a peace proponent. 

So in celebrating the excitement and capturing the energy of the crowds, Shallal is hosting is own star-studded inaugural ball that just might capture the new president’s attention. 

California, USA – “They think they can bring back their ratings by fanning stereotypes and prejudices.  They are purposely picking on Chaldeans and Jews hoping to get better ratings.  NBC is using a strategy that is harmful and sick,” says Jenna Bittis of California. 

The Chaldean woman is upset over NBC’s new pseudo-reality show.  “They deliberately place outspoken and flamboyant mothers against insecure bimboes craving attention in their latest whorish hook-up show,” says Bittis.  “NBC is dead and desperately reaching at anything to try and make a come-back.”

Momma's Boys, the NBC dating-show-with-a-twist from Ryan Seacrest seems to have both Jewish and Chaldean viewers upset.  The show attempts to make a statement about prejudice using two middle aged overprotective mothers of implied Jewish and Chaldean descent unintelligently defending their wishes.  Obviously the shows producers are orchestrating outbursts for ratings in a Jerry Springer like fashion simply for ratings.  

"The sparks soon fly!" as the ad promotes when Khalood Bojanowski, a Michigan Iraqi Catholic mom says she needs her son to end up with a white Catholic girl: no black, Asian, Muslim or Jewish bachelorettes need apply. Another bachelor's mom, Esther, is a stereotypical smothering-Jewish mom, right down to the Yiddishisms, the kvelling over her "mensch" son and the Coffee Talk accent.  This rubs many of the girls the wrong way and with contestants encouraged to put on a good show for the reality cameras – the Jerry Springer like attacks begin. 

The aftermath is a viewer conditioned to believe the over-the-top Chaldean and Jewish stereotypes.

New York, USA – Chaldeans and Assyrians in American are appalled at Christie’s Auction House of New York.  “They are war profiteers moving the spoils of war,” says Chaldean art collector Enas Namoo from his downtown Chicago office.  The Chaldean art collector, well known for his Mediterranean art collection, was furious for what he saw in the catalog of the ancient art and antiquities auction at Christie's next week.  Among the collection was a pair of neo-Assyrian earrings established as artifacts of Mesopotamia.  “This belongs in the museum, not on an auction block,” said a angered Namoo. 

Along with Namoo, Iraqi authorities have also appealed to have the pair of neo-Assyrian earrings returned.  The 9,000–10,000-year-old earrings are expected to bring in up to $65,000, but Iraqi officials say they are part of the treasures of Nimrud and thus rightfully the property of Iraq.

Chaldean archeologist, art curator, antiquity expert, and former director of the Iraq Museum Donny George says, “I am 100 percent sure they are from the same tombs from Nimrud. I witnessed the excavation."

Michigan, USA – Publisher, author, and journalist Donna Gundle-Krieg releases “From Desert to Detroit.”  The book is an award winning educational story about a young Detroit Chaldean named Nadia Sefro and her family leaving a country in turmoil to a country of dreams.  However, the Sefro family find themselves facing a new set of challenges in Detroit. 

This story takes place during the time of the 911 disaster from the point of view of the child Nadia.  The book is filled with interesting characters of all ages.  The book is recommended for ages 8 to adult, with particular appeal for those in 3rd through 6th grade, and contains valuable social studies lessons.

Arizona, USA – Justin Meram, the greatest offensive player in the history of the ACCAC takes his team to victory once more.  Chaldeans are known for their incredible soccer skills and the hot dry desert air must have made Justin Meram’s DNA tingle.  

The Yavapai College sophomore star dominated the conference and helped advance the undefeated Roughriders to another Soccer Nationals. 

Meram, a 6-foot-1 attacker who arrived in Prescott by way of Eisenhower High School in Shelby Township, Mich., mesmerized the team his soccer ability.

The soccer sensation sets a record of 49 goals in a career. This year alone he has 28 goals and 17 assists, tied for the single-season program record.  Meram led the conference in assists and tied for the lead in goals in conference play with teammate Francis Khamis with 21. The unstoppable Meram received the ACCAC and Region 1 Player of the Year awards. He's one of only five players in the nation with over 28 goals in 2008, and his 20 assists are the most among the top five scorers.

 California, USA – An unlikely duo seem to breaking through the information blackout of Iraq’s desperate situation.  Contrary to news coverage that Iraq is healing, few if any major media outlets are covering Iraq’s minority persecution. 

Chaldean Catholic Cardinal Emmanuel-Karim Delly of Baghdad, Iraq, expressed sadness over what he viewed as a chronic lack of concern and concrete action to stop the violence and protect all of Iraq's citizens.  Greater attention and pressure are needed so that the Iraqi government can "be just and fulfill its duty toward its citizens," he said.

