From zenda@ix.netcom.com Mon Mar 31 01:38:08 1997 Return-Path: Received: from dfw-ix12.ix.netcom.com (dfw-ix12.ix.netcom.com [206.214.98.12]) by emin06.mail.aol.com (8.8.5/8.8.5/AOL-2.0.0) with ESMTP id BAA19517; Mon, 31 Mar 1997 01:38:06 -0500 (EST) Received: (from smap@localhost) by dfw-ix12.ix.netcom.com (8.8.4/8.8.4) id WAA28667; Sun, 30 Mar 1997 22:00:32 -0600 (CST) Received: from unknown(139.87.92.208) by dfw-ix12.ix.netcom.com via smap (V1.3) id sma027365; Sun Mar 30 21:59:30 1997 Message-Id: <3.0.1.32.19970330195953.006c94d8@popd.ix.netcom.com> X-Sender: zenda@popd.ix.netcom.com X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Pro Version 3.0.1 (32) Date: Sun, 30 Mar 1997 19:59:53 -0800 To: zenda@ix.netcom.com From: ZENDA Subject: ZENDA I (Vol III,#7 ; 3/31/97) Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/enriched; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Aadaar 31, 6746 March 31, 1997 =20 zzzzzzzz zzzzzzzz zz z zzzzzzzzz z =20 z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z zzzzzzz z z z z z zzzzzzz z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z zzzzzzzz zzzzzzzz z zz zzzzzzz z z Volume III, Issue 7 A Weekly Online Publication of ZENDA Assyrian Newsagency -Section 1 of 2- =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D T H I S W E E K I N Z E N D A=20 =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D -Section One- The Lighthouse...................... The Goals of Kha b'Neesan Good Morning Bet-Nahrain............ The Fragile Kurdish Accord Surfs Up............................ "to be more civil together" Surfers Corner...................... The Origin of the Word EASTER News Digest......................... Publication of the Akkadian=20 Grammar ACNC'97 Deadline Extended =20 -Section Two- Ziggurat............................ The Tigris and the Euphrates (French) Calendar of Events.................. No New Entries Entracte............................ Dinner to Honor Nemrod Simono Intelligentsia...................... Classes and Seminars=09 Assyrian Surfing Posts.............. The Chicago Assyrian Dictionary Proj Pump up the Volume.................. Ambassador & Trip=09 Back to the Future.................. The Assyrian Dark Ages The Discovery of the Eponym Literatus........................... A Sample of My Heart=09 This Week in History................ Sargis Osipov =20 Bravo............................... The Assyrians of Chicago The Directory....................... News Sources=09 Bshena.............................. Access Com and Chicago Salute.............................. Albert, Ashur, Zaineb, Chrisoph, Firas =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D THE L I G H T H O U S E =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D THE MAJOR GOALS OF THE AKITU: THE ASSYRIAN NEW YEAR FESTIVAL Assyrian New Year Festival was developed as one of the fundamental institutions used for indoctrination, overhaul and stimulation of individuals in any position and public organizations in any level to fulfill freshly the tasks of the next year. These objectives were achieved through performance of detailed and precisely planned and scheduled ceremonies and processions. These were carried out during day and night for twelve days of festival period. To give impact for the whole institutions, the celebration started from the spring equinox, the time at which the resurrection of nature is highly motivating. By elaborate ideologies the indoctrination processes were linked with renewal of nature. Thus whole empire functions were revived and given momentum for another year's strive and thus the process of aging would be slowed down. out The king of the Assyrian empire, who was practically the master of the civilized world of the time, was vulnerable to develop the megalomania disease. To prevent this and save the empire from its consequences, the king in the second day of the festival, was stripped of his outfits and insignias. He would kneel before the chief priest, confess to his carelessness, if any, would be slapped to recall any negligence committed in the past year, pledging strict care for the coming year. Thereafter the kingship would be invested in him for another year's term. out The vast empire territory and the magnificence of empire power was very tempting to spark egoism and revolt against the central power. To prevent this and to keep motivated, in order of merits, the most competent officer and governor would be chosen man of the year, called 'LIMMU'. The king in the first year of kingship and TURTANU - commander in chief - in the second year of kingship would be automatically honored LIMMU. Instead of the numeral year, his name would be used in every day life and in documents. The LIMMU would also be the master of ceremonies of the new year festival for that particular year. The documentary list of limmus resulting from this institution, in which for each limmu the historical events are registered constitutes the invaluable historical documents dating exactly the events for each=20 year. out Indoctrination of empire people for the creation of sole Assyrian national identity, consistency and solidarity in basic matters such as cosmogony, civil law and