LaunchPad's topics - tribe.net

Live/Work is Under Threat in Oakland!

2008-02-06T22:51:53Z

Hello Oakland Arts Community.

I'm sending this out to all of you in hopes that you'll read it
and pass it along. The city of Oakland is considering a measure that
will hurt us if passed by banning all live/work that is not already
100% legal. Any of you who are in such space thus become far more
vulnerable, and the creation of any such space will be stopped dead in
its tracks.

I hope to spread the word and bring about some grass roots support at
Planning Commission and City Council meetings. The last time I spoke
at one of these meetings, I was the sole representative of the
work/live community. I hope that at the next meeting there will be
many more of us. Thus far the discussion has been dominated by either
industrial property owners who are concerned about complaints from
live/work users, or speculative residential developers who generally
aren't interested in serving artists. This coming meeting is at City
Hall on February 13th, at 7pm.

__________

Here is the issue, summarized as quickly as I can manage:

Oakland is redefining what is permitted in its industrial zones.
Under the proposed new rules, up to 80% of the area that once allowed
work/live use will be lost. The motivation for the new rules seems to
come from a couple of different concerns. First, industrial land
owners and businesses feel threatened by the recent explosion in faux
live/work condos in industrial areas. Industry is worried that the
people in these developments will complain about noise, pollution and
traffic, and make it difficult to do business in Oakland. Second,
Oakland has been losing manufacturing and industrial jobs.

The city zoning staff and the industrial community seem to believe
that they can improve their situation by banning all residence within
these industrial zones. What they have failed to realize is that
legitimate work/live artists, craftspeople and tradesmen are not a
part of their problem. Our hybrid way of life is real, and most of us
are just as engaged in high-impact activities as the industrial
community is. The proposal that is on the table needs to be changed
to allow legitimate work/live to continue. We can't let them throw the
baby out with the bath water (and us with it) by lumping all forms of
live/work and live/work together and banning it altogether.

__________

Again, the next meeting on this topic at City Hall is on Wednesday,
February 13th at 7pm. This process is quite far along, so there is an
urgent need to mobilize and show that we have not been included the
consideration of in this imminent, misguided action. It would be great
if there was a place where we could meet beforehand to discuss a
unified strategy for presenting at the meeting and for actions, so if
any of you can host, I would greatly appreciate it. Otherwise, please
just show up. The sooner we make ourselves heard, the sooner we can
get results. The consequences for our community are serious if we
don't turn this around.

Thanks,

Max Allstadt

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

I'll show you mine if you show me your--link requests

2007-08-12T18:22:33Z

Wantinf to do link exchanges on my blog. Conceptual and Visual Artists if you post my url on your blog, I'll post your.
eme back if you're interested Thanks
jvrf.wordpress.com

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

Education dept. organizer

2006-10-31T06:16:42Z

LaunchPad (http://l-pad.com) seeks co-organizer to help re-create edu dept in new location. Edu Working Group Co-Anchors and their assistants develop policy, schedule classes and workshops, recruit assistants and teachers, track tuition and space use, and represent the education group on LaunchPad’s Council.

This is currently a volunteer position. Co-Anchorship is a minimum
three-month commitment expected to involve about 10 hrs/week. Volunteers at LaunchPad receive credit that can be applied to classes and other functions.

At your discretion, classes may include any that serve arts & activist communities, needs of neighbors. For an idea of classes previously taught at LaunchPad, see http://www.lpad.bravehost.com/classes.html

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

LaunchPad is relocating!

2006-10-22T04:10:15Z

To slightly dent the immortal words of Mark Twain, "Rumors of our
demise are greatly exaggerated".

After a nightmarish dragged-out duel with the autocratic, hidebound
bureocracies that lorded over our previous location, we are finally on
track toward new digs.

We are currently in talks with 21Grand and RPS Collective - both
within a dozen blocks of our old location - and will be continuing
most of LaunchPad's programs in partnership with one or both of those
neighborhood cultural institutions. I'm also talking with my old
partner at the Shipyard about storage for some of our bigger stuff,
and with possible sources of funding for the ultimate LaunchPad space.

To kick the new partnership off right, We're planning a joint
LaunchPad-RPS Halloween bash! Anyone interested in performing or
showing art or helping out at this event are encouraged to drop me a
line at j@l-pad.com

Vive la LaunchPad!

