Name: Baklawa
Date: April 10 , 2008

Personal Questions:

 -Welcome, please start by introducing yourself, name, background, and education.
No name!  I’ve been around Assyrian forums for a while now and always used my real name.  As you can tell, I’m a little opinionated, especially when it comes to political topics, and that has resulted in some threatening phone calls and family problems (since we’re on opposite ends of the political spectrum.)  So I had to make a deal: in order to continue posting online (and keep my husband from killing someone), I’d have to be anonymous.  And to be honest, I’m really enjoying it – it’s quite liberating! 
As for my background, I was born and raised in Modesto, California and have a degree in Political Science (shocking, I know.)

-How close is Baklawa that we know online to the real Baklawa in person?
Not that close really!  AVN is my release, a chance to let loose a little bit, which I rarely get to do in “real life.”  My beliefs and outspokenness are the same, but I’m much more toned down offline.  In reality my life is quite content, juggling work, home and raising two beautiful children.

 -What do you think of life in the USA?
We are definitely blessed to be living in a society that allows us freedoms that our counterparts in the homeland can only dream of.  I think Americans in general are quite tolerant and open-minded, if a little ignorant of our country’s foreign policies and their impact.

 -How would you describe your personality?
Honest with a twisted sense of humor.  Maybe a little sarcastic.  A hothead sometimes too – I can’t help it, dimee shakheeneleh!

 -What do you want to change in yourself?
I’d like to have less violent fantasies.

 -Is it hard to find loyal friends these days?
Yes!  I’ve been betrayed one too many times and have really just focused on my family in recent years.  I’m active in local Assyrian affairs, but have refrained from developing any personal relationships.  I don’t have the time anyway, so it’s partly my fault.

 -Are you an intrinsic type of person? or open to people and prefer crowded and populated settings?
I think I’m a pretty social person, even though I don’t get out much.  But I love meeting new people and being a little adventurous!

 -How do you balance your time between family, work, and Assyrian Voice?
I try to balance it all, but have been told I’m a little “obsessive” when it comes to AVN.  It may have to do with my husband coming home from work at midnight and seeing me still online.  Yes, I know, I have issues!

"Can you imagine if Robin and Carro’s future child were to chat with Val and FreeSpirit’s future child and then they hooked up?!  How cool would that be?!"

-If not Assyrian, what would you rather be?
The only other ethnicity that comes to mind would be Greek.

 -As a mother, what is your advice to future mothers on how to raise their kids?
Encourage them to live up to their potential.  This is especially true for our young girls.  Our parents tended to be more concerned with what “nasheh” would say rather than what our daughters wanted.  I’ve noticed that young women who have the support and encouragement of their parents to live their lives normally also have the best relationships with their parents and are generally more balanced and successful in life.

 -Tell us about the Christian and Assyrian sides of your life and personality.
I keep the two separate.  I feel I’m more spiritual than religious.  I think religion is something personal between you and God and you don’t need a specific church to get your salvation.  Assyrianism is quite different.  We can’t reach our destination if we’re all heading in different directions and going through various channels.  There’s only one way.

 -Not to make you feel old, but how do you compare the current generation of teenagers and those in your day?
It was definitely much more traditional when I was a teen, and I’m happy that it has loosened up a bit.  I’m all for maintaining our traditions, but it seems like much of them put the brunt on our women.  I grew up seeing a lot of really amazing women having to forego their dreams because “aybeleh.”  It’s refreshing to see a whole new generation of young women living free of those restrictions.  And it’s equally nice seeing our young men appreciating that.  I think this generation has done amazingly well in balancing the best of both worlds.

 -What is with your nickname? do you really like Baklawa that much?
Actually not that much!  It was just that most of the names I tried to register under were taken and I couldn’t think of anything else!

 -Who is your idol in life?
The first person that comes to my mind is Pascale Warda.  I had the honor of meeting her several years ago and to hear her describe her life in atra amazed me.  She is a highly educated woman with a family and could very easily live anywhere else in the world and not place her life and those of her children in danger, but she sacrifices so much for the Assyrian cause.  She’s an amazing inspiration.

