some guy in lebanon

It’s been a while since I posted last, and a lot of stuff has happened since my little Marxist tirade last week.

First, it snowed 3 inches here, which isn’t a lot compared to what’s happening on the East Coast right now, but still, come on, this is JORDAN! Believe me, the last thing I ever thought was going to happen here was a snow day. But hey, no class is no class, snow or not. Either way, it all dumped from 6 to 6:30 am and was gone by 5 pm, but what a riot!

Ann Coulter – Ann Coulter is a jerk. She, for those who don’t know, is an ultra conservative speaker and author, who’s written an actually very funny and good book called “How to speak to a liberal (if you must).” That said, she came to GW this past weekend and called Islam a “Car Burning Cult.” Now I’m sure this was charged by the past two weeks riots over the Mohammad Cartoons, but come on. That’s like calling Christianity “Abortion Clinic Bombing Fascism.” In other words, it’s unfair, disgusting, and basically uninspired. What always cracks me up when Republicans piss on the Muslims is that in 2000, 90% of American Muslims voted for George Bush, and traditionally they have been some of the most conservative Muslims in the US.

Culture Shock – I finally experienced it this morning. It’s amazing how it just sneaks up on you and kicks you in the butt. I literally looked at my alarm, swore loudly, and went back to sleep. Not being able to the face the day is a really obnoxious feeling, and when I finally pulled out of bed at 2:30, I’ll say this: Though I’m not drinking during my stay in Jordan, it literally felt like I was hung over. For those of you who have travelled extensively over seas, you probably know exactly what I mean. For those of you who haven’t, I can only liken it to a cross between having temporary pnemonia and the type of hang over you get from pledging a fraternity. Luckily, after breakfast and a shower, and some country music, I felt much better.

One last note – We started class yesterday, and my “Prospects for Democracy in the Middle East” Professor is great. Very well informed, and like me, a research nut. I’m sure it’ll be interesting. My Archeology class has been cancelled for the week, so yesterday I took the time to go get my new Italian suit which I bought the other day for soooo cheap. PS, for those of you who like dress clothes, come to the Middle East! It’s cheaper than you can possibly imagine.

Yeah. So – Great to hear from so many people over the past few days. For those who are interested, Tim Miller has offered me a job in SAC next semester, so I guess I’m back on the fourth floor of the Marvin Center, only this time, I’m paid! So ha!

Much love all,
wd