Italy Summer '09

Civita de Bagnoregio

Robin and I had a great time with my family in Italy. Italians have the right attitude and lifestyle, not to mention a beautiful language that i managed to butcher everyday. Here are some highlights from the trip. And thanks to all our pet sitters.


Derrida and the Colloseum


Break dancers at Piazza Novona


San Carlo - Boromini


View from our terrace in Praiano


Baths in Pompei


Path of the Gods hike - my first vertigo experience


Road to Amalfi


St. Francis of Assisi


Gardens of Ravello


View from the farm house in Tuscany


San Genarro, Praiano

Paul Hawken - University of Portland Commencement Speech

May 3, 2009
“Class of 2009: you are going to have to figure out what it means to be a human being on earth at a time when every living system is declining, and the rate of decline is accelerating. Kind of a mind-boggling situation... but not one peer-reviewed paper published in the last thirty years can refute that statement. Basically, civilization needs a new operating system, you are the programmers, and we need it within a few decades…And here's the deal: Forget that this task of planet-saving is not possible in the time required. Don't be put off by people who know what is not possible. Do what needs to be done, and check to see if it was impossible only after you are done… If you look at the science about what is happening on earth and aren't pessimistic, you don't understand the data. But if you meet the people who are working to restore this earth… and you aren't optimistic, you haven't got a pulse...What I see everywhere in the world are ordinary people willing to confront despair, power, and incalculable odds in order to restore some semblance of grace, justice, and beauty to this world… Nature beckons you to be on her side. You couldn't ask for a better boss. The most unrealistic person in the world is the cynic, not the dreamer. Hope only makes sense when it doesn't make sense to be hopeful. This is your century. Take it and run as if your life depends on it.”

The Power of Scotch

Rothes consortium of whisky and scotch distillers announced a deal that will build a power plant fueled entirely by whisky by-products. Holy crap, this is the confluence of my two favorite things in life!

Inhabitat Whisky Power Article

Celo Cabin

This 1500 square foot cabin I designed with Samsel Architects features several green building features including an energy efficient envelope, high efficiency equipment, certified cedar shingles, a rain water collection cistern and dual flush toilets.


The house is located on an organic farm and sited along a wooded edge of a pasture. Care was taken to limit the visual impact the house had on the surrounding neighbors.


Concrete counter tops were made with recycled content and pebbles reclaimed from the dredging of a local river.


A cypress ceiling and maple cabinets, trim and floors lend warmth to the interior.


River stones from the site were used for the stone walls.

Graffiti Artist

Audacious, controversial, and secretive. British graffiti artist Banksy has created some of the most striking commentary on politics and society through his use of stencils.


Recent works include artwork in New Orleans after Katrina



Banksy Website

Winter Formal '08

Thanks to everyone for coming out to our 2nd annual Winter Formal party. The crowns were passed on to King Lauren and Queen Michelle. Hugh Hefner and Rudolph would be proud.


Chuck and Aimee looked fly


The running rabbits represent


Glamorous Marc and Stacy


Ahhhh, Eeeee, Ooooo?


The Brezny effect: upping the formal ante


Keith and Beth would have won best couple - however, such an award did not exist.


Special thanks to the 2007 Queen Sumaya and King Aaron for fulfilling their righteous duty of passing on the crowns to our 2008 winners.

Catskills, NY & ATP Fest

Here are some images from our trip to the Catskills in September. 3 nights rocking out at the ATP Music Fest in Monticello and then 2 nights chilling out at the Inn at Lake Joseph.

The music fest was held at Kutshers, a 50's era country club that was like stepping back in time.

the venue served perfectly as a slightly beat up play ground for about 3,000 "alt rock dorks"

Meat Puppets rocking out

Fuck Buttons, fucking with buttons

Les Savy Fav's lead singer being carried on a ladder through the crowd

The Inn was a beautiful turn of the century building by a 250 acre private lake.  Amenities included a pool table, ping pong, badminton, hiking trails, and kayaks.

There was a disturbing amount of bear poop on this trail



totally relaxed