order, other features were carried out in elaborated and precise rituals during Kha-B'Nissan Assyrian New Year Festival. out In cosmogony doctrine, the matter was eternal with no beginning and no later destruction. The life was originated from mingling of APSU - sweet water - with TIAMAT -salty water -, closely related to present scientific theories. In civil law, the weak were protected. In the proemium to the Code of Hammurabi, 1792 B.C., we read: 'at that time Anu and Bell (the Gods) called me, Hammurabi the exulted prince, who fears the Gods to make righteousness to prevail in the land to destroy the wicked and evil, to prevent the strong from oppressing the weak'. This is in contrast with the civil law foundation of present advanced nations, which is based on 'awareness of customer', where the judge in court is not concerned with 'adequacy of consideration'. If the Assyrian Empire was not destroyed in 605 B.C. by the allies of the nomad Medes, who building in number force for a thousand years, from the west, the Cythian hordes from the north and the sister province of Babylon from the south, or if in the twenty five centuries since the fall of the Assyrian Empire, Megalomania, over-egoism of sovereigns, aging of flourishing civilizations had been prevented, wouldn't by now mankind have conquered the other solar systems? As conventional function of Kha-B'Nissan festival, Assyrians do renew their pledge to strive for the establishment of a national competent organization to help each Assyrian to secure the best education, the best income and national proud identity. =20 Alfred Dooman Canada =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D G O O D M O R N I N G B E T - N A H R A I N =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D THE FRAGILE KURDISH ACCORD [ZENDA/Al-Ahram Weekly] The Iraqi Kurds recently observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the 5,000 victims of the Halabja Massacre nine years ago by President Saddam Hussein. Alleging that Iraqi Kurds had collaborated with Iran against Iraq during the eight-year war (1980-1988) between the two countries, Hussein's forces used lethal gas to kill residents of this Kurdish village. In October of the same year, Hussein killed another 182,000 Kurds in what was known as al-Anfal operation.=20 Just a few days before the anniversary of the Halabja massacre, the two major Kurdish factions--the KDP led by M. Barzani and the Patriotic Union for Kurdistan (PUK) led by J. Talabani--suspended the US-brokered peace talks being held in Ankara. The talks were brought to a halt last week by the assassination of a KDP official in the city of Arbil in northern Iraq. The assassination coincided with a meeting of representatives of the KDP, PUK and no-fly zone's Turkoman minority in the Turkish capital for talks to consolidate their cease-fire accord. The meeting was also attended by US, British, and Turkish delegates. The KDP representative walked out of the meeting to protest the killing and said that "the PUK was behind the act of terror." One observer of the Kurdish crisis said that the assassination attempt was carefully planned to thwart the Ankara meeting and to further hinder US efforts to bring an end to the fighting in Kurdistan. "There are too many culprits in this incident; it could be either a radical wing in Talabani's party, agents of Saddam's central government or even a radical wing in the KDP, which is trying to abort any peaceful settlement between the two factions," the source said. Iran will work on expanding its influence with Talabani's PUK, according to the source, "to thumb its nose at the US, and its pretensions of maintaining a western influence with the Iraqi Kurds." =20 As one political observer put it: "The Kurds were their own worst enemy because the [two] factions persist in living in a never-never land. And they have not yet been able to change their misconception of international politics. So there can be no return to democracy. The Kurds have been and will be the football of the Middle East power struggle. Unfortunately, the Kurds permit themselves to be in that role." One prominent figure in the Iraqi opposition told Al-Ahram Weekly: "The Western intervention in Iraqi Kurdistan has been negative since the UN embargo added to the suffering of those under the embargo imposed by the central government in Baghdad. There was no assistance on the part of the international community to help break the economic and political impasse which forced thousands of young Kurds to make a living out of joining the militias of the two parties." =20 He added that the political settlement which both the US and Turkey are trying to impose on the Iraqi Kurds will not be more than "a temporary truce that will not hold for long. Such a settlement will not guarantee permanent stability in Iraqi Kurdistan. On the contrary, it will be widely rejected by the Kurds, who will see it as yet another tool of American-Turkish hegemony over the area... Baghdad will also strongly object and will further escalate tension in the region," the source said. The area, says the source, will remain unstable as long as the Iraqi government maintains its authority in the