Name: Naramsin
Date: June 5th, 2005

PERSONAL QUESTIONS

-Name:
Naramsin Shahbaz

-Nickname:
Hip_Hop_Producer209

-How old are you?
If you are asking for my biological age, then I am twenty-two years of age. My soul might be ten or twenty years older than my current age.

-What school are you in now and what do you plan to study?
I recently consummated my spring 2005 semester in California State University Stanislaus. As a California State University Stanislaus Student, my major was Studio Arts. In fall 2005, I am determined to transfer to Cogswell Polytechnical College. I am planning to inquire a Bachelor’s Degree on Digital Imaging – to pursue a career in the video gaming industry. As for particular positions in a video game development company, I would strive for a designer, animator (Computer Graphics and other third-dimensional designs), producer, director, soundtrack, or writer.  

“I am not here to become better than anyone else – I want to be just as successful as them.”

-Do you work?
Yes, I am only employed every summer as a civil engineer/land surveyor.

 -You live in Turlock, a city often associated with some unpleasant things and conditions. How fun or boring is it living that city?
In 1986, my family established a decision to move from Chicago, Illinois to Turlock, California. The reason was to get in touch within the majority of my family relatives. My mother’s side of her family is currently in Southern California, while most of my father’s side of his family is in Stanislaus County, California. As for Turlock in general, the population is about 60,000 people…mostly Assyrians. I would say with such devotion that Turlock is a boring city to be settled in. For starters, the city is diminutive. Turlock has no shopping mall, BestBuy, Circuit City, CompUSA, Guitar Center, and a decent Middle Eastern restaurant. The worst part of all is being surrounded with Assyrians who tend to be animals or varmints (as Yosemite Sam would say).

 -Do you ever plan to leave to another city, and if Yes, which one?
Since Cogswell Polytechnical College is located two hours away from Turlock, I have to get settled in a dorm room. I am looking forward to move out of my parents’ house – to avoid the yelling, screaming, fighting, arguing, and any type of childish behavior.

 -Tell us about your personality. You seem very quiet and stable? Is it the same in person?
I am considered a generous person who is willing to make sure my friends are feeling happy rather then making sure I am happy. I cherish the bond among the people who respected me for who I am. Whether a person is good or bad, I will care for that person. Based on the years I’ve walked onto the grounds that God created, I discovered being too nice can be somewhat detrimental. Regardless of how many back-stabs I’ve received from friends with unexpected tensions, I refuse to quit or ruin a friendship. My parents didn’t raise me to cause damage to my surroundings. Overall, I am the type of person who will never forget about what friendship truly is. In addition, I have an enormous heart, which I learned the values of caring and sharing. If you would like to see my “sharing” in text form, you might want to visit into the Music, Visual Arts & Literature in AssyrianVoice Forums to realize my ways of giving and sharing. Also, I tend to be romantic as well. From my soothing, flirtatious, deep voice to my imaginative scenarios…I might defraud your heart – comfort it with adoration, respect, and devotion. Most people known me best for my seriousness. Let me put it this way: I can make a poker-faced person look like Carrot Top. However, I do have an old-fashioned sense of humor. As for the teenagers with their “millennium” jokes, I couldn’t comprehend them. I described the jokes as “millennium” in terms of more convincing towards people. Along with being sentimental, I can be sensitive sometimes. When it comes to women, being sensitive can be required to have a conversation with them. The gentlemen, however, cannot witness my soft side of Naramsin. Therefore, I put my sensitivity on neutral. During my educational years, most of my friends assumed I am an acclaimed genius. Academically, I am a slightly above-average student. Believe me, I do have a lack of passion towards the school district.

If you assume I am a quiet and stable person in reality, then you are correct. Most of the time, I tend to be quiet among my family members and peers. In addition, I don’t consider myself as someone who socialize a group of people, heading down to the club, getting drunk, vomiting in the women’s restrooms, fighting against someone who spilled a drink onto your alligator shoes, getting kicked out of the club by couple bouncers, sitting onto the curb while singing “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak with such intoxication, and streaking towards the public eye. However, if you are a well-known friend, I wouldn’t shut my mouth. As a matter of fact, I can talk as much until you fall asleep on me…seriously.

-How often do you go to church?
Honestly, I attend to church twice a year – Christmas and Easter. Sometimes, I feel imbecilic as a Christian who doesn’t visit as much church as he should. However, I can promise to everyone that when I obtain a family of my own, the Shahbaz Family will visit to God’s House every Sunday. I think my future children need to learn more about our religion, along with our nationality. As a child, I lost interest towards participating to bible study or any church acquired activities. Therefore, I shall not allow my own children to loose the importance of our beloved religion – and definite satisfaction of worshiping Jesus Christ as our endeared savior.

