Name: RumRum
Date: January 1st, 2005

PERSONAL QUESTIONS


-Name:
Ramsen Neesan

-Nickname:
'rumrum'

-Sex/age/location:
Male, 23, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

-Tell us about your life, what do you do in general? including your career
and education.
Personally: Born and raised in Chicago. Also lived in Midland, Texas for about 8 years. Basically I'm your 'average' guy. My zodiac is a 'Cancer'
to its true form. I'm a true kid at heart, yet come out as 'serious' based on my expressions. People tend to  like me upon first impression or interaction. I think I get along with people well and am very outspoken. I was very shy as a kid but have outgrown that mentality. I enjoy life and embrace it.

Professionally: I have my Bachelors in Computer Science. I am starting school on my Masters degree in Business Administration this Jan 05. I have
been lucky to work for some high-end companies like Accenture, United Airlines, and T-mobile. Currently I am a software developer/support for a
small company in downtown Chicago called Click Commerce. I also am the current President of the Assyrian Student Union, based in
Skokie, Illinois.

-You recently decided to go back and study for your MBA. Why did you take that decision although you already have your degree?
Its been on my mind since I graduated with my Bachelors. I feel you have to test yourself to the max to see how far you can go. I have personal goals
that include getting the highest education possible. I want to eventually become a manager in my field and doing so, getting an MBA helps a lot. I
won't lie, I also want to create a certain 'status' upon myself hahaha My parents and family also influenced me. They have gone soooooooo far with little education its utterly amazing. Truly the 'american dream'. I have the mentality of 'if they can do it, I can definitely do it'. Whenever I complain about work or school I always remember how much my parents sacrificed for me and my siblings and I do not take it for granted and everyday I thank God for all I have.

"I have personal goals that include getting the highest education possible.
I want to eventually become a manager in my field and doing so, getting an MBA helps a lot."

-You are from Chicago. A city considered to be one of the most popular in the US. Tell us a bit about it.
Chicago in one word: AWESOME! Its my hometown and I love it dearly. To me its more of a 'large town'. Yes, we do have the population, but sometimes it doesn't feel like a big city. Chicago has GREAT HISTORY AND CULTURE!! From the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 to Al Capone to The Daley Mayors... you can also see it in the physical city itself. The buildings and landmarks, Wrigley Field [home of the Chicago Cubs], the many plays and other shows. The nightlife is great. So many things to do such as bars, clubs, theatre, shows, or just hang out with friends. The 1st, 3rd, and 4th tallest buildings in the USA are in our skyline. The beaches are great in the summer time. The cold and snow add 'character' to our lifestyle :P We LOVE our sports!! We have Micheal Jordan and other legends like Walter Payton...we stick to our teams through thick and thin!! Also, the food here is amazing...soooo many great restaurants!! The museums here are great, and also, we have a Winged Bull here!! hahahaha I can go on forever, but most importantly, we have a great Assyrian community here despite our ups and downs and I love them all dearly.

-What is your take on the issue of "Gay Marriage"?
Don't call it marriage. Call it a 'union' or whatever. Religiously, I feel it is wrong, based on the definition. The actual word 'marriage' has the
context of 'between a MAN and a WOMAN'! Morally, however, if two homosexuals feel that they deserve to get the same benefits as married
couples do in regards to taxes and what-not...then I guess I don't have a problem with it. However, the weird thing is when you bring children
into the issue. I feel that it is somewhat 'difficult' to raise a child in a same-sex couple environment.

-Tell us a bit about your personality. You seem to be quite and stable online. Is it the same in real life as well?
I feel my personality is my best trait. I think of myself as a 'chameleon' when it comes to my personality. I can adapt to pretty much any situation/person/environment. Am I same online as in person? Probably :P You have to meet me to tell. I always say that I'm the SAME PERSON  in front of the computer then when I'm not on it. Why should I be different? So, I guess I'm 'quiet' and 'stable' because well, its online. It's not the same
as if it was a party or anything...you know? No 'virtual' chat room can compare with an 'actual' chat room. If you meet someone in person, you are using all your senses to get the first, and most important, impression. Online, you basically are judging them based on responses.

