On March 6, 2010, The Armenian Engineers and Scientists of America (AESA) hosted their 9th Annual Science Olympiad at the California University Northridge campus. The competition provides an outlet for middle and high school students to meet with fellow students that share the same interests and speak with professors, doctors, engineers and other scientists about what it is like to work in their fields.

The Olympiad also allows for critiques from judges in various professions in the sciences. This not only assists the students to think outside the box, but also helps them better their projects and prepare for national science fairs.

This year’s competition intrigued 98 middle and high school students from eight schools in the Los Angeles area. In the past nine years, over 700 students have participated in the AESA’s Science Olympiad. These students are not only encouraged to design and implement scientific research, but also engage in team projects with fellow students of Armenian decent. Upon graduating high school, all of the students that have participated in the Olympiad have gone on to college and universities, many of which are amongst the highest ranked institutions in the United States.

Participants

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The medal recipients

It is so fascinating to see how people eat. Sometimes, I would rather not watch, but other times, it is quite the opposite. Growing up in Estonia, I understood that eating is like an art form – a skill you inherit from your parents and grandparents. The way they eat is mesmerizing. From the way they hold the fork and knife, to the way they eat seeded fruits, and drink wine. I came accustomed to “eating properly”…or so I thought. I am most definitely not quite as professional as most Estonians, or Europeans for that matter.

The other night, as my friends and I dined out, I noticed the different dining habits. Then, the unthinkable happened. As my European friend followed proper Continental Style dining etiquette by crossing her fork and knife as a sign that she is not yet finished with her meal, the waiter took her plate! I was a bit confused, as was she. Unfortunately, she had to watch her delicious, half-eaten lobster be taken away.

I thought I would do some research and see other dining etiquettes in order to understand why this happened, and here is what I have found.

Most of Europe goes by the Continental Style. Some southern European cities and towns care more about their guests feeling comfortable and enjoying great food and drinks, rather than etiquette. In contrast, there is also the American Style of dining etiquette. I am not even touching up on Asian, Middle Eastern, South American, African, etc. dining etiquettes.

There are many rules to proper dining in both the Continental and American Styles that I will not be discussing. However, here are some tips on how you may indicate that you are either not done eating, or are done eating. If these fail, and you see your waiter reaching for your plate before you are done, TELL THEM (but nicely). It is not their fault for not knowing these rules. That said, please do not be cocky and start explaining to them what they did wrong…they have enough to deal with as it is.

Not done eating: American Style

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Not done eating: Continental Style

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Done eating: American Style

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Done eating: Continental Style

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Twelve rounds later, they excitedly rejoiced for a second time as the hard-hitting Darchinyan proved yet again he is “Lord of the Flies,” retaining his WBC/WBA super flyweight titles in a wildly-entertaining, one-sided unanimous decision over Mexico’s Rodrigo Guerrero.

On a night where the majority of the high-spirited attendees were boldly and proudly representing the red, blue and orange, with flags, Darchinyan gear, merchandise, et al, the assertive Darchinyan (34-2-1, 27 KOs) convincingly pleased the Armenian-dominated crowd with his customary showmanship. In typical Darchinyan fashion, the 34 year-old landed hellacious shots all throughout the fight, including his trademark left-handed haymakers, though, not once did he knock down Guerrero.

Although he connected at will and controlled the pace of the entire fight, at one point even boomeranging Guerrero’s mouthpiece into the air, Guerrero’s grit, courage and refusal to join his mouth protector on the canvas earned Darchinyan’s respect.

“If I don’t train hard for this fight, if I take this guy lightly, this is a much harder fight and maybe I lose,” said Darchinyan. “This kid is a very good fighter. I hit him with a lot of good punches, but he took them all and kept coming back. I have never had an opponent stand up to me like he did.”

Heading into the fight, Darchinyan, like every other person in the boxing community, had never seen Guerrero fight. Largely unknown and presumed by all to be a primer for Darchinyan as he prepares for a possible rematch with Nonito Donaire, Guerrero surprised everyone in the desert by showcasing a strong-willed performance as his chin took everything Darchinyan threw at him.