-What do you think of Assyrian girls? What attracts you to them and what attract them to you?
I think most Assyrian women are considered an eye candy. And yes…they taste as good as they look. As for the minority of Assyrian women, they can be somewhat loud, obnoxious, lack of manners and self-respect. However, I would guarantee you will not find those minorities in the AssyrianVoice Forums. Assyrian women are known for their seductive eyes – cat’s eyes if you will. They are indeed provocative. Just imagine green exotic eyes, black straight hair, sensual smile, thin eyebrows, caramel skin, sizzling lips, thick yet curvaceous attire, and most importantly a mammoth-sized heart. Basically, I am attracted towards the size of their…ahem…chambered muscular organ in vertebrates hehe. Basically, if an Assyrian woman is caring, respectful, trustworthy, and honest…then she is considered someone very beautiful. In addition, some Assyrian women are religious, which that is absolutely fantastic. Nothing attracts me more than a woman taking interests towards her religion. Overall, the Assyrian women I know just made my day. I would sincerely say thank you for being such incredible, sweet, respectful, honest, dependable women. If more women are like you, then the world would become a better place. In addition, it would make dating effortless.

-How close do you keep your best friends to you? Do you still trust your best friends?
I can be somewhat close, in terms of keeping them in contact and support. I may be not as close and sociable with my best friends, but I can be their assistance towards their problems within a single phone call away. Whatever they need anything to pursue happiness, I’ll try my best to accomplish this task. In terms of best friends, I do trust them. Best friends should have more elements than an average friendship towards someone. One important element should be mentioned is the value of trust. Therefore, if there is no trust between two people, then the friendship bond would be worthless.

-How motivated are you to achieve your goals? What do you to motivate yourself?
Generally, if you have passion and desire to accomplish your ambitions, then you need to examine yourself within – distinguish your passion and accelerate. Therefore, if I want something, then I work hard for it in order to earn it. Moral support, conversations within my peers, music and Gatorade are the main factors I use to motivate myself.  

-Summer is almost here; what are your plans? Any traveling?
After dealing with four months worth of school, I truly need this huge break away from a university campus. Being lectured with useless courses can be somewhat monotonous. As summer is finally here, I cannot wait to go back to work in a civil engineering company for the third year. As far as plans and traveling, I seriously doubt I would schedule anything exciting. Possibly, my only plan is to work five days per week all summer long. However, my gorgeous friend and I were brainstorming a getaway trip to Los Angeles. Therefore, we will see when the time being. In the meantime, I will focus on paying off my credit card and cell phone service bills.

-Out of the following things, what can you not live without: your Nintendo game system, TV, Internet! And why?
This is an enigmatic question, because I adore television, internet access, and my adorable Nintendo Gamecube. Honestly, I would have to say my internet access would win by a hair. Not only surfing the internet is an adventure, but rather used for research, online communities, advertising, transfer/receive files, web-based games, etc. Three years ago, I discovered on music productions using my computer, and the fundamentals of my external Casio MIDI keyboard. In result, I haven’t played as much games as I thought. However, my love towards video games will never be erased within my heart. Overall, the internet access does so many things than watching television or playing video games. I couldn’t believe you asked me this type of question. You tend to aim low, don’t you? In terms of preparations, I am equipped with a cup for particular questions like this hehe.

-Is there any celebrity that you look like or have been told that you look like?
Throughout my entire life, I once never knew I had an appearance of a famous celebrity, until BeLLaMaFIa in AssyrianVoice Forums stated I look much like the Assyrian tennis player, Andre Agassi. As I stare in front of the mirror for a good 13 minutes, I can actually agree to BeLLaMaFIa that I actually look like Andre Agassi. If I would shave my head bald, then I might fool the public my celebrity attire. Thank you BeLLaMaFIa.

-What are the three things about yourself and personality that you are really glad you have?
The first one would be the ability to compose music with my piano. Music can be a display of talent, but also a way to express myself as an individual. In addition, music is the only way that I can show my emotions as well. Unfortunately, the words I speak wouldn’t clarify of what I am feeling inside. The second one would be a pacifist. During my adolescence, I assumed being angry was a way to express my individually. Based on the intense whooping I’ve received from my behavior, I had to learn from the hard way. As I got older, I also became wiser towards the meaning of life. Life would be meaningful if anger or madness doesn’t exist. Therefore, I taught myself not to be angry or mad. The third and final one would be the ability to be good in general. Previously, I was a very bad child. Somehow, I needed to change my entire attitude…for the good. Currently, I’ve gain respect, dignity and reassurance. I would like to dedicate this question to honor my parents for raising the person I am today. I adore their work ethics, determination, and love towards me. In return, I will do everything in my power of wisdom to satisfy my parents to the fullest. They deserve it.  