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

press release

2006-06-24T15:45:42Z

Press release
For immediate release

LaunchPad, an all-volunteer community arts-resource, provides free and
low-cost services including classes, computer lab and Do-It-Yourself bicycle shop to the arts and activist communities and to our Northwest Oakland neighborhood.

We are holding a benefit fundraiser starting at 2 pm this Saturday, June 24. With the essential support of the community, this benefit will help us continue the legal fight to preserve the center and guarantee that our programs and services will continue uninterrupted.

LaunchPad works closely with the neighborhood has the solid support of its neighbors, including Marcus Bookstore, Café Dejena, King Clothing Line, Gallagher’s, Alem’s Auto repair, Grove St Auto Repair, Burley’s Car Wash, Micros Market.

LaunchPad is not closing its doors!

http://l-pad.com

contact information:

Debra Comstock, Events Coordinator 707-332-3207 events@l-pad.com
John Voldal, Director 510-428-2103 director@l-pad.com

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

Warehouse space coming available in SOMA creative complex

2006-04-09T19:49:35Z

Hey Kids-

This is the first low key announcement as many details are still up in the air.
Just want to do a sweep and see whos interested in whats coming up and than hammer out details over the next few weeks.
In question are the opening dates, from 1-3 months from today.

The space has a working title of "the complex"... because it is.
We are a series of small warehouse spaces connected by a large undeveloped dirt lot that I have been slowly absorbing over the past year.
I have recently assumed the sole lease on the "gem" property, a 4500sqft warehouse with tall ceilings in the main performance and work area.
We are located near 5th and Folsom with extremely easy access to everything and the east bay.

It has three movie theaters, a tiki bar, a wolf range gas stove, parking and shared work / performance area with 24' ceilings.
Connected to it are 8000sqf of small business and artists studios and 10,000sqft of undeveloped lot.
Current co-tenants are an office for our non-profit 510c3: Arena Interplay
Kiosk and digital signage business rental and service workshop: Friendlyway Inc
Myself, and I have a small performance/ rehearsal space upstairs connected to my room.
A Small graphics/effects studio, still in development, with blue screen.

A plan for the usage is creating a digital video production facility for projects and would like the tenants to participate in the growth of this or something completely different they have to bring to the table.
The potential tenant must be a DIY'er as the space is still somewhat raw (although I appreciate it that way) and we are responsible for any upkeep of the builiding. No help from the building owner.
There is NO LEGAL LIVE within the buildings, commercial LEASE only.
So no residential rights can be extended to this scenario, still the lease is fair as long as we pay the rent and dont cause any trouble for the building owner with other neighbors or the city. This is why its important for the potential tenant to have a business license, they're easy to get and I can help you if you dont allready. I'm assuming you catch my drift and we can discuss details in a one on one.

I am seeking two tenants for sizeable upstairs studios.
We each should be self sufficient but definately am looking to build a collaborative community out of this project.
The rents are $750-$800 each/month- + $50 for the first parking space, $75 for any additional parking.
+ Utiitlies which average around $75+ for gas/electric/garbage/internet
+ Business Insurance (about $250 year shared).
Deposit I have to pay is twice rent, we can negotiate a payment plan for the deposit but it should total $1500.
If building owner increases rent, than individual rent would be affected. SO far 3 years without increase.

If you cant pay your rent and cant deal with having occasional public activities and clients in the space than please dont apply.
As the leaseholder I am responsible for the actions of the tenants and have just completed taking over the lease to proactively solve these problems.
Full disclosure and communication being key for positive development.

I personally have a history with group art spaces dating from being a co-founder of cellspace in 96, an early developer of monkey fresh in 2002, Front Room Gallery in New York in 98 and the Farenheit in Kansas City in 2000.
The long term goal is to purchase a building that can support our activities and create a business plan based on our current model to achieve those ends.
I am a bay area native and am 36. Have a background and degree in film and video, and am currently the DOO for friendlyway inc and am in charge of the companies operations out of the warehouse. I am in league with several other developments like this one and plan to incorporate speakeasy cinema (the current venue title) as a supporting agent to help this type of growth.
I've priced the rooms to be affordable but you still have to have your shit together to make it work.
I am interested in starting this process today so I can find the best matches for our space and get them on board as soon as identified.

If you have a ton of storage needs you should consider an off site location or purchase a shipping container to put into our yard.

Please send queries or interests/ideas bad jokes to:
skot kuiper
skot@videoamp.org

thanks and feel free to distribute this to interested parties.