Echoing the Cardinal’s call urging everyone to help call attention to the injustice, Chaldean star rapper Timz, winner of the Hollywood Film Festival's "Video of the Year" and nominee for the MTV Video Music Awards' "Video of the Year," releases another hip-hop masterpiece titled “Do Something.”  A powerful call to action that begins with a hypnotic beat mixed with middle eastern flair beginning with a message from Timz himself to “Change the world, not the channel.”

Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver Colorado recently addressed a group gathered in a in Sydney, Australia. The topic was, “Mission Possible: This Double Life Will Self-Destruct.” In a chillingly honest fashion, Archbishop Chaput shares his thoughts on our lives today, as Catholics, and how we ought to realize our need to live wholly and completely for Christ.

We can't live a half-way Christianity. The organizers of tonight's event were right [those who named it ‘Mission Possible: This Double Life Will Self-Destruct’]. Every double life will inevitably self-destruct. The question then becomes: How are we going to live in this world? How can we lead a Christian life in a secular age? We can't really answer that question until we get some things straight about what it means to be a Christian. And that means first getting some things straight about Jesus Christ.

This is another one of the by-products of our secular age: we don't really quite know what to think about Jesus anymore. A few years before he became Pope Benedict XVI, then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger wrote something that is unfortunately very true. He wrote: "Today in broad circles, even among believers, an image has prevailed of a Jesus who demands nothing, never scolds, who accepts everyone and everything, who no longer does anything but affirm us. . . . The figure is transformed from the 'Lord' (a word that is avoided) into a man who is nothing more than the advocate of all men." 

We all know people -- friends or family members or both -- who think about Jesus in these terms. It's hard to avoid. Our culture has given Jesus a make-over. We've remade him in the image and likeness of secular compassion. Today He's not the Lord, the Son of God, but more like an enlightened humanist nice guy.

This is, very much, the message in Catholic radio host, author, and speaker Teresa Tomeo’s new book, “Newsflash! My Surprising Journey from Secular Anchor to Media Evangelist.” Teresa did her best to live a half-way Christianity and found the great many ways in which such a life will self-destruct.

Michigan, USA – “The man is an inspiration to the whole world.  The Pope climbed down the stage to kiss him,” says Gabby Kajy.  “I didn’t know much about him until I saw him at the ECRC festival at St. Thomas.  I bought all his CD’s which he signed with his feet.  He was incredible and I have been a fan ever since.” 

Kajy is talking about the famous Tony Melendez.  It was on September 15, 1987, he played his guitar for Pope John Paul II in Los Angeles. Born without arms, he performed a touching song entitled Never Be The Same. When the Pope approached him from the stage to kiss him in appreciation, it seemed to reflect the sentiments of the entire country.

Never Be the Same was an appropriate song Melendez sang for the Holy Father, for those few moments changed Tony Melendez' life and brought his unrestrained abilities as a guitarist into national attention. It seems to be a fitting place for a man who has spent his life putting personal confidence above his handicap.   The international marvel has been featured on Life On A Rock, The 700 Club, Good Morning America, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, Home Life Television, and Entertainment Tonight to name just a few of his countless television appearances. 

Melendez is being called back to an encore presentation for the ECRC festival to be held at St. Joseph Chaldean Church campus in Troy this Friday, September 26.   The concert is open to the public and tickets are being subsidized to the bargain of only $10 for a two-day concert pass. 

Michigan, USA – January of 2009 begins the battles as returning basketball champions prepare to defend their titles.  The Chaldean Church Sports League (CCSL) has shocked the Chaldean community by bringing together the community’s best and most talented basketball athletes together under one roof.   

Defending champions Mar Addai Healers of Oak Park in the boys middle school division, St. Thomas Twin Tigers of West Bloomfield in the girls high school division, and Mother of God Guardian Angels in the high school boys division claim they will once again repeat their championship win.  

For more information click on the READ MORE button below.

Michigan, USA – “The Chaldean Backgammon Open brings out the best players in Michigan,” says Joe Yasso.  “If anyone thinks they are good in backgammon they can prove it once and for all.” 

The Chaldean Church Sports League announces their 2008 Fall Game seasons with a rematch of the community’s best players in three Chaldean dominant games.  Chaldeans will compete for both individual and team points in table tennis, chess, and backgammon.   

To learn more about the competition and how to register click the READ MORE button below.

Michigan, USA - Chaldean Church Sports League concludes the summer soccer season with Mar Addai Healers facing St. Joseph Protectors.  The two teams have faced one another in the regular season with intense competition.  On Saturday, August 23, 2008 the two teams prepared for soccer battle at the Southfield Michigan Municipal Sports Complex. 