-Other than the obvious, what makes you really mad?
Hypocrites.  Intolerant, judgmental and arrogant people.  Listening to people spew lies and having them go unchallenged.

 -Describe a moment in your life that was one of the most difficult to go through and how you overcame it?
I’ve experienced my share of difficulties, mostly in relationships. I’m a horrible judge of character; I trust people right away.  I was raised to just keep quiet when bad things happen, not to make waves, everything was “ayba.”  So I bottled a lot of things in.  What I noticed was that if you didn’t speak up or stand up for yourself people really took advantage of you.  So things are definitely different now! 

Assyrian Voice and Internet Questions

-Tell us about your beginning with the internet and Assyrian Voice. How do you compare it with today?
I remember first visiting AVN right after NOL shut down, but it didn’t seem like the place for me.  Lots of horny teenagers (yeah, I know, not much has changed!) For a few years I was in a self-imposed exile.  Some things happened to me (which I mentioned in the first question), and I just became disgusted with it all.  My cousin is heavily involved in the AAS and she started nudging me to do the same. I noticed that the mindset of those involved in this organization is not the same as in others.  I slowly started getting back into the swing of things and that’s where I am now.

 -You, along with other people on the forum, such as Bani, Waleeta etc. have a very creative and unique way of expressing yourselves, with an excellent use of the English language: what gives?
I think we all have our strengths and weaknesses, and writing for me seems to be a strong point and something I enjoy.  I seem to get some positive feedback from it, which is very encouraging.

 -We have known you on the website as a very honest and genuine person, who says it is like it is, yet you don't hurt anyone's feeling. How do you achieve this balance?
I’d be surprised to know I haven’t hurt anyone’s feelings.  I certainly don’t mean to (most of the time!) 

-If you were to describe what an average AVNer is like, what would it look like? (i.e average AVNer is educated, nice, helpful, likes to have fun etc...)
Open-minded.

 -How has your experience as a moderator been so far? is it easier or harder than you originally thought?
It’s been pretty calm so far.  It’s had a strange effect in that I now feel I have to watch myself a little more! I have had some fun with it too by going into people’s posts and changing them whenever they say something I don’t like!

-Who would you make a moderator right now, and why?
I think I’ve mentioned a name to you already!  It should be someone who’s been a member for a while.

-What is your biggest critique of ASHOOR?
Your mystifying obsession with all things American, and especially your bizarre admiration for our current president.

-How would you assess Atourina as a moderator for the chit-chat forum.
She’s been great at cracking down on spammers!  And she was incredibly helpful to me when I became a mod.

 -Do you think the forums are lightly, extremely enforced, or it is in the middle, with each moderator and admin doing their fair share, and balancing each other out?
I think it’s been dependent on the forum moderators.  For example, Shamirum is quite strict at enforcing the rules in the Serious forum because things can easily get out of hand there if she doesn’t.  Eddie has implemented his own set of rules in the Christianity section.  I think in Chit-Chat we have to be a little more laid back because that’s where people come to unwind and relax and if we start cracking down too hard it will build some resentment.  Having said that there have definitely been times when things got out of control but I hope we handled it well.

 -What comes to your mind when you first hear these three nicknames?
Salem, Barwarneta, shoemaker
>Salem:  I love him. Especially when he scolds people – unless it’s me, in which case I’d prefer that he stick with his restaurant/film reviews.  I think he deserves a lot of credit for making AVN what it is.  His “bad cop” role really works well.  I know I always have to think twice before responding to certain people because I’m afraid I’ll get in trouble if Salem were to read it!
>Barwarneta:  don’t know her that well, but she seems sweet.  I bet she makes great apple pies.
>Shoemaker:  oddly, only one word comes to mind when I see his name, which I don’t think I can repeat here.  He’s got some great one-liners.

 -What keeps people coming back to Assyrian Voice, and more than ever before? (January 2008 was the busiest ever for the forums, and 2007 was the best year overall for the entire website)
I think it’s one of the few, if only, sites that allows people from various factions to express their views openly in a civil manner and not get called every name in the book for it.  I think the rules are great and are followed and enforced consistently for the most part.

