Isaac's Blue Belt Test

Exciting blue belt test for Isaac's Taekwondo classes. At this rate, he'll be a black belt by 7.

Google Video Element

Another new element. Press a video in the navigation and it will play on the page. Cool!! These are currently Rugby Haka's

New Page Element

Testing a new page element on the left navigation bar. This is a feed to my photo hosting service. Whenever I load new photos, they should appear in this feed bar.

English Professor

I was reading the quote blog, and this one reminded me of an English professor I heard of at West Point.

An English Professor
"I am returning this otherwise good typing paper to you because someone has printed gibberish all over it and put your name at the top."

Coding Philosophy

CodingPhilosophy
Originally uploaded by mhughen.

I found this cartoon blog which covers software development. This one may even be applicable to some who read my blog.

Sunday Mashup Music

I've found many cool toons on the MashupTown.com site, however, some are not very work or child safe. This one is very safe, and even inspirational. You can turn it up with the family huddled around the computer. Isn't this how you guys listen to music these days?

And You Can be My Cowgirl

IsaacCowboy2
Originally uploaded by mhughen.

I Want to be a Cowboy

IsaacCowboy
Originally uploaded by mhughen.

Its rodeo time in Houston

Quiet Day is Better for Reflection

We finally rolled out our new web application, and I can make time for a post.

I was looking at Rudy's latest post, and he brought up the interesting concept of holyzoism (fascinating how his site outlines his novel writing experience. He asks for user input, and discusses various theories for the novel).

Holyzoism is an ancient philosophy that all or some things posses life. This seems to include plants and animals. However, there seems to be a slight difference with the similar philosophy of panpsychism, the concept that all things have a soul(Maybe Michael can discuss the difference on his site).

After watching Al Gore win an Academy Award for his documentary about global warming, it seems if the world could collectively conceive of holyzoism and panpsychism, they might have an easier time fixing global warming.

"This I believe" NPR essays Creating Our Own Happiness

Sent this to my team this morning, good words to remember.

I heard this essay coming in to work this morning, after dropping my son off at school. The essential theme of the essay is covered in the quote, “Try to be happy in the context of the life you are currently living.”

Have a good week.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7572601

Old Pictures But Good Ones

Wedding Pics
Valentines
Christmas
Thanksgiving
Green Belt Test

Sorry I've been buried under a project the last several months. Here is several groups of pictures including some from this evening. Thanks Gammy for the Valentine's day treats.

The Hughen Family Welcomes Home the Philosopher

Sorry it took me so long to say so, but we enthusiastically welcome you home Michael.

The other day, while in Austin, Denise and I were hiking close to Barton Springs, and noticed the philosopher's rock statue. We wish you as much leisure as these philosophers seemed to have, reflecting by the spring.

We welcome you to unlace you're boots for a while, and slip on your sandals. Welcome Home!

It's Great to be in Love

Our first day back to work, and we're still on the love parade!

Just wanted to thank you all for a spectacular weekend. We love you all.

Wedding Poems

I wrote this short poem for Mrs Valdez's scroll she plans to give attendees to the wedding. I wanted you guys to see it as well. I attempted to work in many of the features of the chapel.

Hear the vows of love Ringing!
Ringing through the airy walls of the chapel
Ringing across the bubbling fountain
Ringing down the dusty rocks of the canyon

Hear the great bell of Dulcinea Ringing out Love!
Thank you for helping us put it in motion

We wish you love

Happy Veteran's Day Uncle Michael

We can't wait to see your smiling face, covered in snow cone, back in Austin.

I also heard some commentary this morning on NPR regarding Veteran's or Armistice Day. The most striking statement was regarding the first Armistice Day during WWI.

As the men climbed out of their rat infested fox holes, during the 11th month, on the 11 day, and the 11 hour of 1918, they found their enemy who looked and were think exactly what they were.

Michael we love you.

Isaac Denise Dancing

A great dancing shot at the cowboy wedding. Just look at that spin, and we danced all night.


Take a look at the set.

Happy Birthday Uncle Michael

We love you Uncle Michael and can't wait for your return. I've found several thoughtful quotes for your birthday. Have a great day!