-On the other side, is there anything that your personality doesn't have and wish you had?
Actually, a set of six-pack would be internally grateful. And no, I don’t mean the six-pack of alcoholic beverages. Maybe a miracle to re-grow a full thick of hair onto my head. It wouldn’t hurt if I can actually sing or rap in a song. In the words of Dylan from Making the Band 2: “I spit hot fire!”

 -Are you an extrovert or an introvert?
I can only be an extrovert when I am surrounded with my cousins. As for everyone else, I can be an introvert sometimes, depending on the person I am socializing with. If you are lucky, I may pull down my pants, moon towards the police, run away from the police as my pants hanging, steal a car with my hotwiring skills, dealing a hot pursuit, crash into a Starbucks filled with uncivilized Assyrians, got out of the stolen car, constantly tossing unfinished frappachinos at the police as an offensive move, perform the moonwalk as I am dodging bullets, fooled the police with a comment “Is that R.Kelly taking a number-one on a teenager?” with less deceiving, witnessing from above – it was Farnsworth Bentley – flying down with his umbrella, grab his hand as he got me out of this terrible mess. Just kidding. If only it would actually happen.

 -Has there been any turning points in your life yet? One where your life either changed or took a dramatic turn.
Well, my life did change as I got into my early teenage years. As I’ve mentioned earlier, I was pretty much a bad child. I needed a change for the good. Therefore, I can gain respect and acceptance of my own dignity.

 -What does it take to make you mad or upset?
Hahahahahahahaha. I apologize but this question was pretty humorous. Nothing in this world makes me mad or upset. Believe me, I’ve witnessed depressing people who are willing to try their best to make me mad or upset. Being mad has no positive feedback or results. It will always bring out negativity – no goodness will ever occur when you unleash your anger. We don’t understand why God grant us this useless feeling called anger

CHAT QUESTIONS

-Take us to your first day on our website and how did you get there?
Actually, I cannot remember the first time I’ve witnessed AssyrianVoice as an existence Assyrian online community. As the highest poster in Babelonking, some registered members were discussing about AssyrianVoice. I tend to be very curious about this alternative Assyrian-based online community. As I arrived to AssyrianVoice, the first thing that interested me was the AssyrianVoice Text Chat. Obviously, the AssyrianVoice Text Chat had a very active chatroom, filled with Assyrians worldwide.

-Speaking of first days, when was your first day online ever? What computer and ISP were you using at the time?
Goodness…I have no clue. I may not know the exact date of my first discovery towards the internet. However, I do remember the year of this discovery. The year was 1995 – as a thirteen-year-old teenager, I was very curious and amazed about the internet. One of the most popular websites I visited previously was http://www.ign64.com. Even though this internet address is non-existence today, my passion for the Nintendo 64 video game console drew me to this website. It was filled with previews, reviews, and codes from each Nintendo 64 video game. As for my superannuated computer, it was an Intel DX4 (also known as Intel 486 processor). In other terms, it’s a piece of junk. I was surprised my computer allowed me to play Doom 2 with smooth resolutions. As for my Internet Service Provider (ISP), I think it was AT&T. Sometimes, I forget how slow my internet connection was back in the middle of the 1990s.

-Do you visit our chat as well, or you are more of a forum guy?
On January 2004, I decided to have direct conversations with my people in the AssyrianVoice Text Chat. Therefore, I was pretty well-known in the text chat from more than a year. And yes, the nickname, Hip_Hop_Producer209, hasn’t changed from the first time I’ve arrived in the text chat. However, I do remember the first day I logged in the text chat. As soon as I arrived in the chatroom, I witnessed a cat fight among Assyrian women from different locations. As interesting as it may seemed, I wasn’t surprised to see such behavior in the chatroom. Well, I enjoy more to have a direct conversation with someone or as a group. Even though I like to post messages on particular threads in AssyrianVoice Forums, but I am comfortable more in the text chat.

-A lot of people never thought that you were going to be interviewed next, but here you are. What is your feeling?
Ashoor, I would never expect you to grant me an opportunity to have this interview before the most popular AssyrianVoice Members who registered before me. This is truly overwhelming. Words cannot express how I am feeling right now. I feel appreciated, honored and worthy. I would expect AssyrianVoice Members like AssyrianPrince21, lilshushu, Doooshaaa, asH, Cookie, and so much more. Since you chose me as the next AssyrianVoice Member to be interview, I truly lost words to describe this feeling. Thank you, sir.