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

seeking teachers

2006-04-03T04:25:38Z

Hey everyone! I'm the new education anchor at l-pad and ready to get these doors open for a community school. All I need is some committed individuals with skills who wanna share. There will be a meeting for prospective teachers this sunday for brunch, but I need to hear from you before then! (please do not just show up!). I would love to hear about what you have in mind, the possibilities are pretty wide open right now.
Be in touch soon
bluemoongirl

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

Collaborative Yard Sale

2006-03-27T23:38:04Z

The Playground affordable housing co-op, a registered 501c3, is soliciting donations for a yard sale-community building-extravaganza to take place in early may. We are seeking used or new items of excellent to good condition that no longer serve you. By donating such items, you will:
eliminate the clutter from our life!
recirculate goods rather than perpetuate the cradle to grave mentality of waste
the money raised from the sale will help sponsor art/education/gardening projects developed for the neighborhood community as well as general house repairs.

All large donations are tax exempt and we will provide a receipt upon donation.

Please call 658 7309 and ask for Alison or Kait to arrange for pickup/drop-off. Please only operable electronics.
-Namaste

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

LaunchPad seeks Computer lab coordinator

2006-03-22T08:19:28Z

LaunchPad, an Oakland community resource, has a small partially developed computer lab for the use of its members. We need someone who can bring together various volunteers at various skill levels to formulate a plan and guide the lab to its next step: a stable set of decent rugged clean machines, staffed with volunteers to open at least one day per week to the greater comunity. We'd like to see a video editting station, for local independent filmmakers & multimedia artists.We'd like to see some classes taught that take advantage of this resource - some at a very basic level.

The LPad Comp Lab co-Anchor also represents the Lab's needs on LaunchPad’s
steering committee (Council). Co-Anchorship is a minimum three-month commitment expected to involve approximately 5 hours/week.

This is a position not paid (in the conventional sense), but is elligible for internal credit ($LP) which is redeemable for rent for work/studio/practicespace, living space, event space, classes and other L-Pad functions.

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

Fashion Show

2006-03-08T06:27:31Z

Burningman Fashion show

Looking for clothing designers who are going to Burningman this year, who would like to submit a small collection for a fashion show at Burningman. Any designers, who wish to participate, will be expected to attend all meetings during the summer, have ideas/sketches and garments due at proposed dates, and be willing to help out before/during/ and after the show. Example: finding models, creative ideas in terms of choreography and music, set up/clean up and distributing flyers, finding valunteers to do make up ect. We have the space/camp. The theme will be that of this years burn, but with our own creative interest. The ideal time of the show will be later in the week during the mid afternoon (so we have natural lighting, less to worry about) but will not be a grantee, until enough designers have agreed to take on this project. Email me with any questions.
Thank you
Skitlegrindr

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

LaunchPad seeks art-coordinator-in-residence

2006-02-28T11:20:13Z

LaunchPad seeks art-coordinator-in-residence

Oakland art resource LaunchPad has voluminous underutilized and highly nonstandard display space for large scale art, both 2D and 3D. So, we seek an underutilized and highly nonstandard Curator (voluminous is optional;) to help co-ordinate the art displays.

This person will be the bridge between LaunchPad's crew & infrastructure and the artists (muralists & street artists, sculptors, contraptionists, multimedia, conceptual and performance artists) and handles any art opennings. The Art co-anchor will co-administer the LaunchPad mural program, sculpture garden and artist-in-residence programs. Expertise in each relevent area is not necessary as duties will be shared.

This is a position not paid (in the conventional sense), but is
elligible for internal credit, which is redeemable for rent
for living space, working/studio/practicespace, eventspace,
classes, and other L-Pad functions. There is a possibility for
it to morph into a future $-paid position, depending on how the
organization develops.

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

Saturday Work Party

2006-02-22T16:56:50Z

Greetings LaunchPad people -
Spring is sneaking up on us and the planting seaon is well under way. We are gearing up the garden for another bountiful growing season and we need your help!
-Clearing out the overgrowth
-Planting seeds!!!!
-Transplanting some bamboo and perennials
-Possibly constructing more raised beds and/or a mini greenhouse
The more helpful hands we have in the garden, the more tasty veggies we will all be able to enjoy! Think of it as your extended backyard garden, come put an hour or 4 into helping this place thrive, and you will quickly witness and reap the benefits. -Nurture what nurtures you!