KDP-controlled region, Iran expands its influence in the area and Turkey works on establishing a security zone on Iraqi territory. =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D S U R F S U P ! =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D "I found the article on William Daniel in last week's Zenda very interesting. I would be very much interested in acquiring anything of his work that has been published. As I'm working on the Assyrian language of the nineteenth and early twentieth century, I would be interested in other publications of this early period too. Can you tell me where to order them? If people have spare copies of Assyrian books, I would be very happy when they would consider sending them to me - I'm of course willing to pay for these. More in general, it would be a good idea if Zenda would pay regular attention to new publications and reprints of Assyrian books. Much has been written in the last two centuries, but much has been lost also. Every Assyrian's help is needed in order to preserve this literature. Thanks for your efforts in this field so far." Dr. Heleen Murre-van den Berg The Netherlands ************** [Grafeex of San Jose, California has kindly agreed to complete the design and development of the ZENDA website on the Internet. As a service to the Assyrian bibliophiles we will include a section on new and reprinted Assyrian books and periodicals which can be purchased online. Until then to order any of William Daniels published work please contact: The Assyrian American Association of San Jose The Education & Culture Committee P.O. Box 41311 San Jose, California 95160 U.S.A. (408) 927-8100 ] "In response to Ms. Lena Mushell's observations published in Zenda, Volume 3, Issue 3, on March 3, 1997, I would like to clarify some biased comments Lena Mushell made regarding the rally that was held at the Assyrian American Association's Beta, in February 1997, by delegates from North of Assyria (today's Iraq), namely, GABA ATRANAYA and Christian Aid Program of North of Iraq. I, Carlo Ganjeh, functioning as the mediator, was responsible to adhere to the agenda set forth by the delegates. First, we had a report from Christian Aid program of North Iraq followed by GABA ATRANAYA. After the report we had the floor open for questions from the delegates. The first person took 10 minutes to get to his question and it was very clear that he was not asking a question but was giving us a lecture on his beliefs. I, as the mediator, in order to control the meeting in a civilized manner asked that person to get to the point or his question. But unfortunately, Mr. Lachin and his supporters immediately exploded, stating that you cannot stop him from talking. I was shocked and embarrassed by his behavior. Out of curiosity I asked Mr. Vladimer Betlachin if he could have gone to the same meeting the next day at the Assyrian American Civic Club of Turlock, where he resides, but instead drove about 2 hours from Turlock to San Jose to be at this meeting. After this, Mr. Betlachin who leads the Assyrian Democratic Movement in California, said that he is leaving the meeting because of my question and walked out. His supporters from Turlock and San Jose also followed him out. Ten minutes later they all came back to the meeting that no one had asked them to leave. I apologized to everyone at the meeting for my question, which was not appropriate and I'm the first one to admit that. I have since been informed that due to his lawsuit for millions of dollars against the Assyrian American Civic Club of Turlock, he has been suspended from attending any of their meetings or functions. I also understand that this group of people feel that they are the only ones who know what is good for our people. A dictatorship run by a select group comprised of Lincoln Malek and Lachin, who want to make the decisions for our people. This is exactly what we should be shying away from. I wish Zenda would not succumb to trivial pursuits of a few people like Ms. Lena Mushell, when our nation is perishing at home and abroad. Why can't we learn to be more civil together and learn from each other to further benefit our nationalistic goals rather than argue over what I think is right and what others might think is wrong." Carlo K. Ganjeh San Jose, CA ************** "Regarding the letter of Mr. Frederick Aprim which appeared in Volume III, Issue 4 of ZENDA, I would like to give my opinion. Mr. Aprim seems to believe that Assyrians should live in some sort of Utopia where we are all pure and angelic. I would like to remind him that every Assyrian has the God given right to criticize, severely if necessary, another Assyrian who may well deserve it. Mr. Aprim states "the time is now to put these people where they belong", none of us know to whom he is referring. He also declares that "the time is now my friends to create that environment where all Assyrians can live together united...". We cannot build a nation based on passiveness and Utopian ideology. No nation has ever attained nationhood without strong personalities who are not afraid to voice their opinion, even if it might shatter that heavenly bliss." Raman Michael Chicago ************** "The