Burl Barer, Brilliant Author

Thirty years of state sponsored repression in Iran for the Baha’i community.

(This was originally posted on 14 Feb 2009 at Antipodes Baha'i Studies) 

The Islamic revolution which installed Ayatollah Ruhullah Khomeini in power attains its 30 year anniversary this month. For much of that time the Iranian Baha’i community along with other ethnic and social minorities in that republic have suffered official opprobation, quasi judicial executions, systematic social exclusion and shunning, destruction of cemeteries and holy places, disenfranchisement from educational institutions, campaigns of propaganda and disinformation in what amounts to cultural genocide. This situation in Iran has been well documented through the efforts of the Baha’is themselves through their engagement with the United Nations system and a host of human rights agencies and activists as well as academics interested in documenting and researching the plight of the Bahai’is in Iran. The Baha’i community published several years ago a document and online resource called The Baha’i Question: Cultural Cleansing in Iran . This has been updated in late 2008 and is an excellent review of the range of deprivations and insecurities inflicted upon the Baha’i community of Iran since 1979. This document can be dowloaded well as read online.

One of the agencies which has been endeavouring to document the unfolding events in Iran is the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center in New Haven Connecticut. This organisation has produced a new report in addition to two substantial prior reports. This legal report complements two earlier IHRDC publications documenting the Islamic Republic’s state-sponsored campaign of persecution against its Bahá’ís citizens: A Faith Denied The Persecution of the Bahá’ís of Iran (2006) and Community Under Siege: The Ordeal of the Bahá’ís of Shiraz . The two prior reports meticulously present facts surrounding the targeting, unlawful arrest, prolonged detention, torture and summary execution of nearly 207 Bahá’ís since 1979. The first report provides an overview of the abuses of the Bahá’ís in Iran both historically and since the founding of the Islamic Republic. The second report is an in-depth case study of one particularly notorious instance of persecution. The instant companion for the earlier reports provides a brief legal analysis of the abuses documented therein, and argues that the acts committed against Iran’s Bahá’ís conflict with the principles of common humanity under international criminal law and amount to crimes against humanity. Individual Iranian officials may be subject to liability, now or in the future, for crimes against humanity in various courts. The new report, Crimes Against Humanity: The Islamic Republic’s Attacks on the Bahá’ís (2008) is available online from the IHRDC.

The Human Rights Watch organization recently issued its World Report 2009. This almanac of the status of human rights in nation-states across the globe was issued on January 14, 2009. The Iran section of the report includes reference to the Baha’i situation. The United Nations Secretary General, reported on the general human rights situation in Iran to the General Assembly, Report of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran (October 2008), which brought to attention, once again, the long-standing issues affecting the Baha’is of Iran.

Meeting in the Ladies Room -- no homicides please!

You're listening to our interview with  Stacy Dittrich broadcast December 19th on OutlawRadio.tv

 <<< Yes, that's Stacy. She spilled more proverbial beans in her live interview than she perhaps originally intended. Listen and learn about killer cops and endemic corruption.

On a more inspiring note,

 "Meeting in the Ladies Room" is the perfect gift for any woman!    http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1044138

Whether you are an idolized celebrity or a struggling single mother, the ladies room is where you create your make believe, and where you face your reality. Join 68 brave women from around the world for an empowering look in the mirror and a meeting in the ladies room. 

Featuring Jann Arden, Amanda Palmer, Rosie O'Donnell, Jen Foster, Sarah Bettens, and SHeDAISY

Visit http://www.ladiesroombook.com for more information.

Reviews: 
"Meeting in the Ladies Room is one of the most thought-provoking books I've read all year. Throughout its pages, authors Linda Woods and Karen Dinino and dozens of other women embrace and confront the vast array of ideas, hopes and dreams that catch one's inner voice unaware in this private space. The photos and short essays are fascinating." 
~Shannon Okey, Author/Editor, knitgrrl.com

"A book that is bold and brave and reminds us just how complex, challenged, strong and amazing we are as women. " 
~Alisa Burke, Artist and Author of Canvas Remix

Yes, Karen and Linda are sisters, and two of my sister's four literary off-spring. All four have new books out in time for holiday gift giving.  Lee Goldberg has a new Mr. Monk book, and Tod Goldberg has "Other Resort Cities."

