Proud EXPAT

Don't say EZDI's cause they are actually fellow Armenians that build the new uncharacteristic crap. These modern boring and flat buildings were bound to be erected sooner or later, just like the ugliest Armenian church on earth in Yerevan (St. Gregory the Illuminator.) People are too afraid to stand up and speak about this issue here in Armenia, that is why every residential apartment building has an attached grocery food store in front of their building, taking up half the sidewalk. IT IS DAMN UGLY! But, it's too late I suppose. I think it's time to focus on our other cities now, such as Gyumri and make sure they don't get out of hand also.

A simple question such as this just goes to show you who actually has gay friends and who doesn't. And those that say they don't have gay friends probably do but come across as stubborn hardheaded idiots, and that is why their gay friends have not come out to them. shiner, that comment about threesomes and foursomes was really stupid. Do you really believe this? First I do not think it's anyones business to judge people. Second I've heard about many successful gay marriages. Like it or not it's not hurting anyone. It's still love, right? Man it's 2004, get over this stupid prejudice. Like we do not have other serious issues in this world.

Knight last time I went to see our ancient capital Ani I sort of had connections to go through the military zone smoothly on the Armenian side. I'm not sure how it usually is, but I'm guessing if you go there and tell them you are visiting, they will guide you right to the river separating Eastern Armenia from Western Armenia. Or else ask people how you can get past the military gates when you are in Armenia. You'll see some of our old churches/cathedrals, mostly demolished, and far away you will see the scumbags living on our ancient lands. If you're lucky enough, NOT, you'll hear the echoes of them preaching to Alla, not the singer Levonyan but their God Allah. Make sure to go on a clear day. Last time I went it was quite cloudy so my pics didn't come out that nice.

Guys all the new terms are cool, but the real Armenian word for Subway/Metro/Underground is... Getnughi (pronounced in Eastern Armenian) or Kednughi (in Western).

Mini-Skirts? Guys I live here in Armenia and I have only seen someone wearing a mini-skirt only once so far this year. And I am usually out walking around Yerevan quite a bit. Don't know where this mini-skirt rumour came from, but the new fashion this year is completely pink, from top to bottom or baby blue. Once in a while you'll see someone wearing completely white, but that was last years fashion. Black is STILL in. Sad. Let's not even talk about the clothes the majority of guys wear. Today was 31 celsius and they were STILL walking around in black suits.

Knight if you have any questions email me I'll be happy to help. proudexpat@yahoo.com I moved to Armenia a couple of years ago from North America, have seen quite a bit and can give you my impressions. Geghart, as popular of a tourist desitination as it is, can not be missed. When you visit Khor Virab, maybe you can make it out to Noravank (which is another hour drive from KV). Then you can head over to Jermuk, then down to Tatev. This is a long stressful trip to do all in one day, but maybe you can stay at a B&B somewhere. Check out www.bedandbreakfast.am You must also go up north and visit Gyumri. It's quite underdeveloped, but the old beautiful architecture has been preserved, unlike what is happening to the buildings in Yerevan. Plus Gyumretsis are somewhat friendlier than the new Yerevantsis. Plus their accent is cool. In Shirak province you should also try to go to the border and check out our old capital of Ani (obviously from the Armenian side.) Tavush is a beautiful province you can't miss. Dilijan city/town is popular and of course Haghardzin. These are some popular places, but you should definitely check them out. No matter what, try your best not to complain when you are here. Too many spyurqs come here and can't stop complaining about things, instead of trying to understand.

Most locals here in Armenia think Turkish goods are of the greatest quality.

The prices of tickets for concerts here in Armenia have considerably increased compared to a year or two ago. You could get tickets for about 100-500 drams (not even $1) to see the Philharmonic Orchestra. Tickets are now usually between 1,000-3,000 drams ($2-5 US). The cool thing is that if you pay a dollar or two to see a concert and you are not impressed (which doesn't usually happen in Armenia) you can just walk out without feeling bad.

