by Natasha Tynes | Apr 4, 2005 | Jordan, my nation, Shutterbug
The husband has created a Jordan group, Kingdom of Jordan, on Flickr. The idea behind it is to create a pool where photographers can post pictures taken from across the Kingdom, or as he put it "a repository, a gathering place for those that don’t know about Jordan to go and learn and for those that do, to remember and celebrate."
Encouraged by the husband’s initiative, I finally created a Flickr account of my own where I’ll post
pictures whenever I get the chance; both there and in the Gallery, actually.
So think of this as an open invitation to anyone that has taken pictures in or about the kingdom to come join the group: http://www.flickr.com/groups/urdon. If you are already a Flickr member then this should be easy, you know the drill (but feel free to ask questions).
If not, then what are you waiting for? Start here.
Come on people, let’s show the world what a diverse and beautiful place Jordan really is.
by Natasha Tynes | Apr 3, 2005 | Jordan, my nation, Religion
I have to admit, the news of the Pope’s death disheartened me. May his blessed soul rest in peace. He was a champion of peace and solidarity, something that gained him worldwide respect. The next Pope will certainly have big shoes to fill.
It is worth noting that when Pope John Paul II came to visit Jordan he stopped by my hometown of Madaba. He actually passed by my tribe’s neighborhood, Al-3zeizat as proud Madabains cheered and
clapped.
He also visited Mt. Nebo, the location Hubby and I chose to get married. Here is
another rare picture [not ours] of that visit to the mount that overlooks the Dead Sea.
As an update, when digging through our prayer link, the Pope is speaking glowingly of Jordan during his 2000 pilgrimage:
Today I am in Jordan, a land familiar to me from the Holy Scriptures: a land sanctified by the presence of Jesus himself, by the presence of Moses, Elijah and John the Baptist, and of saints and martyrs of the early Church. Yours is a land noted for its hospitality and openness to all. These are qualities of the Jordanian people which I have experienced many times in conversations with the late King Hussein, and which were confirmed anew in my meeting with Your Majesty at the Vatican in September last year.
Your Majesty, I know how deeply concerned you are for peace in your own land and in the entire region, and how important it is to you that all Jordanians—Muslims and Christians—should consider themselves as one people and one family.
Source: [Pope John Paul II’s Amman airport address]
by Natasha Tynes | Apr 2, 2005 | Web/Tech
I’m not in the habit of reading spam mail, but this one is quite unique. It is signed by the one and only Suha Arafat. I thought you would enjoy it. I’m putting just the introduction here, the remainder is in the extended part of the post.
Dear Friend,
I am Mrs. Suha Arafat, the wife of Yasser Arafat, the Palestinian
leader who died recently in Paris. Since his death and even prior to
the announcement, I have been thrown into a state of antagonism,
confusion, humiliation, frustration and hopelessness by the present
leadership of the Palestinian Liberation Organization and the new
Prime Minister. I have even been subjected to physical and
psychological torture. As a widow that is so traumatized, I have lost
confidence with everybody in the country at the moment.
You must have heard over the media reports and the Internet on the
discovery of some fund in my husband secret bank account and companies
and the allegations of some huge sums of money deposited by my husband
in my name of which I have refuses to disclose or give up to the
corrupt Palestine Government.
(more…)
by Natasha Tynes | Apr 1, 2005 | Everyday me!, Film
Last week, while on our weekly unpleasant trip to Carrefour we were surprised to find the megastore selling some discounted DVDs that they’d piled into two huge wire baskets.
This, of course, attracted our attention. We began rummaging through the stack in hopes of finding something worthwhile. Nothing looked impressive until one DVD caught my eye: a French movie entitled L’Auberge Espanole, or ‘The Spanish Apartment.’ This particular title grabbed me for many reasons. First was the fact that it was French. The second was because it had Audrey Tautou
of Amélie fame in it and the third was simply because it sounded vaguely familiar.
If my memory serves me right, I think it was Ameen Malhas who recommended this movie here on this very blog. Those reasons were good enough to go ahead and buy, irregardles of the fact that it was 60% off.
Two days ago we finally found the time to watch it and what a treat it was. As it is the case in the majority of French movies, this flick was creative on so many levels, whether it was the script, editing, camera work or even the soundtrack. The film tells the story of a French student who decides to move to Barcelona for a one-year academic program. Shot beautifully in the magnificent city of Barcelona, the flick whimsically portrays this student’s travails, which largley revolve around an apartment he shares with other European students in the program.
The movie, which ended with a strong message about European unity, is a story about love, friendship, the decisions we make in life and growing up. It really is a work of art. I give it 8.5/10
The movie struck a particular cord with me, as it reminded me of the wonderful year I spent in London some years ago for my Masters. Back then, I lived in a shared dorm apartment with four other
international students. It was a very fulfilling experience and one I will cherish forever. Here is a picture of me and my classmates taken at the end of the academic year in London. Look closely, you might just find me. [Image enlarges on click]
by Natasha Tynes | Apr 1, 2005 | Jordan, my nation, The Disturbing
Kinzi alerted me to this story published in World Magazine tackling the issue of harassment Jordanians face when they convert from Islam to Christianity. Here is an excerpt:
Ask Samer and Abeer. Last September Jordanian security police connected to the country’s Mukhabarat, or intelligence agency, showed up at the couple’s home unannounced. They arrested Samer and detained him overnight. Samer’s crime: coming to faith in Jesus Christ 14 years ago. Originally a Muslim, Samer over the years since his conversion has been questioned several times by security police but never detained.
This time, the police turned him over to the Islamic courts. The judges convicted Samer of apostasy. In a Nov. 23 decision the court decreed that his identification papers must be changed from "Muslim" to "no religion;" that he had forfeited any inheritance; that his marriage to Abeer is now illegal and therefore he is not entitled to custody of his son.
In my humble, unbiased opinion I would say that if Jordan intends to tread on a truly democratic path, then its citizens should be given the basic right of practicing the religion of their choice.
The husband has created a Jordan group, Kingdom of Jordan, on Flickr. The idea behind it is to create a pool where photographers can post pictures taken from across the Kingdom, or as he put it "a repository, a gathering place for those that don’t know about Jordan to go and learn and for those that do, to remember and celebrate."
Last week, while on our weekly unpleasant trip to 
