2009 is the first year UC Berkeley’s ASA will be hosting their Annual Charity Poker Tournament to help rehabilitate and develop the former Soviet-bloc country of Armenia. Working with the non-profit ArmeniaFund Inc., now in it’s 12th year of fundraising, ASA hopes to contribute positively to the re-awakening of an entire nation.

Come help ASA in this re-awakening by buying yourself a seat at the poker tournament, a fun social event that entices the gambler AND the public service activist in YOU! There’s no better way to spend a Thursday night than having a good time and helping the world while you’re at it. This is pleasure as guilt-free as it comes, and ASA wants you to take part!

Find us on Sproul starting Nov. 2nd for pre-sale sign-ups where buying ahead of time will get you free food! WE’RE ALSO ACCEPTING SIGN-UPS ONLINE HERE!

Can’t make up your mind? Buy-in at the door and you’ll still be able to play, but you’ll have to pay for the food!

We will be giving away a bunch of cool prizes, including a Nintendo Wii, Apple iPod Nano, and a gift card at the Cal Student store! so come by and try your luck !!

Major sponsors soon to be posted.

IMPORTANT RULES & GUIDELINES:
=====================
6:00pm – Event Opens, All Players Admitted (Pre-Sale + At-Door)
6:45pm – Tournament Begins, No New Players Admitted
9:00pm – Re-Buys No Longer Allowed; Add-Ons Offered
12:00am – Tournament Ends
!! Blinds start at 1 – 2 chips and go up every 15 minutes
!! $10 Buy-Ins get you 100 chips (Ratio of $1:10c)
!! Re-Buys of $10 allowed until 9:00pm (”replace-a-buy-in”)
!! Add-Ons (”cash infusions”) offered once at 9:00pm
!! Minimum Bets set at price of Big Blind
!! No limit to bets

More information about ArmeniaFund can be found here.

ASA is also throwing a few fundraising events to further bolster our collection efforts:

1. ASA organized Protocol Discussion at the Panoramic Room in GAIA

2. Town Hall Meeting on Turkish-Armenian Protocols

3. General Meeting + Glow in the Dark Capture the Flag

4. Telethon Donations + CASINO NIGHT

*****************************************

1. *Protocol Discussion* for Students

As mentioned at our last General Meeting, Armenia and Turkey have ended their years of mutual non-communication and have re-opened political dialogue. Both Armenia and Turkey are considering signing a protocol, a three page document in which they agree to certain conditions, in order to establish and develop bilateral relations. Mediated by Switzerland, these protocols are due to be signed on or about October 12th. Whether or not the protocols should be signed has been in much contention recently.  In order to fully understand why some are so adamant about its signing, while others are equally opposed, the ASA will be hosting a Friendly Discussion on Sunday, October 11th at the Panoramic Room at the Gaia Building. Open to all people, including individuals who have absolutely no idea about the protocols, those who know a lot, to even those who have picked up some things (particularly in heated Facebook debates), this will be an opportunity to try to learn more about the actual protocols, read them for yourself, and open up a friendly, non-threatening space in which to intellectually discuss the consequences, positive or negative, of signing the protocols. Whatever your opinion on the protocols may be, or even if you have no opinion and would like to learn more about this historic undertaking, understanding our responsibilities as active and engaged Armenians, students, and intellectuals is crucial to opening this dialogue. So please join us in what will prove to be an eye-opening and exciting way to interact with your counterparts, voice your opinions in a respectful manner, and learn more about this crucial document.

When: Sunday, October 11 @ 7 pm

Where: Panoramic Room of GAIA (7th Floor)

Located on 2116 Allston Way #415

Berkeley, CA 94704

*****************************************

2. TOWN HALL MEETING on Turkish-Armenian Protocols and recent U.S. court ruling against Armenian Genocide Insurance Claims Panel

Includes: Prof. Stephan Astourian, Executive Director, UC Berkeley Armenian Studies & Raffi Hamparian, Board Member, ANCA-WR

When: 7 PM TOMORROW, Oct. 8, 2009

Where: St. John’s Armenian Church, 275 Olympia Way

Free Admission – Hosted by S.F. Bay Area ANC  Rides could be arranged from the BART stop in S.F. for those who are interested. Please call Rita Astoor (818)426-8228 for more information.