Guys, if you have a minute please write to this idiot and "put him in his place" (as we say in Armenian.) Canada should mind its own business By JEFFREY SIMPSON jsimpson@globeandmail.ca The Globe and Mail Friday, April 23, 2004 - Page A19 Bring back the friendly dictatorship! Or at least bring it back if the absence results in the kind of irresponsible, unnecessary and provocative resolution the House of Commons passed on Wednesday, which complicates Canada's relations with an ally and a hugely important country: Turkey. That the opposition parties, without having responsibility for Canadian foreign policy, would act irresponsibly is hardly a surprise. That government backbenchers would defy their own Prime Minister and Foreign Minister and muck about in foreign policy for domestic political reasons should make everyone wonder about the wisdom of free votes in the Commons. By a 153 to 68 margin, the Commons adopted a motion from an obscure Bloc Québécois MP to "acknowledge the Armenian genocide of 1915, and condemn this as a crime against humanity." What happened 89 years ago, before the creation of modern Turkey, still rankles Armenians. Hundreds of thousands of them were killed, tortured or deported. Books have been written about it, and movies, too, including Ararat by Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan. That authors and filmmakers should pick over the events of 1915 is fair game. That Parliament should have nothing better to do with its time than pass resolutions about events long ago -- resolutions that will reasonably be interpreted in Turkey as reflecting the opinion of Canadians, and wrongly interpreted as the official position of the government -- is outrageous meddling, bound to irritate gratuitously one side, Turkey. What conceivable business is it of Canada's Parliament, except for unwelcome meddling, to muck about in historical matters that do not concern this country directly? How would we like it if the Turkish parliament started passing resolutions about, say, the hanging of Louis Riel; or the French parliament voted on the deportation of the Acadians; or the New Zealand Parliament voted on the treatment of Canada's Indians? Canada would respond the way the Turkish government did: It called in the Canadian ambassador in Ankara to lodge a formal protest, and issued a statement saying correctly that "the responsibility of the negative consequences to be brought by this motion belongs to the Canadian politicians." No one denies that Ottomans did ghastly things to Armenians 89 years ago in the context of the First World War. Almost every non-partisan account underscores those facts. That people can study the historical record and draw their own conclusions is as it should be. That doesn't mean the Canadian Parliament has to set itself up as a moral arbiter on behalf of the Canadian people -- because, why stop there? Why not condemn the Japanese Rape of Nanking, the killings of Chinese by European powers during the Boxer rebellion, the invasion of Turkey by Greece after the First World War, and so on. Some Canadian politicians were influenced by Armenian or Greek descendants in their districts. That political pandering to ethnic sensitivities can be understood, if not justified, but it hardly explains why so many other MPs couldn't understand how to conduct foreign policy, including members of the Conservative Party who hope to become the government in the next election. Turkey is an incredibly important country: the only democratic, secular Muslim state in a troubled part of the world. It is an ally of Canada in NATO. It has become a democracy, having recently changed its government. It is trying to solve the Cyprus deadlock, successfully urging Turkish Cypriots to back the United Nations plan for reunification, which the Greek Cypriots are apparently going to block. It is trying to meet European Union conditions for starting entry negotiations. Canada's foreign policy, therefore, requires positive, constructive relations with Turkey. Prime Minister Paul Martin and Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham reminded the Liberal caucus of that yesterday. The bulk of Liberal MPs told them to get lost, because under the new Martin rules for remedying the "democratic deficit," this was a "two-line whip," whereby ministers have to support the government but backbenchers do not. A handful of assemblies (Italy, Sweden, Russia, Argentina, the European Parliament) has passed motions similar to the one adopted by the Commons. All other assemblies, including those of the United States, Britain, Australia, Japan, and Germany, refused. Only two governments have made acknowledgment of this "genocide" a matter of policy: France and Switzerland. Fortunately, the Martin government, humbled by its own members, said official Canadian policy won't change. Thank goodness. jsimpson@globeandmail.ca

I am surprised learning all this about Ekmalian. His liturgical compositions are the greatest overall compositions performed in our Church. The mood and the depth of his compositions are brilliant and moving.