-Is it possible to make love online? or love is only possible in person?
Say what? hahahaha I don't know how to answer this without sounding perverted. I assume you mean 'falling in love' so Im going to go with that.
Falling in love online, IS possible. Why? Well, there really aren't any 'rules' in regards to falling in love. You just know. The internet has
opened up new way of communication and meeting new people. Whatever you do after that first confrontation, that's up to you. Personally I have met
girls online and that's it. Then there are times where I meet them online and then meet them in person because I am interested. Who knows... I might
even meet my future wife online!! hahaha People have been married based on an online meeting...haven't you heard: 'where did they meet?' - 'online.'.
Its also a big business nowadays with all the singles websites popping up [and yes, I do have a profile on www.assyrianmatch.com ;)]

-What do you think of Assyrian girls? what attracts you to them and what attract them to you?
Well, they are the most beautiful girls on God's blue-and-green earth :) Physically I like how they tend to be curvy [my style] and usually darker
hair color. EXOTIC LOOK!!! My friends always tell me how 'lucky' I am to be Assyrian with all our girls...and I agree!!! Emotionally, I like how
most can relate to their environment and situation. I guess I am lucky in that I know A LOT of Assyrian girls. A lot of them are free-thinking
individuals and some are more conservative to our cultural ties. So there's a good mix. They are caring and most, most, of them can cook! hahahaha
who else can make me dolma and birani!! hahaha The main reason is that I know that being Assyrian is a very unique gift God has given me...and I feel
that ONLY Assyrian girls can relate to me and what I stand for and who I am.

-Do you still think of friends these days as "friends" or have friends become "for self interest" only?
To me, friends are friends. Friends are those people in your life in which you can trust and can relate too. There's a common 'bond' that you guys all
share. Personally, if you look at my 'click' of friends that I hang out with, we each are DIFFERENT! There isn't one person 'exactly' like the
other...and to me that's great because when we are together, we put aside our differences and come together and have fun. However, you have to
realize that friends to come and go throughout your lifetime. As for me, I never really had that one true 'best friend'. I don't think a lot of guys
can relate to me on that level!! hahahaha But I have been blessed with great friends who understand me and can tolerate me.

-Are you a religious person? or at least someone who is a believer?
I feel I am a very religious person. But I'm not to the point where I can just say any Bible verse at random. My parents raised me to respect our
Church and our religion. My mom works in the kitchen of my Church, so that's always a plus whenever I want to get food hahaha I enjoy learning
about the Bible and its verses. I do believe there is a God and in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I also respect all the other religions in
this world, including Islam, despite feelings of the opposite from most people I know. I believe that God just wants us to be good people while we
are on this Earth. Everyone sins, that is why we repent and He forgives us. I think sinning and not caring is truly bad vs. sinning and then asking
for forgiveness. I pray every night and thank God for all my blessings and to look after me and my close ones and pave a road for me to make the right
decisions with the free-will that He gave me.

-As we speak, we are celebrating Christmas: what does this mean to you?
Its tough celebrating Christmas here at home when I found out that relatives and my people back home are too afraid to even go to Church for Christmas. However, faith is not just based on the physical building of the Church. These people are truly blessed because they get to feel the true meaning of Christmas without all the 'hype' and marketing and products and media that we here in North America and abroad get to feel. Christmas is my favorite time of year. It is a time to reflect on the year and look towards the new one. Its a time for family and relaxation and realizing what you have.

-Is Christmas just celebration and gift giving or something more than that?
It's not about what gifts you get, its about being with family and friends. I know that sounds cheesy...but think about this. Without family... what
else do you have?? I won't lie to you, gifts are nice to get...and I feel good when I give gifts too :) But I'd rather be with family and hang out
with friends and have a good time and celebrate. If you just think of it as 'gift giving' then you are undermining the whole concept.
 