LaunchPad Garden Work Party
Saturday Feb. 25th
1pm - till the work is done

Thanks for helping us grow!!

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

Thursday Night firedrumming

2006-02-19T03:37:15Z

hey,
i got a newsletter in thursday that THIS thursday the circle is happening after the winter break, and when i went to the LP, nothing was happeing, doors/gate closed.

??? would like to get some info...
a.

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

LaunchPad seeks part-time Education Co-anchor

2006-01-20T22:33:14Z

LaunchPad, an Oakland community resource, has hosted a few classes and workshops in the past, but is now ready to launch an organized education department. We seek someone whos willing to share the task of organizing this department - ie dealing with money flow and space use, recruiting teachers and scheduling, and representing the education department’s needs on LaunchPad’s steering committee (Council). Co-Anchorship is a minimum three-month commitment expected to involve approximately 10 hours/week.

This is a position not paid (in the conventional sense), but is elligible for internal credit ($LP) which is redeemable for rent for living space, working/studio/practicespace, eventspace, classes, and other L-Pad functions. There is a possibility for it to morph into a future $-paid position, depending on how the organization develops.

We’d like to plan a broad range of classes to serve both the arts and activist communities, and the needs of the immediate neighborhood. Facilities include at least three useful class spaces, computer lab, shop equipment, a garden, *lots* of outdoor space. Envisioned areas of learning include sculptural and other visual arts skills, circus skills and other performing arts, eco-friendly trade skills, bike maintenance classes, some tech, job placement, small business mentoring..

BTW the biggest nicest room is the attached house is about to come open, if thats a plus..

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

call for photos/video from circus days, bellydance show

2006-01-20T00:38:20Z

hey does anybody out there have photos or video from the last few LaunchPad events? the bellydance show or the solstice jam or the circus shows? if so, please let me know and/or upload to the tribe photos ..

thank you!

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

launchpad community garden workday

2006-01-20T00:35:11Z

Saturday, Jan 21 1-4 pm, unless we get rained out..

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

Bicycle, library,repair shop, sales?

2006-01-17T19:09:11Z

looking to get a couple of bike savvy humans together to discuss the options for bicycles at Launchpad. Anyone interested in helping. Come to the meeting on Tuesday the 27th at 5:30. see you there :-)

posted in LaunchPad - 4 replies

CiRkUs PANdemonIuM - LIve EXPerIMENtall MuZICKs @LAUNCH PAD

2006-01-05T08:12:58Z

CiRkUs PANdemonIuM - LIve EXPerIMENtall MuZICKs @LAUNCH PAD

Cirkus ZIRKUs PANDEMONIUM Live TRAPEZE!!!! CLOWNZ???????
& FYRE DANCING >>>
YOGgothOTHXOM Lucid Dreams Lounge

LAUNCH PAD 3833 MLK Jr & Mac Arthur
(2 blocks from BART) Oakland California

Thurs 1/5 7:00PM
Fri 1/6 9:00
5$ DOnation
Live MUzak & TRAPEZE FYREDANCING

STAGE 1 Live MUZIK
Dance Floor DJ TONY TIGER
STAGE 2 TRAPEZE & CLOWNs
Dj phantasam
STAGE 3 FYRE DANCING
noize & drumming

posted in LaunchPad - 2 replies

Bike-In Movie Friday night

2005-12-24T06:07:40Z

every second Friday of the month (yep, including tonight) we do two back-to-back bike-oriented activities

first, a group is gathering here at LPad at 5 pm, to ride in est bay critical mass

then we'll come with the end of the mass back here for the free Bike-In Movie, starts about 8:30

posted in LaunchPad - 8 replies

Solstice Party n Circus Jam

2005-12-20T07:50:24Z

you're invited to celebrate the solstice at LPad.

potluck dinner at 6 pm, circus jam at 7.

bring your instruments and circus toys,

there will be a swinging trapeze set up indoors (open, but to
experienced aerialists only), floormats, a fire/music jam and a
small bonfire, weather permitting.

thats this Wendesday, Dec 21.

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

Monday Nights are still on!

2005-12-19T19:15:29Z

Drums, guitars, voices, fire dancing. Bring your love for community, improvisation, and jamming. Switch up a typical bland Monday night for something fresh at the Launch Pad.
Every Monday night, 8pm
Location: 3833 Marti Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland

posted in LaunchPad - 2 replies

Middleeastern & South Asian Music & Dance Sunday

2005-12-16T14:19:06Z

You are invited to an afternoon of
Middleeastern & South Asian Music & Dance

Bellydance, Indian-inspired & free-from dance with live accompaniment on sarod, woodwinds, Arabic keys, dumbek, davool & other percussion..