 -Give us a little comment about each of the following:
>Valanetina's use of pink font in every post she makes
I like it!  I can scroll through any thread and know which post I’m reading just by the color!
>ASHOOR's inclusion of his name at the bottom of every one of his posts
Kheena some AVNers are a little on the dim side miskeeneh.  They need to have your signature there so they know the post is really from you.
>RockBella's use of "God Bless" in every post
It doesn’t bother me.
>Miss_Iraq's use of "Ay Qotma"
Honestly, I never even noticed it.
>Crocodile Bani's marketing of his IsaGenix product (shameless plug for our advertiser)
Why not?  I’m all for supporting Assyrian entrepreneurs.
>Assyrian_Bookta's change of her avatar picture every few weeks
Ashoor, it is not every few weeks!  And she’s a cute girl, so no harm done.

 -What are some reforms you would like to see introduced on the forums?
I think you mentioned this before but it hasn’t gone into effect: I think people need to have at least a 25 post count before they are allowed to post in the Serious section.  We’ve had plenty of experiences with people coming in and causing trouble and I think this would help in that regard.

 -If you are an administrator on the forums, and two people are not getting along well with each other. Each thinks they are right. Both page you and threaten to delete their account and leave, if the other person is not dealt with. What would you do?
PM them both and tell them not to respond to each other, period.  First to break the rule will not have to worry about deleting their account because it will be done for them.

 -Who would be the ideal person for the following categories on the forums:
>Most quotable
Hookah!  I love that guy.  I make it a point to read his every post because you just never know what’s going to come out of that mind of his.  I swear I’ve had tears running down my cheeks from laughing so hard reading his posts!
>Can't live with, can't live without
A$hur – we are totally on the same page on everything….except American politics!!
>Funniest and Most Pakha at the same time
RadRides *razz*
>So thankful to AVN that you met them
Waleeta, Anita and Renee
>Best choice of words and sentences to express themselves
MJay
>Most politically-correct
Shamirum
>Most AVNish
Lovemoon
>Most Assyrian
riza o shourba
>A person you can't wait to meet in real life 
It can’t be just one: Waleeta, Anita and Renee
>Most professional
GodismyJudge
>Hardest to deal with
Assyrian61 and malekta1, but I rarely read their nonsense. There’s also one guy that has a chip on his shoulder the size of Gibraltar. 

 -We will give you a few quotes, and without looking it up (no cheating) you have to try and figure out who would likely say them on the forums?

"it's not our fault we have size 5 don't make fun" Lovemoon?
"Moot pimp?  I was on my best behaviour" Younan?
"Bush could win the Nobel Peace Prize" this has to be you Ashoor, only you are that deranged to believe it!
"I don't know what to do, I am thinking to leave my job" Brown eyes?
"Khabour Assyrians are the best Assyrian Dancer Rumtaya?
"But Oromoyo fanatics are desperately begging for a sterilisation" othur?

 -As we speak, Assyrian Voice is about to celebrate its 9th anniversary: what is Assyrian Voice's future in the next 5-10 years?
As long as the new members coming in to replace old members maintain the level of quality that drew many of us here, I’d like to think AVN’s future remains bright.

 -In addition to all the existing members, do you think the sons and daughters of current AVNers will be the future users of AVN?
Wouldn’t that be great?!  Can you imagine if Robin and Carro’s future child were to chat with Val and FreeSpirit’s future child and then they hooked up?!  How cool would that be?!

 -If Assyrian Voice had an animal mascot, what would it be? 
Arya of course!

 -What should Assyrian Voice's slogan be?
AVN:  The best way to kill time during work.

 -AVN moms and dads is the new norm on the website, with more of the members getting married, and having kids. What do you have to say about this group of members, who have a lot to contribute, especially when it comes to parenting, love and other social topics?
Well, being in that group I hope I do contribute something!  I think those of us who have “been there and done that” could provide some input when those types of topics come up.  Having said that, I try not to make references to my family in every thread. No one likes predictability.

 -And last, what has Assyrian Voice meant to you so far, and what changes has it made in your life?
AVN has had an incredibly positive impact on me.  I’ve met some amazing people and have learned so much. 