CHAT QUESTIONS
 

-Take us to your first day on our website and how did you get there?
Hehhhhhhhhhhhh you know how long ago that was? hahahahaha All I remember was I did a search for 'assyrians' and your site popped up... who knew? :P

-Speaking of first days, when was your first day online ever? what computer and ISP were you using at the time?
Your asking me this because you know how much of a computer nerd I am. It was my Acer 166mhZ processor computer with ONLY 16 MB RAM HAHAHA [aka SLOW computer]. Ofcourse I only had a 28.8 modem so my connection was slooowwwwwww! And I didn't have aol, i used something called the 'concentric network'...which I believe is netscape owned now.

-You have gone through many nickname changes. Tell us about most of them if possible and the reason for each change.
I only had one significant change. My old nickname was 'a2raya'...I got it from a friend, Dee Dee, In Canada. Her's was, naturally, a2reta hahaha I
used this name for the text chat on NOL [Nineveh Online], which was before AVN. However, some other guy from Australia bit my screenname so I chose to go with what my friends called me: tliqa. hahaha that got boring so I finally went with 'rum' or 'rum rum'. Based on how I used to spell my name
- 'rumson' :P

-You and others think that your interview will be one of the best ones ever, if not the best. Why do you think so? is it due to your status and popularity on the website?
Nasha bessa...my head won't fit through the door hahaha Don't get me wrong, you know that after it gets posted I'm going to spread the word to everyone I know hahaha I don't know about 'the best'...its just an interview really. There have been other great interviews prior to this one and there will be more after. Status and popularity have nothing to do with it. I just feel that I have a lot to say and have a unique look on life and hopefully I can
share this with people that haven't met me or don't know me and read this and get to know who I am...above all, I crave attention. hahaha

-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.
Text chat and forum are two different worlds. Both are interactive, but text chat is more 'real time'...your not sitting there waiting for a reply
for a minute or so. Also, if you TAKE OUT THE PRIVATE CHAT feature in text chat, you would be surprised at how many people wouldn't go there hahaha You can't really 'integrate' the two. They are two different things in regards to online chatting. The text chat in my opinion, is still a little
primative way to chat. Especially now with forums getting more advanced and with the whole 'blog' craze. I think the goal of AVN in regards to text
chat and forums is to just have QUALITY people/posts. Get rid of the people that go on the text chat and act stupid and fight and also filter out the
people on the forums that do the same. I know there's such a thing as free speech, but not if you act like an a$$ hahahaha

-What distinguishes you from other chatters?
My unique style. Whenever I chat with someone via text or forums, I tend to see where the person is coming from. That's how I am in real life. I tend
to view at the subject as a whole and not at the person giving it. I don't judge people based on their opinions because I wouldn't want someone to do
that to me. However, if someone is truly being an a$$ about things I will call them out...after all, it is my opinion :P Like I stated before, I'm
very friendly and pick up on people's personalities and adjust myself so that I don't come across as a weirdo. Although sometimes, I just can't
control it. I am also creative in my thoughts and think I am a relatively eloquent writer. I can make people laugh AND think when I chat with them,
and I think that goes toward my advantage.

-What do you think of AVN's evolving from a small website into a world wide community? and where do you see it going?
Ashoor, you picked a fitting name of 'Assyrian Voice'...because that is EXACTLY what this site does. In my opinion, you give a voice to all the
people that visit your site. You give a voice to the people on text chat.... you give a voice to the people on the message board.... you give a
voice to the people in the forums. You give life to the site by the 60+ pages of photos you have on there. I am proud of your work because I have
seen where it came from! But I ask that you do not stop and do more.

I think its pretty cool when you 'google' the word 'assyrian' and AVN is one of, if not the first, site that pops up. AVN has so much potential its scary. I see it as become a true portal in regards to having an online Assyrian presence. Granted, there are other sites out there that are great as well. I suggest you focus on one aspect of online visitation... social. Keep the site 'fun' and 'social' and don't get too involved into other things like information and history. I'm not saying totally get rid of these things, but instead, have links or help the other sites out there to grow just as you did.

