As it said on the moogmusic.com home page as of this writing, Bob Moog's body has left us. But his wonderful creative mind will forever remain in the world of music he so greatly influenced.

Ironically, he wasn't a musician. He was an instrument maker. More specifically, an electronic instrument maker. He was the first person to design and produce synthesizers that were portable, affordable, and otherwise widely accessible to all musicians thus revolutionizing the world of music. He made it possible to literally make sounds that were out of this world.

When I began studying electronic music in high school, I was quickly made aware of his contributions. To my surprise and delight, I discovered that he had retired to an area outside of Asheville, NC only a 3 hour drive away from where I lived and he was teaching at UNCA. When it came time, I applied to UNCA and was accepted. Thus I had the great fortune of studying with him in 1991-92, his last year teaching there.

Through that experience I discovered that he was much more than an engineer. He was truly a delight to be with. He approached the world of sound with a sense of awe and discovery of a child. I remember when we got a new Kurzweil 2000 for the lab and we were setting it up. We played with it for about 5-10 minutes and then he turned it off. Why you ask?... Because he just had to take off the cover and see what was under the hood! All the while with the look of an eager child who has just dissected his first TV.

I thought I would post this story particularly since none of the major news media seems to have caught this. I checked the BBC, CNN, and google news and found only a few articles from Vietnamese websites. You would think it would have gotten more coverage since Thich Nhat Hanh was nominated for the Nobel Peace prize by Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1967.

So how did I find out about it? Well it's kind of funny. I started working for Carolina Morning Designs last month and at about the same time we started getting a lot of orders for inflatable zafus. Zafus are a type of meditation cushions. So when we asked them how they heard about us they said that they were going to Viet Nam to be with Thich Nhat Hanh during his trip and that someone suggested that our portable zafus would come in handy. Neat!

So congratulations to Thich Nhat Hanh and his Sangha!

According to the information I've read, he will be in Viet Nam till April 11th and took 100 monks and nuns and 90 lay people with him. There are unfortunately no more openings for others to join him (it was all booked up by the end of December).

Some of you I haven't talked with recently might be wondering how I've faired with the past two hurricanes. First of all, I'm okay. Second, but more importantly, if you can give a donation to the Redcross they could certainly use it.

Hurricane Charley completely missed me as it only affected the coast of North Carolina. Asheville, where I live, is almost 500 miles from me.

Hurricane Frances was a tropical storm when it reached us and there was virtually no wind damage. However, there was a large amount of rain and flooding became a major problem in the lower regions surrounding the banks of the French Broad River and the Swannanoa River. Higher elevations had minimal damage(like where I live).

The major problem occured when the water lines for almost the entire city became damaged. As of this writing we finally got water after 3 full days without. It is still not drinkable though. Many restaurants have shut down and and the Governor and President did declare Asheville a disaster area. Despite that, there have been no related injuries or deaths that I have heard of.

All in all, it's reminded me of the precious gift of water taken for granted and it has given me an excuse to pee outside, which I prefer anyway! :)

Yes, hurricane Ivan may come our way by next Wednesday but should only be a tropical storm if it reaches us. Flooding will be the main concern but most of the at risk areas are already damaged and evacuated from what Frances did.

Keep your fingers crossed but don't worry. I think we should be okay. I've included some links to articles and excellent photo galleries if you read on. Truly pictures speak louder than words. -Matthew

In response to the horror and tragedy (Full BBC story) suffered by the victims and families of over 335 dead in the town of Beslan, Russia, I thought I'd do my part to help.

The International Red Cross is seeking help with the overwhelming need for medical aid. You can call 1(800)HELP-NOW or 1(800)435-7669 to make a donation or go to their website to donate online.

If you come across any other avenues to help and show support, please post a comment with any details here.

Our prayers are with you.

-Matthew