Favorites

-Favorite Assyrian name (male/female) Ashur/Sharokina

-Favorite US and international city San Francisco

-Favorite language Assyrian definitely, with a weakness for thick Tyarayeh accents

-Favorite number 9

-Favorite sport Football (American)

-Favorite movie  Kingdom of Heaven.  And anything with George Clooney in it!

-Favorite TV show The Daily Show

-Favorite Assyrian singer Walter Aziz

-Favorite Assyrian celebrity Sami Yako

-Favorite car 2008 Lexus LS 600h Hybrid

-Favorite food Dolma d’tarpeh min masta oo mishkha

-Favorite forum section Serious

-Favorite color Purple, of course!

-Favorite world leader/president/king I’m liking the Aussie’s new PM, Kevin Rudd

-Favorite Book Fiction: The Bastard of Istanbul.  Non-fiction: This Side of Peace

Assyrian Related Questions

-It was just a few weeks ago that Mar Faraj Raho was killed by terrorists: how will this change our situation in Iraq? do you see it as a turning point (for the good or worse)?
The martyrdom of Mar Rahho was terribly tragic and further proof that none of our people in atra are safe.  What disturbs me more than his brutal assassination, however, is how it has been used as a political tool by some to try to further divide our people.

 -What should Assyrians in the Diaspora do to help those at home, and stop their migration to the west?
Support those organizations in the homeland that most benefit our people.  The Assyrian Aid Society does its best to provide village reconstruction, schooling, medical clinics, etc. to make life there as bearable as possible and encourage our people to stay.  People who feel safe and have basic necessities will not uproot their families and live in some God-forsaken refugee camp in another country.

 -Do you and your husband always agree on the same fundamental issues? how difficult is it when the two of you disagree on fundamental issues?
God no!  When a madenkheta (east Assyrian) born in the west marries a ma’arwoyo (west Assyrian) from Syria, of course there are going to be some issues!  He’s definitely old-school and I’m not, and we’ve both had to compromise on a lot of issues.  But we’ve learned a lot from each other, and have a lot of love and respect for one another.  We both share the same core beliefs and values and that’s what has made it work for so long.  Honestly, as young as I was when I married, it was the best decision I ever made.

 -You are a big supporter of the Assyrian Aid Society: why do you support it to this extent and why should others do the same?
One only needs to see the actual work AAS has done in the homeland to support it wholeheartedly.  AAS puts its money where its mouth is.  They don’t just talk, they actually do it, and they are completely transparent.  I’ve had the privilege of being on the board of our local chapter and I know how committed the members are.  Which reminds me – California people mark your calendars for August 23^rd – major AAS fund-raiser coming to Modesto!

 -What is Zowaa's role in Iraq in this day, or what should it be?
I think Zowaa’s role has evolved, but their mission has not.  They remain committed to obtaining our rights on our ancestral lands.   As Rabi Shmael Nanno said so eloquently, “akhnana lekh weereh go Zowaa qat pashikh wazeereh” (we did not join Zowaa to become Ministers).  I’m incredibly encouraged by Zowaa’s youth movement – Khoyada d’Yalopeh.  We must ensure that the torch will be passed and they have proven that they are ready to take it.

 -Speaking of Zowaa, and although it remains one of the most, if not the most influential Assyrian movement out there, what  reforms do you want to see? and this includes the secretary general too and what you want to see from him?
I think Zowaa has done a great job in transitioning from a revolutionary movement to a political one. But they are still relatively young, especially compared to other Assyrian organizations, so they are bound to make mistakes, which they have. I’d like to see them better utilize the many members that they have in atra.  The role the founders play will never diminish, but they need to incorporate more of the younger generation so they avoid falling into the same trap as other political movements and become stagnant.  I have a lot of respect for Rabi Yonadam Kanna and would like to see him continue in his role as our elected representative in the Iraqi parliament.  If ADM re-elects him as secretary-general, well, I will support their decision, but I believe it’s time to bring in one of the many other qualified members to take the reign.