-Recently, you were appointed as a moderator on one of our forums, and you have been doing a good and decent job so far. What do you think are some ways in which we can make the forums better? is it to attract more people or to have better contents? remember, the more people, the more discussions we have and that leads to better debates and topics. So quality doesn't necessarily lead to better topics. It may be quantity too.
Well, I see where your coming from. You have some 800+ registered members, yet only about 50 post at a moderate 'pace'. The one thing I have to say is that quality leads to better quantity. If someone comes on for the first time and see's people arguing and some posts that seem 'childish' and it
doesn't interest them... you are going to lose that person. I have BEEN screaming this Ashoor: ORGANIZE THE FORUMS BETTER!!! hahaha you knew I was going to mention it :P If you visit other popular forums online, you would be surprised at how they are organized. The forums are getting too
cluttered in my opinion. Topics are getting misplaced and there seems to be a great need of quality control. The forum itself you can organize and
control into more categories and even make new smileys and rules. However, as far as the content, you really can't control it...because the forum is
only as good as its members. People do take the forum seriously and it has been a great place to speak you mind and meet new people and give
information.

-How do you see debating on the forums? are people educated and professional enough to debate or are we still immature enough to debate maturely?
Debating is a whole new can-of-worms. I personally see the forums as place to 'kill time' at work, meet new people, and speak my mind. I really do not
go there to debate. Many people do go there with that mentality though...which is good too. I feel that the current crowd can hold their ground and know what they are talking about. Being Assyrians, we tend to be VERY opinionated so sometimes it gets a little rough...but that's ok too. What I HATE is when people 'fight' online... this has to be BY FAR the STUPIDEST thing two people can do and whoever does it, I really have to say its a bad trait to have. Perhaps debating can be more popular if you introduce a 'subject of the week/month' and 'sticky' it on there and have someone monitor it and make it known.

-Speaking of the forums, are you at all surprised that this many people registered in just a few months, and better yet got used to the place?
Not really. Its the internet bro....it happens. Actually, its very addicting!!! I feel you did a good job with the 'new' forums. The old one
was too 'weird' for me for some reason.

-What do you think of the following:
AssyrianPrince's love for Mariah Carey : she's hot and I don't blame him...
however, I wonder if he's actually faint if he meets her in person...hmmmm
[?]
ASHOOR'S obsession with Brazil: boooo Brazil!! hahahaha... sorry had to go there.
The anti- and pro-American debates on the politics forum. : being american,
it sometimes gets me a little mad. but like I said prior, I respect their
opinions and usually let it slide.
PlayBoy and DetroitKings' heavy graphics avatars: um....have you seen my
avatar's Ashoor? hahaha I think they can tame it down a bit..it is a family
place after all...and more than that, I don't want to get caught at work
with that stuff showing!!!!

-I am sure you have heard of our "contests" section, where people can win actual prizes. What do you think are some good tips to help us attract more people to that new section? would giving out cash prizes help more?
The contest is a good concept. However, it needs wayyy more advertising. I barely found about it when it first came out. I don't think its the prizes
really, cash is nice, but shouldn't be based on it. I feel that you should have more winners. maybe a 1st, 2nd, 3rd place... and make the questions
more 'targeted' toward AVN. You can drop hints on the message boards/forums. You also should try advertising on other websites. Send an
email to the other popular websites to draw in their crowd.

-AVN has a big base in Chicago and Detroit, and you have already organized several chatters gatherings. Why is it so easy for you too to meet while others from other cities can't pull out something like this easily?
Because I have too much time on my hands. hahaha Well, Chicago and Detroit are not that far from each other, neither is Canada...so by geography its
easier. If I wanted a chatters gathering in the east coast or California, that could be a little difficult. I can drive to Detroit/Canada...but I would have to fly to the west..and that usually involves more $$$. And I'm not even mentioning the 'overseas' AVN'ers. Meeting with the people from
Europe and Australia would be cool and hopefully one day it can happen.

-Speaking of chatters gatherings, do you think it is AV's responsibility to hold them, or the responsibility of chatters in each city?
Both. I think it would be cool to hold an AVN gathering once a year. Maybe a 'mini-convention'. But for that to work, you would really need a bigger
base. Maybe 100+ ACTIVE members. But again, you also have to consider geography. AVN has members from all over the world...so maybe this wouldn't work out. I think that if there is a common event, like convention here in the states, then AVN should either designate someone to start a 'gathering' or go to the organization themselves and ask for one. You also have to realize that there are 'clicks' on AVN...so I also think its good if they
want to 'gather'.