*****************************************

3. Meeting and Glow in the Dark Capture the Flag!

When: Wednesday October 14 @ 7:30 pm

Where: Hildebrand 56, located south of Latimer

Our 2nd General Meeting will take place next Wednesday. Along with updates on upcoming events, we will have various presentations by guest speakers, some who will be offering students with exciting opportunities. More information will be provided in an e-mail prior to the event.  After our meeting, we will be heading over to memorial glade to play Capture the Flag in the dark with glow sticks! We will split up into teams of two for this friendly match. The rules of the game will be explained at the meeting. Please come prepared with the proper attire (sneakers/athletic shoes/shirt/shorts). More details will be provided in another e-mail.

*****************************************

4. Telethon & Casino Night

To raise funds for the Telethon, this year, ASA is organizing a CASINO NIGHT that will take place in mid-November. We will be hosting a Poker Tournament on campus and all the proceeds will go to the Telethon hosted by Armenia Fund on Thanksgiving Day. The winners of the tournament will be awarded a prize.  Along with the contributions collected by this fundraiser, ASA members themselves should also help raise money by contributing to the ASA Telethon Fun. Like previous years, the member(s) that raise the greatest amount of money will be given the opportunity to present ASA’s check at the Telethon in Los Angeles. Last year, we donated around $2300. Our goal this year is to raise and donate more than $3000.  Contact your family, friends, and everyone you know to help make a difference!  More information will be provided on the Casino Night and the Telethon in future e-mails.

*****************************************

See you all this Sunday!  (Special Thanks to Rita Astoor and Lara Havatian for helping compose this e-mail).

- Cal ASA Exec

For those of you who are playing Assassins, I hope that its not taking over
your lives for the next few weeks! As some of you already mentioned, this
game has made stalking socially acceptable.

As promised, here are the details about USC Weekend.

*******************************************************************************
MARAKESH: Club Event in San Francisco
When: FRIDAY, October 2 @ 10 p.m.
Where: 419 Ofarrell St San Francisco, CA 94102
***We cannot guarantee getting in if you are not there before 10 PM, so
please please be on time!***
******They serve food/dinner, have hookah, a full bar, and a dance floor.
Best way to celebrate before a big game! ******

Facebook Event Page:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=138081882193&index=1

*Concerning ASSASSINS: If you are attending Marakesh, you cannot kill or be
killed after 8 P.M. until 8 A.M. the next morning. Therefore, RELAX! and
come enjoy the night!*
*******************************************************************************
AKASAKA: SAKE BOMBING in Berkeley
When: SATURDAY, October 3 @ 10 p.m.
Where: Akasaka is located at 2650 Telegraph Ave Berkeley, CA 94704
Cover: $15.00

Facebook Event Page:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=137850530804&index=1

(Both events are 18+)

*Concerning ASSASSINS: As mentioned in the initial Assassins E-mail, Safe
Zone begins 5 minutes before the official starting time of the event, i.e.
9:55 P.M. until 2:05 A.M.*
*******************************************************************************
CULTURAL COMMITTEE

If any of you signed up for the Cultural Committee or would like to sign up,
please e-mail Suzy EVEN IF you gave her your e-mail at the General Meeting.

Suzy’s Email: suzyg.10@gmail.com

See you all Friday!

Best,
Cal ASA

As many of you already know, today is Armenia’s Second Independence Day!
Armenia declared its sovereignty from the Soviet Union on August 23, 1990
with full independence being declared on September 21, 1991. It has been 18
years since our independence. In honor of this, ASA is hosting a POTLUCK
TODAY at 7 p.m. at the Panoramic room in Gaia. Bring food and help us finish
it!! More details follow.

