by Natasha Tynes | Oct 14, 2005 | Film, Metro Daze
The Arab Film Festival kicks off in DC today featuring an eclectic mix of Arab movies from Egypt, Lebanon, Tunisia and Morocco among others. After reading the festival’s schedule I could not help but get a bit annoyed by the lack of Jordanian entries. What Jordan is contributing to the festival appears to be an 8 minute short film by Jordanian director Shereen Abdul-Baki. However, this short movie is listed as an American production, so I’m assuming it was made in the States. So in a nutshell, the word Jordan doesn’t appear anywhere in the schedule.
I’m aware that the Jordanian movie scene is still in its infancy, but still — deep down inside — I was hoping to see a full-fledged Jordanian contribution. I’m optimistic, though, as I know the efforts of some talented Jordanians like Ameen and Laith will soon pay off. We should also take our hats off to the Royal Film Commission for creating a movie scene in the Kingdom.
You never know, maybe we’ll find a Jordanian contribution in next year’s festival! I remain optimistic.
by Natasha Tynes | Oct 13, 2005 | Jordan, my nation, Media watch
Al ‘Mamnou’ satellite TV channel begins test transmission
AMMAN (Petra) — A new independent satellite TV channel, Al Mamnou’ (taboo), has started its test transmission from Jordan on Nile Sat. Walid Hadidi, chairman of the channel’s board of directors, said the station is concerned with presenting social issues in a transparent and bold way. Al Mamnou’ will broadcast local and Arabic dramas, in addition to programmes that tackle a variety of issues, Hadidi said.
Source: [The Jordan Times]
I wonder how far this channel will go in challenging taboos and crossing ‘red’ lines. Let’s wait and see, although I have to admit I’m not optimistic.
by Natasha Tynes | Oct 12, 2005 | Metro Daze, Shutterbug
If you live in the suburbs of DC and haven’t done this yet, I’d highly recommended a trip to the sailing capital of the US: Annapolis, Maryland. This pleasant, European-flavored city located on the Chesapeake Bay is also the capital of the state.
This picture was taken some weeks ago as the air was just getting crisp when we took a trip east so I’d have some idea what this city has to offer. I enjoyed watching the sail boats and wandering around the city’s tiny streets. It was also fascinating to see a public event — a national women’s sailboat race — organized by female sailors, which was a unique site for my Jordanaian eyes. The picture is, as usual, courtesy of the one and only hubby.
by Natasha Tynes | Oct 12, 2005 | Jordan, my nation, The Disturbing
Shepherd gets 6 months for murdering his sister
AMMAN — The Criminal Court has sentenced a 26-year-old shepherd to six months in prison for the murder of his older sister in April 2005. A. H. was tried at the Criminal Court on charges of shooting to death his 35-year-old sister in her house on April 25.
The court decided to amend the premeditated murder charges originally pressed against A.H. to a misdemeanor as stipulated in Article 98 of the Penal Code because the defendant killed his sister in a “fit of fury.”
Source: [The Jordan Times]
I’m so sick of this crap! Is that what he gets?!? Six months!! Is human life that cheap? It really is outrageous! When will this stop? For how long are these murderers going to get away with slaughter? I strongly blame Jordanian members of parliament that turned down suggested amendments to the Penal Code to scrap the "fit of fury" Article. Why on earth would they want this to continue? Why on earth would they insist on letting murderers get away with such evil? Until when will they continue to dehumanize women? When will they stop dragging Jordan into the Dark Ages? I have had it!
by Natasha Tynes | Oct 11, 2005 | Jordan, my nation, The Disturbing
Jordanian court sentences 3 gunmen to prison for alleged terror plot
Jordan’s military court convicted two men Tuesday in a foiled terror conspiracy targeting liquor stores and tourists in this Arab kingdom and jailed each for five years. According to the prosecution indictment, the four men had planned to join the insurgency in Iraq, but changed their plans due to the "bad conditions" in the neighboring war-ravaged country.
… Few details were provided on the defendants’ plans in Aqaba, but their targets in Amman were said to be liquor shops, which they were surveying until police arrested them outside a store in January, with face masks and firearms in their possession.
Source: [AP via Haaretz]
So, after their plans to kill some Iraqis failed, these men thought to themselves: "Hmmm. Maybe we should kill some folks in Jordan instead!" What a great cause! A life sentence might be too lenient for these bloodsuckers!