 -Some people believe that Zowaa is our only credible leader at this time, but also want to see some reforms and changes taking place: what are some of the reforms that Zowaa needs to make? how would you make it more popular to even more people?
Zowaa IS our only credible leader.  I’m sorry if some people have difficulty accepting that.  ADM has not, nor will not, interfere with anyone who thinks they can do their job better.  The door is wide open.  As far as popularity, I’m surprised that the ADM even enjoys the strong support they currently have given that they are undermined constantly, sadly by their own people.  The two major media outlets we have either ignore them completely, or attack them relentlessly.  The area that Zowaa is really weak in is media.  They simply do not have the funds to sustain/expand Ashur TV.  They believe that their work speaks for itself, which while commendable, is not enough.  You have to define your message yourself, otherwise others (as we have seen) will do it for you.

-As we speak, Assyrians are celebrating their new year, and in which thousands marched in Nohadra: what does this mean to you? why should people take notice of this big number?
Wasn’t that beautiful?!  This parade, in addition to celebrating Akitu, has been dubbed “the challenge parade.”  Its importance cannot be underestimated as the number of people that came out did so even though they were warned by authorities not to go, and some even lost their jobs in the KRG as a result.  IF ANYONE HAS ANY DOUBT ABOUT WHAT OUR LIVES WOULD BE LIKE UNDER KURDISH RULE, LET THEM OPEN THEIR EYES.  Our participation in this rally sends a strong message to the KRG: you’re wasting millions on a propaganda channel and in buying some people, but you’ll never succeed in convincing the majority of our people to abandon their hopes and dignity.

 -Are you disappointed that Ishtar TV, for the second year in a row, didn't even mention the Assyrian Akitu parade, let alone covering it?
Of course I’m disappointed, but not surprised at all.  Amazing that an “Assyrian” channel can cover events throughout the world, but not a major Assyrian event in their own backyard.  I think if anyone has doubts about who really is in control of Ishtar’s operations and agenda, this decision to continuously ignore our Akitu celebrations speaks volumes.

 -What about Ashur TV, why do you believe they are different?
Ashur TV is funded by Assyrians for Assyrians.  It’s really that simple.  You may not like the message, but you can never accuse them of promoting a foreign agenda.

 -Have we put the church problems behind us? or have they already done their damage which is too late to fix, and will take a whole generation to be outdone.
The damage the church fiasco placed on this nation will be felt for at least another generation.  Their timing – just before the Iraqi elections – created a major distraction and cost us dearly in representation.  And the amount of money funneled into the pockets of both sides is insane, especially at a time when our people in atra are in critical need of it.  One can only hope that future generations will learn the value of separating church and state and will prohibit either one from venturing into the other’s territory.

 -What are some of the positives that you see from the American presence in Iraq for Assyrians, if any?
I’m surprised we haven’t learned from past experiences.  Our people placed all their hope on the English as well for their protection and that didn’t exactly go well.  Why do we assume that western powers care one iota about us because we share the same religious beliefs?  Western powers protect their interests only (obviously oil in this case.)  I see little benefit to their occupation; it did nothing for our people in Dora, nor has it stopped the assassinations and harassments.  If anything, they have continued to escalate.

 -Do Assyrians have a future in the new Iraq? is Nineveh Plains our future hope, or is it just an impossible dream?
Those that believe it is an impossible dream are the ones serving in appointed positions within the KRG/Iraqi parliament.  They claim they are the realists, when in actuality they are simply defeatists.  They refuse to unite, to lose face in anyway, so they take the easy way out.  Nothing worth its salt is ever obtained by that route.  You want something bad enough, you fight for it.  And really, Dashteh d’Ninweh is not impossible at all; self-administrative regions were guaranteed in the Iraqi Constitution.  It will happen; what we’re battling are those fighting on behalf of the KRG who want this region tied to “Kurdistan” instead of the Iraqi government.  If anyone thinks tying our future to qurthayeh is our best bet, I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you.

 -Outline to us how we should draw our relations with the Kurds, and how to work with them?
Well you used the key word – WITH.  We should work with the Kurds the same way we should work with (not for) all of our neighbors. I’m all for working within the parameters in any country we reside in, but especially in the homeland, to guarantee our rights and protections.  However, I draw the line in both joining a foreign party (which is everyone’s right) AND being appointed as our representative.  This is especially true of the KDP whose mission is quite clearly the establishment of a nation in territories that have always been considered our legitimate lands.  You cannot serve two masters.