"No wise man ever wished to be younger." Jonathan Swift

"A loving person lives in a loving world. A hostile person lives in a hostile world. Everyone you meet is your mirror." Ken Keyes Jr.

Here's a wikipedia link for Mr. Keyes, not sure what he's about, but I like the sound of Living Love.

Brothers and Sisters

I found this quote in my news reader this morning.  It reminded of my sister, and I even bet Christian can relate.

Evan Esar

"Consience is what makes a boy tell his mother before his sister does."

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Corny Work Email

Since I've been so busy at work lately, I've had no time to post new blog stories. So, I sent this message to my team this morning, bragging about Isaac. I think you might be interested.

I had an experience last night with my son, Isaac, which I think could provide some relevance to our task here at work.

Each week, the teacher sends home a review of what they are going to cover during the coming week. This week, they are going to learn graphing. Since Maersk has helped me become very efficient at creating graphs, I created an Excel worksheet which we converted to a graph, so that we could discuss the subject.

Our worksheet analyzed people in our family, and their ages. Relative age seems to be a difficult subject in my child's mind, and I was thinking a graph would help his understanding. So we reviewed bar graphs, noting that the older someone was, the taller their line was. Then we converted it to a pie graph, noting that the older person always had the larger piece of pie.

Then came the $60,000 question at the end of our informal lesson, "What if both people have the same sized pie piece." His unaided response brought tears to my eyes, "They would be the same age." A budding critical thinker, I'm so proud.

Driving into work this morning, I thought this lesson gave an analogy to our work here. Not to say that our customers have the technical understanding of a 5 year old; however, we have a great deal of knowledge to share with our customers. Maersk has given us skills which other parts of our organization have little to no understanding. We should take advantage of these skills to provide our customers insight to their own business units, which they never thought possible.

I realize it’s a little corny for Monday morning, but I wanted to brag. Have a good Monday!

Isaac Taekwondo

Isaac competed in his first Taekwondo tournament this last weekend. He won first place in sparring (one on one fighting with only blocks), and second place in the kata or forms.

He was very exciting about competing, and we've had great fun practicing before leaving for school. He taught me to turn my hips when punching, what a great teacher!

Typing Speed

I sent this to my group this afternoon.  i couldn't past level 6, and was interested in what some real typers could do like Mom and Grandma.

Hope you guys have a good weekend.

Isaac's First Day Of Kindergarden

Doesn't he look studious? Very exciting day for Isaac and us. More to follow this evening when we here the beginning adventures.

Chappel Dulcinea

Sorry for lack of input lately, work has been calling.

Here's the chappel we're looking at


I was explaining to Michael, the meaning of Dulcinea in Don Quixote.  I also asked him to hurry home.

Dulcinea is the object of affection for Don Quixote during his quests.  Every deed, every journey and every quest is made in her name.
A web site describes Dulcinea "... in the tradition of the epic journey motif.  For Odysseus his Penelope, Aeneas his Latinia, Dante his Beatrice and Don Quixote his Dulcinea."

Apollo 11

On July 20, 1969, the America's Apollo 11 landed on the moon, making history as the first humans set foot on another world.

Wired Article About Satellite Tracking

I found this article today on Wired magazine.  It describes some satellite watching as an extreme sport?!?

Here's a web site, Heavens Above, which automatically calculates which stellites are visible from any location in the world.

All You Need Is Love

What a disturbing image.  Please teach the girls to play instead of hate.

Israeli girls write messages on a shell at a heavy artillery position near Kiryat Shmona, in northern Israel, next to the Lebanese border, Monday, July 17, 2006.

Lake Belton Vacation Adventure

Here's the photo set, some of the 93 pics are still sideways, but Denise is working on it in her recovery and we thought you would enjoy the show anyway.



We had such a tremendous time, just being with our family.  One thing we didn't get a picture of is the space station.  Seeing the space station three times was incredible, and Isaac has even developed an interest in astronomy because of it (Thank you Mr. Brough). 



The other high point was our fishing expedition.  Who knew catching basketfulls of tiny little fish could be so much fun.  Some of us, Faith, even had a great time catching worms.



Thank you Nancy for getting this all together for us.  What a blast.