1. ASA Potluck – TODAY @ 7:00 p.m.
2. Book Reading & Lecture – Michael Bobelian, TOMORROW, Sept. 22 @ 6:30, 223
Moses Hall3. ASSASSINS!!! Last day to sign up: Sunday, Sept 27 @ 5 pm!
4. USC Football Game Weekend – Oct 2-4
5. T-shirt Design Contest!!! Deadline: Oct 5

******************************************************************************
1. Armenian Independence Day Potluck! When: TODAY @ 7 PM – 10 PM
Where: Panoramic Room at GAIA (7th floor, turn left from the elevator)
2116 Allston Way #415
Berkeley, CA 94704

Please BRING FOOD *or* $3 in order to contribute to the Potluck. Here is a
Google Doc that you guys can fill out in order to let us know what food you
are bringing and to get a preview of all the delicious foods you should be
expecting.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AgMsAWnx0zladEV4cWxSVlZtSGx0bVk1MmFpNTZycVE&hl=en

In order to get in, buzz 099 at the door and Mark will let you up. We are
also encouraging members to bring any games that they may have and would
like to play – pictionary, taboo, cranium, cards, etc. Mark will open up
his apt (or the roof, weather permitting) to members to stay and hang out
afterwards if they’d like to.
Facebook Event Page:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131841801518&index=1
******************************************************************************
2. Book Reading & Lecture
Who: Michael Bobelian’s “Children of Armenia: A Forgotten Genocide and the
Century-Long Struggle for Justice”
When: Tomorrow, Sept. 22 @ 6:30
Where: 223 Moses Hall (Near the Campanile)

Children of Armenia: A Forgotten Genocide and the Century-Long Struggle for
Justice is one of the first books to chronicle the aftermath of the first
genocide of the 20th century. The author, Michael Bobelian is a graduate of
the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism, a lawyer, journalist, and
grandson of Genocide survivors. His work has appeared in Forbes.com,
American Lawyer, and Legal Affairs magazine and featured on NPR’s Leonard
Lopate show. On September 22nd the ASA is co-sponsoring a Reading/Lecture at
223 Moses Hall at 6:30pm. Don’t miss this great opportunity.

Facebook Event Page:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=122071451714&index=1
******************************************************************************
3. Assassins! Rules and Deadlines!
Have any of you heard of a game called Assassins?

This is the second time ASA members are playing Assassins. Since last
semester was such a success, we have chosen to start a new game this year.

Basically, there is one moderator and as many players that sign up. The
moderator assigns each player a target, who is assigned another player as a
target, and on and on so that each player has one target to kill and one
assassin coming after him/her. Once you have killed your target, the
moderator assigns you your previous target’s target. The goal of the game is
to remain alive and kill as many assassins as possible.

How do you kill?

In order to kill your target, you must throw a sock at them. Color/size does
not matter. You may carry as many socks as you’d like at all times. Don’t
forget, however, that once the sock has made contact with any part of your
body (this includes clothing, but does not include your backpack), you have
been killed.

There are a few more rules, such as safe zones and killing restrictions.
*If you are interested in playing (which you all should be!) please SEND ME
AN E-MAIL saying “I WANT TO PLAY ASSASSINS!”** I will then send you more
detailed rules. *There will be a Google Doc that the moderator will update,
so all players will be able to see which assassin is alive and which
assassin is dead.

The last day to join the game is Sunday, September 27 at 5 p.m. Game starts
Monday, September 28, at midnight!
******************************************************************************
4. USC Football Game Weekend – Oct 2-4 Weekend
This year, USC is playing Cal on our home turf!! Members from the USC ASA
will be coming up to live it up in Berkeley that weekend. Therefore, as
responsible hosts, Berkeley ASA has planned a series of events for that
weekend.

MARAKESH: Club Event in San Francisco
When: FRIDAY, October 2 @ 9:30 p.m.
Where: 419 Ofarrell St San Francisco, CA 94102
******They serve food/dinner, have hookah, a full bar, and a dance floor.
Best way to celebrate before a big game! ******

Facebook Event Page:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=138081882193&index=1

AKASAKA: SAKE BOMBING in Berkeley
When: SATURDAY, October 3 @ 10 p.m.
Where: Akasaka is located at 2650 Telegraph Ave Berkeley, CA 94704
Cover: $15.00

Facebook Event Page:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=137850530804&index=1

(Both events are 18+. More details will be provided in future e-mails)
*****************************************************************************
5. Submit your ASA t-shirt designs by Monday, October 5!