 -Do you believe that we have a new generation of young Assyrians that is starting to show more interest in their culture, language, and even land back home? (i.e these going back to celebrate Akitu Parade, or those taking classes to learn the language) Do you think the internet, and websites like Zinda, Assyrian Voice , AINA have something to do with fueling the feeling of Assyrianism for this new generation?
Absolutely.  The web has provided our youth what our organizations have been unable to: a place to gather and share information without restrictions based on shota, eeta, etc. I think our youth have benefited immensely from sites like AVN.  It’s opened them up to Assyrians from around the world and given them a better understanding of our people, history and current situation that many of them might not have learned at home.  One only has to look at the activism of our youth right now (like the Akitu parade in Chicago organized by the Assyrian Chaldean Syriac Student Movement) to see the impact the net has had on our youth.

 -Last, you have a microphone, and the entire Assyrian nation is listening to you: what would you tell them?
Undo the shackles placed on our nation by years of religious rule.  Stop allowing them to divide us into millets for their own benefit and start thinking in ways to help the Assyrian umta.  Oh, and stop watching AssyriaSat – that thing is just poison.

 General and Miscellaneous Questions

-Why are we seeing more girls perusing a higher education, while not so much for guys?
During my university years Assyrian women outnumbered the guys 2:1.  In addition, women headed our Assyrian Student Union every year for the four years I was there.  My theory is that the choices Assyrian women have in life tend to be more limited compared to men, so when opportunities come their way and the door is open, they’ll take it.

 -Is the internet making people lazy?
To some degree yes, in that it’s much easier to click a button than to get up and do something.  On the other hand, I think it has been particularly beneficial to our community.  We have been able to conduct a lot of activities online that involve a greater number of people who normally may not have participated were it not as easy as clicking “send.”

 -Who will win the democratic nomination in the USA? who do you want to win it?
It looks like Obama is in the lead in terms of popular and delegate counts.  But we still have ten more primaries to go, and November is a lifetime away really.  As to who I want to win, I honestly do not have a preference as long as a democrat beats McSame and wins back the White House.  We need to restore some sanity back into this country!

 -What will the Bush legacy be remembered as in 100 years from now?
A failed presidency.  The man is willfully ignorant.  His administration has basically given the world the middle finger and then demands unquestioned alliances. He’s lead an administration that ignored facts and was hell-bent in pushing their agenda forward even if it resulted in running our reputation, economy and infrastructure into the ground for generations to come.

 -Has Bush planted the seeds that will end fundamental Islam as we know it (in the long term at least)?will it get worse before it gets better?
Bush has done more to strengthen radical Islam than anything else.  According to the National Intelligence Estimate released by US intelligence analysts a couple of years ago, the war in Iraq has become the primary recruitment vehicle for terrorists groups. 

 -Would you rather that the US was an isolationist and not interfere in external affairs or engage in wars? or it is necessary to interfere and secure their interest overseas?
I’m enough of a realist to understand that the US will always interfere to protect our interests.  But I’m idealistic enough to believe that our main role as a superpower is to use our strength to protect the most vulnerable.  I think we can regain the trust and respect we had if we once again learn to “play well with others” rather than demanding support for our unilateral engagements.  Oh, and we should also sign the Kyoto Protocol already.

 -If you won the lottery, and could donate some money for only 1 thing/cause/person: what would it be?
The Assyrian Aid Society, no question.

 -What three websites to you visit on a daily basis?
AVN, Democratic Underground, MSNBC

 -Where do you get your news from?
CNN, MSNBC, and some left-wing blogs

 -What do you think of the following figures?
Namrod Baito, Paris Hilton, Dalai Lama

>Baito:  I will not mince words, I think he’s a horrible, traitorous liar.  More motivated in his hate for Zowaa than for his love of the Assyrian nation.  Will torpedo our future just to prevent the ADM from taking any credit for anything.  Is lucky he is a member of the Assyrian nation which generally is too soft-hearted to deal properly with such people.  And his brother, “Qasha” Emmanuel Baito is no better.  I don’t know how either of them sleep at night.