Huh?

AZAT I know the answer, get your ass over to Armenia. Just picture what people in the States would do if they didn't have 24 hour electricity for months, if not years. They would panic like mad and go insane. Over here they survived, and although it was extremely difficult, they still enjoyed themselves and lived to remember the memories they created.

The chief architect of the city of Yerevan Narek Sarkissian is one of the most corrupt individuals in todays government. Taste is a completely different issue, which he doesn't know anything about. He's one of the most hated people in the majority of Armenian architects. DOWN WITH THE CHIEF!

Thanks for clearing that up gurgen.

Just for everyones info, TATA IS RABIZ. He is true rabiz, the rest of the names mentioned on these messages are NOT true rabiz. Rabiz culture and music has been around for decades, it's not a new thing. Just recently over the past decade or so has it been cheapened by pathetic new artists mixing in our enemy's melodies, which are actually stolen from Arabic and Greek anyway. TATA ADMITS HE IS RABIZ, but he will also admit he is the true rabiz that does not mix in our enemy's melodies. I for one don't listen to any kind of rabiz, the genuine form or the pathetic "new rabiz", but without it it is almost impossible to enjoy yourself at most Armenian get togethers. I think it's about time we have more "true rabiz" artists such as Tata. Artists that create the basic, true and quality "dance" music Tata does. In the meantime, long live Sayat Nova, Komitas and Khatchadour Avetisian, the best artists to ever represent our culture.

3 years to this date this subject started, but I'm seeing it for the first time now. Harut that is so amazing that you want (or actually wanted, I'm not sure where you are now) to come back to Armenia. That is rare don't you think? I've been living here for a couple of years and I love it. Of course there are tonnes of stuff to complain about, but ahhhhhh who cares! I'd rather talk to the people and get my complaints across to them hoping they will understand, spread the word and hopefully see some changes. Most of these things are sort of small things that might not be a big deal for the locals but they drive some of us expats crazy. For example, litter, not respecting lineups, spitting and eating seeds throwing the shells on our beautiful new sidewalks (like as if Yerevan is a village, sadly when you think about it it really is one.) The teens differ quite a bit in Armenia. Though most seem like they dress the same and carry the same lifestyles and musical preferences and so on, there are tonnes of teens that are completely "alternative", who listen to rap, or rock or even house, trance and so on. Sadly you don't see these teens all the time, but they are actually there. Eventually when individuality is accepted a little more, these other "alternative kids" will start appearing. Harut GO FOR IT (if you haven't already).

Sad but true that most Armenians think this way. That is why so many closeted gay guys get married then either live miserable lives or cheat on their wives. Of course there are the ones that are found out about then constantly blackmailed by corrupt Armenian police. They are either beaten or blackmailed to pay cash or else the dumbass police will notify their parents. Sad. By the way, ARMENIANS INVENTED EVERYTHING.

I have to throw in my two sense. The Isabel cd is great and she sings wonderfully, but she lacks the warmth and soul that Anna Mailian or Lucine Zakarian express so naturally.

I made my suggestion, although a little crazy, I still did voice it. I also said the word "somehow", I didn't say I have the solution to this issue. I would hope others will share their thoughts on how it could be done. Edward you mentioned "...if for a moment a Nation can/would unite, possibilities are endless, we just have to put our ideological differences aside and devote just fraction of our energy into this cause..." Now I ask you, how do you suggest we do this? Let me tell you, it is almost impossible for us to put aside our ideological differences and unite. It might be much easier in the diaspora, but not over here. The idiotic British Ambassador made that stupid comment, and some are talking about passing a law forbidding Genocide denial in Armenia, and many are saying our government should be more aggressive and confront the British government, but our government is too chicken shit to do that. They say "we can't risk having bad ties with the UK". GIVE ME A F-ED BREAK. How can our government not even pass such a simple law is beyond me.