CCSL sports commentators were refusing to share with fans which team was the clear favorite.  Although Mar Addai showed a slight edge as a favorite, commentators were concerned over their lack of discipline.   “The team is intense.  They take soccer very seriously.  However, their passion spillith over and gets them into trouble,” says CCSL fan Jason Gabara.  “If they can keep their play under control they would be picked as the clear favorite.”

On the other side of the field, wearing blood red, St. Joseph Protectors have sports fans concerned as well.  Gabara says, “St. Joseph has a handful of incredible players.  The leagues best, however, they can not carry the team alone.  The team is a bit unbalanced, but if the younger players step-up, St. Joseph is unstoppable.” 

Michgan, USA – Top Chaldean church teams from Michigan compete for the 2008 championship trophy.   Chaldean Church Sports League hosts the 2008 Chaldean Volleyball Playoffs & Championships on Saturday, September 6th, 2008 at the Southfield Civic Center Sports Complex beginning at 10 am.  Admission is free and open to the public.  

Michigan, USA - On July 27, 2008 over 1200 Yaldo guests attended the 1st Annual Yaldo Family Reunion. The Yaldo family gathered at the Saint George Chaldean Camp in Brighton, Michigan. The heart and soul of the 1st annual Yaldo reunion began with the hard work invested by the dedicated volunteers, which was headed by Father Basil Yaldo.

The Yaldo family originated from Telkaif, Mosul, Iraq. A great number of the Yaldo family migrated throughout the cities in Iraq. As the years progressed the Yaldo family began to settle in the United States. In fact, an ever-increasing number call areas of Metropolitan Detroit home today. The new generation has been successful in reaching high educational attainment. They carry many successful positions such as doctors, lawyers, business entrepreneurs, accountants, engineers and so forth.

[To browse the photo album or watch the video, you must be a registered user of www.CHALDEAN.org and logged in.]

Chaldean Youth Day (CYD-2008) is Sunday, August 17!  Hundreds of Chaldean young adults will converge on Camp Chaldean for a day of fun, food, and festivities.  Hang-out. Chill. Picnic. Play. This event is free for those 35 and under.  Anyone over 35 the cost is $45,000 per person. 

This is a non-alcoholic camp.  Bring your own lawn chairs.  Bring food coolers if you like.  Food and beverages will be available. Games. Competitions. Prizes. Boat Races.  Water-balloon wars.  Tug-A-war.  Sports.  Bring your own BALLS.  Best of all bring some biceps, brains, and bounce. 

The event is sponsored by the St. George Chaldean Camp Council in partnership with Chaldean youth groups, which include but are not limited to, the Chaldean Church Sports League, Chaldean Teens Coming Together, Chaldean Youth Bible Study, Chaldean Loving Christ, Jesus Christ University, Chaldean American Professionals, Chaldean Football League, Chaldean Basketball League, Chaldean Hockey League, Chaldean American Student Association, and Chaldean Church Youth Choirs. 

You have been told!  Someone post this on MySpace, Facebook, and whatever other social network you freaks got going! 

Michigan, USA – Over 300 Chaldean athletes head to the grassy fields and sandy pits as the Chaldean Church Sports League of Michigan Tri-Sport season gets underway.  In the high school flag football division returning champs St. Thomas Twin Tigers hope to repeat.  However, St. Joseph Protectors new all-star draft picks round out their passing and defensive game which may pose a challenge for the Twin Tigers.

In the ladies high school volleyball, defending champions Mother of God Guardian Angels look to take on St. Thomas once more in the championship finals.  Both teams had such a large turn-out that they fielded two teams for competition.

In high school soccer, Mar Addai Healers remain undefeated.  Hoping to best Mar Addai’s powerful team, St. George and St. Joseph combined their teams as did Mother of God and St. Thomas.  Nonetheless, Mar Addai remains undefeated and is considered the early favorite to take the high school soccer championship finals.   

[To see photos and video highlights of the CCSL, you must be a registered user of www.CHALDEAN.org and you must login]

Michigan, USA - No one would dare refute that Chaldeans often come from large families.  The Chaldean culture values the importance of family virtues and cooperation.   Chaldeans often hold large family gatherings, dinners, and celebrations.  

One family is taking the family gathering up a few notches.  The Yaldo(o|u) family is hosting their 2008 family reunion at Camp Chaldean in Michigan beginning at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 27.  Nearly a thousand family members are expected to attend the family gathering. 

Saher Yaldo, a leading community entrepreneur and committed volunteer for the Chaldean Voice radio station has been instrumental in the reunion.  “We invite everyone with Yaldo(o|u) blood pulsing through their veins.  This includes all children and grandchildren whose mother or father are Yaldo(o|u), says Saher.

