Author: Bambi

Bambi would like to thank her friend for sharing this VERY thoughtful interview.

Many thanks to Mr. Anthony Furey for interviewing Dr. Patanjali (or Pat) Kambhampati for the National Post (https://nationalpost.com/opinion/the-professor-fighting-to-stop-woke-warriors-from-destroying-science-full-comment-with-anthony-furey) about the threat to science in our country.

PLEASE, listen to his story with his two denied federal grants carefully.

Please take the time to think about all this.

He is publicly and courageously talking and sharing. How many have gone though the same experience in silence?

Is this Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) the way to move forward our scientific research enterprise in Canada?

Will this keep Canada competitive at the domestic and international levels?

Is this a good use of taxpayers’ money? Yours, his, the journalist’s, and Bambi’s.

Will this be fair to our new university students and future scientists?

Will we regret all this obsession with EDI in 10, 15, and 25 years from now?

Bambi has always wondered who came up with this EDI slogan/bureaucracy and why are we doing it? She was happy to hear Dr. Kambhampati talk about this. What an eloquent thinker! What an inspiring scientist!

Why can’t we question this invented EDI, as Dr. Kambhampati explained so well!?

Why this totalitarianism, Canada, that is preventing us from questioning EDI and questioning many other related concepts or ideas?

Why this overwhelming political correctness that is making some of us say what we do not believe in just to conform… or out of fear?

Why are some censored (or cancelled or punished) for questioning?

In Bambi’s mind, things are simple and crystal clear: if diversity does not include intellectual diversity, what is the use of it?

If equity is no longer about fairness, is it worth it?

If inclusion means exclusion of some, is it still worth being called so?

If science is no longer about science first, will we still have something called science in 10, 25, or 100 years?

Are we truly serving our new young trainees in science and medicine? Or are we being unfair to some while giving a message to others that you are not capable of doing it on your own?

This top-bottom forces of racial-based authoritarianism (coming from the top of governance or bureaucracy) scares Bambi, as she worries about Canada’s short-term future (next 5-10 or more years?)… and what is next?

To come back to the interview in question, Dr. Kambhampati said something very interesting about safe spaces in universities: Safe for some… but not for others. Indeed, double standards, sadly once again (some talk, others not. Some safe. Others not). Despite the noble stated intentions of such ideologies, their practice on the ground can only be unrealistic or even too absurd… and ironically unfair (again, to some more than others).

Look at the irony of the lost opportunities of future talented students who would have wanted to work with Dr. Kambhampati on his proposed projects. Perhaps your children are or will be among them? Perhaps our politicians’ own kids when they grow up?

Luckily for him, Dr. Kambhampati was awarded an international prestigious grant for his work… Isn’t it this also sad for Canada? The world (at least part of it) is still looking at scientific merit. Canada is putting ideologies before excellence… Again, how can we remain competitive at the international level?

Related to all those trendy ideologies, Bambi salutes Québec for considering (even if it is sad to have to interfere in university affairs) a bill to protect academic freedom as “there is no safe spaces in the classroom” to use the own words of a Commission on the topic, as per an older post shown further below.

If EDI does not guarantee scientific merit (or excellence), what is its point? Why should we use it… or risk abusing it or being abused by it?

Are our politicians in Ottawa (and elsewhere too) listening? Are our bureaucrats listening? Are taxpayers OK with all this? What about parents of our future scientists? What about all of us, including our minorities that we pretend to speak in their names?

Today it is Dr. Kambhampati who is in this situation. Yesterday, it may have been you. Tomorrow, it will still be you… and others (if we do not say enough!).

MANY thanks Dr. Pat Kambhampati for speaking up as you have been courageously doing. Bambi was HONOURED to interview you on November 24, 2021!

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Earlier posts can be found below. The interview above is also available on Bambi’s personal website:

https://rimaazar.ca/

Dr. Patanjali (or Pat) Kambhampati: Bambi was honoured to interview you!

Bravo to Québec for standing up to defend academic freedom at its universities!

Bambi cannot go to bed without sharing the talented voice of Ms. Hiba Tawaji singing for Christmas!

The concert in question took place in Beirut in December 2019 and was re-broadcast in January 2020. Bambi was in Beirut at this time for her last trip there before the pandemic. She recalls having watched Ms. Hiba Tawaji’ concert live on TV, with her mom and dad.