As for me, MURDER IN THE FAMILY was recently re-released, and nothing says Happy Holidays like a MOM SAID KILL coffee mug!

THE ROAD OUT OF HELL -- Anthony Flacco LIVE Saturday 2pm pacific

 Anthony Flacco, author of the new bestseller,The Road out of Hell, joins us 2pm Pacific Time on Saturday Dec. 12th, along with famed comedian Ritch Shydman and "American Horrors" producer/director Hart D. Fisher, two famous men who, like the protagonist in Flacco's astonishing book about the Chicken Ranch murders (as in the movie Changeling,) overcame trauma and severe challenges on their road to success and happiness.  Scary, creepy but ultimately inspiring, this will be one of our best shows ever!!!

LISTEN LIVE SATURDAY 2pm Pacific, 4pm Central, 5pm Eastern and 10pm UK time! <<just click that link to listen live...or find us on Itunes.

Road Out of Hell

 Dec 19th,  Stacy Dittrich joins Burl, Don, Hart and Ritch to cheer us all up with her book about cops who kill!!  EEEEEEEEEEEEk

CAPTURE THE SAINT now in KINDLE EDITION!

 The first all new adventure of the famous Simon Templar since 1983's Salvage for the Saint finds our Robin Hood of Modern Crime pursuing dangerous criminals and beautiful women with equal passion.

Approved by the Estate of Leslie Charteris, CAPTURE THE SAINT has garnered rave reviews world wide -- and is now available in an exclusive KINDLE edition from Amazon.com for $1.99

If you have KINDLE, this is the perfect addition to your Kindle library...

"Sparkling wit, grand adventure, high style -- Burl Barer's Capture the Saint brings back Simon Templar in all his glory." -- Lee Goldberg, author of the MONK books.

Thanksgiving aftermath/ Stephen Singular Sat. on True Crimes

  Okay here are the three of us Thanksgiving 2009. That's me on the far left, then Stan, and then Jan.

If you see pictures of us at Thanksgiving in earlier years, the only difference is the length of our hair, and the relative color.

Uh....on second thought, I found this picture of me at Thanksgiving a few decades ago, and I have aged significantly.

Notice how I have much more hair in the bottom picture? Notice that I'm cute rather than "mature." Got news for you -- if you are currently young and cute, you will be balding and mature soon enough.

 While you contemplate how adorable I am in that photo, set your clock to be listening to TRUE CRIMES Saturday because our special guest is Stephen Singular, author of Talked to Death, and When Men Become Gods. 

 

Thanksgiving: Yes, I am thankful for thanksgiving/Stephen Singular

It was only about a month ago that I wrote the blog entry "When parents die, adult children turn to Twitter" mentioning how much I longed to have a get together with my brother, sister and at least a few  nieces and nephews. Well, this Thanksgiving I'm gonna have it.  Wish my daughter and son could join us, but Anea and Isaac are stuck in Texas, and Jordan is working overtime in Mill Creek. But Stan, Jan and Burl -- the 3 Barers -- will all be together for the first Thanksgiving in years, plus Jan and Stan's kids. This is super-duper special, and I am thrilled. I'm usually the guy with the video camera, but for the first time in years, I don't have one. Sure hope Lee, Tod or somebody brings one....then, after all the turkey has settled, and the weekend rolls around,......I get the added joy of having fantastic author Stephen Singular on my Saturday TRUE CRIMES radio show. 

Stephen Singular This Saturday!

