Inspired by Maryam Toosi

Here are some designs inspired by, and celebrating the achievements of Maryam Toosi, the speedy female athlete, and holder of the Iranian national records for 100m, 200m, and 400m speed running for women. Click on each the image to zoom in. 

Hoping to see more Iranian female athletes persevere in the face of many challenges they would have to overcome, and realize that the only limits to our true potential and abilities are very likely those we impose on ourselves.

Additional design sketches can be found below. Some of these might have an element of puzzle in them, and a couple of them are meant to provide a clue about others.  In order to decipher what they say and gain a better perspective, you need to be able to read -- and in some cases understand -- Persian, English, and in a couple of cases, both languages.  Hope you find these interesting, and feel free to comment or provide your feedback. 

The Universal Love of Soccer

Source

I have played soccer -- or futbol as it is called in many parts of the world -- ever since I was in the 3rd grade, and continue to this day.  Back then, I was fortunate enough to study in an interesting, experimental, and progressive school in Iran, called Dabestan-e Farhad, under the leadership of a very caring and energetic principal known to all the students as Touran Khanoum. She was, and still is, a fascinating individual with a lot of passion and energy for her job.  One of her main current projects is to oversee the publication of a multi-volume encyclopedia for children and Young People in Persian language.  Here in an interesting article on this work, translated from German into English.   A website is recently established for disseminating news about this encyclopedia. Our principal, Ms. Touran Mirhadi studied child education and psychology and sociology, in Sorbonne, I believe, and took great pains in providing a school that was an inspiration to many of the kids who had the opportunity to study at Farhad, me included.

Sports Reporting: The Unconventional Way

Go Panthers

In an earlier post I wrote about a recent international friendly between Portugal and Spain, in which the recently crowned World Cup 2010 Champions conceded a sobering 4:0 loss.  Last night, to the dismay of fans and Spain's captain, and outstanding goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, his club team Real Madrid experienced another sobering loss against its arch-rival club FC Barcelona in a fast, entertaining and emotion-packed game in the Spanish professional league La Liga.  It was a beautiful game, with numerous creative moments.  You can watch the Real Madrid vs. Barcelona game in its entirety at ESPN3 (while it lasts, and if you are lucky with the connection and all), or you could watch the game highlights here or elsewhere on the net.

Major Upset for the 2010 World Cup Champions

Portugal 4            -                  0 Spain

A Belated Tribute to Spain Soccer Team

The Spaniard displayed an amazing set of skills in teamwork and sportsmanship during World Cup 2010 in South Africa, and there is no question that they deserve the title. 

Looking forward to Ever More Exciting World Cup 2010 Final Matches ...

Netherlands   3 : 2   Uruguay

Spain-Paraguay: Most Entertaining 2nd Half in the World Cup 2010 So Far

Paraguay    0 : 1    Spain

  

Fun with Reporting World Cup Game Results

Germany   4 : 0   Argentina

Congratulations to Germany for displaying a very dominant game against Argentina.  See the summary report here.  I feel sorry for Argentine fans for their team had a very tough time today.  Well, there was not much they could have done.  Overall a great performance by the Germans.  Very well done.

World Cup 2010 ... Clash of the Major Contenders Begins

One of the most spectacular sports events, World Cup 2010 is getting closer to its climax.  During the first two games of the quarter finals, Netherlands, whose legendary former captain Johan Cruyff failed to help bring home the coveted trophy back in 1974, put the Brazilians out of the tournament to clinch a spot in the semifinals.  They will be facing another South American team, Uruguay, who won in Penalty kicks over Ghana, whom I hoped to emerge the winner as the only remaining nation from the host continent Africa.  This has been an amazingly unpredictable tournament so far.  The other two games of the quarterfinals are set to start in a few hours where Argentina and Germany are going to face off and Spain is going to play against Paraguay.