the environmental movement:

in southern jordan, most of the small towns are self sufficient in terms of electricity, most have their own system of wind mills. i think this is because in the end, for them, it is less expensive. it is interesting the contrast, because while we would tout this as amazingly green and efficient (and i am not saying it isn't) for them it is just economical.

to be fair, jordan does have a lot of wind. perhaps more wind than the average american city. perhaps more than the windy city itself? i have to admit i have never been there.

in the middle 0f the eastern deserts, there is a funny little sign along a one lane highway that points off to the right and says the "green research institute of jordan." irony #1, it is in the middle of the freaking desert. irony # 2, a tiny little road leads to a tiny little white building surrounded by a barbed wire fence. i do wonder what they do there.