In the end, the 22 year-old nicknamed “Gato” (cat in Spanish) was too little for The Raging Bull.

“I am not happy that I lost, but I feel really good that people finally got to see who I am, that I can fight and that I came here to win and not to lose or fall down,’’ said Guerrero. One judge saw Guerrero as Darchinyan’s personal punching bag, as he awarded all 12 rounds to the champion, 120-108. The two other score cards had it118-110 and 117-111.

Chants of Hayastan, Darchinyan, Armenia, knockout and “verchatsru” were serenaded throughout the night. “I thought we were working in California this weekend. I think we are in Armenia now,” quipped Showtime analyst Chris Farhood.

The crowd was beautifully set up for the main event following Art Hovhannesyan’s knockout of Bahamian Hensley Stratchan.

Hovhannesyan (11-0-1, 6 KO’s), a lightweight from Glendale, connected with a barrage of debilitating left hooks and forced Stratchan (5-7-1) to quit at the 1:45 marker of round five. Referee Jack Reiss acknowledged Stratchan’s request to surrender and the bout was waved off.

Hovhannesyan also knocked down Stratchan in the opening round and was winning 40-35 on all three of the judge’s cards at the time of stoppage.

Notables in attendance included unbeaten super welterweight Vanes Martirosyan, world boxing championship belt maker and manufacturer Armen Hakopian, and Tata, among others.

Arguably one of the most exciting fighters in all of boxing, the Armenian-born southpaw (33-2, 27 KO’s), will be making his fifth consecutive appearance on Showtime and 11th overall.

“This is a good fight for me and a fight where I will showcase all my skills – not just a punch. I feel really good and had a great training camp. I plan to do everything — box, think and stay calm,” the 34 year-old Australian-based Darchinyan said.

Darchinyan will be looking to build on his December 2009, two-round knockout of journeyman Thomas Rojas. Of “The Raging Bull’s” past 15 fights, 14 have come via the knockout.

He also offered some praise to Guerrero (13-1-1, 9 KOs), who has won 11 fights in a row and will be making his United States ring debut.

“Guerrero is a good kid and he’s fought a couple good fighters and done very well. There’s no way I’m going to underestimate him. I think he has a future in boxing, but it won’t begin until after I beat him on Saturday,” Darchinyan said. “I don’t want to talk about any possible fights for me in the future. My main focus is on Guerrero and defeating a determined, young opponent. I am here and ready to do my job. If the knockout comes, it comes. But it is going to come. He will feel my power.”

With only 15 professional fights on his resume, Guerrero will be looking to surprise the boxing world by leaving the desert with a victory.

“I am really happy and excited for this opportunity – my chance of a lifetime. This is what I have waited for my whole life and I am confident of doing well,” Guerrero said. “I know a lot of people may not have heard of me, but I guarantee I am not here to fall down in the first or 12th round – or any round, for that matter. People and fans who have never seen me fight are saying I’m no good. I believe they are all in for a surprise, a really big surprise.”

Guerrero continued:

“Everyone has an opinion, but the negative talk has only given me more motivation. And I didn’t need any more motivation. Fighting for two world titles was enough. Darchinyan is a great fighter with a lot of power. But, watch and see, I can fight and I have power, too. This is going to be a great fight.’’

Seating capacity for the night is set at 2,000 and tickets starting as low as $45 are still available.

For ticket information, call the Agua Caliente Casino box office at (760) 833-8120 or Star Tickets at (800) 585-3737 or visit their websites. Agua Caliente is located just 90 miles east of Los Angeles.

Doors will be open at 3 p.m. to get the undercard started, one of which will feature Glendale’s Art Hovanessian (10-0-1, 5 KO’s) as he takes on Anthony Mora (15-5, 10 KO’s) in a lightweight bout. The co-main event and main event will begin at 6 p.m.

DISH Network will be the only cable provider showing the fight live on Showtime at 6 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on DISH 318. All other cable providers will be televising the fight on tape delay at 9 p.m. PST.

Yerevan Magazine will be reporting from press row at the Agua Caliente Casino. Check back for a full-length report under our Sports Blog. To read the latest news for the Arthur Abraham vs. Andre Dirrell fight, click here.