Habibis, greetings from the golden coast of Michigan. Hope all of y'alls summers are warm, sunny, relaxing, and fantastic. I've finally been able to get my fill of fishing once again and have mostly been dividing my time between that worthy pursuit, work, and time with old friends. I was wondering about this weekend in Dearborn--are any non-Michiganders planning to visit the Arab festival? Also, I have been wondering about the book club as well. I've finished Beirut to Jerusalem and it was a fantastic book and have now moved on to Company C which is quite good as well. But, I have to admit, I have never been part of a book club before and am not terribly familiar with what it entails and how that would look over the internet. But it seems like a good way to stay motivated and in touch and I want to try it out. So, two questions: 1) did you have any idea that Beirut / Lebanon was so insane (especially in the 80's, I guess)? After reading the first half of the book I was very disappointed that we weren't able to visit. And 2) What do you think about Freidman's suggested solutions at the end of the book? I know that he is much more familiar with the region but those were suggested before the second intifada. Are any of them still possible today?
Peace like a river.
Kool.