At the time, Lebanon was already sinking into misery following the financial crash of the Ponzi scheme of its banking sector. This has resulted in a revolution (or revolt of the people) on December 17, 2019.

Anyhow, without much blahblahblah from Bambi, here are three songs from this concert, hoping you will enjoy them.

To conclude this brief post, Bambi is thinking of her parents now as well as two dear friends, Jacinthe and Alexis, if they happen to be reading. Jacinthe, you will recognize “Laylat Id” (or Jingle Bells in Arabic). Bambi has fond memories of you singing it in Arabic :). As for you Alexis, you are right, Bambi is in the mood and ready for Christmas :)!

To begin with, Bambi would like to thank Ms. Roula Douglas for re-tweeting Ms. Lina Zhaim’s beautiful picture and meaningful words.

Well, the picture below attracted Bambi’s attention today. Thus, she allowed herself to “steal” it and to share the tweet with you below :).

First, the picture!

Second, the moving words of Ms. Zhaim…

Finally, Bambi cannot help not to have a burst of vivid memories coming to her mind in relation to this picture. Naturally, the latter is also reminding her of the following: the beauty of the Mediterranean sea, the charm of Beirut, the wonderful memories of trips back home or of the earlier happy childhood memories, which seem like a second life now (yes, happy despite civil war!), the generosity/hospitality of the Lebanese people, and… those delicious pink “Ghazel el Banat” (barbe à papa, cotton candy, candyfloss, Zuckerwatte, or whatever you happen to call them yourself :)).

More specifically, in just a few seconds, this picture made Bambi dive into some of her beautiful, and funny, memories in this place. Here are a couple of them that she is happy to share with you, if you care to listen (or read rather). In her mind, those memories tell us something about the mentality and the hearts of people from this place.

The first one involves Bambi’s sister Rania who kindly took her to the beach during one of her trips back home. In that story, they went to grab Shawarma sandwiches for their lunch. Bambi saw the cotton candy in the back of the restaurant-bar and she got excited, showing it to her sister and reminding her of their old childhood memories. The guy serving them must have heard them. After they paid, he ran to the candy cotton and made a nice bouquet that he offered to Bambi saying: “This is for you, as desert”. He did the same to Rania! Bambi was overjoyed and up to now she recalls this incident as one of the many examples of kindness and hospitality of Beirutis and Lebanese people. Thanks to this anonymous person again because the food we eat and digest, is gone (when it does not stay as fat :). However, the memories of how those offering food made us feel stay with us forever. This example is just a tiny one of the culture of hospitality in the country of the cedars.

Of course, today, times are tough on all in tiny, bankrupt yet charming Lebanon. Perhaps this guy has migrated? Perhaps and hopefully this restaurant is still hanging on? Best wishes to this business and to all!

Now, the second memory also involves Rania [and her daughter :)] and it took place perhaps precisely at the beach in the picture above. Rania kindly took her sister (Bambi) and daughter to a certain nearby very nice place (perhaps even nicer, but Bambi was obsessed with the beauty of the beach, shown in the picture, all day long). So, around dusk time, Bambi’s sister acted on her promise and took her younger sister to that specific beach called Ramlet el Bayda (white sand beach). It was still crowded and perhaps Bambi’s family gets sometimes enough of the beach after several months of a sunny weather (not Bambi!). She jumped in the water and was happily swimming when a young man surprised her by asking her the following: “How come your family is not swimming with you?”. She said: “Whatever, they are into mountains more than beaches maybe :)”. Then, this guy decided that Bambi was the mother of BOTH her sister Rania, who happens to be three years older than her :), and of her niece (yes, both of them!). It was the funniest interaction with a stranger during this trip. From this day until the end of her trip, Bambi insisted on being called “Mama” by her sister :)!

Rania, if you are reading now and likely smiling, we will build such silly memories again whether in Beirut or abroad. Until then, we do have our beautiful memories to hang on to when we miss each other. Thanks to you and to Roula for all the fun times together. Bambi loves you both!

To conclude, this post, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. Thanks again Ms. Lina Zhaim and Ms. Roula Douglas… Much love to Beirut, along with Mr. Enrico Macias’ song called Beyrouth!

Mmm… Is Mr. Trudeau suggesting that Québec should leave his woke Canada (https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-rbl-interview-1.6291118)?

Why doesn’t our Prime Minister focus his energy on the economy and on more pressing federal issues instead?

