.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Saturday, March 1, 2008
IVLP 2008 Participants...
I think the people in charge of selecting the participants in this year's programme did an excellent job.
I cannot find a particular word to describe the colleagues I met with in the programme, especially the very good friends of mine now.
They were a very interesting mix of media people and politicians from whom I learnt a lot and with whom I shared lots of information and experiences.
Great memories, great educational time and wonderful enriching discussions and entertaining time I had with these people during the programme and while touring a variety of states under the 2008 International Visitors Leadership Programme for the year 2008.
The list is long in the programme, but while am writing this piece I remember Karla Sofia Stettner, an adviser to the Electoral Counselor, Jalisco State's Electoral Institute from Mexico, Muturi, Njee, Deputy Director, ODM-K party's secretariat in Kenya, Bilge Eser from Turkey who is a Foreign News Editor, Sabah Daily, Christian Albuja from Ecuador who is a trainer at Xportaqus, Kornel Almassy, a member of Parliament, Vice President of the Youth Section, MDF Party in Hungary, Maria Cleidejane Esperidiao from Brazil, Ghassan Al Zain from Lebanon, Gudmundsson, Bjorgvin, News Editor and Associate Editor from Iceland and Birkedal, Trond: President of the Progress Party's Youth Organization in Norway and Gil Guerrero, Miguel, Editor, Nacional Desk, EPOCA-Grupo Intereconomia from Spain…etc.
So great it will be to meet them again and am keen on that. Thanks to Bjorgvin from Iceland we now have a great group on facebook.com, where everybody can share his/her opinion and news, upload photos and stay in touch. It is called the IVLP group.
Cannot stop writing, but its time to update my blog!!!!
Mohammad Ghazal
Reporter with the English daily, The Jordan Times.
I cannot find a particular word to describe the colleagues I met with in the programme, especially the very good friends of mine now.
They were a very interesting mix of media people and politicians from whom I learnt a lot and with whom I shared lots of information and experiences.
Great memories, great educational time and wonderful enriching discussions and entertaining time I had with these people during the programme and while touring a variety of states under the 2008 International Visitors Leadership Programme for the year 2008.
The list is long in the programme, but while am writing this piece I remember Karla Sofia Stettner, an adviser to the Electoral Counselor, Jalisco State's Electoral Institute from Mexico, Muturi, Njee, Deputy Director, ODM-K party's secretariat in Kenya, Bilge Eser from Turkey who is a Foreign News Editor, Sabah Daily, Christian Albuja from Ecuador who is a trainer at Xportaqus, Kornel Almassy, a member of Parliament, Vice President of the Youth Section, MDF Party in Hungary, Maria Cleidejane Esperidiao from Brazil, Ghassan Al Zain from Lebanon, Gudmundsson, Bjorgvin, News Editor and Associate Editor from Iceland and Birkedal, Trond: President of the Progress Party's Youth Organization in Norway and Gil Guerrero, Miguel, Editor, Nacional Desk, EPOCA-Grupo Intereconomia from Spain…etc.
So great it will be to meet them again and am keen on that. Thanks to Bjorgvin from Iceland we now have a great group on facebook.com, where everybody can share his/her opinion and news, upload photos and stay in touch. It is called the IVLP group.
Cannot stop writing, but its time to update my blog!!!!
Mohammad Ghazal
Reporter with the English daily, The Jordan Times.
Concluding the International Visitors Leadership Program 2008
This year’s program in the United State entitled the International Visitors Leadership Program " Presidential Primaries 2008” was different than previous programmes as organizers of the programme said.
Not only because of the content of the programme and the meetings that were arranged, but the timing itself in the United States as the underway primaries and caucuses are witnessing competition between candidates that is new to a certain extent and much stronger and different.
By new and different I mean, having an African-American, Senator Barack Obama, who is achieving great results in the primaries and caucuses and massively moving a large segment of young voters who, most probably, never bothered to vote before.
To me that is interesting, as the young voters in the US can now make a CHANGE, which Obama is calling for. However, god knows what that change is and maybe it is good not to disclose what kind of change that would be.
Having a strong woman candidate, Senator Hillary Clinton running for the White House, is also interesting, as for me here comes the issue of gender and if the Americans are ready to choose a woman president!!1
Now as I am back in Jordan following up on the news in the US, particularly the electoral process in the US, I feel that I am so much attached to knowing all what is going on in this regard.