Dance by Tatseena, Anisa, Qamar & friends
Music by Tim Bolling, Kevin marshall, Andrew X and friends
DJing by Circus Pandemonium, afterparty w/open jam session, bonfire & firedancing outdoors, weather permitting

Sunday, Dec 18 doors open at 3 pm
5$ donation and/or potluck requested

at the
LaunchPad
3833 MLK Jr Way
cross st: MacArthur
block west of MacAthur BART

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

Community Garden Day

2005-12-16T12:39:42Z

Its loquat-pickin time!
theyre falling of the tree, the birds are having a feast. bring a bucket with you this Sunday afternoon 2 or 3, to take home with you a bucket full of yum.

posted in LaunchPad - 2 replies

Sat, dec 10th - bizy day

2005-12-10T08:45:04Z

1-4pm Community Garden workday/mixer (I don't know, ask Anthony. sounds fun)
1-4pm Cog workday
3pm possible new bike mechanics meeting - all interested welcome
(after) semi-guided Comp Lab open house.
oh and..
9pm fun neighbors' housewarming (they're playing at another LPad event next Sunday)

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

I wish to live in the Gantry

2005-11-27T05:00:44Z

Hi everybody !

I am an art student in Seattle near graduation and am going to move to San Francisco in January. I checked out the website of LaunchPad and this place and really really wish to be able to live in the Gantry and contribute to the community. Can anyone tell me how to do that? Thank you so much !

-Bonny

posted in LaunchPad - 3 replies

it's been said...

2005-11-06T01:08:53Z

... that I should play a show @ LaunchPad
what do you think?
check me out @ www.myspace.com/1manbanjo
drop me a line. come see me oct 25 @ stork club
cheers,
!1MB!

posted in LaunchPad - 1 reply

can I buy a mtb tire?

2005-10-07T18:03:38Z

Hi,
someone stole the wheels off my mtb. Now i'm in need of an extra 22" rear wheel. Do y'all sell or trade bike parts from the bike lending library?
Thanks
Diana

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

Monday is still music night at th Pad!

2005-09-25T21:52:57Z

chill with us around the fire in our side lot in character-fueled Oaktown, sundown to midnight. BYO

We'll light a small bonfire, make some noise with whatever instruments or objects are at hand, chances are some firedancers and/or other circus performers will come round.. its a good way to spend a Monday night.

sundown is happening about 8:00 these days.

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

First Birthday bash

2005-09-01T13:19:00Z

LaunchPad was born on sept 1 2004

We're celebrating all week with a birthday event series Thursday, Friday and Saturday, in addition to the usual weekly happenings Sunday and Monday, and a mural workday also planned for Sunday.

posted in LaunchPad - 3 replies

Help with the mural? Please? easy-ish stuff?

2005-08-31T21:31:30Z

hello. its about time to transfer the drawing of the 1 yr. anni shindig mural onto the wall.

Thursday evening:
to make it go faster than the traditional drawing square by square, i'm gonna try and use a projector. i say "try" cause the ground is all uneven so it might be really friggin difficult.

but if its not, if i had a couple few people helping, it could get done in a number of hours, leaving me enough time to mix the paint.

Friday afternoon:
then the drawing needs to be "fixed" which would require some minimal drawing skillz.

can you help?

posted in LaunchPad - 1 reply

watch this LP mural while it happens

2005-08-28T23:51:43Z

hey.
im doing a mural over at launch pad for the 1 year anniversary shindig.

i have this forum where i'm blogging about it with pictures, and soon video, along the way.

i've got stuff about all the people and steps of the process.

if you care to watch this mural happen as it happens, go here:
http://p207.ezboard.com/ftheemptyroomfrm33.showMessage?topicID=17.topic

i'm updating with any significant changes...
enjoy. :)

oh. and i'm sticking some of the pics in this tribe's album.

oh. and **MAKE SURE YOU COME HELP WITH THE PAINTING** :D, maybe as early as friday afternoon (9/2), but for sure on saturday, and likely thru the long weekend.

posted in LaunchPad - 1 reply

The Gospel of LPad According to TownO

2005-08-24T01:52:09Z

As of Sunday, LaunchPad burned down.

And I didnt have a bucket.