last issue of Zenda (March 24, 1996) featured Ramin Daniels' "Call for Action". Mr. Daniels complains that in the 5 years since its emergence in this country, Zowaa has failed to coalesce meaningful support from the Assyrian community, and it has failed to develop "a solid political and economic infrastructure". This justifiably distresses Mr. Daniels who is a supporter of ZOWAA. He blames the failure on Dr. Lincoln Malik, whom he describes as "a highly educated man and a career politician." =20 Mr. Daniels contends that "Dr. Malik has failed to stir our passions in support of our people in Bet-Nahrain, and to do what is necessary to support ZOWAA?s national movement in our homeland." Daniels then concludes: "It is time for Dr. Malik to pass the torch. I urge all concerned Assyrians to join me in calling on ZOWAA to appoint a new figure to replace Dr. Malik." Daniels wants Malik replaced with "a person that can draw on the resources of our nation to develop ZOWAA into a strong, effective, and proactive organization in the U.S." =20 Mr. Daniels is obviously genuine in his concerns, and I salute him for sharing his views. But what he proposes is not so simple. ZOWAA was created in Iraq many years before Dr. Malik?s participation. Throughout those years, ZOWAA was essentially ignored by the Assyrian community in this country. To my knowledge, none of the Assyrian organizations in the U.S. ever lifted a finger to answer ZOWAA?s call for help. =20 If there is one thing that has changed since the arrival of Dr. Malik, it is that finally there has been a sustained effort to raise funds in this country for ZOWAA?s homeland use. I am convinced that much of the credit for this achievement does indeed belong to Dr. Malik. On this point, I would encourage Mr. Daniels to see the glass as half-full, rather than as half-empty. =20 But Mr. Daniels raises another bothersome issue. According to Daniels "It is time that we Assyrians demand accountability from people who have assumed positions of importance and [who] impact our national affairs." This is a most valid point and it applies to all Assyrian organizations. As for Mr. Daniels' specific brief, it is interesting that it echoes another recent complaint (see Zenda, March 3, 1996) by Mr. Esha Tamras. By all accounts Mr. Tamras was a dedicated and productive worker for the Assyrian Aid Society (the charity arm of ZOWAA). Such individuals should be treasured for their value. Yet Mr. Tamras resigned as President of the Santa Clara Chapter of the A.A.S. in exasperation for the authoritarian and secretive style of leadership at the top. Mr. Esha Tamras remains a strong supporter of ZOWAA, just as Mr. Daniels. Mr. Tamras worked hard for two years raising funds for the A.A.S., yet he found that even as Chairman of A.A.S. in Santa Clara County, he was rarely provided information about the organization, and his ideas were rarely heard out. To Mr. Tamras, there was no evidence of a dialogue, only of a military-like mentality. The top dog never shared any information with his troops, except on a "Need To Know" basis. The tradition of leaders being close-mouthed and projecting an autocratic rather than a democratic image has ample precedents in the Middle East, and Assyrians take second to none in this department. In a mode reminiscent of Louis XIV?s "L'etat c'est moi!", Assyrian maliks and high clerics traditionally expected their edicts to be obeyed, not questioned. Like it or not, today?s Assyrian "leaders" must recognize that those days are over. Volunteers cannot be inspired to maximum effort if they are treated as minions rather than as partners. Less imperiousness will do wonders. =20 I have personally visited with various ZOWAA leaders, both in Iraq and in Syria. I have always been impressed with their positive attitude and their interest in hearing out suggestions, and in a genuine exchange of views. Ironically, therefore, ZOWAA leaders in the Middle East seem far ahead of the ZOWAA leaders in the West. There is the same dichotomy when it comes to the Assyrian Aid Society. In Zakho and Dohuk, representatives of the A.A.S. spent considerable time allowing my inspection of their receipts and expenditures. They correctly assumed that public exposure is the best disinfectant. I came away thoroughly impressed with the candor and openness. In sharp contrast, my recent experience with the Assyrian Aid Society in the U.S. seems to be "we will let you know the least possible," and "it is none of your business." With due respect, if it is about our people, it is every Assyrian?s business. =20 I would like to add two brief points: 1. I seriously question whether there is any Assyrian in the U.S. who would be willing to take on the responsibility currently shouldered by Dr. Malik. He has dedicated untold hours on this project. If there is someone else with the talent and the readiness to do this job, I wonder where this person was in the years before Dr. Malik assumed the position. 