Anyhow, to conclude this brief post and if she may, here is a song for you Mr. Trudeau from Bambi :). It is by Les Respectables and it is called “Mêle-toi de tes affaires” [which means “Mind your own business“].

Bambi just discovered this refreshing short performance from 2018. It is a medley of Arabic, English, and French Christmas songs.

May the memory of Mr. Elias Rahbani be eternal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elias_Rahbani), to begin with, and bravo to his son (the talented Mr. Ghassan Rahbani) and to those GREAT singers!

May the children/youth of tiny, yet immortal, Lebanon keep singing for hope while awaiting brighter and fair days!

Will Mr. António Guterres ‘ message fall on the deaf ears of the Lebanese politicians?

A French summary

“J’adresse mes vœux chaleureux au peuple libanais, dans la perspective de ma visite de cette semaine.

Le peuple libanais est un peuple généreux, ingénieux et hospitalier. J’ai pu le constater lors de mes nombreuses visites au Liban lorsque j’étais Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies pour les réfugiés.

Je suis extrêmement préoccupé par les épreuves que vous traversez actuellement.

L’an dernier, la terrible explosion dans le port de Beyrouth a coûté la vie à plus de 200 personnes originaires de plus d’une douzaine de pays : des parents, filles, fils, amis et collègues… Les Nations Unies pleurent leur disparition avec vous. Parmi les plus jeunes victimes se trouvaient notamment deux enfants de membres du personnel de l’ONU.

L’explosion a fait quelque sept mille blessés, dont beaucoup sont désormais handicapés à vie. Des milliers de foyers ont été détruits. Je sais que le peuple libanais veut des réponses ; je sais que vous exigez la vérité et la justice.

L’effet conjugué des crises sociales, économiques et politiques ne fait qu’exacerber vos souffrances. Et la pandémie de COVID-19 a encore alourdi le fardeau.“

A quick English translation

“I extend my warm wishes to the Lebanese people, in the run-up to my visit this week.

The Lebanese people are generous, resourceful and hospitable people. I saw this during my many visits to Lebanon when I was United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

I am extremely concerned about the ordeals you are going through right now.

Last year, the terrible explosion in the port of Beirut claimed the lives of more than 200 people from more than a dozen countries: parents, daughters, sons, friends and colleagues … The United Nations mourn their disappearance with you. Among the youngest victims were two children of UN personnel.

The explosion left some seven thousand injured, many of whom are now disabled for life. Thousands of homes have been destroyed. I know the Lebanese people want answers; I know you demand truth and justice.

The combined effect of social, economic and political crises only exacerbates your suffering. And the COVID-19 pandemic has further increased the burden.“

Bill 21 is a moderate bill on secularism compared to what is practised in Europe.

Bambi has several older posts on this topic (most if not all are shown at the end of this post).

Very briefly, Bill 21 is a bill made by Québec for Québec.

This bill respects the history and culture of the secular Québec.

This bill bans ALL religious symbols in those working for the government who are in positions of authority.

This bill was voted by a majority government. It is supported by the majority of Québeckers, including Muslims and Arabs. However, of course, our mainstream media funded by our federal government will not show us this side of this story.

This being said, Bambi just learned from a quick tour of the English- and French-Canadian media about the latest Canadian nonsense: Municipal councils across the country are adopting motions to help fight Québec’s Bill 21 in court. When will our federal government and woke-oriented municipalities (https://globalnews.ca/news/8456407/brampton-toronto-fight-quebec-bill-21/) stop their campaign against Québec? Until they understand that it is none of their business to interfere with Québec matters, here is a song for all of them from Bambi…

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Why does CBC Manitoba lie about Québec’s Bill 21 on secularism?

Why is a high profile Federal Minister, Mr. Omar Alghabra, interfering with Québec’s politics, wrongly/shamelessy calling Bill 21 “a state-sanctioned discrimination”?

Bravo Mr. Blanchet for pointing to Mr. Trudeau’s “imbecility” about Bill 21!

The equating of the Afzaals tragedy & Québec’s Bill 21: Why is it that our PM is unwise to the point of irresponsibility, despite his apparent good intentions?

Bill 21 on secularism of the state: Bravo to Québec Minister of Justice for refusing the Superior Court judgement because “the laws of Québec must apply to everyone and throughout Québec. There are no two Québecs, there is only one”!

Bill 21: Had Bambi been a Québec resident, this is the day where she would consider voting for sovereignty. For the proud Canadian she is, it means that Mr. Trudeau went too far!