-What did you think of the recent "Ultimate Assyrian Voice Year Book" for 2004 which contained the names of more than 500 chatters that have frequented this chat on a regular basis or in the last year or so.
Haven't seen it yet..but I'm sure its good. Hopefully this time YOU CAN HAVE MY NAME ON THERE!! hahahahahahahahaha

-what comes to your mind when you first hear these three nicknames: Charlene, Lightforce, CP
Charlene: just met her, seems like a cool girl.... doesn't get puzzles
easily hahahaha :P
LightForce: fellow chi-towner, so automatically he's cool. ;)
CP: haven't really chatted/interacted...but I like his opinions and posts.

-We have a lot of new chatters coming to our website from the middle east. Do you think it is time to put more contents in our website in Arabic and Assyrian?
Touchy subject for me. I personally am not a big fan of Arabic. I really don't like when people 'talk in numbers' :\ But, if you have people asking
for it, then by all means do it!! If it draws more people than sure, why not.

-What have been some of the hottest and most controversial topics discussed on the forum this year?
Too many too name. However, I would like to point out that I'm SICK of virginity posts!!! I think there is a common theme among chatters within
the 18-24+ age range...that is love and marriage. You would be surprised how many topics get side-bared into these subjects. Which isn't bad so to
speak...but I think there are much more things to talk about and bring up. Again, I feel you should organize the forums better to include more specific
topics and threads.

-You have been quiet smart in staying neutral in political issues; so in other words we still don't know what your take on these issues are. Are you really neutral or just doing this to avoid being attacked by others?
I don't think Ive been that 'neutral'. Ask any of my friends. I have always said I am a Democrat. I would've voted for Kerry if I actually remembered to register to vote this year hahaha But in regards to politics, I feel that I am not educated enough in the subject(s) to really give an informative response. After all, that is what its about...informative/smart responses!! TOOOO OFTENNN people just go on and give their opinions or give a he-said-she-said story they heard at work...Assyrians are good at doing this. Im not saying that someone has to be 'book smart' in order to talk politics... many people considered 'un-educated' can really give good insight and opinions. I just think it is based on the person and how they react to a topic or situation. If they come off as 'strong'... you might get intimidated or reverse, angry. If they come off 'weak'... then you might have a boost of pride and try to devour them with your thoughts. I just try not to say something stupid. I mean, I figure I'm already involved TOO MUCH into the Assyrian community that I don't need my words to say who I am vs. my actions.

-Now that the year 2004 has come to an end, who do you think was the:
most controversial member on the website: forum-wise... the one girl who
threatened to sue you hahahaha
most popular: forum-wise... bellamafia because of her attitude and number
of posts...she's the 'queen of avn' :\
least popular compared to previous years: no one comes to mind... people
have come and go but no one in particular has 'dropped off the radar'
smartest: I wouldn't say 'smart'...but more along of 'mature'... maybe
people fit this description...then again, maybe people don't.
most intresting posts: everyone has their own tastes... no one stands out in
my book.
nicest: nicest??... hahaha

-Is there any certain members on the forum that you think make it more fun and interesting?
So this is where I give a 'shout out' to my friends right? hahaha well, I'm not going to do that... but if I was going to single people out, they know
who they are and mentioning them here wouldn't really matter :)

-Assyrian voice recently released new albums, which were seen by a record over 10,000 people in the first few weeks. In fact these albums have become a standard of Assyrian photo sharing online. What do you think can they help us with?
I think they are great. I think that is one aspect of the site that ANY visitor can like. People like going on the site and seeing pictures. Some search for family, some search for boys/girls hahaha I think you are doing a good job so far...but one thing... just one... GET RID OF THE CHEESY BACKGROUNDS AND MUSIC!! hahaha... also, pump out more photo albums will ya?