Not only because of the content of the programme and the meetings that were arranged, but the timing itself in the United States as the underway primaries and caucuses are witnessing competition between candidates that is new to a certain extent and much stronger and different.
By new and different I mean, having an African-American, Senator Barack Obama, who is achieving great results in the primaries and caucuses and massively moving a large segment of young voters who, most probably, never bothered to vote before.
To me that is interesting, as the young voters in the US can now make a CHANGE, which Obama is calling for. However, god knows what that change is and maybe it is good not to disclose what kind of change that would be.
Having a strong woman candidate, Senator Hillary Clinton running for the White House, is also interesting, as for me here comes the issue of gender and if the Americans are ready to choose a woman president!!1
Now as I am back in Jordan following up on the news in the US, particularly the electoral process in the US, I feel that I am so much attached to knowing all what is going on in this regard.
I lived the moment there. I felt what it means to run primaries and to go for caucuses and make decisions about the would-be presidents.
I read the news now with better understanding and knowledge of what is going on with the elections and what does it means to win a state than another, though I still need to learn more as it is not an easy process as it seems.
Thanks to my better understanding and knowledge of the political system in the US, the federalism, the party structure and goes to being a participant in the International Visitors Leadership Programme for the year 2008.
As soon as I got to my disk this morning, I started reading few pieces about the presidential elections and developments in this regard on a news website "politico.com" especially that we met with the chief editor of the website while in Washington D.C.
Now as I am following up on the news of presidential elections and reading articles on the performance of presidential candidates either from the GOP or the Democratic party, I feel as if I am in the Middle of the rallies and the debates that are underway in the states.
Personally, I owe the IVLP programme a lot as I believe that I have learnt and acquired information that even if I read it would be more difficult to understand.
What I learnt would not only help me better understand the electoral process, but also assist me advance in my profession and plans.
Having the chance to be in rallies of would-be presidents of the US such as Hillary Clinton's in San Jose, John McCain's, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, in Orlando, Florida, Barack Obama's in Seattle, Washington and even being in the last rally of Rudy Giuliani in Orlando was a great and memorable experience that I have never dreamt of having.
While in San Francisco, I had the chance to meet with former President Mr. Bill Clinton who was campaigning for his wife on Feb. 5th or Super Tuesday and I even managed to have a photo with him.
The whole thing about the primaries, caucuses and the entire electoral process is in my blood now. I just enjoy it because I understand it.
As soon as I get to The Jordan Times everyday, the first thing that I enjoy is to check on the latest developments in the presidential elections.
It would be really exciting to see who the un-pledged candidates in the Democratic party convention would vote for, especially that the competition between Obama and Clinton is getting stronger and stronger, in particular before the voting in Texas, Ohio and Vermont and Rhode Island.
Let's wait and see..
Mohammad Ghazal
Reporter with The Jordan Times
I read the news now with better understanding and knowledge of what is going on with the elections and what does it means to win a state than another, though I still need to learn more as it is not an easy process as it seems.
Thanks to my better understanding and knowledge of the political system in the US, the federalism, the party structure and goes to being a participant in the International Visitors Leadership Programme for the year 2008.
As soon as I got to my disk this morning, I started reading few pieces about the presidential elections and developments in this regard on a news website "politico.com" especially that we met with the chief editor of the website while in Washington D.C.
Now as I am following up on the news of presidential elections and reading articles on the performance of presidential candidates either from the GOP or the Democratic party, I feel as if I am in the Middle of the rallies and the debates that are underway in the states.
Personally, I owe the IVLP programme a lot as I believe that I have learnt and acquired information that even if I read it would be more difficult to understand.
What I learnt would not only help me better understand the electoral process, but also assist me advance in my profession and plans.
Having the chance to be in rallies of would-be presidents of the US such as Hillary Clinton's in San Jose, John McCain's, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, in Orlando, Florida, Barack Obama's in Seattle, Washington and even being in the last rally of Rudy Giuliani in Orlando was a great and memorable experience that I have never dreamt of having.
While in San Francisco, I had the chance to meet with former President Mr. Bill Clinton who was campaigning for his wife on Feb. 5th or Super Tuesday and I even managed to have a photo with him.