On Monday, LaunchPad was inflicted by the plague.

Hence Un-Dreaded John & Seth were shrugged from this mortal coil.

As of Tuesday... LaunchPad was overwhelmed by locust.

From which John perished.

If my sources are to be believed, LaunchPad is withstanding the single-handed wrath of God himself.

All I can say is that Im glad I live in -WEST- Oakland.

posted in LaunchPad - 8 replies

one good artist - QUICK

2005-08-23T17:59:42Z

preferably one who can draw & already has warm fuzzy feelings about launch pad (and maybe even who likes siqueiros, aaron douglas, batman forever, power puff girls & grafitti) to help with the fastest quality community mural project ever done.

im trying to coordinate a community mural for labor day weekend over at launch pad. that's very soon. it won't happen if i can't pull together enough resources quickly - another artist being one of them.

if you're interested please send me tribe mail. soooooon.

posted in LaunchPad - 2 replies

wood & metal shop

2005-08-11T10:37:46Z

Space is opening in LaunchPad's shared wood/metal shop, which includes access to some shop tools. Space can be had for $100 - $200 per mo, depending on needs/usage.

There will be an organizing workday/open house this Monday from noon to 7pm. if you'd like to have input into how the space is organized and what activities you'd like to see accomodated, want tot alk about renting space, or just want to support the shop in being the most useful space it can be, please come by any time during those hours.

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

flea market this saturday

2005-08-09T02:41:31Z

Announcing Northwest Oakland's
Flea Market

11AM to 4 PM Saturday, August 13, '05

LaunchPad is hosting free spaces to bring your stuff to sell or trade. Please bring own table or tarp

Drive-in access to grounds is available for trucks.

Please note: Giveaways are generous but our home is not a dumping ground. You must stay with your stuff till it finds a new home, and take whatever doesn't back with you.

* * * *

Come find the rare finds! get it while the gettin's good!

also don't miss the special surprise entertainment..

at the
LaunchPad
3829 MLK Jr Way -
cross street: MacArthur
One block west of MacArthur BART station
in affordable Oaktown

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

Monday Nights: Fire Drum Circle, Music, Community, and Conversation!

2005-08-06T20:52:40Z

Just another reminder that Fire Spinning Drum Circle and Music Night is happening every Monday at dusk at the LaunchPad. It's a great place to build community and participate in something magickal.

Everyone is welcome. Bring good vibes and musical instruments!

There's always a fire going, unless it's raining. Festivities begin around dusk and usually continue until midnight. The LaunchPad is located at the NW corner of MacArthur and Martin Luther King jr Way in NW Oakland, just west of the MacArthur BART station. Intelligent conversation about music, paganism, anarchism, and anything else is very much encouraged!

posted in LaunchPad - 3 replies

feeling Zombiefied?

2005-08-06T19:53:00Z

the festivities here at LaunchPad this Saturday have been expanded to become phase three and four of Zombie day. more info on phase 1 & 2 at: http://eatbrains.com/
all events are free (donations always happily accepted)

* * * * * * *
Feeling Zombified?

Saturday, July 30
Zombies will walk the earth, get down, test their skills, and see a cool Elecromedia Monstermovie Show

phase 1: Zombies and the Zombie-curious will gather at 3pm at St
Mary's Square downtown SF. OZs (Original Zombies) will begin the
rampage, *converting the Zombie-curious (wearing old tear-able
clothes) as they go*. This will be done in traditional zombie style -ie we mob the unsuspecting victim, a zombification specialist will do a quick make-up job, then we move on, with a new zombie joining the mob. This will be done with no preface or explanation as we rampage through SFs financial district.

Phase 2: we'll Zombie through BART for picnic & photo ops at
Colma's famous Graveyard Row.

phase 3: we'll Zombulate the transbay tube to a reception at 7pm and
Zombie Olympics at 7:30 at LaunchPad. don't miss this To Die For Event (details below)

phase 4: Zombies (and everybody else) get in free to see We
Space Apes in an electromedia event featuring old-school 8mm
Monster Movie short films with live instrumental/soundtracking
at LaunchPad's spooky outdoor ampEartheatre by moonlight.