The problem with Dr. Zaidi is that his task force criticizing Québec’s bill 21 is out of the wrong province. The problem of the CBC is that it spreads misinformation about this bill

Contrary to many others, Ms. Ensaf Haidar knows radical religiosity sadly too well. This is why she defends Québec’s secularism bill 21

Why can’t Mr. Trudeau respect Québec, namely its Bill 21 on the state’s secularism?

Test yourself with Bill 21: Multiple Choice Questions

Mr. Richard Martineau is right: The Globe & Mail editorial on Québec’s Bill 21 sucks

Beirut has seen beautiful as well as ugly and now ugliest days.

From the “Paris of the Orient” to the capital of a15-year-long bloody civil war.

From numerous armed conflicts and assassinations to surrealistic port explosions mixed with a pandemic and a devastating hyperinflation.

Azar Electric saw it all…

Days of prosperity.

Days of blood and dust.

Long days and months without power during war and even after.

Days with kidnapped, killed, and even tortured employees for being of the “wrong” religion.

Days in long Covid-19 lock downs.

Days of clean-up following the massive destruction from the Beirut port blast that hit this store hard, including the office of Mr. Antoine Azar (and his private home).

Days of a Christmas season in the middle of a devastating economic collapse.

Azar Electric remains a monument in Beirut, regardless of the surrounding beauty or ugliness.

Indeed, Azar Electric went through all the above and flourished over the years since 1961! That was the year, Mr. Azar got himself a loan from a kind and generous lender. He realized his dream by establishing his business upon his return from one year of work in München, Germany. His store carries the best selection of home appliances at competitive prices. Whether customers are looking to replace their TV, Hi-Fi or kitchen appliances or they need to make a major appliance upgrade, Azar Electric “carries the names they can trust” (https://www.facebook.com/people/Azar-Electric/100064798626155/).

Today, sixty years later, sadly the current times in Lebanon are the harshest ever. Yet Azar Electric is still here, resilient and proud. It is even fully decorated, awaiting Christmas, while spreading some joy in a neighbourhood affected by collective misery, like the entire country.

First, where is Azar Electric located? In Beirut, Lebanon.

What is the main ingredient of Azar Electric successful longevity, despite the passing crazy seasons of his country, one cannot help not to wonder?

The founder and owner of Azar Electric, Mr. Antoine Azar, works tirelessly from Mondays to Saturdays. A brilliant merchant, smart in affairs and a genius in humanity.

He taught his staff the values of great service, respect, and honesty. He provided his children and grand-children with a life model of entrepreneurship, continuous service combined with trust, and even love (yes, love!), of his clientele (even in times of blindness and hatred… even in times of economic despair).

He resisted the tyranny of successive occupiers, one after the other. He even gave life lessons to young yet heavily armed militia men tempted by abuse of power. He risked his life for his principles. Only having his values and courage. The floor of his store still has bullet holes from the time of these war-related stories.

Some incidents of courage occurred on the nearby streets. For his children, he would get the moon. The youngest one, Bambi (when she was 3 or 4), put her dad’s life (and theirs) in danger by asking him to save a cat hit by cars escaping snipers. Her family was escaping to the “other side” of the capital (i.e., airport) under heavy shelling and snipers’ madness. Bambi’s dad asked everyone to lower their heads. He stopped the car and ran outside to move the apparently very injured cat aside (Bambi’s mom was not very impressed). It turned out that the cat was already dead. Yet with all his tenderness, Mr. Azar reassured his daughter that the cat will be fine since her mom will take care of her. Bambi will always remember this comforting story that could have ironically taken her dad away from her/them…

Yes, this is Mr. Antoine Azar. A man of humanity, a man of faith and love. A man of sharp intelligence, integrity, and… what a successful entrepreneur!

He is a self-made man.

Yes, he established his business from scratch and made it thrive, even during war times (even opened a second branch) and acted as the exclusive distributor of the prestigious German brand, Siemens, for TV and Hi-Fi, across the entire country.

He kept his business alive, when death was all over.

Three months before the official end of war, he managed to bring his family to the safety of Canada in 1990. Bambi owes him (and her mom) her life in our beautiful country… and all what she has built since age 17.

Just to give one example of her dad’s generosity, when she was a (“poor”) student, she has lied to her parents (who had moved back to their birth country). She did so to hide tougher times of balancing school, work, and volunteering times. Somehow a little loving bird shared her secret to her parents. They came to visit her and left. Little did she know what they did behind her back. When she went to pay her rent, the building owner told her it has been dealt with with postdated checks, every month, for an entire year! Can you imagine? This is just one example of her parents’ generosity and kindness.