-Do you look at the text chat and forums as two separate places totally, or just part of a bigger website? How can we integrate the two even more, so that people go to both?
Actually, I definitely see distinctness between the text chat and the forums. When it comes to unlimited people (registered users or not), the AssyrianVoice Text Chat is filled with Assyrians from the forums and unknown locations. The forums do have its addiction as well. As I mentioned earlier, I enjoy having direct conversations rather than posting messages on particular threads. As for the people in forums, you tend to see the same people everyday. The text chat offers different people in the chatroom. Overall, I would say they do have their separate places for online conversations or discussions. Even though I see dozens of people in the text chat, who originally post messages in the forums more often, I have no idea of how to improve it. I would suggest a feature that in order to access into the text chat, you must register in the forums or receive at least 100 Assyros. Haha I don’t know.

-People on the forms have come to know you as a very polite and gentle person. What else should they know about you?
First, I would like to thank those people who noticed my true qualities as a human being. In addition, I cannot get angry; I will always have your back whenever I can; I will find ways to grant you positive feedback; I only cuss a single profanity term once a month; Even though my heart is large, it fragile entirely; I can whistle by placing a knuckle (it is located between the proximal and metacarpal bone) onto one of my nostrils and sniff deeply; I can play video game theme songs (such as the Super Mario Theme Song) onto the piano; I can perform karate, except front flips and splits; and I drive a 1988 Oldsmobile Regency 98. I would list more qualities about me, but I need to limit my paragraph lengths for the other questions below me hehe.

-What do you think of "Assyros", and where do you see them going?
I am not too felicitous with the Assyros feature on AssyrianVoice Forums. I believe it acts the same purpose of the total amount of messages you post – which there is no purpose to display it. As for what the future holds for Assyros, I don’t think this feature will rise and overcome online satisfaction.

-What do you think of Salem as an administrator?
I think Salem is fair, reasonable, and somewhat persnickety. I believe he does handle his position as an administrator very well for the most part. He may be too strict or scrupulous on certain scenarios, but we should understand what his purpose on being an AssyrianVoice Administrator. In addition, he can clarify on what’s right or wrong in the forums. Overall, he seems tolerable.

-Do you think the people in the forums are more like a big family now?
Honestly, I have no idea. The fact I’ve been an AssyrianVoice Forums Member for quite some time, I really cannot say that this Assyrian online community is considered a big family. However, I have two cousins in AssyrianVoice Forums. I would say grant me about 2 more years and I will answer your question with confidence.

 -What comes to your mind when you first hear these three nicknames:
HonDa_RaCiNg_GurL, RateAssyrians, PrincessMary
Obviously, I know PrincessMary, in terms of acknowledgment on a family level. As for HonDa_RaCiNg_GurL and RateAssyrians, I really have no familiarity towards them. The first thing that comes into mind when I hear PrincessMary, I think paints and canvases, violins, Jessica Simpson’s hair, and bubbles (in terms of her personality). HonDa_RaCiNg_GurL seems to grant the terms “local” and “Honda automobiles” into my mind when I witness her nickname. As for RateAssyrians, I would say Homer Simpson, humor and scorching water.       

-If you were to add new rankings to the forums, what titles would you give them?
I decide to add a “hip hop” version of the latest rankings for AssyrianVoice Forums:
(1) New Member = Lil Jon

(2) Junior Member = Mike Jones

(3) Mid-Level Member = Jay-Z

(4) Senior Member = Taib Kwali

(5) Golden Member = Nas

-Do you share the common view that we have better debates and topics on the forums these days, than we did, say one year ago? Is this just natural or are we becoming more experienced.
I wouldn’t claim our deliberations or discussions in the forums are better. Life is free from bigotry. Things do change from a year ago or more. As life changes in situations, we just have “different” conversations and debates…not “better.” There are some topics in which we can feel natural to discuss and some tend to speak from experience. Therefore, it does require both, because his/her person’s comment would be more valid that way.

-Assyrian Voice has been pretty busy lately, opening three new sections, including AV Pictures, AV Events, and AV Emagazine. In addition, the website is busy opening close to 15 new albums, a new kids section, and a huge and revamped music section. As a user, how do you keep up with all these updates, and do you take the time to check all the new stuff?
First and foremost, I not only appreciate but support the efforts from the good people who added more updates for AssyrianVoice to create a bigger and better Assyrian-based online community. I do keep up the updates normally, because I attend to AssyrianVoice daily. Out of the updated sections, I am very sympathetic and curious about the AssyrianVoice Photo Albums. It boggles my mind when I suspect gorgeous women, settled in international locations. Conjointly, the AssyrianVoice Music Section is such anticipation. As for the latest additional AssyrianVoice Sections, I really don’t check them out. I guess I am not as open-minded or interested towards those particular sections.