“Guests are also welcome to invite close friends and relatives as well. We will be holding a special Mass for all our guests led by Fr. Basel Yaldo of St. George Church at 4 p.m. and we have games, gifts, and more as well.”

Michigan, USA - In a few more days Chaldeans will be able to enjoy a unique, high-energy water sports festival for the Summer of 2008.  Chaldeans in southeast Michigan are eagerly looking forward to the APBA Inboard Hydroplane Races in Oakland County.  “My whole family is going to be there,” says Abraham Sandeha of Novi.  The 15 year old teenager has been on water skis since the age of nine says his mother.  The event will take place between White Lake and Waterford townships at the Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area. 

Chaldeans attending the event will be treated to high-speed excitement of professional hydroplane boat races, the 2008 event will also feature one of the premier international waterski and wakeboard competitions…the Malibu Open. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Malibu Open features the top slalom skiers, jumpers and wakeboarders in the world. The Malibu Open has traditionally been the event where major world records have been set in seven of the nine years.

California, USA – Chaldeans living in Detroit, Michigan may feel they are close to the heart of the automotive world.  If that is the case, then Chaldeans in El Cajon, California would rightly consider themselves the lungs; breathing air back into the passion of classic car ownership. 

For Jason Jarboe classic cars has been a passion since he sat in his father’s lap and held on a steering wheel. “My dad and I would watch the dream cruise every year.  When our family moved to California I was bummed out.  So instead of mope about missing cars I would hang out with friends and supe-up classic cars.  All the different auto shops formed a small network and together with other we pushed to start a car cruise in Cajon”

Michigan, USA - Mother’s Day began as a day to unite parents to improve the world for future generations.  The bond between mother and daughter is especially strong in the Chaldean community.  Chaldean mother and daughters are finding a very unique blend of mother-daughter moments. 

“I love mother’s day.” Says Athra Yakoo, a mother of three Chaldean young ladies and two teenage girls.  “I am so blessed with my daughters.  They are educated, respectful, and religious.  They give our family a very good reputation and make us very happy.”

The challenges Chaldean families face in Europe and America remain a top priority for Chaldean churches. Chaldean churches have focused on offering compelling sermons, lectures, and community wide events to strengthen and warn Chaldean families of growing cultural dangers in their host countries tearing at the family. Joining the call is the Ladies Social Group of Our Lady of Chaldean Cathedral, Mother of God Church in Southfield, Michigan. The group hosts an annual dinner to celebrate the loving bond between mother and daughter as well as organizes prayer breakfasts and outings for mothers and their daughters.  

This year the group held their 2008 Mother / Daughter Fashion Show Gala bringing nearly 700 women together to celebrate the importance of motherhood.  The feature rich event included dinner, three fashion shows, live entertainment, a crowd of vendors, silent auction, raffle prizes, and gifts. 

{Must be a registered member of www.chaldean.org to view the photos of the 2008 Mother / Daughter Fashion Show Gala}

California, USA  – “I am very excited and my entire family is ready,” says Nick Siman, San Diego County Fair’s self proclaimed biggest fan.   Over a million residents will be joining Siman as “the greatest indoor-outdoor show on Earth” opens their doors.

The San Diego County Fair opens Saturday, a 21-day extravaganza that costs nearly $140 million to put together. The 360-acre fairground was a disaster-relief center for horses and people evacuated during the October 2007 wildfires.

In a few short days, Chaldeans by the thousands will join the millions of other guest and flock to the sports themed fair.  Pop stars, celebrities, and professional athletes will be freely mingling with the crowd, signing autographs, and performing.  An estimated 1,600 entertainment acts will let the good times roll on nine stages.

Michigan, USA – The season anticipated match-up of the best Chaldean basketball players under the age of eighteen squared off in Royal Oak, Michigan.  An intense ten weeks of competition, stunning play, and exciting action have led to the Chaldean Basketball final four in Michigan.  Yesterday’s playoff matches narrows the teams in Chaldean Church Sports League 2008 Basketball Championships down to the best two teams in the Chaldean Diocese located in Michigan.  The Chaldean Catholic diocese covers the eastern United States and brought together the best Chaldean basketball talent under the age of eighteen.

Michigan, USA - Mother of God Chaldean Catholic Church in Southfield, Michigan holds there 3rd annual Mother & Daughter Fashion Show Dinner Extravaganza.  “We want to celebrate the value and bond between mothers and daughters,” says Nadira Kannu, event chairwoman and Mother of God parish council member.  “All communities and cultures rest in the hands of mothers and daughters.  They sacrifice so much for their family and community.  They guide us and give us hope.  It is only fitting that we acknowledge how much we love them.”