-Recently, there have been a lot of power decentralization in Assyrian Voice. That is, a lot of the duties which were previously done by ASHOOR himself, have now been given away. This of course has led to better management and more control over things. What do you think of this development and how can we work on it even more to have a better community?
I agree. Ashoor cannot do everything himself. If this was some little personal site where he posts pictures of his graduation party and his baby photos, than that's fine. But I know he also has a life outside of AVN. I feel Ashoor should get MORE people involved...maybe make an online form for
people interested in helping? Possible duties: Moderator, photo editor, web programmer, question researcher [for contests], advertising/promotion, etc.

-Assyrian Voice is in constant need of sponsors to keep it alive and help give even better things to its members. How can we attract more sponsors? bear in mind that we are, one of the busiest Assyrian websites ever, if not the busiest.
In order for someone to sponsor AVN... they have to 'get something out of it'. I think Ashoor should emphasis how much traffic he does get and make a
business model on how to generate money for the site and customers for the sponsor...this offer can be made in his area or even around the world. The
banner idea is great and it works. Other than that, I think having a donation section on the site is good as well as selling merchandise.

 

FAVORITES
 

-favorite sport:
 FOOTBALL!!!...basketball, baseball, soccer, hockey.

-favorite Assyrian/foreign singer:
 Concert-type: Ashoor Bet Sargis and Evin
Agassi...Wedding singers: Janan Sawa, maybe Juliana Jendo... Party Singers:
Sargon Gabriel/Linda George/Ramsen Sheeno.

-favorite NBA,NFL,NHL teams:
CHICAGO BULLS, CHICAGO BEARS, CHICAGO
BLACKHAWKS, CHICAGO WOLVES [IHL], CHICAGO CUBS, CHICAGO WHITESOX

-favorite TV show:
 The Simpsons...Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien, some MTV shows
like 'cribs' and 'pimp my ride', Seinfeld, Sopranos, and many more.

-favorite country/city:
duh...where else CHICAGOOO!! close second is
Toronto... and L.A.

-favourite car:
 Anything exotic. Porsche 911 Careera Twin Turbo.,
Lamborghini, Ferrari.... Luxary: BMW 740I, Mercedes S Class +

-Favorite soccer/hockey/basketball player:
Anyone not from Brazil, Anyone from the Blackhawks, Michael Jordan

-favourie number, and colour:
 22, blue.

-favorite food:
Assyrian: Biryani - khanna style [my grandma] non-Assyrian:
man, Ill eat anything...italian, chinese, mexican, etc.

-favorite nickname:
'rum-shaker' - given to me during my high school
football days
 

ASSYRIANS RELATED QUESTIONS
 

-When all this Iraq thing is said and done, what will Assyrians have gained by then?
I HOPE Assyrian will get SOMETHING!!! ANYTHING is better than NOTHING! I think if they are recognized in the constitution and are not classified as 2nd or 3rd class citizens its ok with me. As long as my relatives over there can walk around without fear and can prosper in the rich land and defend themselves, that is all good with me.

-Will the situation in Iraq gets worse before it gets better?
No. To me things are only improving. I always think positive.

-How much credit do you give to Zowaa in guarding our rights in Iraq?
I am a firm supporter for Zowaa. I believe in their goal and the people that work for them. They are busting their a$$es back home with or without
recognition. I know by saying this now I am truly blind to what is going on over there. For any non-supporter, you heard it before and Ill say it again...GO BACK THERE AND SEE WHO THE PEOPLE THERE SUPPORT!!!

-How is the Assyrian community in Chicago helping our people in Betnahrain?
Here in Chicago we are doing the best we can. Having the second largest Assyrian population besides Iraq now, I feel it is our duty to do as much as
possible. However, personally speaking I feel we can do soooooooo much more!!! Some of our leaders lack the skills needed to delegate and
compromise. We have started a food/clothing drive that has been going on for some time. There have been fundraisers to help with monetary needs. We
have events to commemorate and recognize important Assyrian events. Our Churches here do their part as well. All in all, its not just Chicago, but
the WHOLE WORLD has to help in our homeland.