-Speaking of new sections, what do you think of our new Emagazine section, which has received some great reviews, and helped bring a whole new demographic to the site.
Honestly, I do think it sounds like a good idea. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to check it out thoroughly. Overall, I do support the AssyrianVoice Emagazine Section.  

-If you had the choice of adding a new forum category and removing another one, what would you choose?
In Babylonking, they have this fantastic idea for a forum section. It is called “Jailed Members and Courtroom.” The purpose for this forum section is to settle things when someone has created madness in the forums. If the administrator has identified the person who is causing trouble, he/she will be settled in court. As a thread will be created for the troubled person, he/she has the right to say whatever he/she wants to say – as to represent him/her. The forum members are the jury. Each forum member will vote on whether this troubled person is guilty or not guilty. If this person is guilty, he/she will be sentenced from couple days suspended to a lifetime prohibition from the forums. Overall, I think AssyrianVoice should do the same thing. It is definitely a mature way to handle conflicts. Also, it makes things easier for other forum members to post comfortably. As for removing another forum section, I don’t think that would be possible, because the sections overall are great and universal to everyone’s taste in discussions, debates, and interests.

-What do you think of the following:

   >Ashuriena's expertise in TV and Media

   >AssyrianPrince21's fascination with "Survivor"

   >Assygal picking on lovemoon (in joke) and vise-versa

 I do believe Ashuriena’s concurs more than just television and media. She is definitely a very bright individual. I believe there is no limit on what additional expertise she would clarify for us. In addition, she will have direct conversations with you in perfectly-structured sentences without any misspells or typos. I’d say the sky is the limit for our sassy AssyrianVoice Member. When it comes for an obsession on the television reality show “Survivor,” I always thought BeLLaMaFIa was the one with the infatuation towards “Survivor.” Haha. Overall, I believe AssyrianPrince21's passion for this enormous television reality hit is certainly shocking. I think it’s an adorable moment to witness between Assy Gal and Lovemoon. I know Lovemoon for two years, three months and twelve days. Truly, she is sweet, smart, dependable, very attractive and funny. In addition, she is acquired with a cute voice and passionate towards fashion designing. I wouldn’t be surprised for someone like Assy Gal picking on Lovemoon, in a good way. I am positively sure that Assy Gal is innoxious. Overall, I am sure there is nothing to worry about it. They are good people.

-When you hear of Assyrian Voice, do you still think of it as a website, or more like a social club, or even an organization?
I would say it’s an online community. It does have its qualities for a website and a social club combines. I visit AssyrianVoice daily to not only posting messages on selective threads but suspecting who is online. It’s nice to see the good Assyrians online in AssyrianVoice Forums or Text Chat.

-When it comes to the following, who is the best on the forums:

   >Giving advice

   >Getting along nicely with everyone

   >The one to lose temper fastest

   >A person whose presence makes an impact on the forums

   >The AVNer with the best sense of humor

I believe it’s a tie between rumrum and shamirum on the best person on giving advice. Honestly, I would say about ninety percent of the entire AssyrianVoice Members are the best on getting along nicely with everyone. Witnessing bad AssyrianVoice Members is pretty rare. Even though I am not familiar with everyone in AssyrianVoice, I would say it’s a triple tie among Nore, J-ROK and gilbert. In addition, this is not an insult or anything that deals with negativity. Just to make sure that it isn’t something to cause trouble. It is the truth – accept or witness it. As for a person who makes an impact on the forums, it’s a tie between BeLLaMaFIa and Doooshaaa. Their exposure from their personalities is unlimited. Another triple tie among Doooshaaa, BuNzZz, and ultoMa are considered AssyrianVoice Forum’s best sense of humor.

-Have you ever been involved in an AVN gathering? What do you think of AVN gatherings?
I never participated into an AssyrianVoice Gathering at all. However, I do think organizing an AssyrianVoice Gathering is a great idea – a chance to meet those AssyrianVoice Members in person. If you want to schedule a new location for an AssyrianVoice Gathering, perhaps you would take California into consideration. Hehe.

-Having been in the website and the forums for some time now, what three themes have you observed?
First, the AssyrianVoice Music Section is great. As a huge fan towards my nationality’s music, I am looking forward to download and listen to the songs. Second, the AssyrianVoice Text Chat has the most Assyrian online users than any Assyrian-based chatrooms. However, we need more moderators for the text chat as well. Third, I’ve discovered an addiction towards both the forums and text chat. Therefore, I shall thank you for it, ashoor.

FAVORITES

-favorite sport: Backyard football. No helmets, pads and uniforms – just deliver a hardcore experience

-favorite Assyrian/foreign singer: Laith Yousif. This musician/singer is outstanding.

-favorite NBA, NFL, NHL teams: Chicago Bulls and Chicago Bears. I was born in Chicago, so it’s self-explanatory.