Discovery Returns Home

Here's what we were looking for at the Lake.  We actually saw the International Space Station, but this is what we hoped to see.

Space Shuttle Discovery landed on runway 15 at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility at 9:14 a.m. EDT on Monday, July 17. During the nearly 13-day mission, the STS-121 crew tested new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, and delivered supplies and made repairs to the International Space Station.

Isaac The Downhill Master

We toured the Huntsville State Park on the bikes on Friday. Another 7 miles with a twist, huge downhill runs with lots of roots on the trail.

Isaac was nothing less than totally radical. I often found myself with my hands on the brakes, only to look up at him spinning the pedals. All this while hurtling down the slope over huge root steps and cut-backs. It was truely spectacular (including some spectacular crashes, please see helmet Aunt Nancy).


There was also a dam we crossed along the path, I thought Gammy would find this pick of her baby crossing with sure steps interesting.

WHAT A GREAT WEEK! Totally outdoors, at the state, and local parks. We have our copy of Walden Pond on order.

Summer Fishing Trip

Isaac and my fishing trip this afternoon at the San Jacinto River. They do call it fishing, not catching, right? Here's the set.

Bicycle Ride

Isaac and I took a long bicycle ride at Lake Houston State Park today. We made it 8 miles through trails and jeep roads.

As you'll see in the picture set, we couldn't make it out without dipping our feet in Peach Creak, and building another large sand castle on the beach.

It was incredible to sit on the beach, without hearing a sound outside of the locus and birds singing to us.

First Day Of Summer

Another set showing off my excellent Father's Day gift.

We started off at a children's festival; did you ever notice some people, attempting to show annimation, speak very loudly to children? I was thinking the whole time, "Don't you think the children must hear better than we do"?

We finished at a local park having lunch with Denise (who has to work this week) :( With an assortment of newly constructed playground equipmemnt, we felt quite at home building sand castles in the volleyball court.

Azteca Warrior Boxing Match

We went to see Mr. Valdez's boxing team the Azteca Warriors. We found the matches very cool. Here's the set with the awesome trainer and manager.

Father's Day

A small set for father's day. I received some great homemade crowns from Isaac and Denise. Along with some great dominos at Starbuck's, we also played on a playground, and visited the local swimming pool. All of this on our bikes.

There's nothing better than the sound of a laughing child.

Noam Chomsky Speaks at West Point

Mr. Chomsky speaks some of just war in Iraq in YouTube video.  This is one of the comments left on the video site, which reminds me some of Isaac's Uncle's work.

West Point will only be great if it allows its cadets the same
intellectual freedoms that they swear an oath to protect upon
graduating. That Chomsky was allowed to lecture to cadets makes me
proud to be a USMA grad.

Summer Solstice

Today is the summer Solstice. In the northern hemisphere, it is the longest day of the year. Also when the sun is the furthest north , on the latitude 23 degrees 27 minutes, also known as the tropic of cancer. In the southern hemisphere, today marks the winter solstic, the shortest day of the year for the Aussies.

The image illustrates the angle which the sun shines on the various lattitudes during the summer solstice.

PERCEPTIONS: from the deep

This photo reminded me of Isaac's quest to able to ride the slide at the local swimming pool. They've instituted a new policy where instead of just being able to swim to the side after falling into the water: you have to be able to swim an entire length of the pool, and tread water for 1 minute.

If it would even stop raining, we might meet the restrictions by the end of the summer.

Soldiers Blogging on Birding

Here's an interesting blog.  The author discusses bird watching and other environmental issues while deployed in Iraq.

Sam's Birthday Party

We celebrated our friend Tammy's daughter's birthday on Saturday. I also celebrated a new digital camera for father's day. Here's the set.

Pilgramige Continued

Our pilgramige to South Texas is complete.  We drove nearly 800 total miles visiting The Basilica of Our lady of San Juan del Valle, Don Pedrito Jaramillo (we even witnessed a faith healer working), St. Jude Thaddeus in Pharr (beautiful gardens), and both of Denise's grandmothers in Beeville (thanks to the help of an oddly coincidental bunny rabbit leading our way).

My favorite was the Virgen de San Juan.  We walked the stations of the cross., and received a blessing from the priest finishing a mass.  I think this would be a great trip for all of our family, they even have a mariachi mass on Sunday and very close to Progresso and an excellent border crossing taco dinner.