Organizers of the event are also seeking nominations for the "Mother of the Year" essay contest.  Their theme this year is "Mama, No One Can Take Your Place". Writers can nominate any special ‘mother’ in their life including their own mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, niece or a friend.

Michigan, USA – “It appears Sterling Heights is a hot bed for budding young artists and recycling craftsmen,” Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Anthony Marrocco said.  Each year the county holds an environmental calendar drawing contest to promote environmental preservation.

All the artists who submitted art work should be proud Marrocco commented. “These were excellent drawings. The judging was very difficult again this year because the entries from across the county were exceptional.”   The winning calendar entries for the 2008 environmental calendar were selected from a field of 700 entries across Macomb County.  Surprising the judges was Ivan Kesto, an inspirational third grade elementary school artist from Sterling Heights. 

Michigan, USA - Below zero cold weather in Royal Oak, Michigan, could not stop over 500 Chaldeans as they gathered to jump-off the Chaldean Church Sports League 2008 indoor basketball season.  Six Chaldean churches in Michigan, each hosting three divisions of players, came together to prove their basketball skills. 

Hundreds of friends and family members cheered their teams on to victory as athletes sprinted down court, jammed jumpers, and popped threes from the outside.  The league is made-up of women 15-18, boys 11-14, and men 15-18 from the six Chaldean churches of southeast Michigan. 

“It was jammed packed!  I never saw so many Chaldeans in one place,” says Kenny Bajoka excitedly.  “You couldn’t move.  It was loud and exciting.  The women were great and the battle between the Twin Tigers and Dragon Slayers was deep.  I am real happy I came to watch.”

The women’s 15-18 division did provide a show for the fans.  Many underestimated the skill and focus of the Mar Addai Healers and the St. Joseph Protectors.  The see-saw competition kept fans jumping to their feet screaming for their teams.  In the end, the one point difference placed the lady Healers into the win column. 

(Registration on www.CHALDEAN.org is free and required to view the nearly 250 photos of the CCSL’s Basketball League Game 1 matches.) 

Michigan, USA - The cold winter months in Michigan may keep some Chaldeans indoor and lazily lounging around.  That is not the case for over two hundred Chaldeans that gathered at the Salter Gymnasium in Royal Oak, Michigan.  The large group of Chaldean men and women came out in large numbers for the first of three open sessions for the Chaldean under 18 open basketball tournament. 

The tournament organized and hosted by the Chaldean Church Sports League (CCSL) of Michigan returns after financing a very successful flag football and volleyball youth tournament.  This year the CCSL brings the Chaldean community both boys and girls basketball for both Chaldean boys and girls age 11-14 and 15 -18. 

The CCSL hold their next tryouts this Sunday, January 13 at 2:30 p.m. at the Slater Gymnasium located at 10 and half and Campbell in Royal Oak, Michigan.  Tryouts are open to all Chaldeans between the ages of 11-18.  “Chaldeans just need to show-up at the gym.  We have coordinators there to get them registered, go over the rules, get forms signed, and get them on the court to show their stuff,” says Brenda Kouza, CCSL administrative assistant. 

Michigan, USA - The community’s best flag football athletes took to the grid iron this past week.  The Chaldean Football League’s 27th Chy Cup championship brought out the best.  The championship game featured the league’s two best teams pitting Anthony Toma’s 8-2 Red team vs. Bobby Semaan’s 9-1 Green team. In a long awaited rematch the two teams faced one another under the lights of Groves stadium in Michigan. 

Michigan, USA – The Camp Chaldean open house brought thousands of community members out into the fresh October air.  Some Chaldeans traveled for three hours to join the tour and share in the celebration of new of the community campground. 

“We worked very hard to get the property ready for the camp open house,” says Adil Kallabat, Camp Chaldean president. “We had crews working around the clock for nearly a month making repairs, cleaning, landscaping, and decorating the buildings.”

Chaldean diocese volunteers came together to offer community tours of the camp property and answer any of their questions.  Nearly ten bus loads of people left from church parking lots to the campground. 

(Must be a registered member of www.CHALDEAN.org to view the photo albums.  Registration is free and begins by selecting the register link in the upper right-hand corner.)

Michigan, USA - Over 10,000 Chaldeans visited the two day summer Chaldean music festival.  The event was hosted by Mother of God Chaldean Church of Southfield, Michigan, and featured some of the community’s top singers and bands.  “This was the best festival I have been to all year,” said James Hakim of Sterling Heights. “They had everything.  Games for kids, dancing, great music, excellent food and snacks, everyone was so helpful and nice.”