The whole thing about the primaries, caucuses and the entire electoral process is in my blood now. I just enjoy it because I understand it.
As soon as I get to The Jordan Times everyday, the first thing that I enjoy is to check on the latest developments in the presidential elections.
It would be really exciting to see who the un-pledged candidates in the Democratic party convention would vote for, especially that the competition between Obama and Clinton is getting stronger and stronger, in particular before the voting in Texas, Ohio and Vermont and Rhode Island.
Let's wait and see..
Mohammad Ghazal
Reporter with The Jordan Times
Thursday, February 7, 2008
"I left my heart in San Francisco"…did I!!!
I really want to say that San Francisco itself is a SUPER city. I enjoyed staying here and I bear lots of memories from this city, which would be the number one option to visit again in future trips.
Walking inside the city is in itself amazing, where you easily walk from China town to Columbus Ave in the city and enjoy a variety of ethnic food restaurants and souvenir stores, bars, pops and plenty of outlets.
Staying in San Francisco was the best so far and the city and the memories here are so dear to my heart...
We were on a very interesting trip of the city and I along with the group also visited the famous Golden Gate Bridge, the Pacific and many other hills and wonderful natural landscapes and monuments were fascinating.
Every single minute passed here has a special memory.
Walking by the bay and close to the Golden Gate Bridge is something that is so relaxing and exciting.
However, these few quick words that I am writing as am packing to leave to Seattle in almost two hours do not give San Francisco what it really deserves.
I left my heart in San Francisco......
Walking inside the city is in itself amazing, where you easily walk from China town to Columbus Ave in the city and enjoy a variety of ethnic food restaurants and souvenir stores, bars, pops and plenty of outlets.
Staying in San Francisco was the best so far and the city and the memories here are so dear to my heart...
We were on a very interesting trip of the city and I along with the group also visited the famous Golden Gate Bridge, the Pacific and many other hills and wonderful natural landscapes and monuments were fascinating.
Every single minute passed here has a special memory.
Walking by the bay and close to the Golden Gate Bridge is something that is so relaxing and exciting.
However, these few quick words that I am writing as am packing to leave to Seattle in almost two hours do not give San Francisco what it really deserves.
I left my heart in San Francisco......
check the song out...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Left_My_Heart_in_San_Francisco
Super-Duper.....
How super it has been so far? Not only the entire US State of Department-funded programme, but also the timing in which I am along with 20 other colleagues are in here in the United States of America.
It is indeed a very special time and a very good opportunity to observe the primaries and the caucuses closely in the US at an interesting time, when an African-American is competing in the presidential race, Barack Obama and a woman "Hillary Clinton" or what is used by the American media here is "Billary" referring to the NY Senator and the former US President Bill Clinton.
It is a very interesting time to be in the middle of a "super atmosphere."
Super Tuesday, where 21 states voted for their Republican and Democrat candidates was really super. On that day, we had several interesting meetings on the entire electoral process.
Everybody I felt was closely following up on the results of the voting on that day and that was interesting.
It is interesting to listen to the debates that are going on, for example, Is America Ready for a an African American as president or a woman president. These are all interesting questions, for which the answers might be complicated but they are really simple, that is why not!!!
Obama is winning in states, where the majority of population are white people. I can say that I am so much amazed by how the Americans, when choosing their president, they just focus on likeability and ability to run the show in the country regardless of race or gender even.
Super Tuesday, was really super in all the senses of the word.
Not only Tuesday was super, but also Sun day was a super day across the US?
It was the Super Bowl day, when the New York Giants defeated New England Patriots.
It was my first time to watch the game. I think I now better and little but understand how the game works, thanks to the American people I met at the Bus Stop Bar in San Francisco , where I watched the game along with many of the colleagues.
Watching the game was fun, so as watching the commercials in between the game, which were well chosen and fascinating as well.
Everybody was glued to the seats watching the game, which I liked a lot. It was a great chance to chat with local people and not only talk about the game but other issues, political and what have you.
It is indeed a very special time and a very good opportunity to observe the primaries and the caucuses closely in the US at an interesting time, when an African-American is competing in the presidential race, Barack Obama and a woman "Hillary Clinton" or what is used by the American media here is "Billary" referring to the NY Senator and the former US President Bill Clinton.