A so-called revolution or an attempt will have a serious negative affect on our economy. This is not the early 90's anymore. Lots and lots of people are working now and running around keeping busy. Seeing people playing nardi (backgammon) on the hoods of their car trunks is not as popular anymore. I agree with Vahe G that only when someone who deserves to take over Kocharians seat should be the time change takes place. As far as dual citizenship goes I think somehow the diaspora needs to put more pressure on this dumb president. How about blackmailing? Perhaps Kerkorian and all the other big investors should threaten the government and say "Dual citizenship or we're out". If then the government still does not give in, and investments disappear look how fast a revolution will take place.

The only thing that has maintained Armenian unity in the past has been our religion. Times have changed and now we have various sects of Christianity, but if we had caved into Turkish pressure we would have never even had our own state right now. Look at what happened to the Kurds. And wouldn't it be nice to also mention that Moslems who hate Christians should also be locked away, as well as other religions that preach or have followers that support hatred of other religions other than their own.

I've heard the album and with all honesty it is boring.

Unfortunately with the black market over here the majority of these singers are not making any money and therefore resorting to singing music which appeals to the masses, rabiz. This way they can perform all the time in Armenia and around the world and actually make some money. The sad reality is that most of the diaspora only know of Tata, Nune and Ara Gevorgian from the dozens of artists that come from this country. Then of course there is Alla, Shushan and Hayko that mostly people who have been to Armenia, or have satellite know of. Nobody really listens to Andre, Hasmik Karapetyan, Sirusho, Arsen Safarian, Christine Bebelian, etc. These are our actual pop music stars over here. But why is it that nobody listens to them abroad that much? Then we wonder why these artists sell out and sing rabiz tunes. AND YES AZAT I AGREE THAT CASCADE DOES KICK BUTT.

To me the most Armenian music out there is by Komidas who has written some of our most popular folk music and Khatchadour Avetissian for creating the more modern traditional music. And of course there is Sayat Nova, another great composer of Armenian folk music. Of course we cant really say what is true Armenian but the composers I have mentioned sound distinctive and unlike the music of other cultures. The good thing is that we Armenians even have a few of our own instruments, where as the majority of other races out there, especially the western countries do not. We all know that when we hear the duduk we automatically think "ARMENIAN". When I here Turkish music all I can think of is what a concoction it is of Arabic, Armenian, Greek and a few other races. But no doubt the richest Armenian music out there and I really hope no one argues with me on this one are our hymns (sharakans). Yekmalian and Komidas have created some of the most beautiful hymns for us. Someone once told me that there are some cultures that represent a language of something, ie. the language of love belongs to the French. Armenia's language is the language of prayer. I have listened to the music of over 40 cultures and I have to say that our hymns are the most beautiful and emotional compositions out there. I have many friends who are not Armenians that love our hymns. So now the question is “what style are we going to be known for next?” Or is there no hope.

I agree IT SUCKS! When we talk about rabiz there are 2 kinds of rabiz though, the crap that is a cheap-ass interpretation of 2Pac and then there is the kef parhantes music which is the true rabiz. Sadly 95% of the second type of music sounds completely like turkish and is just a threat to our culture. Tata does a great job at it though and is perfect for banquets. But like I said the rest is crap. Then of course there is the pop music which all sounds the same. The lyrics have nothing important or interesting to say and the music has got to be the flattest I have ever heard. 90% of the singers come from the same garbage school which is state owned and everyone is afraid to tell the principal who is ruining the lives of all these singers to get out. Its unfortunate for a race of people that were at one time known to be creative and tasteful, we really do suck right now. We either have amazing creative and on the edge artists, painters, actors, directors, singers, architects, etc, or we have complete crap. Another sad note most of the spyurkahis listen to the rabiz crap anyway, such as Paul Baghdadlian, Aram Asatrian and so on. I only wonder would everyone really give the time of day to Armenian artists who experiement with rock, rap and other music, sung in Armenian? I mean if it was done tastefully? Because they actually do exist here in Armenia.