by Natasha Tynes | Nov 30, 2004 | Weblogs
I didn’t get my usual nine hours of interent browsing today, as I was off work, spending most of the day slacking at Starbucks. However, the little time I spent online today was rewarding due to a number of interesting blogging articles. Here is a wrap up:
- Subzero blue reports that Tunisia has renamed one of its streets after late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. The name they’ve chosen is “Boulevard du Leader Yaseer Arafat." They are quick aren’t they?
- Chanad Bahraini talks about the broken marriage of the US marine and the Bahraini princess [article here], whose controversial union made it to the big screen some years back. Who said fairy tales last forever?
- Chanad also highlights a new Saudi fatwa, or religious edict, in which it was determined that it is haram, or against the teachings of Islam, for a woman to browse the internet without a male companion. Those Saudis! When will they wake up and realize they are living in the 21st century?
- Mahmoud contented himself with the Bahraini student demonstration against calls to segregate Bahrain university and impose a dress code. The Bahrainis are quite vocal, aren’t they?
Ok, that’s it for now. Gotta get some sleep.
by Natasha Tynes | Nov 30, 2004 | Jordan, my nation
Ameen has noted that Jordanian bloggers have been silent about the recent development in the Jordanian political arena, so I thought I would weigh in on the subject here.
If he is referring to the fact that Prince Hamza is no longer a crown prince then I would point out that the silence is being observed not only by Jordanian bloggers but also by the Jordanian press. Checking both Al-Rai and Addustor, it seems everyone is refraining from discussing the issue in public. It might be self-censorship. But perhaps it is the simple fact that there is really nothing much to say, aside from the fact it was an internal affair.
Personally, I think the international media hyped up the story, trying to compare it to what happened in 1999 — a totally different issue and a different circumstance. I don’t see the controversy.
On the contrary, I see it as a great chance for Prince Hamza to play a major role in the development of the kingdom since he is young, very well educated (a recent Harvard post-grad) and motivated. I have always been and will always stay positive about the future of Jordan, not just because I’m a proud citizen but because I’m a firm believer that the Jordan model is one of the best in whole region.
So let’s all hope good things will continue to happen to Jordan and its people.
by Natasha Tynes | Nov 30, 2004 | Books
Finally I settled on a new book to read. It’s Koolaids by Lebanese- American writer Rabih Alameddine. It is the second book I read by the same author and so far it is as expected: witty, smart and very amusing
Alameddine is probably one of the most original contemporary Arab authors writing in English. That’s, of course, if he considers himself Arab (I’m sure you heard about the Lebanese and their Phoenician complex).
The book is definitely a downer, as it tells the story of people dying from Aids! Nevertheless, the writing is compelling enough for me to embrace this novel despite the dark thoughts it might inflict upon me. Stay tuned for a detailed review once I’m done.
by Natasha Tynes | Nov 29, 2004 | Jordan, my nation
Jameed took a trip down memory lane and talked about his love for the “Sarokh”(Arabic for rocket) and the “cocktail” sandwiches that used to be (or maybe still are) sold in front of the various gates at the University of Jordan (UJ).
As a victim of those sandwiches myself, I totally related to his post. For some reason, I was hooked on the stomachache I got anytime I had those delicacies. They were dirty, fatty and very colorful, but man they were good. Any UJ students out there? Are these infamous sandwiches still being sold there? I’d love to know.
by Natasha Tynes | Nov 29, 2004 | Jordan, my nation, Music
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The band ‘Rum’ is really going places. I love their music. The last time I attended their concert was last year when it was held at the Street of Culture (Share3 al thaqafeh) in Shmeisani. I had a blast.
They performed in the open air, as the show was held in public and gratis for everyone. Their music reverberated across the neighborhood of Shemisani, serving as an invitation for the residents to come and enjoy the show. It was the perfect setting: Great atmosphere, phenomenal music and pleasant weather. Two thumbs up!
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Finally I settled on a new book to read. It’s 