I had a bit of an epiphany as to why Catholics ask intercession from the Blessed Mother, which seemed very relevant in our specific case.  Mary was both a mother and a wife.  No matter what happens with Denise's condition, she will play both roles in my life, and I will be better for it.

Interesting Friday Quote

Considering our visits to the health care, we've done a great deal of praying and working lately.  I believe this weekend we are going on a pilgrimage.  This religious act seems common in many religions; however, I can't say I was aware of it during my own religious training.  I'll give more details as they become available.

Pray as if everything depended upon God and work as if everything depended upon man.

Francis Cardinal Spellman

No More Allergy Drugs

An accupressure technique for relieving a stuffing nose.  It worked for me immediately, I'll keep experimenting.  And I'm going to show my family, maybe it will end Isaac's frequent prescription to allergy medicine.

Happy Birthday Faith

Happy Fourth Birthday Faith.  If you get time, take a look at the princess website from Disney.  Hope your day was filled with royalty.

Cartoon Skeletons

The skeletal systems of cartoons.  An anatomical view of the "grotesquely distored" figures which are derived from human form. 

Loving Blessings

What a great long weekend we had with Isaac. He makes us appreciate the most simple things; like learning to fold a towel, or learning to start the washing machine. Our home is truly full of love and learning.  This quote reminded me of this with ambition (learning) and love.

A man without ambition is dead. A man with ambition but no love is dead. A man with ambition and love for his blessings here on earth is ever so alive. Having been alive, it won't be so hard in the end to lie down and rest.
Pearl Bailey

Isaac Sings The Blues

Some pics from the weekend and Spring 2006. Includes baseball and pool pictures. Look at the emotion here, "Oh Babyyyyyy!!!"

Word of the Day - Namaste

I saw this word used in a written celebration of someone's life.  What an incredible word.  It is a Hindi word which is used in South Asia as a greeting.  Look at the potential meanings.  Incredible greeting to say to someone that 'I recognize that within each of us is a place where Divinity dwells, and when we are in that place, we are One.'

• The Spirit in me meets the same Spirit in you
• I greet that place where you and I are one.
• I salute the divine in you
• I salute the Light of God in you.
• I bring together my body and soul, focusing my divine potential, and bow to the same potential within you.
• I bow to the divine in you.
• I recognize that within each of us is a place where Divinity dwells, and when we are in that place, we are One.

Peace Quote of the Day and a Hubble Picture

You can no more win a war than you can win an earthquake.
Jeannette Rankin

In this stunning vista recorded with the Hubble Space Telescope's Advanced Camera for Surveys, distant galaxies form a dramatic backdrop for disrupted spiral galaxy Arp 188, the Tadpole Galaxy. The cosmic tadpole is a mere 420 million light-years distant toward the northern constellation Draco. Its eye-catching tail is about 280 thousand light-years long and features massive, bright blue star clusters.

Scientists believe that a more compact intruder galaxy crossed in front of Arp 188 - from left to right in this view - and was slung around behind the Tadpole via gravitational attraction. During the close encounter, tidal forces drew out the galaxy’s stars, gas, and dust forming the spectacular tail. The intruder galaxy itself, estimated to lie about 300 thousand light-years behind the Tadpole, can be seen through foreground spiral arms at the upper left. Like its terrestrial namesake, the Tadpole Galaxy will likely lose it tail as it grows older, the tail's star clusters forming smaller satellites of the large spiral galaxy.

Isaac's Preschool Graduation

I went to Isaac's graduation this morning, and amoung many songs, they sang the ABCs backwards.  "Now I now my ZWXs, bet you didn't expect that".  I've been learning this myself as a mental exercise but never thought Isaac would do it so easily. 
**Hopefully pictures to come, I still don't have a good digital camera so will beg for a few shots to post.

Company Values

We had a workshop the other day on company values, our main one is "Constant Care".  As indicated in this Dilbert, the implementation of the value is the difficult part.  Wondering if school districts or the Army have published value statements.

More Pics From the Baby Sitter

Leo found a new friend at the dog sitter this weekend. She got some incredible shots of them. As far as the rugby. We won the second and lost the first, a fun weekend overall with the team. Healing quickly.