Listen Live 2pm Pacific, 3pm Mtn, 4pm Central, 5pm Eastern, 10pm UK time

Stephen Singular, is a two-time “New York Times” bestselling author whose first book,Talked To Death: The Life & Murder of Alan Berg (1987), was nominated for an Edgar Award and became the basis for the 1989 Oliver Stone film, “Talk Radio.”

Now, Singular's latest book, When Men Become Gods,  casts a light on a dark corner of religious extremism.

Stephen Singular's latest book

Join Burl Barer, Don Woldman and Stephen Singular for a fascinating hour of daring talk radio and religious revelations.  True Crimes is produced by Matt Alan on OutlawRadio.

DANGEROUS WOMEN features MOM SAID KILL/Harry MacLean on True Crimes

Dangerous Women is a series on ID (Investigation Discovery) and they did an episode based on the case I wrote about in MOM SAID KILL. It has been on this week, but I haven't seen it because where I am staying they don't have that cable network. I asked my darling daughter Anea to Tivo it for me. I am also on an upcoming episode of SNAPPED on the Oxygen network. Now, if I could just get on Nancy Grace -- not the show, the woman! She looks dangerous to me, but I wouldn't mind the exposure, indecent or not.

Harry N. MacLean is our guest this Saturday on TRUE CRIMES 2pm Pacific. Details on the show's site

http://outlawcrime.com

SEVEN DAYS OF RAGE by Paul LaRosa Saturday Nov. 14th LIVE

Remind me not to become a serial killer. Not that I'm planning on it, mind you, but the more I read and research about men and women who get addicted to murder, the more I see that it is not a wise lifestyle choice.

The Craig's List Killer obviously had some deep rooted problems, not the least of which was a penchant for killing.  Paul LaRosa, the brilliant CBS News producer of 48 Hrs Mystery, has written a book about the case, SEVEN DAYS OF RAGE.  I invited Paul to spend an hour on the air this Saturday with Don Woldman and me on TRUE CRIMES.  At first Paul was a bit timid.  Seems he had agreed to appear on some 90 minute talk show broadcast from some lady's kitchen table and it didn't go well. I assured Paul that TRUE CRIMES adhered to the highest broadcast standards -- well, as high as they can be when broadcast from an 1876 Virginia City style bar in Matt Alan's backyard.  We have a worldwide audience -- I know that for a fact because we get email from England, New Zealand, Australia and even the USA.

So, this Saturday, November 14th, listen at 2pm Pacific time, 4pm Central, 5pm Eastern and 10pm UK for Paul LaRosa on True Crimes!

Kim Webster, lovely actress, suffers severe loss -- you can help!

In October, actress Kim Webster (Ginger from "The West Wing") lost everything she owned in a fire in her apartment building in West Hollywood. With no renter's insurance, Kim is faced with rebuilding her life from scratch. We'd like to help her out. 

They say that laughter is the best medicine, so we've gathered together six up and coming comics who have graciously donated their time and talent to this cause. Appearing will be Laurie Kilmartin (writer for "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson"), Ben Glieb (Esquire magazine's choice for "one of comedy's next big things"), Andrew Donnelly (as seen on "The Office"), and "Chesea Lately" writers Sarah Colonna, Jen Kirkman and Chris Franjola. It is our hope that their talent will inspire people to come out in support of getting Kim back on her feet. Plus, drinks are only $3!!!

Tickets are $20 at the door. 

For those who cannot attend but wish to contribute to getting Kim back on her feet, you can send donations via PayPal at kimwebster622@yahoo.com.

David Lohr of Investigation Discovery to discover unemployment?

David Lohr is one of our best journalists, and a tireless worker when it comes to finding the missing and helping others.  While I have not met David in person, he has been our guest via phone on TRUE CRIMES.  He is a true professional, and greatly admired.  The word in the industry is that David is among those being "laid off" (let go) by Investigation Discovery in the latest wave of staff cut backs.