-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?
I think one of the biggest mistakes these organizations are doing now is not taking advantage of technology. Every 'aid organization' out there has some
sort of online presence. And at these websites, people can donate direct to the organization by means of credit card, pay pal, etc. They are still
stuck on the whole 'lets make a party' mentality, which, here in Chicago lately, had NOT been a significant source to raise money. I know its
annoying, but maybe even calling people at their homes and asking for money.

Also... GET AHOLD OF THE RICH PEOPLE!! omg! You have NO IDEA how many WELL OFF Assyrian we have!! These people have been 'outcasted' by our society because we do not embrace them efficiently. I know it sounds a little bad...but I think the community should do more to cater to these people so they can donate to their OWN PEOPLE vs. donate to a nakhraya organization.

-Speaking of that, why don't Assyrians ever adopt the system of "every family giving one dollar per month, with the money going to needy
Assyrians"?
No trust. "Who is going to collect it?" ... "Where is it going?" ... "What is it for?" ... "How is it getting there?" ..."When will it arrive?"... "Why should I give?"..I know its just $1...but believe me, some Assyrians won't even spare that much...as sad as that sounds.

-How strong is the state of our union at this time? I myself think it is quite strong. I am not talking about our politicians but rather, our people.
Assyrian are stronger... we've BEEN strong!! Despite all our differences in beliefs, geography, age, and other demographics, our ONLY trait that has
been keeping us alive for all these years is our innate feeling to help each other and stick together.

-Do you see a lot of Assyrians going back to their homeland if everything settles down and things improve significantly?
Personally, I think all 'old people' aged 60+ should go back now hahaha I mean, if they aren't attached to the family..why not go back??? why spend
the last years of your life in a foreign land?? And yes, I think people will go back once 'everything settles'. Who knows, I might join them :)

-If Assyrians were to be granted their own safe haven in Northern Iraq, where would you want it to be? Nineveh, Arbil, Nohadra or Kerkuk?
Anything is good with me. Technically they should give it ALL...but i'm not that naive. hahaha

-Who do you see as an ideal leader for Assyrians at this time?
I can't answer because I feel that we haven't really been exposed to a good series of leaders. Younadam Kanna I feel is going a good job so far. Granted, some might read this and not agree...but that's ok too.

-How much do you trust the Kurds? ignoring the past of course, Assyrians have been living along side the Kurds in the last 15 years or so, and with fairly little problems. Do you think this coexistence can go on forever or is it just short-term.
I feel that the grounds have to be set. It has to be written. The rules have to be made and guaranteed upon. Because, if not, your living in chaos and anti-trust. Neighbors will fight over land and the rich will have their way. Now that the 'fear' is pretty much taken out of Iraq's society...things have to be in order. And I feel the Assyrians have to realize their position and work with ALL of their fellow Iraqis and compromise.

-Have Iraqi Arabs, the Sunni particularly, proven that they are untrustworthy, considering how fast they have turned against Christians and Assyrians. The news of killing, raping and abductions of Assyrians are coming from Iraq non-stop.
Touchy subject. The whole saying 'a few apples ruin the bunch' goes here. I do not believe ALL Sunnis feel this way. You have to realize WHO is doing
these acts of violence. Sunni arabs that were close to Saddam's regime. I don't think its because they truly hate Christianity... I think they have been so oppressed throughout the years and now they have the 'will' to do whatever they want basically...which in a way is power... and if you give power to a bunch of maniacs... things like that happen. But eventually things will settle down and it will not matter what religion you are.

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

 

General and Miscellaneous Questions

 

-What do you think about the new labeling "red vs. blue states"? Do you think this will divide the US?
No... this isn't anything 'new'. That's the beauty of democracy. I mean, I dont believe in the same things Bush does and also how he feels and his
policies...but he did win, and as my President, I have to support him no matter what.

-A lot of people attributed their voting for Bush as a vote for "moral values and a better Christian representation": do you think that is a good reason to vote for Bush?
Trick question. hahaha Bush's campaign did a good job in bringing this issue up towards the end of the election. I think that there were other
issues that the democratic party could have touched upon to bring the vote more along their way.