I love you to the Crab Nebula and back

The Crab Nebula is the shattered remnant of a massive star that ended its life in a supernova explosion. Nearly a thousand years old, the supernova was noted in the constellation of Taurus by Chinese astronomers in the year 1054 AD.

This view of the supernova remnant obtained by the Spitzer Space Telescope shows an infrared view of this complex object. The blue-white region traces the cloud of energetic electrons trapped within the star's magnetic field, emitting so-called "synchrotron" radiation. The red features follow the well-known filamentary structures that permeate this nebula. Though they are known to contain hot gasses, their exact nature is still a mystery that astronomers are examining.

The energetic cloud of electrons is driven by a rapidly rotating neutron star, or pulsar, at its core. The nebula is about 6,500 light-years away from the Earth, and is 5 light-years across.

Comment Moderation

I had mistakenly turned on comment moderation, and called Mom asking if anybody was reading.  I should know better.  I turned it back off, and of course a free flow of conversation from all 3 of my readers.

Have a great day today.

I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it.
Pablo Picasso

Congratulations Christian

The eyes of God are everywhere.  Isn't he spectacular?

Think also about this quote in your new adventure,

It's such a part of me, I assume Everyone can see it.
Hugh Elliott

"God Don't Own A Car"

Ironically, after our admission into the mini-van club, Denise and I are despriately looking for fuel alternatives.  I heard this song on a homemade radio station (have you tried this service, Pandora, very cool).

By: Jimmy Buffett, Buzz Cason

1971

I have been out wandering

I have traveled far

One conclusion I have made

Is God don't own a car


He don't wear no fancy clothes

He'd rather take the bus

He would pay a tourist fare

So he could sit with us


He don't have no tamborine

Guitar or slide trombone

The music we make here on Earth

The words they are His own


And when we finally reach His home

And walk among the stars

He'll join our band then we'll understand

Why God don't own a car

A Bubble Mob

They had a bubble party in Vancouver!  How cool is that?!?

Una Dia Sin Inmigrantes

I liked this one the best, but here's the link to the set.

Leo Goes to the Dog Sitter

This is a pic the dog sitter took while we were off playing rugby. What a tongue!

Mary Magdalene Podcast

A Fresh Air cast from a religious scholar Bart D. Ehrman, who is also an expert of the gnostic gospels (Even the gospel of Mary Magdalene).  Timely considering our recent lecture for Mom's birthday.

Migranine Cure Through Diet

Denise and I heard this on NPR this morning.  The interesting points seem to be the number of healthy foods which cause the migraines, in combination with changes in the atmosphere and stress.  One of them includes the protein in soy, which can cause a delayed migraine up to 72 hours later (what?  vegeburgers?).  Others include bananas, citrus, nuts, and cheese, and caffine.  This link also contains the sound file if you want to listen.

Motivational Quote Of the Day

Never think that God's delays are God's denials. Hold on; hold fast; hold out. Patience is genius.
Comte de Buffon

Grateful Dead Sing the National Anthem

What is surprising to me is that it didn't last for an hour like most of their live concert songs; also, very good harmony at the ending.

A Great Link in My Life

Found this quote, and it reminded me of Gammy's birthday.  What a great celebration in Love and Friendship.

It is a mistake to try to look too far ahead. The chain of destiny can only be grasped one link at a time.
Sir Winston Churchill

Neptune From the Voyager Spacecraft

This composite illustration is of the planet Neptune, as seen from its moon Triton. Neptune's south pole is to the left; clearly visible in the planets' southern hemisphere is a Great Dark Spot, a large anti-cyclonic storm system. This three-dimensional view was created using images from the Voyager spacecraft.

Open Letter to President Bush from Reknown Physicists

I like the second sentence, "As members of the profession that brought nuclear weapons into existence..."

Dear Mr. President:

Recent articles in the
New Yorker and Washington Post report that the use of tactical nuclear
weapons against Iran is being actively considered by Pentagon planners
and by the White House. As members of the profession that brought
nuclear weapons into existence, we urge you to refrain from such an
action that would have grave consequences for America and for the world.

