by Natasha Tynes | Jan 27, 2005 | Jordan, my nation
I have been remotely monitoring the ongoing saga between the Professional Associations and the Jordanian government with great interest. For some reason I feel compelled to comment on what‘s going on: These "professional" unions are becoming a waste of space. Many unions that impose mandatory subscription fees fail to do anything useful for members, instead wasting time, effort and energy indulging in regional politics.
I wonder: If they are so keen on debating political issues then why not pursue other avenues to do so? The unions shouldn’t be a platform for voicing frustration about issues like the American administration’s foreign policy, as but one example.
Instead of focusing their time on, say, increasing the minimum wages of their members and finding ways to improve their respective professional fields, the unions organize rallies, events and sit-ins discussing regional (Note: regional not local) politics — something that will advance their particular body absolutely nowhere!
Inspired by a Thomas Friedman column, I’m compelled to say that the associations focus all their energy on anti-Americanism, failing to see the problems in their own backyards. If they insist on putting regional politics such as Iraqi elections (as another example) ahead of their real raison d’être then I would not shed one tear if they were closed down!
by Natasha Tynes | Jan 26, 2005 | Doha affairs
While we were waiting for Amal at the airport last night, we caught a glimpse of some Arab celebrities that were in Qatar to take part is some sort of Arab song festival. The first one we saw was this guy: Exhibit A (he enlarges). This is that Libyan guy who won the Superstar singing competition. I don’t know his name, as I haven’t watched this highly popular show in some time.
The second guy was famous Egyptian singer Hani Shaker, seen here: Exhibit B (he enlarges as well).
But of all the celebrities we saw, the young woman in Exhibit C remains our favorite. This is Amal emerging from Customs after returning from Lebanon and her vacation, which lasted over a month. We are very glad she is back. We missed her a great deal!
by Natasha Tynes | Jan 25, 2005 | Tidbits
There is interesting debate shaping up on newswire. The discussion revolves around the latest information on the killing of a family of Egyptian Copts in New Jersey and whether it was a religiously motivated act. It’s worth a look.
What do I think? I don’t know. I think it is still too early to point a finger, as the investigation is still underway. Diverse and controversial opinions are always welcome! Yalla, make yourself heard.
by Natasha Tynes | Jan 25, 2005 | Jordan, my nation
Conquering Antarctica’s highest peak
Jordan’s sole mountaineer Mustafa Mahmoud recently became the first Jordanian to climb Mount Vinson Massif, the highest summit in Antarctica at 4,897m, and has now got his sights firmly set on realising his dream of reaching the peak of Mount Everest.
Mahmoud was part of a multinational group of seven who braved the harsh environment in order to conquer the mountain. In the end, just four of them made it to the top at 8:55am local time.
“I learnt that there is no easy mountain to climb, it does not matter how high it is … when nature is raging it is no joke… a time where there is a thread that separates life and death,” Mahmoud said.
Mahmoud was speaking from experience. As the team was about to make its final assault on the summit, weather conditions worsened. “You are in the middle of it all… 500 metres to the top… You have only two choices, to go up or down… I chose up, to become the first Jordanian to do so.”
Source: [The Jordan Times]
Way to go Mustafa! Best of luck on reaching Everest!
by Natasha Tynes | Jan 24, 2005 | Film
Last night I watched an Egyptian movie, something I have not done in a very long time. I guess this is what you do when you are bored out of your skull in Doha. The movie of choice was Sahar al Layalai (Sleepless Nights) and I have to confess that I was surprisingly impressed.
What made this flick unique is that it tackled some taboo issues that are always kept hush-hush in this part of the world. One of those taboos was sexual relations between married couples.
The movie, which focused mostly on marital conflicts, was really well-made and the acting was also quite good. I have to admit, this movie was probably one of the best Egyptian movies that I have seen in a while. I also loved the relationship between the male friends in this movie. It just felt so real and very Arab-like! If you are in the mood for watching an Egyptian movie (which is of course an acquired taste), then this film is an excellent choice. Go for it!
Last night I watched an Egyptian movie, something I have not done in a very long time. I guess this is what you do when you are bored out of your skull in Doha. The movie of choice was