Now heres a little more about phase three:

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Zombie Olympics!
after a hard afternoon of terrorising the populace you deserve a chance to relax, unwind and
test your undead endurance at this Carnival of Carnage:

Satisfy your unsavory appetites at the Brain-Eating Contest
Pull your burden at the Zombie races
Show off your corpse couture at the Undead Fashion Show & Contest
Unleash your dark desires at the Zombie Bondage Corner
Get down and dirty in the Zombie Blood Wrestling Smackdown
Slay the unwashed with your immortal funky style at the Zombie Booty Dance Contest.

and much much more..

at the
LaunchPad
3833 MLK /MacArthur
one block west of MacArthur BART

posted in LaunchPad - 2 replies

This Saturday: RODAN vs. FRANKENSTEIN

2005-07-29T03:35:51Z

This is Phase IV of the SF Zombie Takeover (http://eatbrains.com):

RODAN vs. FRANKENSTEIN
The Battle for Space Ape Lagoon

Electro-Media Performing Group
We Space Apes
Invites you to experience sex electro-media media pieces based on projections of 8mm shorts editted from vintage feature films with live improv sound and music programming.

Featured Shorts:
Bride of Frankenstein
Rodan
The Mummy
Battle for Planet of the Apes
The Thing
Battle in Outer Space

LaunchPad is at
3833 Martin Luther King, Cross street W. MacArthur
One Block West of the MacArthur BART Station

Secure bike parking available. Donation accepted.

For more Information please visit
www.lpad.info
launchpad.tribe.net

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

express your inner PeeWee tomorrow at Paul Reubens Day

2005-07-25T00:13:06Z

a schedule for the days festivities is at:
http://sanfrancisco.tribe.net/template/pub%2Coc%2CDetail.vm?plugin=blog&inst=1234592&topicid=d9df936c-25f5-454e-9715-427f2aac54f8&r=10535

A repost of PunkWee's announcement

Paul Reubens Day 2005 is TOMORROW!!!

It's not too late to join the madness! Cut yourself a red bowtie out of construction paper, or fashion one out of a spare scrap of red cloth. Failing that, just come join us sans costume. Remember, being a Wee is 70% ATTITUDE (followed by 25% masturbation, and 5% red bowtie).

WHERE: Meet at 1p.m. sharp at The Gold Dust Lounge @ 247 Powell ST. Saturday, 7/23.

Full details are available at www.paulreubensday.com.

Costume advice can be found at www.fluxdesign.com/prd/costumes.html
as well as at peewees.tribe.net

High-pitched, drunken public masturbation has never been this fun! (Well, okay, ALMOST never. There was that one time, in band camp...)

posted in LaunchPad - 1 reply

music/fire night tonight

2005-07-14T01:49:35Z

every Monday night we have a small fire in our pit starting at sundown.
around this gathers a drum circle and/or acoustic/noise jam session (usually a dozen or more musicians) and/or vocals (anything from folk, swahili chants to protest songs,Tom Lehrer tunes to Tuvan throatsinging)
fire dancers, snake dancers and other performing/circus arts make appearances.

posted in LaunchPad - 5 replies

Launching my career as personal and business consultant. Seeking help!

2005-07-11T01:09:10Z

Hello!

My name is Christoph, and I am in the process of jump starting my career as personal growth and human development consultant. While I realize that I have quite a bit of competition I know for a fact that what I have to offer is very different, unique and can help a lot of people improve themselves for the better. I call myself a practicing philosopher, and my website which could use some professional work is located at www.geocities.com/realize2actualize

I am reaching out to other professionals, writers, publishers, social engineers, healers, artists, students and teachers, others who would be interested, able and willing to guide me during the process of becoming established as a professional in this area. I am very well able to present this ‘practical philosophy’ to all kinds of audiences. I have gained the ability to speak to even a large number of people about those ideas and concepts in such a way as to help others bring about positive change for themselves. What I am seeking are ways to present this practical and very empowering ideas and concepts to others.

Be it via radio, Tv, in form of workshops, seminars, online classes, personal or telephone consultations it is my desire to utlize every outlet possible to reach others with this very straight forward, easy to understand and practical approach to personal growth and human development.

If you are interested to collaborate with me along those lines I would love to talk with you further.

Thanks in advance.

Christoph
Practicing Philosopher

www.geocities.com/realize2actualize
realize2actualize@yahoo.com
(415) 368-1333

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

Bike-In Movie Friday night

2005-07-08T06:59:38Z

reposted from the list:

tomorrow is LaunchPad's second monthly
Bike-In Movie, held every second Friday evening at 9 pm, right
after the East Bay Critical Mass.

We'll be projecting mostly silent 8 MM and super-8 sci-fi movies
this time, with some experimental improv electronic
accompaniment.