1800
of our fellow physicists have joined in a petition opposing new US
nuclear weapons policies that open the door to the use of nuclear
weapons in situations such as Iran's. These policies represent a
"radical departure from the past", in the words of Linton Brooks,
National Nuclear Security Administration director. Indeed, since the
end of World War II, US policy has considered nuclear weapons "weapons
of last resort", to be used only when the very survival of the nation
or of an allied nation was at stake, or at most in cases of extreme
military necessity.

...And a Refreshing Difference of Opinion

This writer argues points why war with Iran is not inevitable. Most seem to revolve around the president's lack of domestic and international political capital.

Scary Regime Change Talk from Washington

A New Yorker article which I find extremely scary, but a necessary read; although, not just regime change.

Some operations, apparently aimed in part at intimidating Iran, are already under way. American Naval tactical aircraft, operating from carriers in the Arabian Sea, have been flying simulated nuclear-weapons delivery missions—rapid ascending maneuvers known as “over the shoulder” bombing—since last summer, the former official said, within range of Iranian coastal radars.

The other frightening part is a power vacume in Iran opens the door to extremist organizations. The group with the strongest ties to the region is Hezbollah, which recently won a popular election in Lebanon.

Also an Oogle Earth article showing potential nuclear processing plants in Iran.

Oreo Sculptures

Here's an interesting art project, Oreo sculptures.
This one seems very remarkable (again, amazing the ways children find to express themselves).

Why Developing Software is Fun

Although, I'm by no means an expert, here is an expert's view of why this trade is rewarding (From The Mythical Man-Moth).

Fourth is the joy of always learning, which springs from the
nonrepeating nature of the task. In one way or another the problem is
ever new, and its solver learns something: sometimes practical,
sometimes theoretical, and sometimes both.

Study of Math Processing in Children

"...the brian dedicates a region to understanding maths by as early as four-years-old." The ability of the mind is remarkable, especially in children. However, a side observation of the study recognizes that "...children showed this (math) activation largely on the right hand side of the brain, whereas adults showed similar activation on both sides." The research indicates that more complex mathmatical understanding comes with symbolic operations learned during and after school.

Tree Huggers Unite

To go further with the eco baby post yesterday, I thought you would enjoy this blog (I subscribe to it in my aggregator).

Raising a Green (Eco) Baby

Perfect for the recycling parent. The top tip for feeding the baby in the eco style? Breast feeding of course. "...no harmful chemicals, energy or transportation". You also save over 600 dollars in formula milk and equipment. i still can't see using real diapers with 3 kids.

Another Guitar Set

Another new photo set Denise had on the camera of Daddy and Isaac laying one down.

Fifth Birthday Guitar Party

I bought a pro account at Flickr, so we can look at lots of photo sets of Isaac, Leo, and the kids. Check out Isaac's guitar party. Doesn't he look at home with the guitar in his hand?

Isaacs Digital Perspective

Here are the pics from Isaacs new digital camera. Interesting what catches his eyes, like bright colors.

Birthday Party

What a great party we had this weekend. I saw this quote today, and it reminded me of how special my family is; but more than just peace. Peace, and Love, and Excitement, and Wonderment, and Healing, and so much more.

More pictures to come!! But thank you all for an incredible time.

Susan Partnow
"It is within the families themselves where peace can begin."

Absurdities of English Poem

Interesting poem for those of us attempting to learn to read, and for those of us who rely heavily on the spell checker.

When the English tongue we speak.

Why is break not rhymed with freak?

Will you tell me why it's true

We say sew but likewise few?

And the maker of the verse,

Cannot rhyme his horse with worse?

Beard is not the same as heard

Cord is different from word.

Cow is cow but low is low

Shoe is never rhymed with foe.

Think of hose, dose,and lose

Dr. King

Today is the anniversary of Dr. King's assassination in Memphis, TN on 4/04/1968. His last speech was titled "I've been to the mountain top".

Two passages from this famous speech seem striking
The Nobel prize winner of 1964, spoke regarding peace, "Men for years now have been talking about war and peace. But now no loner can they just talk about it. It is no longer a choice between violence and nonviolence in this world; it's nonviolence or nonexistence."

