About the Author
Cyrus Farivar
سیروس فریور
English: [suh-ROOS FAR-ih-var]
Persian: [see-ROOS-eh fàr-ee-VÀR]
Freelance Technology Journalist
Freelance Radio Reporter/Producer
Author, "The Internet of Elsewhere"
cfarivar [at] cfarivar [dot] org
Current location: Bonn, GermanyTwitter
WTF? Archive
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Tracy, Calif. residents to now pay for 911 services
Posted on February 21, 2010 | 1 CommentThe Tracy Press: On Tuesday, the council approved via a 4-1 vote (with Councilman Steve Abercrombie dissenting) a contract with ADPI-Intermedix, based in Oakland, to send the bills. The city expects to have a billing system ready next month, but doesn’t yet know when it... -
Dear Switzerland: WTF?
Posted on November 29, 2009 | 6 CommentsDear Switzerland, You welcomed me with open arms as a child immigrant from 1997-1998. You unknowingly shaped my life in immeasurable ways. I attended your schools and played in your community bands. In short, I love the cheese and wine you produce, not to mention... -
Pith helmets: cool again in California
Posted on November 4, 2009 | 1 CommentJohn and Andy (in order of geographic proximity to me)– As an unfashionable Californian, I’m a little bit ashamed to think that some high-end California hat store is now selling pith helmets. I wish I was joking. As the Los Angeles Times reports: While I... -
African Renaissance statue in Dakar angers locals
Posted on September 29, 2009 | 11 CommentsApparently, Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade has commissioned a 160-ft high bronze statue commemorating the “African Renaissance.” The statue, “shows a muscular man in a heroic posture, outstretched arms wrapped around his wife and child, who is balanced on one of his biceps,” reports the Associated... -
January 14: Cyrus on PRI’s The World
Posted on January 14, 2009 | No CommentsDear Friends, I’ve been informed that my radio piece on the launch of the new BBC Persian television service is airing today. It will be available on any of these stations (and their Internet streams): New York – 3 pm Eastern – WNYC – 820... -
WashPost: “Detainee Tortured, Says U.S. Official”
Posted on January 13, 2009 | No CommentsThe Washington Post, January 14 2009, by Bob Woodward: The top Bush administration official in charge of deciding whether to bring Guantanamo Bay detainees to trial has concluded that the U.S. military tortured a Saudi national who allegedly planned to participate in the Sept. 11,... -
A disturbing spam email
Posted on September 3, 2008 | No CommentsI just got an obvious spam email: I am in a hurry writting this mail to you, I had travelled to United Kingdom for official purposes yesterday, Unfortunately for me all my money was stolen at the hotel where i lodged, I am so confused... -
On the canceling of Search Engine
Posted on June 23, 2008 | 2 CommentsDear Mr. Stursberg [Richard.Stursberg at cbc.ca] and Ms. Mitton [Susan.Mitton at cbc.ca], I am appalled at the decision that was made to cancel Search Engine. I have been a longtime listener and fan of the show down here in the Lower 48 ever since it... -
Fist Bump? Seriously? This is news?
Posted on June 10, 2008 | No CommentsPlease, gag me with a flag pin. I know I’m not the first to say this, but please, NYT: “closed-fist high-fives” it is not. Terrorist fist jab, it is not. Fist bump, fist pound, or dap are the acceptable nomenclature. Props to Gawker for this... -
Santa Monica Networks? In Lithuania?
Posted on April 20, 2008 | 7 CommentsWait, there’s a networking company in Lithuania called Santa Monica Networks? And they do business from Lithuania, through Latvia and Estonia, all the way up to Finland? Huh?