-Have you and Americans in general, returned to a normal level of flying, which had changed after Sep. 11, 2001.
Yes ofcourse. 9/11 was a travesty. But you never live in the past... you can only hope to avoid repeating it. Life is too short.

-What three websites do you visit on a daily basis?
AVN, Yahoo, MSN

-Are you OK with all the big spending that goes on in the Christmas season because it is good for the economy. Or do you think the Christmas season is a religious and social time, and not for giving and taking.
It's ok to spend during Christmas. Its not the typical 'hallmark holiday' like Valentines Day or 'Sweetest Day' :\

-What is your favorite and worse reality show.
Favorite: The Apprentice, Real World, Americas Next Top Model
Worse: The swan and all those other 'make over' shows

-If you were to come up with an idea for a reality show, what would it be?
"Congratulations, Your an Assyrian."

-The NBA, WWE and Nascar are three of the most popular sport events or tournaments in the US and around the world. If you had the choice of one Assyrian being in one of these three, in which one would you have him play? consider that you are putting him in the sport which will bring the most attention to Assyrians. Tell us why you choose whichever one you will use.
NBA. It would be nice to see and support one of 'my own' on the basketball floor. I think it brings more 'respect' towards the youth in USA because
many of them like the sport. Actually, there are two basketball leagues, one here in Chicago, and one in California, that do a GREAT job!!! WWE is
fake and deals with story-telling... so being assyrian in there wouldn't probably be a factor, they would probably make the guy into an arab or something hahaha And Nascar is just for white-trash people...which I don't think, or want, to see Assyrians getting into. :P

-What do you think is the most valuable degree out there at this time?
Degree? as in education? Or as in 'field'. I would have to say PhD. I think PhD's are more respected than regular M.D.'.s And the hottest field
right now is real estate...but I also think that will die down. Some other good ones are health services, hospitality, finance/accounting, and management.

-If you were to own a pet, what would it be?
Fish.

-What do you think of the following figures?
Howard Stern: love his show and style...its good to see he is moving away from the 'standard radio' into satellite radio, so he can be 'more himself'
Mar Aprim: Howard Stern..then Mar Aprim... could you get more random? hahaha I have no oppinion. I respect all Assyrian clergy. 
Pat O'riley: I do however, have an oppinion on this dummy. hahaha I don't like him. His show is too biased [republican] and he's too much hype. Plus, the whole scandal he's in is kinda fitting for a moron like that.

FINAL THOUGHTS

 

-What was the hardest question we asked you? or didn't like?
All were ok...but LONGGGGG!! [that's what I get for asking all this time la?]

-One question you were glad we didn't ask you?
Your most embarrassing moment.

-One person whom you really want to read this interview.
Any of my friends that I know... as well as people I don't.

-What will this interview help you with?
Possibly spread my feelings and thoughts. Make people more aware of where I come from and how I feel. Make more friends possibly???

-Your best quote in life:
"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice."

-How long have you been waiting to get this interview done?
Too long.

-What do you think of it all?
It was great. Thanks for all the time and effort you put into this thing Ashoor!!!

-Any shoutouts to anyone out there?
nope. hahahahaha

-Have you read other interviews? which one did you like most?
I liked Shamie's a while back... she's a GREATTTTTTTTT friend of mine and it was nice getting her oppinion on things. I love you Shamster!!!

-Do you recommend any person to be interviewed in the future?
Nat927.

-Any final comments or thoughts?
Once again I thank you Ashoor for this interview...after MONTHS of waiting!!! I hope the readers find it interesting. I answered the questions truthfully and tried not to offend people. It took me almost 2 hours to finish mannn!!!! What were you thinking!!! hahaha I hope people actually take time to read it and not 'skim' through :\ My final word to the Assyrians out there: be grateful in WHO YOU ARE. YOU ARE ASSYRIAN. God blessed you on this earth to live as one. You are the minority of minority. Only 4 million others like you in the whole world. The blood that flows through your veins is the rarest blood in the world. Take care of yourself...take care of your loved ones... be good people... and never, never take life for granted.

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