2. Mr. Daniels states that we must demand accountability, and actively scrutinize the performance of our leaders. While I doubt that "openness" in itself can do much to change "the pitiful state of our nation at the close of the 20th century," it is time for our "leaders" to stop talking down to the people, and to hear them out. Francis Sarguis Santa Barbara, California ************** "Hi. I was reading Lena Mushel's letter to the Zenda and I think that I agree with him. I am an Assyrian from Iran and I believe that there are a lot of Assyrian-Christian in the Iran and Iraq or even in the United State which need this money. It is better to think about Assyrian pour families and helping them. There are a lot families which do need money to survive in the cities like Turlock, Ceres and San Jose and also we have thousands of Assyrian wondering all around the world which need money and help. We have hundreds of students in the universities that are the future of the Assyrian society and most of them need money. We are collecting money for those who killed thousands of Assyrian during the Agha Potrous revolution ( if I spelled it right.) Our people in Iran and Iraq need that money more than the other. This money goes to the people that called us "dirty" for years. Just have a trip to the Ceres in California and see how many families do need that money. I am Assyrian, I love Assyrian and I prefer that any kind of help goes to Assyrian." Eddie E. California State University, Stanislaus Turlock, California ************** "Thank you very much for your help and kind cooperation I have received your e-mail with e-address of an Assyrian in Finland. I shall contact this brother by e-mail. I know that Assyrians live in Oulu, but I didn't know this seven years ago when visited this town in Finland. Dear brothers and sisters from ZENDA, I am greatly appreciated for your noble patriotic activity, and for attention to my request. I wish you happiness Sincerely yours." =20 Promarz Tamrazov Ukraine =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D S U R F E R S C O R N E R =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D ZENDA readers are invited to respond to the following request(s) by either directly writing to the author or sending a reply to ZENDA. =20 *************************************************************************** ZENDA on the Origins of the Word EASTER According to the Venerable Bede, an 8th Century Christian historian and theologian, the name Easter is derived from the festival of Oestre (sometimes spelled "Estre"), pronounced "Eestruh", the Anglo-Saxon Goddess of Spring, Fertility and New Life. The name "Eastre time" later became "Easter time". The goddess Estre was of course none other than the Assyrian goddess Ishtar. According to the Mesopotamian mythology every year, at the end of Vernal Equinox, Ishtar descended to the underworld and succeeds in rescuing her lover, Tammuz. Tammuz, whose name also refers to the fourth Assyrian month (July) returns to life after three days of absence or a physical death. In addition, according the Anglo-Saxon mythology the Goddess Oestre (Estre) graciously turns a bird into a rabbit, and in gratitude the rabbit, remembering how to lay eggs during the Festival of Oestre, lays beautiful eggs for her goddess. A HAPPY YOMA'D QYAMA (RESURRECTION DAY) TO OUR CHRISTIAN READERS=20 =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D N E W S D I G E S T=20 =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D SCHOLARS PRESS TO PUBLISH THE "AKKADIAN GRAMMAR" The students and scholars of the Akkadian language will be pleased=20 to learn that John Huehnergard's "Akkadian Grammar" will soon be published in the Harvard Semitic Monograph series by Scholars Press. It is presently=20 in route to the printer and should be available for ordering no later=20 than the end of June 1997. Please note that orders cannot be placed in=20 advance of its actual publication. ZENDA will send a notice with ordering=20 information when the volume arrives. For more information contact Patrick Durusau of Scholars Press at pdurusau@emory.edu. ACNC'97 REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED =20 As previously announced, the upcoming Assyrian Community Networking=20 Conference (ACNC'97) will be held in Turlock (CA) in conjunction with the 1997 Assyrian State Convention of California. The ACNC'97 FREE registration period has been extended to April 30, 1997. The conference will consist of two main sessions and a panel discussion. In addition to a keynote address, there will be a number of individual presentations from both Assyrian and non-Assyrian experts. Proposals for demonstrations, panel discussions or related activities are welcome.=20 Visit Nineveh-Online (http://www.nineveh.com/acnc97.htm) for detail information about the objectives and topics of the conference and on how to register. All participants will receive a FREE T-shirt and a disk with Assyrian Fonts. ASHUR SHAMOUN RETURNS TO HIS MICROPHONE Mr. Ashur Shamoun, who suffered a heart attack while taping a weekly Assyrian radio program, was discharged from the Oakville Hospital in Oakville, Ontario. Mr. Shamoun is the vice-president and the producer of the Assyrian Voice of Canada which can be heard every Saturday, on frequency 1430 from 10 in the evening until midnight.=20 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- -End of Section 1 of 2