Hakim’s sentiments were widely shared as nearly 10,000 Chaldeans enjoyed the fair weathered weekend.  Opening Saturday, the sun sat hidden behind some gloomy clouds at first.   However, D.J. Imad Koki kept spirits high and coaxed the sun out with his excellent mix and play of traditional Chaldean songs.  By mid afternoon the sun shined brightly and the crowds began to merge.  The enticing harmonies combined to transform Mother of God Chaldean church’s campus into the old time village celebrations Chaldeans long remembered.

[This article features five photo albums and an event program PDF download.  Visitors must be registered members of the site to access the additional resources.]

California, USA - "My village was burned in 1961 with an act they called “Ethnic Cleansing.” I was 2 years old at that time when both my father and mother witnessed the event. There will always be that clear picture of us running and hiding to survive etched into our memories," by Paul Batou.

Paul Batou, releases his new book titled My Last Thoughts About Iraq; a compilation and collection of my memories as an artist. His work, contained within the passionate pages of his latest musings, capture his reactions to the suffering and the Sadness which Has Plagued Mesopotamia.

As a gift, Batou has released one of his famed poems as a tribute to the suffering endured by those harmed by the September 11 bombing and those impacted by the pain Iraq has long suffered. 

Southfield, MICHIGAN - The Chaldean Church Sports League ended their summer season with electrifying excitement.  After the playoff games the best church teams in girls’ volleyball and boys flag football faced one another.  In the girls’ volleyball division, the Mother of God Guardian Angels played the St. Thomas Twin Tigers.  In the boys flag football division the St. Joseph Protectors took on the St. Thomas Twin Tigers. 

The championship volleyball game began first.  Both Mother of God and St. Thomas entered the sand court with stern determination.  Each team brought with them a cheering squad in the hundreds. 

(To view photos you must be a registered member of www.CHALDEAN.org.)

Windsor, CAN - Besides the brains and business, Chaldeans are also known for their superior athletic ability.  Take for instance Chaldean champion boxer Andre Gorges, a tall, lean, cobra-fast striking boxer who is returning to Iraq to represent the embroiled country. 

A country his family was forced to flee from over twenty years ago due to persecution, war, and hatred of Christians.  Gorges' family fled Iraq, first to Greece, then Toronto, before landing in Windsor where they have lived for 18 years.

Michigan, USA - Picture perfect weather in the mid 80’s with a rolling cool breeze excited organizers as they waved cars into the fair ground.   Nearly five thousand Chaldeans gathered at the Knights of Columbus family picnic grounds for the St. Joseph Chaldean Catholic Church 2007 annual family festival.  The attendance was much better than the last year and continues to grow at an exceptional rate as more and more families recognize the importance of their Chaldean church and community. 

The picnic was organized in appreciation and for the importance of faithful Chaldean families for their support and guidance.  Families enjoyed a sparkling day as St. Joseph church members, well-wishers, and their friends celebrated, danced, ate and played. 

Michigan, USA - Joe Bidawid, professional board rider, uses his paddle in the fight to finding a cure for cancer.  The middle child from a family of five children has his eyes set on breaking a world record as he trains to stand-up paddle surf across Lake Michigan from St. Joseph, Michigan to Chicago, Illinois. 

The Farmington Hills, Michigan Chaldean native is perhaps one of the more versatile athletes in professional boarding.  Skiing, snowboarding, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and surfing, Joe Bidawid has mastered them all at a world class level.  Capturing the imagination of world boarders the Chaldean Aquaman has been featured in top sports boarding magazines and local Michigan papers.

Michgian, USA - The southeast Michigan Chaldean Church Sports League prepares for their playoff games this Saturday, July 21, 2007.  The Chaldean Eparchy (Diocese) of Eastern United States has narrowed the four top performing church teams in the 18 and under category of girl’s volleyball and boy’s flag football. 

In the heart of Southeastern Michigan at the Southfield Municipal Civic and Sports Center hundreds and hundreds of Chaldeans gather to play, pray, and show their support.  The Chaldean church teams have been competing weekly for nearly two months.  Based on their win-loss record and total game point earnings the top four church teams qualified for the League playoff games. 

The CCSL is attracting a high level of talent and producing great competition.  The league features some of the best athletes in the Chaldean community as all-American high school athletes lead their respective church to victory on the field and on the sand court.

Michigan, USA - Chaldean agility, strength, speed, and finesse are showcased weekly in Southfield, Michigan.  A fifty-yard dash, a sand dive, a spike, ace, dig, and a “Hail Mary” touchdown pass are par for Chaldeans that meet and compete in the 2007 Chaldean Church Sports League. 

