Virtual Museum of the Achaemenid Empire!

musée achéménide (Achaemenid Museum) is a virtual museum dedicated to the Persian (Achaemenid) Empire.
The site is mostly in French but the navigational stuff are available in English.

First day of Spring is officially Norooz in Canada

Congratulations to all Iranians and all those who celebrate Norooz!
It didn't make it for this Norooz but as of next year, first day of Spring is officially recognized in Canada as Norooz (or "Nowruz" as they've spelled it). See Bill C-342.
Here's an email statement from Dr. Reza Morifi MPP:

Dear friends:

I am extremely happy to inform you that on Monday March 30, 2009, the House of Commons (federal parliament) passed a motion and proclaimed the first day of Spring "Nowruz" in Canada. This is a great news for the Iranain community and to all other communities that celebrate Nowruz.

This proclamation of the House of Commons was followed by the proclamation of Nowruz by the Parliament of Onatrio a year ago.

Since Mr. Michael Ignateiff became the Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada a few months ago, I began negotiation with his office on this matter and Mr. Ignateiff personally took ownership of this symbolically significant matter for the Iranain community and moved it forward.

At the final stage of the process, following negotiations with other parties, Mr. Ignateiff managed to gather the unanimous consent of all parties required for passing this motion by the House.

My good friend and my federal counterpart, Mr. Bryon Wilfert, also played a key role in this process by putting forward the Nowruz motion.

I wish to thank Mr. Ignateiff for his leadership in this matter. I also thank Mr. Wilfert and the Liberal Party of Canada. The Iranain community of Canada will remember them for ever!

Reza Moridi