Then in the famous last paragraph of his final speech, "...And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over, and I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. And so I''m happy tonight; I'm not worried about anything; I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.

Here is also the wikipedia article which discusses the time line, as well as conspiracy theories.

Osama bin Laden Compared to the Crusaders

The most interesting line in this piece regarding bin Laden's legacy is this statement. "Both bin Laden and the Crusaders transformed the evil of vengeance into a virtue."

In some ways, bin Laden is a historical anomaly. He is a natural byproduct of Wahhabi theology but hardly a theologian himself. Despite his many speeches and writings, he does not seem keen about leaving behind a legacy of interpretations or a coherent system of thought that would inspire generations of Muslims after he is gone. Something of a theological parasite, he seems content with tapping into everything cruel and intolerant in the vast Islamic tradition. Likewise, his revolutionary credentials are suspect; although he speaks of ending oppression and injustice, his vision is full of nightmares. Revolutionaries usually promise a better world after destroying the old—there is at least the hint of a utopian dream that draws in young idealists. The rhetoric of defensive jihad suggests that bin Laden sees himself as a different kind of revolutionary—a national liberator or freedom fighter—and indeed, many secular Muslims and Christian Arabs do sympathize with him on that basis.

But between the three choices—theologian, revolutionary, or Crusader—bin Laden is most like a Crusader. The Crusades were ostensibly about gaining control of holy sites, but in reality this was just an excuse for waging war without the constraints of morality. Not bothering with such technicalities as who actually lived on the land, the Crusaders believed that their acts of unmitigated aggression were defensive wars, and, like bin Laden, the Crusaders thrived on narratives of victimization. Both bin Laden and the Crusaders transformed the evil of vengeance into a virtue. Bin Laden fancies himself the defender of Islam, and Crusaders fancied themselves the defenders of Christendom. But most tragically, the Crusaders and bin Laden exploited their religious traditions to commit atrocities in God’s holy name.

Solar Eclipse

There was a solar eclipse today. Viewable mostly in Africa to central Asia. (Were you able to view this Uncle Michael?) The next total eclipse viewable in the US will be 2017. Here's an explanation of how the eclipses occur.

Must See Juggling

Check this guy out, on your fast connection, juggling to the Beattles.

Dylan's First PB&J

Denise, Isaac and I went to little Dylan's first birthday the other weekend. Here is Stacie and Jason's new web site. Got to love the cowboy hat pictures, and smiles with food all over the face.

BTW - if you were wondering if Faith was sick because of the cheetos Saturday, think again. Denise stayed home with the same thing today. At least she found a plastic bag in the car. Here's one time I'm glad we didn't have a digital camera.

Learning To Ride

Faith and Brian could learn to ride easily and no skinned knees.

Matthew C. Grossman, Student, Austin, TX. Shift Bicycle: This bicycle
is intended to help small children learn to balance on their own
without the crutch of training wheels and the worry of skinned knees.
The bicycle features two rear wheels that are spread apart at slow
speeds to provide critical stability, and as the rider gains speed, the
two rear wheels merge together to act as one wheel until the rider
reduces speed and consequently returns the bicycle to the two wheel
configuration.

Library Index

For all former librarians and book lovers. This site gives an index of the most popular books held by libraries around the world. It is equivilent to the Google page rank, the higher the book is in the list, the more popular. Here is the top 10: Bible, US Census, Mother Goose, Divine Comedy, The Odyssey, The Iliad, Hickleberry Finn, Lord of the Rings (trilogy), Hamlet, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Recumbant Bikes Are Good for Knees

Check this out, a recumbant "trike". Who knew. Looks much more fun than pedeling in front of your TV though. Word of caution, though, not cheap here either.

Knee Arthroscopy

In case you anybody who is having knee pain, a helpful site for the routine proceedure. Of course reinterated time and time again, "...always consult your surgeon."

Hoopies

I've been telling Denise lately about the great pleasure I had in an old blue VW, called affectionately a 'hoopie'. Take a look at this one - its jet powered.

Welcome Home Michael

We're happy to have you back, even if its briefly. We give you lots of hugs to take with you on your travels. Speaking of travels, a quote for the day.

Remember that happiness is a way of travel - not a destination.
Roy M. Goodman