No helmets. No shoulder pads. No problem.  The Chaldean churches newest youth football league requires hardly any of the standard equipment associated with the sport.  A pair of shorts and a league-furnished jersey, along with a desire to have fun are about the only things needed to participate in the Chaldean Church Sports flag football league.

Over 100 Chaldeans from southeast Michigan get the opportunity to play each other throughout the day at the Southfield Civic Center.    The Chaldean Church Sports League features flag-football field and volleyball for Chaldean youth, eighteen years and younger.  The volleyball sand courts and flag football field come alive every Saturday from noon until 3 p.m. with spirited sports competition, prayer, and camaraderie. 

Michigan, USA - If you were to ask St. Joseph Chaldean Church in Troy, Michigan what is the most valuable thing in our life, besides God, that we take for granted – what would they answer?  The answer – our parents; next to our savior, our parents are the ones we sinfully take for granted most often. 

St. Joseph, along with many of the other Chaldean churches, held special Mother’s Day celebrations in hopes of strengthening the family bonds.  Delicious food, great music, family and friends, wholesome fun, and prayer brought nearly 300 Chaldeans together to honor our mothers.   

(You must be a registered member to view the photos of this event)

Michigan, USA - The MESOPOTAMIA Learning Studio & Art Gallery in Ferndale, Michigan invites you to the closing ceremony titled the “Many Colors of Iraq” art exhibit Friday, May 18, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the evening. 

The art exhibit has received many positive reviews and has been well attended throughout the exhibit.  Art directors Lavon Ammori and Amer Hanna Fatuhi have assembled many  of the worlds finest Chaldean artists and artwork.  The astonishing exhibit features well known and influential artists along with many brilliantly talented new artists.  Participating artists from around the world have showcased their talent and vision. 

The Chaldean Flag serves to express the Chaldean identity and heritage. After long and purposeful discussions relevant to the Chaldean cultural identity the internationally celebrated Chaldean artist Amer Hanna Fatuhi in Beth Nahrain-Iraq was commissioned to create a community flag. 

After a number of proposed submissions the flag was approved by leading Chaldean community organizations.  Groups like the Chaldean Cultural Center, the Chaldean Union Democratic Party, Chaldean National Congress, and Chaldean Democratic Forum, along with other Chaldean cultural, educational, and social Organizations voted unanimously.  The flag has since been registered by international bodies and the United State of America on Oct. 27, 1997. 

Michigan, USA - Tickets sold out in less than a few days to the highly anticipated event.  Over 300 Chaldean women gathered at Mother of God Chaldean Church Hall in Southfield, Michigan for the 2nd Annual Mother’s Day Fashion Show Dinner.  The event was held on Friday, May 4, 2007 and began at 6 p.m. in the evening.  The event organized by the Our Chaldean Ladies Social group of the Chaldean church holds a number of special activities targeting Chaldean women. 

The annual fashion show event helps to raise funds to help Chaldean causes around the world and all proceeds of the event go directly to the Chaldean community.  The highlights of the evening were two incredible fashion shows and the ability to receive or win gifts totaling close to $10,000.   However, winning rave review was the “Pure of Heart - ‘To be Admired not Desired’ Fashion Show,” hosted by fashion stylist Patrice Konja and produced by Remon Jiddou.  The performance sponsored Nahla's Place, This is Me, and Platinum Salon, of Birmingham, Michigan. 

(Access to all photos of the event are included for registered members of the community website)

North Carolina, USA - Hippocrates said, "Art is long, life is short," but he didn't know Albert Chaffoo. The symphony conductor's far-reaching artistic influence has stretched through a life of nine decades and shows no signs of ceasing any time soon.

California, USA –  Mesopotamia was once known as the greatest civilization on earth. But invasions, wars and sanctions have lead to the destruction remarkable civilization. Author and internationally renowned artist Paul Batou shares his thoughts, and insights about the destruction of Mesopotamia in his book, My Last Thoughts on Iraq.

California, USA - Chaldean rapper TIMZ (Tommy Hanna), has caused a national stir with his latest award winning nomination for best 2006 Hip Hop Album at the San Diego Annual Music Awards.  The candid American born rapper was recently featured on Fox News in a face-to-face discussion with Chuck Norris regarding his scorching debut CD titled “Open For Business.”  TIMZ takes on Chuck Norris as he brings to light America’s missteps in the Iraqi War and their cultural ignorance of the region. 

TIMZ lyrical criticism of the Iraqi war infused with Middle Eastern hip hop rhythms and hypnotic beats hopes to crush stereotypes of Middle Easterners.  The entrepreneur lays out a 14-track collection that has propelled the University of San Diego graduate to the national spotlight.   “TIMZ captures the perseverant lifestyle of Chaldeans,” says Ranya Semmo.  “I love his work.  He is brilliant, full of energy, and hits you with a very powerful message.”

