1.31.2009

A Tiger to Speak About


Pete is in a band called Speakeasy, Tiger... go to www.speakeasytiger.com to download (for free) their EP album.  They are releasing a new album in June.  

They practice here 12 hours every week and we love having them around.  They are really talented.  Check 'em out... the music speaks for itself. 

... or you can go to their myspace page.

1.27.2009

Lois Lane Says Yes to Superman


This past weekend, another couple committed to getting hitched someday.  Katie and Jeff ("Lois Lane" and "Superman") are engaged to be married!  

Jeff asked Katie in a parking lot (a very special parking lot -- "you don't know me" - Jeff [jeff didn't actually say that, I did for him and then quoted him... don't sue me Jeff, you know I don't have any money anyway... of course if you do, I'll have a better excuse for living in your basement next year, so do whatever seems best])  ANYWAY, Katie said yes.  There was a large gathering of friends and family on Saturday night to celebrate their commitment to life together.

Congratulations lovers.  You only have to be celibate for a few more months... then it's... well, you know.  

1.22.2009

It's Not the Same

When ten of us first starting meeting to develop this vision of communal living, we decided to be each other's family.  In the house, that is exactly what we have become.  Each of us in a way belongs to the other nine.  Each day, our special bond grows deeper.  I don't think this bond will ever go away, regardless of what happens.  

In November, Mel told us she would be moving out after the holidays.  Two weeks ago... she did.  A situation in the house had grown too painful and living there was no longer the best thing for her.  There is no fault to hand out... it is what it is.

This past Monday, the other nine of us sat down for our house dinner and the room felt so empty.  Mel was missing.  Her smile (smirk really) was missing... her laugh.  None of this is fair.  I miss my friend.  

Mel is now traveling in South America for a couple months.  She is missed and loved and will forever be part of my family.

1.09.2009

conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional

max lucade

Before you read this and judge the entire casa thing we have established here, just know that we are not a bunch of hippies - although they seriously have the important parts of life more figured out than most people (other than the excessive drug use). There are, however, a few people who never take showers and a couple who have a past with Mary Jane and one who really really dances like a hippie, but other than that, we are not hippies... just some who think redemptive violence is an oxymoron.

So, unfortunately I am not intelligent enough to write some inspiring, heart-changing thing about the iniquity of violence and the healing of grace. But, what I can do is copy what smarter and wiser, (got most of their lives together) people have said and give you the opportunity to see the lives and hear the voices of a few crushed by the guns and bombs we so easily pass as a just means of creating peace.

force is all-conquering, but its victories are short-lived
abraham lincoln

the true democrat is he who with purely nonviolent means defends his liberty and, therefore, his country's and ultimately that of the whole of mankind
mahatma ghandi

God would rather absord the violence and the evil of the world than reflect it
dave polly

too often the patriotic values of pride and strength triumph over the spiritual values of humility, gentleness and sacrificial love. it's easy to have political views - that's what politicians do. but it's much harder to embody a political alternative - that's what saints do.

shane claiborne

you become a monster
so the monster will not break you
u2

the nations do not lead people to peace; rather, people lead the nations to peace
shane claiborne

they argue the scriptures, argue the laws
argue the signs, argue the gods
argue for hatred, argue for fun
argue their side is the only one
but the one argument no of us can hide
is the one that's raging down deep inside
it ended in a great big fight and when its done

nobody right, nobody wrong
michael franti

i destroy my enemies when I make them my friends
abraham lincoln

darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that
martin luther king, jr.

we can bomb the world to pieces
but we can’t bomb it into peace
michael franti


Recently, some of us in the house watched a video made by Michael Franti of his trips to warring countries in the Middle East.

"This film came out of my frustration with watching the nightly news and hearing generals, politicians and pundits, explaining the political and economic cost of the war in the Middle East, without ever mentioning the human cost. I wanted to hear about the war by the people affected by it most: doctors, nurses, poets, artists, soldiers and my personal favorite, musicians. So I bought some plane tickets and headed to Iraq, Isreal and the occupied territories of Palestine."

To see a movie trailor and learn more about the video, go to: iknowimnotalone.com. You can also buy it there... or you can just come over here and watch it... or you can borrow it!

1.04.2009

Finkle is Einhorn, Einhorn is Finkle... Oh My God!





Finkle is engaged to Koclanes!!!

Congratulations Katrina and Alan. We love you and are excited about the life you will share together.