I had the pleasure of being invited to Dr. Zain Abdullah’s course, Islam in Global Perspective, at Temple University. The course was welcoming a selection of Fulbright scholars from abroad to discussed a number of issues such as what is Islam to Muslims, how do Muslims relate and form identities in a global cultural context and how is Islam experienced [symbolism] by Muslims, to name a few.

Read the rest of the article here.

Well, I hope none of you plan to check out any books from the library these days. It seems that in response to the London Bombings, three Senate committees have passed hasty resolutions extending the power of the FBI to obtain library records without a subpoema. This done so under the Patriot Act. You know, I feel much, much safer knowing that the next sleeper cell or suicide bomber won’t be able to go to the library to check out books on bomb manufacuring (Bombs For Dummies?). This country continues to reach all-time high levels of stupidity. These folks are brilliant at playing the harp stings of the very gullible American public. It allows them to take the moral high ground - as if they’re the ones really championing something great and noble. Greg Palast writes, “What I want to know is, who at the FBI is poring over my choice of novels, how much do we pay this guy and why isn’t he reviewing Swiss and Pakistani bank transfer records instead?”. For more sad yet funny commentary check out www.gregpalast.com.