(This article contains both TIMZ music video and the Fox News Interview which require the flash plug0in)

Michigan, USA - The Miss Oakland County Scholarship Program is now accepting application forms for both pageants.  The Miss Oakland County Pageant is a local preliminary to the Miss Michigan’s Pageant, and is set for Saturday, July 14, 2007. This is affiliated with the Miss America Organization. The winner will advance to the state Miss Michigan’s pageant to be held in Muskegon, June 2008.

No entry fee is required for the Miss Oakland County pageant, which is a preliminary to Miss Michigan and Miss America pageants. The deadline to enter is Friday, May 11, 2007.

Michigan, USA - They crisp coldness of the night kept all but, the die hard fans of the Chaldean Chy Cup Championship.  The game held in Birmingham, Michigan’s Grove’s field Saturday November 11, 2006.  The 26th Annual Chy Cup Bowl brought the best two flag football teams of the 2006 years.  Stadium lights blared across the field as the underdog of the evening team Black, led by Roy Sitto took the field against defending team White, led by Joey Jonna. 

The heat of the competition quickly warmed the stadium as team Black walked on the field with two season losses against White.  Team White confidently strolled onto the field as two time Bowl champions and defeating Black twice in the season.  The game seemed all but inevitable as to the two faced one another. 

However, sports fans that faced the cold were treated to an intense night of a dog fight game. 

California, USA - Chaldeans felt the same glow of appreciation when Mel Gibson brought the Aramaic language to the forefront.   “A brilliant man whose action and deeds speak for him, better than he speaks for himself,” says UC college film critic Ann Kassa.

Controversy and anger has followed Gibson since his successful work on the Passion, which grossed nearly a billion dollars.  “He is seen as a clear and competitive threat by legacy studios in Hollywood,” says Kassa.  “Gibson is not a card carrying culture destroyer like the other studios.  Just the opposite.  This man seems to be on a mission to revive and bring dignity to people through his brilliant works.  Plain and simple he is a threat to Hollywood’s monopoly and he doesn’t hang around their clubs to be brainwashed.”

Kassa’s theory may not be off mark as Gibson completes his latest project titled "Apocalypto.” - a movie completely done in Mayan-dialect set to hit the theaters in early December of 2006.  

California, USA – Chaldeans on America’s west coast have long enjoyed the cross cultural celebrations.  “I love meeting new people, tasting the different foods, and learn about their history,” says Angie Keto, 21, a pre-med. college student at UCLA.  “My entire family, uncles, aunts, cousins, and second cousins make it a family event. We lived for about six years in Germany when my family fled Iraq.  The German culture, food, passion, and drive is wonderful.”

La Mesa's annual Oktoberfest will take over the downtown village area this weekend. The three-day ode to all things German, including lederhosen, polka and oom-pah-pah bands, is expected to attract around 150,000 visitors.

“The Oktoberfest has been going on for 33 years,” said Andy Phemister, communications director for the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce. “It's a great way to get started on Christmas shopping.”

California, USA -- The Warner Tennis Center hosted the girls’ tennis competition where Chanelle Shamoun won twice in doubles for Notre Dame. 

The major showdown brought Viewpoint and Notre Dame face to face in one of the seasons most anticipated girls’ tennis match-ups. 

“The girls’ tennis team put up an impressive performance against Viewpoint,” says Notre Dame fan Jill Ridell.  “I am a big supporter of the Notre Dame girls tennis team and it was an exciting match.  Both Brittany Peiffer and Chanelle Shamoun played fantastic.”

Michigan, USA -- Residents of Northville, Michigan are overjoyed at the new sports field and community park playground. 

Northville Township Supervisor Mark Abbo graciously thanked residents for supporting the land acquisition and development of the sports field and playground.   Residents approved the land acquisition and development mileage that paid for the park's $4 million price tag. 

Abbo had a chance to share his excitement as he kicked the first soccer ball onto the field.  "Anything worthwhile is never easy," Abbo said to reporters.  The 242-acre park used to be empty space.  Now it includes a playground, a dog park, one practice soccer field, five soccer fields and two lacrosse fields. 

Michigan, USA – Izzat Kalu wasn't sure what to expect when his relatives brought him to the Michigan, State Fair.   The recent visitor to America was treated to the mini-amusement park located in Detroit.  

It was the 30-year-old Chaldean man's first time to a fair.  Joining Izzat was his wife Masoon and four children, Ibrahim, Andrew, Peter, and John.   A few minutes after arriving, the family stood stunned at the breathtaking displays, isles of eatery options, and fun games and rides.