I have not had as much time to post during Lent, which is not a big surprise. However, I have had a chance to get out on two wheels. All the bicycles have been out, and I just picked up my Yamaha 650 Seca.

This bike is now thirty years old. Like my bicycles, it is a well-worn and trusted companion. Last Fall, I added a windshield. I've been pleased and surprised at how versatile it has become.

We are having a wonderfully early spring in NW Minnesota. It's time to relegate the cages (cars) to the garage as much as possible.

While my posts have been infrequent, they will probably pick up after Easter. I hope you are ready for a wonderful spring wherever you are, and wherever you are lead.

The ethical dimensions of Raspbery Pi: Why it should matter.

I'm on the bandwagon of folks who ordered a Raspberry Pi. Initially, I was attracted to the idea of a versatile low-cost computer that would be obtainable to most anyone who had a desire to work with computers. In the late seventies, I had friends who were bread-boarding there own Z-80 based computers, and the 'Pi' comes closest to the spirit of that endeavor. None of us had much money-- but we could obtain the components necessary to build such a modest system. It wasn't useful for anyone else in particular, but it was fun.

The world has changed a lot since then. Instantaneous communication has become the norm-- hand held computers in the form of cell phone are commonplace. We take for granted the ability to text or call someone from wherever we are. But it requires resources, and usually a long term contract with a cellular provider to be able to do so. The ability to communicate, and with it the ability to develop relational capitol, has become a necessity for empowerment. De-centralized  communication, as we witnessed in the Arab spring, is essential for change which serves the common good.

The 'RPi' is an easily affordable communication tool which makes accessible the language of machines, and with it the ability for children and adults of modest means to participate in the liberation, quality, and hopefulness which come whenever we move closer to all people having a place of the table-- the realm of open community.

I've watched from a distance the amazing development of open source software. Through an communal evolutionary process it has been transformed from a tool for geeks to a system for everyday users. It is remarkable. As affordable hardware moving in the direction of being open source, I believe the 'RPi" creates new possibility for pushing the boundaries of open source community. If we understand God to be 'open source' in that God is in relationship to all creation. Perhaps the creation of egalitarian communication capabilities moves us closer to this open source.

This seems like a tall order for such a small device. It can not be the ultimate manifestation of an emerging community ethos. But it can point to and participate in an ultimacy which is beyond itself: a community of belonging and participation where everyone is invited.

maiden voyage

It was a lovely, spring-like day in Thief River Falls. This afternoon, I took the newly-revised Nashbar Hounder out for its maiden voyage. I love the new mustache bars. They transform it to a more athletic position, allowing me to somehow feel more "on top" of the fixed gear. Very pleasing indeed.

I also did a little design work on the rear rack with hounds-tooth pattern duct tape. This looks pretty cool-- photo later.

This has me feeling a little conflicted. I like a more leaned forward posture for riding on an upright bike, but my wrists and thumbs seem to take more of a beating as I am getting older. This is one of the nice things about riding a recumbent--no weight on your hands.