It is a very interesting time to be in the middle of a "super atmosphere."
Super Tuesday, where 21 states voted for their Republican and Democrat candidates was really super. On that day, we had several interesting meetings on the entire electoral process.
Everybody I felt was closely following up on the results of the voting on that day and that was interesting.
It is interesting to listen to the debates that are going on, for example, Is America Ready for a an African American as president or a woman president. These are all interesting questions, for which the answers might be complicated but they are really simple, that is why not!!!
Obama is winning in states, where the majority of population are white people. I can say that I am so much amazed by how the Americans, when choosing their president, they just focus on likeability and ability to run the show in the country regardless of race or gender even.
Super Tuesday, was really super in all the senses of the word.
Not only Tuesday was super, but also Sun day was a super day across the US?
It was the Super Bowl day, when the New York Giants defeated New England Patriots.
It was my first time to watch the game. I think I now better and little but understand how the game works, thanks to the American people I met at the Bus Stop Bar in San Francisco , where I watched the game along with many of the colleagues.
Watching the game was fun, so as watching the commercials in between the game, which were well chosen and fascinating as well.
Everybody was glued to the seats watching the game, which I liked a lot. It was a great chance to chat with local people and not only talk about the game but other issues, political and what have you.
Photo Caption: From lift Christian, Ecuador, Belge, Turkey, Karla Stettner, Mexico and me…
Mohammad Ghazal
Reporter with The Jordan Times
Sunday, February 3, 2008
In San Francisco
It's been three days so far in San Francisco as part of the programme funded by the US State Department, which covers visits to well-chosen states across the United States of America.
On Friday, the day was bazaar.
We started the day with very interesting meetings with experts and academicians at Stanford University, where we were familiarized with the candidates' likeability to become president. Discussions were so fruitful and informative. We had the chance to meet with Associate Professor of Political Sciences Kenneth A. Schultz from the world-renowned Stanford University.
Later, the meeting with Mr. Bill Whalen a Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution was really full of information that I needed to know, while going on with this programme. We had a frank and open discussion of candidates' programmes, campaigns, internal and foreign policies.
While at the campus, a small rally of students at the university campaigning for Democrat Illinois senator Barack Obama drew my attention.
It was a great chance to listen to young people's opinions on their best candidates and why they prefer one to another .It was a good occasion for making some friends as well.
Mohammad Ghazal
Reporter with The Jordan Times
On Friday, the day was bazaar.
We started the day with very interesting meetings with experts and academicians at Stanford University, where we were familiarized with the candidates' likeability to become president. Discussions were so fruitful and informative. We had the chance to meet with Associate Professor of Political Sciences Kenneth A. Schultz from the world-renowned Stanford University.
Later, the meeting with Mr. Bill Whalen a Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution was really full of information that I needed to know, while going on with this programme. We had a frank and open discussion of candidates' programmes, campaigns, internal and foreign policies.
While at the campus, a small rally of students at the university campaigning for Democrat Illinois senator Barack Obama drew my attention.
It was a great chance to listen to young people's opinions on their best candidates and why they prefer one to another .It was a good occasion for making some friends as well.
Mohammad Ghazal
Reporter with The Jordan Times
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Some time for cultural exchange….
A very interesting part to be a participant in the International Visitors Programme and a privilege indeed is the opportunity that I had to meet people and dear colleagues and friends now from across the globe who are on the programme.
Going to a bar or a restaurant at night is something special that many of the participants are keen on doing.
What a fantastic time we are spending with each other, learning and sharing. I just have a great feeling for making friends now through this programme with many of my colleagues in the programme, either politicians or journalists.
It is an awesome chance to listen to them and learn and share.
I met people from countries that I never met people from such as Mexico, Ecuador, Iceland and others {the list is long}and to see how much in common we have and the things we share...
Going to a bar or a restaurant at night is something special that many of the participants are keen on doing.
What a fantastic time we are spending with each other, learning and sharing. I just have a great feeling for making friends now through this programme with many of my colleagues in the programme, either politicians or journalists.
It is an awesome chance to listen to them and learn and share.
I met people from countries that I never met people from such as Mexico, Ecuador, Iceland and others {the list is long}and to see how much in common we have and the things we share...
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