-favorite TV show: A tie between “The Real World” and “The Chapelle’s Show”

-favorite country/city: In terms of country, it would have to be Japan. San Diego, California, USA would be my favorite city.

-favorite car: A tie between a 2005 Lotus Elise and 2005 Nissan Altima.

-Favorite soccer/hockey/basketball player: In the basketball category, a tie between LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal.

-favorite number, and color: I may not have a favorite number, but blue is my favorite color.

-favorite food: Biryani (only when my mother cooks it).

-favorite nickname: Nunu. Most Assyrian women invented that nickname for me. Thank you ladies.

ASSYRIANS RELATED QUESTIONS

-Do you know where Assyrians are heading?
Based on my generation, we are pretty much corrupted. However, not all Assyrians are pretty much lost within themselves. Some Assyrians have the intensity and intelligence to change the world. I am praying to the Lord as my Savior that our people find a will and a way to form a unity. Also, they should settle an agreement onto creating a new country, based on our nationality.

-Will the situation in Iraq gets worse before it gets better?
I believe it has been done before, during the early process into forming a democracy in Iraq. Even though we are dealing a very difficult process to re-create Iraq, we can only pray to wish things will get better for our families and friends.

-Who do you trust to lead Assyrians at this time?
One man…my father. I believe people should understand his passion for us. During the 1980s, he decided to become this outstanding Assyrian politician and set statements to try to make a difference rather than studying to achieve a civil engineering license. He has a view to create an endearment for our people to form a homogeneousness unit. He has attended from political organizations to curriculum activities – to valid his support towards out people. In addition, he studied the history, achievements, mythologies, and philosophies about Assyrians by heart. A year ago, he was a presenter in a local Assyrian-based television channel called KBSV. He participates in KBSV mostly on Sundays – to discuss about the present and future of the Assyrian generations. The reason my father refused to continue in KBSV is because the producers/directors of KBSV had a view that didn’t match my father’s view. My father wanted to motivate to Assyrians to join and form a harmony. As for KBSV, they decided to expose sections of the channel that are definitely pointless, such as people talking trash on television. Overall, KBSV’s views are ignoramus yet embarrassment as well. In conclusion, my father would make a great participant to lead our people.  

-How is the Assyrian community in Turlock helping our people in Betnahrain?
Well, they do organize events, such as telethons and whatnots. On the other hand, I wasn’t well-informed about the updates about the Assyrian community in my local area.

 -If you were put in charge of an Assyrian aid organization, whose responsibility is to help collect money to donate to needy Assyrians, how would you go about doing it?
This is a good question. As I am scratching my head to answer this question, I would organize my own Assyrian convention. Instead of a three-day span, it would be an entire week. Every weekday, I will present a famous Assyrian singer. Every weekend, I will present all Assyrian singers or rappers that deserved to be heard – for the good of the cause. Unlike the expensive invitations on Assyrian conventions, my own Assyrian convention will be about the same price as if you attend in a picnic. Good prices will bring more and more people into the parties. Unlike most Assyrian conventions, it will be organized and everyone will receive a booklet about the times and dates on variety of events. I realized we have sports and parties. However, I might add an automobile showcase. The cars will be displayed from actual Assyrian owners. Since Assyrians love automobiles, we will receive more money than Michael Jackson’s music video “Scream.”

As for another idea, I will organize a music album. I will gather the best Assyrian singers in the world to visit into my professional studio (if I do own one) to form a collaborative album. As the producer of the album, it’s my duty to perform my own music onto their vocals. As the album is finally completed, I will allow the Assyrian aid organization to advertise the album – making sure everyone knows about this anticipating album of the decade. All the profit we made from the album’s sales, all the money will go straight to the needy Assyrians.

-When do you think is the insurgency in Iraq going to end? Who is behind it?
Honestly, I have no idea whatsoever. Hopefully, it will resolve soon. I would say the devil is behind it all. Obviously, the devil has come upon our people internally.

-At this time, who can Assyrians trust the most?
Themselves. Before we should do anything, they should not only value themselves as trustworthy people but also be dependable.

-Do you believe that the bible gives us the promise that Assyria will one day rise again?
I believe in the Old Testament, in which it states about the rise of Babylon and exile (640 BC - 538 BC). I believe it will soon rise again when the time being.

-Does the Assyrian convention serve any purpose for Assyrians?
Actually, there is one purpose. Unfortunately, I cannot state it here. It’s controversial yet embarrassing to mention.

-Give us one last word about what we can do to help our nation at this time of need.
Fraternization.