Regardless of the professional accomplishment, family care, or coping with life or personal adversity, Bambi’s dad does everything with a remarkable dignity and a smile on his face!

With a deep spirituality in his heart, he has faced life challenges with courage and optimism (from war to health issues to migration, back and fourth, etc.). There is no single day where he complained about anything. During war times, as a child, when Bambi used to ask, if they are OK financially speaking to survive war, Bambi’s dad’s reply always included Thank God. Always this gratitude. Always this beautiful attitude.

It is only when the surrealistic Beirut blast occurred that Bambi heard her dad for the first time in her life telling her that he does not see hope in Lebanon anymore. He even asked her sisters to leave the country. He even called hyperinflation and lack of medication as being worse than the war! Bambi thought there is nothing in life worse than the latter… It turned out that the economic crash is unbearable. This tells you how bad Lebanon’s situation is now. Yet, Azar Electric remains open on a daily basis. Check its Christmas decoration, and if you wish, to go back in time to the sad August 4, 2020, you may wish to see the pictures/videos of Azar Electric with the destruction from the Beirut blast as well as the generosity of young Lebanese volunteers who offered to clean (older post at the end of this one). They came from all over the regions of Lebanon and helped in assisting the traumatized citizens. They replaced the absent, criminal, and corrupt state.

To come back to the founder/owner of Azar Electric, he has been and will always remain a hero, not just for Bambi and her sisters (and their children), but also for so many! Ask his friends, neighbours, or customers, if you do not believe Bambi. Ask his buddies in Montreal, Ottawa, or Beirut. Ask his former colleagues from Germany. Everyone respects (and love) Mr. Antoine (or Tony!) Azar.

Of note, Mr. Antoine Azar speaks Arabic, French, English, German, and Italian (some Spanish too and a few words of Greek). He taught himself so many skills, including those related to IT and technology. He is a loving spouse (always in love with Bambi’s mom :)!), a devoted dad, a wonderful grandfather, a caring boss… and always, up to now, an inspiring entrepreneur. For him and his family, Sundays are sacred. No work, just fun family time… and the week of work starts all over again.

To conclude this post, Bambi’s post tried to honour Azar Electric by sharing with you its success story. She hopes you have enjoyed and learned something new about this store and the man who made it all possible. If you are reading up until now dad, Bambi will stop here to say that she loves you, beyond words. She is honoured to call you her “baba d’amour” 🙂 and, if she may, she would like to offer you (and mom) this moving song by Mr. Claude Barzotti called “Papa“!

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For Beirut, for its victims and amazing survivors, Bambi signed the petition!

Bambi would like to thank her father-in-law for sharing the information below:

According to a recent report, classrooms are not “safe spaces” and, to protect the concept of academic freedom, a law may be required.

It is very sad that we got to such a low point of intellectual degradation at our universities (and by extension in our societies) that our governments need to interfere.

Of course, as usual, Québec is a leader when it comes to fighting obscurantism.

In Canada, la Belle Province remains a precious bastion of anti-wokism. Hence all the attacks against its bills and culture, according to Bambi’ non-expert citizen’s opinion.

Make no mistake, we may perhaps eventually hear voices, from within this province, opposing such bill from either the official opposition or from within the universities themselves even. Some may perhaps even call such a bill racist or anti-EDI (Equity, diversity,inclusion) or whatever other absurd name? Could it be? And what would be the role of our federal government in this?

Regardless, it is HIGHLY reassuring to read about Québec lawmakers wanting to try to take a legal action to save what is left of academic freedom at our universities. Bravo!

Here are two articles on the topic from the CBC and CTV News (English content):

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-universities-not-safe-space-1.6285400

https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/quebec-university-classrooms-are-not-safe-spaces-says-academic-freedom-committee-1.5706817

Here is an article from the Journal de Montréal (French content):

https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2021/12/14/liberte-academique-les-salles-de-cours-ne-sont-pas-des-espaces-securitaires-conclut-un-rapport

Thank you Québec for giving Bambi hope about intellectual diversity at our higher education institutions. To conclude this post, here is a meaningful German song (like the main theme of this blog). Yes, here is “Die Gedanken sind frei”! Some of the readers may understand it. Others may wish to read the English sub-titles.