Eternalize your own design by getting creative and making a submission for
the CAL ASA t-shirt contest! Your design does not have to be in its
finalized form. Some of our executive members may be able to help touch up
on your work, if necessary.
Submission Deadline: Monday, October 5, 2009

Best,
Cal ASA

1. 1st General Meeting – Thursday, Sept. 17 @ 8:30 in Tilden Room, Located
on the 5th floor of MLK
2. Armenian Independence Day Potluck – Monday, Sept. 21 @ 7 PM in Panoramic
Room, at GAIA
3. Book Reading & Lecture – Michael Bobelian’s “Children of Armenia: A
Forgotten Genocide and the Century-Long Struggle for Justice” Tues, Sept. 22
@ 6:30, 223 Moses Hall
4. USC Weekend – Oct. 2-4
5. Karabakh’s Independence

******************************************************************************
1. General Meeting
When: Thursday, Sept. 17 @ 8:30
Where: Tilden Room, Located on the 5th floor of MLK
Come out to ASA’s first meeting of the year. Learn about what events we have
planned for the rest of the semester. Hear about the goals of ASA at
Berkeley and join the family. There will be FREE food and drinks at the
meeting. Friends are always welcome!
We will also be introducing a game called “Assassins” which we will be
playing throughout the rest of the semester. So make sure to come out and
sign up!

******************************************************************************
2. Armenian Independence Day POTLUCK!
When: Monday, Sept. 21 @ 7 PM – 10 PM
Where: Panoramic Room at GAIA (7th floor, turn left from the elevator)
2116 Allston Way #415
Berkeley, CA 94704

September 21 is the official day that Armenians celebrate their nation’s
Independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. For this reason, we will be
hosting a POTLUCK on that day in commemoration of Armenian food + culture.
Please BRING FOOD or $3 in order to contribute to the Potluck. Here is a
Google Doc that you guys can fill out in order to let us know what food you
are bringing and to get a preview of all the delicious foods you should be
expecting.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AgMsAWnx0zladEV4cWxSVlZtSGx0bVk1MmFpNTZycVE&hl=en

In order to get in, buzz 099 at the door and Mark will let you up. We are
also encouraging members to bring any games that they may have and would
like to play – pictionary, taboo, cranium, cards, etc. Mark will open up his
apt (or the roof, weather permitting) to members to stay and hang out
afterwards if they’d like to.

******************************************************************************
3. Book Reading & Lecture
Who: Michael Bobelian’s “Children of Armenia: A Forgotten Genocide and the
Century-Long Struggle for Justice”
When: Tues, Sept. 22 @ 6:30
Where: 223 Moses Hall
Children of Armenia: A Forgotten Genocide and the Century-Long Struggle for
Justice is one of the first books to chronicle the aftermath of the first
genocide of the 20th century. The author, Michael Bobelian is a graduate of
the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism, a lawyer, journalist, and
grandson of Genocide survivors. His work has appeared in Forbes.com,
American Lawyer, and Legal Affairs magazine and featured on NPR’s Leonard
Lopate show. On September 22nd the ASA is co-sponsoring a Reading/Lecture at
223 Moses Hall at 6:30pm. Don’t miss this great opportunity.

******************************************************************************
4. USC Football Game Weekend – Oct 2-4
We are currently speaking to the USC ASA and planning multiple events
throughout the week. Encourage your friends from USC to join their ASA and
make a trip up to CAL. Stay tuned for more info!

******************************************************************************
5. Nagorno Karabakh Republic’s Independence
Last Wednesday, September 2, 2009, marked the 18th anniversary of the
Republic of Nagorno Karabakh’s Independence. Therefore, I have included a
the following clip: the Foreign Ministry of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic
presenting a short overview of the 1988 National Liberation Movement. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dm7-is5DSgM

**************************************************************

See you all Thursday!