General and Miscellaneous Questions

-While doing this interview, you released your first music album, all done by yourself. Tell us about this big release, how long it took you, etc.
Haha. Well, I wouldn’t recall a “big” release, but thank you for the complement. I believe the idea has occurred to me on June of 2004. After I released my very first mixtape called “The Press Start Mixtape,” I’ve received more negative feedback than positive ones. As I considered listening to the songs in my mixtape again, I believed I knew what those people (who gave me negative feedback) meant. I realized that this mixtape lack quality and tempo. Therefore, I wanted to improve myself for a next release. The reason I wanted to release an album rather than a mixtape is because an album does signify commercial quality. In addition, it truly states where you are located, in terms of your musical-creativity level. A mixtape, however, is gathering unknown, independent artists to rap onto my beats. I started working on the songs for my debut album around fall of 2004. During the album process, I knew I’ve improved from my predecessor (my mixtape). As the album finally released, I was pretty excited about it. Not only I composed 14 out of 15 songs from scratch, but also designed the front and back album covers.

The title of my album “Incantation & Discourse” is a combination of hip hop artists and R&B artists onto my musical creations. Verbal charms and expressions are truly what made “Incantation & Discourse” its definition. It’s an overall good experience to work with famous acapellas and combine them with my own musical tastes and theories.  It took me about more than nine months to complete this album. As for future remix albums, I am planning to do a 2Pac remixed CD. In addition, I might do Jay-Z’s “The Black Album” remixed CD. In the meantime, I will continue to compose songs and instrumentals for my people.

Thank you so much and God bless everyone for your support. I truly appreciate it very much.

-You are also in love with Nintendo and electronic games in general. Tell us a bit about that.
My love for video games in general started in 1985 – as I bought my first video game console, Atari 2600. From “Q-Bert” to “Frogger,” the games titles were definite classics. At the time, games were made for gameplay to shine, rather than graphics and sounds. As I received the 8-Bit Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), my Atari 2600 was capturing a lot of dust. I was definitely hooked onto the NES games. Not only the graphics and sounds were more superior to the Atari 2600, but their controls are more comfortable and flexible to use. Since 1983, the NES sold more than fifty million consoles and three-hundred and fifty million games. The NES was known for outstanding games such as the Super Mario Series and the Legend of Zelda Series. Nintendo has some of the best video game mentors in the world. Shigeru Miyamoto is a video game designer. He created many famous games, such as the Super Mario, Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong, Pikman, etc. Gumpei Yokoi is the creator of this billion selling unit, Gameboy. Every time Nintendo developed a game for the Nintendo console, the gameplay always shine the most. Nintendo’s reputation is to create fun games. They don’t aim too much on the quantity. In order to develop a great game, Nintendo takes a lot of time and effort to develop a game that will be a memorable experience to the consumers. Unlike the Sony’s Playstation, Nintendo believes in the quality of the games, rather than quantity. Nintendo started in 1889 as playable cards. They are more experienced than any video game developing cooperation in the world. It doesn’t take a critical Nintendo gaming guru to realize how fun is to play a Nintendo game.

-What do you think of Assyrian food? Do you think it is healthy or not?
I think Assyrian food is pretty good. It is considered one of my favorite kinds of food. As I get older, I avoid most Assyrian food. Even though I don’t know why I avoid most Assyrian food, I am glad my love for Biryani will never be erased. Biryani is the ultimate dish. I believe we all know the answer to your second-part question. The answer is absolutely not. It’s a standard for any Assyrian food to have grease, oil or any saturated fat. It goes back from Assyrian generation to generation. I guess we pretty much worship any type of fatty acids.

-In the U.S, as soon as one big trial is over, another one starts right away (i.e.: Simpson, Peterson, and now M.Jackson) What is with this huge interest in trials? Or is the media just hyping it, to get more ratings and view ship?
Possibly because the viewers are very curious about how famous celebrities are into controversial court cases. In Michael Jackson’s case, he is the King of Pop. Everyone in this world loves Michael Jackson. If someone doesn’t know who Michael Jackson is, this someone is either an infant or settled under a rock. His album “Thriller” is in the Guinness Book of Records for most albums sold in the world. Overall, Michael Jackson is an over-the-top celebrity, which is why we have a lot of people envy him. This is why Michael Jackson is dealing with those child molestation cases, because of those envy people. I do believe Michael Jackson is innocent from those cases. He was raised better than that, judging by how many times Joseph Jackson asked Michael for a switch. I think television channels (such as E!) are doing this to increase ratings. It’s ridiculous. In conclusion, America is corrupted and couldn’t let the King of Pop in peace.

-What is your first source for news?
 I believe my first source for new is Microsoft Network (MSN) homepage.

-What are your top three companies?
 First, it would be Nintendo of Japan. Obviously, my love for video games will never fail. Second, I would say Apple – as I fell in love with my iPod Mini. Third, Toshiba would be my last choice. Toshiba’s laptops are such sensational. They are great with music.