>Hilton:  qitma breesho, what a waste of air.

>Dalai Lama: A peaceful, admirable man.

 -What type of music do you listen to?
Mainly Assyrian – Tony Gabriel a lot lately!  Also, Talal Graish, Walter Aziz and George Gindo.  As for non-Assyrian, I’m probably revealing my age but what the hell – I’m a big U2 fan from way back in the day, as well as old REM.  I’m loving Sheryl Crow’s new release “God Bless This Mess” but then again I’m sucker for any anti-war songs!  Basically anything but country music (except the Dixie Chicks!)

 -What is the biggest threat to humanity?
Nuclear proliferation, the spread of preventable diseases, consolidation of power and resources in the hands of a few, and global warming-- just to irritate all you Al Gore haters out there.

 -A new wave of Christian evangelism is taking over the world, and in parts where Christianity can't be preached (given all the risks.) Do you support their brave quest to spread Christianity, or do you think they are doing this the wrong way?
My experience with those fundamentalist evangelicals has been quite negative.  From my observation, it seems those who talk about religion the most are the ones that need it the most.  They have managed to narrow down Christianity to abortion, gays, and trying to convert the converted.  I think Mother Theresa did more to promote Christianity by practicing its true message of giving aid to the poor and living in a humble manner, than those who are gung-ho about spreading their message by any means, even if it means placing people’s lives at risk by doing so.

 -What point in history would you want to go back to and why?
Two periods:

Bet-Nahrain, 612 BC – gather up the Assyrian army from wherever they were scattered and bring them back to the borders with Persia so they could have crushed the incoming army.

Italy, 1500 AD – my full figure would have been better appreciated and even the subject of countless works of Renaissance art!

 -What do you think of Canadians?
They seem to like gravy, eh? 

-We don't mean to freeze your mind, but some scientists claim that Time as we know it, will one day cease to exist. Life will still go on, but without time. Can you tell us what that means? 
Ashoor, mookhee pqeeleh min dah booqara.  Yanee modee no time?!  The only benefit I can see in that is that Assyrians would never be late to anything ever again and we can actually start our events on time for a change!

Final and Closing Questions

-What was your favorite question?
All the political ones that gave me the chance to get on my soapbox!  Oh, and the one about Baito because I got to say what I wanted without worrying about a ban from Salem!

-What was the hardest question?
That whole time freezing thing. 

-A confession you would like to make to the Assyrian Voice community?
I’m having affairs with Waleeta, Anita and Renee.

-A question you wanted us to ask you?
Is there a question you didn’t ask?!  I think you covered everything!  The only thing I wasn’t asked was my bank account number.

-A question you are glad we didn't ask?
My age.

-Your best quote in life is?
Better to die on your feet than live on your knees.

-Why did you do this interview and how long have you been waiting for it?
Cuz you asked me! I honestly wasn’t waiting for it, but I’m glad I agreed to do it.  Even though I’ve spent about a week trying to answer all these questions!

-Who should we interview next?
Waleeta, Anita and Renee. 

-Now you have a chance to ask us a question:
When are you gonna make me admin?

-How can all the hundreds of people reading this interview, keep in touch with you?
PMs work fine

-What is one question you want us to ask our next interviewee?
Who’s your favorite AVNer:  Waleeta, Anita or Renee?

-Any shout outs to anyone on Assyrian Voice?
Am I allowed to do shout-outs at my age?  Ok, here we go:  special mention to local AVNers that know me – HotCaChik, petervocals and A$hur. I’ve met so many wonderful people that I didn’t get to mention in the interview: sargonthedon, shami, ashuriena, shamirum, david, bratiel, alda, and so many others that I know I’ll feel awful if I forget. 

-Who is the one mysterious person on AVN that you want to learn more about, and see their picture one day?
It has to be azadoota.

-Final word about this interview and about the Assyrian Voice community as a whole.
I’m willing to bet 100 assyros no one will read this whole thing!

 -We thank you for taking the time to do this interview and wish you the best of luck in everything you do in your life.
At hawet baseema aziza.