Best,
Cal ASA

THERE IS NO MEETING TODAY. The first ASA General Meeting will take place on
September 17, 2009, TBA.
There will be pizza and drinks, so make sure to come out! We will be
discussing future events, and welcoming new members to the Cal ASA.

*******************************************************************************
PULSE is here!
As you all have heard, PULSE will be taking place on Sunday, September 6,
2009. Since this weekend is Labor Day Weekend, we will not have school the
following Monday. Also, the BART will be operating 24 hours that night,
making it convenient to get to and from the city. Therefore, take advantage
of this opportunity, and come party in the city!

Go to Pulse with ASA
A group will be meeting up on campus at 8:45 PM Sproul Fountain to take
BART at 9:00 PM.

Further Details:
When: Sunday September 6, 2009 @ 9 PM
Where: Sinbad’s
pier 2 | embarcadero st.
san francisco | ca.
Cover: $15 pre-sale (TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY TO BUY TICKETS! FIND US ON
SPROUL!)
$20 at the door
18+
Try to get there early, because we are going to have a full house.

For more information, visit the Facebook event page at:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=119377737065

Welcome to the 2009-2010 school year at UC Berkeley! Hope you guys had a
great first week and things are off to a good start. As many of you may
already know, the Armenian Students’ Association at Berkeley is a group of
active Armenian students who organize events to help build a strong
community within a large campus like Cal.
This year, the ASA executive body is committed towards making the upcoming
year exciting, interesting, and fun. Check out our upcoming events:

1. BBQ: Saturday August 29, 2009 @ 12 PM at VLSB Lawn FREE FOOD!
2. PULSE: Sunday September 6, 2008 @ 9 PM at Sinbad’s in SF
3. First Meeting: Wednesday September 3, 2008 @ 7:30 PM
4. Armenian Classes offered this semester
5. ASA table on Sproul all week long
*******************************************************************************
1. ASA’s Campus BBQ

Join us for great food, friends, games & more at ASA’s first BBQ of the
year. This will be a great chance to meet the existing members of ASA,

When: Saturday, August 29, 12 – 5 pm
Where: VLSB Lawn
Cover: FREE!

*******************************************************************************
2. PULSE!

ASA’s highly anticipated annual PULSE is here!! The Homenetmen San
Francisco tournament is held over Labor Day weekend, so if you’re friends
are coming for the games, bring them out with you! It’s gonna be a night
of great music, lots of dancing, and a full bar. Come out to celebrate the
beginning of a great year at Cal

When: Sunday September 6, 2008 @ 9 PM
Where: Sinbad’s
pier 2 | embarcadero st.
san francisco | ca.
Cover: $15 pre-sale

$20 at the door

18+

For more information, visit the Facebook event page at:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=119377737065
Please contact any of the ASA executive members if you would like to help
out with publicizing the event.
*******************************************************************************
3. Come out to ASA’s first meeting of the year. Learn about what events we
have planned for the rest of the semester. Hear about the goals of ASA at
Berkeley and join the family. There will be food and drinks at the meeting.
When: Thursday, September 17 2009
Where: TBA
*******************************************************************************
4. Looking for classes to take? Here are some Armenian Classes offered
this semester.

History 177B: From Pre-modern Empires to the Present
Location: TuTh 2-330P, 203 WHEELER
Instructor: ASTOURIAN, S H
Course Control Number: 39624
Units/Credit: 4

Eurasian Studies 1A: Beginning Armenian
Location: TuTh 11-1230P, 189 DWINELLE
Instructor: MIKAELIAN, S I
Course Control Number: 80603
Units/Credit: 3

Eurasian Studies 101A: Continuing Armenian
Location: TuTh 1230-2P, 104 DWINELLE
Instructor: MIKAELIAN, S I
Course Control Number: 80606
Units/Credit: 3
******************************************************************************
5. ASA Table on Sproul (9-2 p.m. All Week!)
Come visit the Table on Sproul next week during the day to get
info about ASA, upcoming events, and BUY TICKETS FOR PULSE WHILE THEY’RE
STILL $15!

Best,
Cal ASA