 -What 3 websites do you visit on a daily basis?

 (1) AssyrianVoice/Babylonking

(2) Myspace

(3) My music sites (www.soundclick.com/naramsinshahbaz, www.soundclick.com/incantationanddiscourse)

-Yahoo or Google?
Google. Not only Google is the best well-known search engine of all time, but it uploads the page faster.

 -MSN or ICQ?
MSN. I believe more and more people are equipped with MSN Instant Messenger than ICQ Instant Messenger. I never had ICQ before. Judging by the anonymous responses about how bad ICQ is, I stick with MSN.

-Text Chat or Discussion Forums?
Possibly in the AssyrianVoice Text Chat. It is better to send/receive direct conversations.

-What do you think of these:
Steve Nash, Agha Petros, David Letterman
I don’t know anything about Steve Nash from the Phoenix Suns. However, I do believe he is rank number-one on assists in 2004-2005. Overall, I think he is skilled into assists. Not bad from a Caucasian basketball player. I believe Agha Petros is a great general to lead the Assyrian forces during World War I. In addition, he knew seven different foreign languages. David Letterman is a decent talk show host. I honestly believe that Conan O’Brian is the best talk show host of all-time.

-What do you think of time-travel? Will it ever be possible?
I think everyone wants to go back in time so badly. I personally want to go back into the 1980s era. The ability to time travel is an ingenious thought. I am sure it will be possible around the twenty-third century or after I pass away from aging.

 -What is your most ideal way to a good diet?

(1) Eat six small meals or one big meal per day

(2) Exercise three or four times per week

FINAL THOUGHTS

-What was the hardest question we asked you? Or didn't like?
Some “Assyrian Related Questions” were pretty uncomfortable to answer, because this isn’t my ideal topic to have discussions or debates with. Other than that, I managed to answer them all.

-One question you were glad we didn't ask you?
Possibly this question: “What is going on between you and Doooshaaa?” Just kidding. As for the record, we are friends. Seriously, I would avoid questions relating about Assyrians.

-One person whom you really want to read this interview
My cousins (Princess Mary & L33tKevin). Even though we are not relatively close to each other, I hope this interview will get a good taste on who I am and what I feel towards life.

-What will this interview help you with?
Increase my pimp status? Haha, I am on a roll here. Honestly, it can help me save time of typing from page after page about my personality, beliefs, interests, favorites and humor. When I do meet someone new and interested about me, I shall link this page for this person to read. Therefore, I can say it loud and proud, “Look Ma! No hands!”

-Your best quote in life:
“I am not here to become better than anyone else – I want to be just as successful as them.”

                                                                                                -Hip_Hop_Producer209

-How long have you been waiting to get this interview done?
Longer than you can ever imagine…

-What do you think of it all?
It was a gratifying experience for me to share everyone who I really am. It did take me about several days to finish this interview. If I want to be fully direct and open to everyone about me, then it cannot be explained for just one day. After scrolling from page to page of what I’ve typed, I hope the viewers would have enough spare time to read what I love, represent, believe and inspired to do.

-Any shoutouts to anyone out there?
I want to create a shout out to everyone in general:

-AssyrianVoice

-Babylonking

-Agilemc.com

-My family and friends

-My ex-girlfriend

-My fans (I love you too)

-Shigeru Miyamoto

-Yanni (the new age/classical composer)

-The Neptunes (Pharell and Chad)

-My grandfather (RIP)

-Have you read other interviews? Which one did you like most?
I read Nat’s and rumrum’s interview more often. Actually, rumrum’s interview is pretty good. His beliefs really stand out and he answered the “Assyrian Related Questions” really well haha.

-Do you recommend any person to be interviewed in the future?
I would say Doooshaaa as my primarily choice.

-Any final comments or thoughts?
Once again, I want to thank you, ashoor, for choosing me as to be interview out of all the AssyrianVoice Members who registered before me. This is truly an honor and I cherish this moment as I answer each question you grant me. I hope everyone will enjoy what I typed from the past several days. Overall, I did enjoy answering your questions, sir. I want to thank everyone who will be reading this interview. As for the people who haven’t read the interview, I will never think of you any differently. I am proud to be an Assyrian – I hope I can do whatever it takes to form a unity…one Assyrian at a time. In other news, my debut album “Incantation & Discourse” is available now online. Its 100% free to download. Here is the homepage: http://incantationdiscourse.dmusic.net/ Keep on the look-out for my latest beats/songs/instrumentals on my main music page: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/3/naramsinshahbaz.htm

 I hope everyone has a fantastic summer. Enjoy yourselves. God bless everyone and your families.

At the end of this interview we would like to thank you and wish you a good luck in your life.