Numerous sites have spoken out against this proposed staff cut, and especially David Lohr being let go. Rather than re-write everything others have said, I'll let them say it:

David writes for the Criminal Report Daily, an in depth look at missing person's cases as well as murders .The Author description says that " David Lohr has been writing about crime and criminals for over 15 years. Readers and critics alike regard Mr. Lohr as one of the most prominent crime writers of the 21st century." and yet he was one of about 30 who were given pink slips the other day.

Dana Williams at AC (Associated Content) wrote: "David was the linch-pin of the Investigation Discovery site. He is an outstanding journalist, and to do this to him boggles my mind," Simon (at BNN) wrote. "David Lohr is one of the great advocates for missing children, his work on the Caylee Anthony search is a case in point. Unbiased, objective, and always probing, his articles on the case were the ones that people read first."

Michelle McKee of "In Cold Blog" also wrote: " While it is not the first shake up to go down at Discovery, this one is a major one, and it seems counterproductive to Discovery’s goals to get rid of a journalist and investigative reporter of Lohr’s caliber. Advertising revenue will be lost if the blog goes down, David’s large fan base will look elsewhere to find their information and, most importantly, the families of those with missing loved ones will have lost an important venue with integrity and credibility from where they can reach out to others."

In an effort to try and stop this travesty a Facebook cause was set up calledSave Discovery Channel Programming and Jobs. It is a protest aimed at showing Discovery Channel what an unbelievable mistake they are making.

In this group we encourage everyone to visit Discovery Channel's Viewer Relations link and fill out the form in support of keeping David. Also if you are a member of Facebook you can join their Investigation Discovery Fan Page and let your voice be heard.

One person can truly make a difference, will it be you? Will you help the missing all around the world come home? David may be the difference between families being reunited or lost in the shadows. Please help with this campaign and stop Discovery Channel from ignoring the needs of the people and do the right thing.

Lee Goldberg, Pissed off Author Who Never Made It?/ DUPLICITY

My nephew, Lee Goldberg, fights a brave battle against the predators in the vanity press scams that bilk aspiring authors.  I was recently reading Lee's extensive expose of The Publish America Scam first posted on his blog back in 2005.  In a response critical of Lee, someone wrote: Lee Goldberg, sir, with all due respect, you sound like a pissed off author who never made it.

I had to laugh. Not at Lee, but at this poor soul who was apparently unable to read the impressive list of Lee's books and television series.  That doesn't mean that Lee has never experienced rejection -- and I don't only mean in the high school romance non fiction genre. 

No one, not even your favorite best-selling author,  has a 100% success rate, and all of us have our personal collection of rejection letters.  If I get a rejection letter from one publisher -- especially a generic rejection -- I'm not dissuaded. If every  house that respects my work unanimously deems the project off-the mark, , I say "thank you," and I mean it.  Yes, thank you for not wasting your money and my time on a project that would only serve to disappoint my readers and,  in the future, be a source of embarrassment.

Jodi Foster, Academy Award wining actress, once told me, "Every actor has a film that haunts their career from video store shelves."  Authors are often more fortunate.  As the old saying goes, "Rejection is Protection." 

Returning to the theme of "self publishing." I'm having Paul Godlman, the self published author of DUPLICITY. on my show this coming Saturday...not because the book is so damn good, but because the story is fascinating, and the author is a hoot.    I asked the author if he shopped it to REAL publishers, and there was significant interest, but he changes the culprits' names -- and there are charges made against these culprits that have not been  legally pursued or resolved.   Personally, I think he should use the real names, use "alleged" for unsubstantiated charges, and let the real publisher's lawyers make sure there is no exposure for lawsuits.   Bottom line, this nice Jewish boy marries a nice Jewish girl who is a con woman involved with an international prostitution ring -- and the ring on her finger was, she imagined, her ticket to his personal real estate holdings and more than considerable wealth.  She picked the wrong nice Jewish boy -- he busted her crooked ass.  This isn't so much a "true crime" as a "True schlemiel/true schlemazle"" story.  this is human interest, and the transformation of one gullible schmuck from wimp to warrior.  Listen live 2-pm pacific time