Live from Jordan

I thought a one hour run on the treadmill could give some needed endorphins to lift my spirits up, but that didnt happen. This sort of confirms an article i read recently that the fact that ppl feel better after exercising is possibly not all that true. Based on the research done, it concluded that its the idea of exercising rather than the act itself that gives the feel good factor. Although i do still believe that endorphins does actually make one feel better. I guess it depends on the kind of emotion and state of mind during the exercise that determines the level of feel good hormones that you produce. Now that is my own theory, dont quote me on that. But i digress. I want to talk about this great book i just finished actually.

So i did accomplish something today. I finished a book titled Live from Jordan by Benjamin Orbach, one of the 7 books i ordered through our school library. The book was everything o expected and much more. Written by an American Jewish that have a commendable working knowledge on middle east issues and its history who went to Jordan University to further his arabic language studies, a Michigan alumni (undergrad), masters from John Hopkins, a stint of summer studies at Hebrew University and another uni in Cairo.. He gave a wonderful narrative of the lives and thoughts of arabs that became his friends while he stayed in Amman and Cairo, and travelled to Syria, Palestine, and Turkey, mostly regarding politics, America's foreign policy, the Palestinian issue, anti-americanism.. Etc. ok that sounded boring but in actual fact it was damn good read. All those time i spent reading the news and opinion pieces about the middle east on every reputable news website imaginable (al jazeera, ny times, times, economist and many more) was not for naught. The author gave me a clearer understanding on some issues, while putting his unbiased and objective thoughts and observations (for the most part).. And i also got some quick and concise history lessons as well.

A highly recommended book. It brings the current book im reading (yes ive already started on a second book today) to shame. Im reading it so fast just to get it over with. Haha.

So thats already two posts today. I should get a life. Till then.