The event is free (donations accepted but not expected), we'll
have fresh circus-style popcorn for sale, and all are welcome to
bring their own munchies/beverages of choice.

We're encouraging a contingent of Paddies to show up for the
Mass to show that Oakland supports critical Mass and help nudge
it more into Oakland. A half dozen Paddies are confirmed,
hopefully a couple dozen or more of us will turn out. This one
is a relatively laid back mass, more relaxed than the SF one,
pretty comfy for riders at all levels and states of
in-shape-ness ;)

the Critical Mass gathers at the Berkeley BART station at
5:30pm, leaves by 6:00. Please come out and show your green
civic spirit!

then come to the bike-in movie!

posted in LaunchPad - 1 reply

need space to build your contraption?

2005-07-08T02:56:06Z

We have lots of room in our shared shop-space that can be rented by the month. Included is access to some wood & metal working tools, 220 power, good workbenches. 24-hr access (w/some late-nite noise restriction)

We also have an studio open, 8.5 x 20 feet, steel walls, secure, independent large-door ground-level access. $300 per month. can be shared, used for welding, band practice, whatever..

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

HOUSE PARTY Saturday night

2005-06-25T00:17:27Z

LaunchPad House Party

Come frolic with us this coming Saturday night, June 25 at th Pad, 9 pm on..

fire dancers and drum circle outside (bring your drum/instrument/fire tools)
theres a cool inside space, talking to one band about playing, looking for another (if ya know anybody..)
art, projections, DJ somebody-or-other..
it'll be fun.
its BYO, free.

at the
LaunchPad
3833 MLK at MacArthur in Oaktown
one block west of MacArthur BART station

email me or come by if you wanna help plan, have some art to show off..

posted in LaunchPad - 3 replies

call for teachers!

2005-06-20T09:20:00Z

we have scads of space and room in the schedule for new workshops and classes.

sewing/costuming, leatherwork, shop stuff, sculpture, eco-friendly building methods, screenprinting, writing, dance, bike mechanix, projector-building, languages, video editting, stilt-making, yoga, guided meditation - whats your skill? are you up for teaching? looking for space in an eclectic, energetic environment?

talk to me.

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

Free Herbal School Collective

2005-06-19T01:08:19Z

I've just started a a new tribe! Check it out...

Free Herbal School Collective
tribes.tribe.net/freeherbalschool

A collective of people in the Bay Area, CA who are interested in learning from and teaching each other everything to do with herbal healing. This includes but is not limited to:

- incorporating healing herbs into food
- foraging for wild and medicinal plants and mushrooms
- making your own herbal salves, tinctures, and other herbal medicine
- how to grow an herbal garden

With all the issues we are dealing with today, from peak oil to corporations patenting seeds I feel it is very important to learn how to take care of our most basic need. We all need to eat and we all need our good health. Do you have skills or knowledge to share? Are you curious about these topics and want to learn more? Let's get together and start teaching each other what we know!

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

Great meeting everybody. . .

2005-06-14T07:15:46Z

. . .at the jam tonight! :)

Looking forward to coming out again!

~Chris

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

Bike-In Movie!

2005-06-13T04:41:02Z

Tomorrow night (Friday) after the east bay Critical Mass will be LaunchPad's first long-awaited bike-in movie!
Actually It'll be a series of topical short art/political films, free, starting at 8:30 pm.

at the LaunchPad
3833 MLK Jr Way
Oaktown - one block west of MacArthur BART station

posted in LaunchPad - 4 replies

seeking a licenced contractor

2005-05-26T05:16:45Z

LaunchPad needs a licenced contractor who can pull a permit.

does anybody know anybody? its kinda urgent..

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

SUbmit to my Flash Fiction Blog!

2005-05-05T04:31:41Z

Heres the official launch of my new website at

www.javaughnreneeworks.blogs.com
check it out! Next week I will add flash fiction to it! submit your stories to go with my illustrations!

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

bike lending library is now open

2005-05-01T10:14:32Z

one of LaunchPad's Semi-Autonomous Working Groups, a bike lending library called the Cog, is now open. Its hours currently are saturdays from noon to 5pm (tho they usually stay late).

with a $10 deposit or bike-mechanic-trade you can take a bike (not new but with lots of charcter) for a month.

Ayala and James are the coordinators.

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

LaunchPad shop crew

2005-04-21T22:56:34Z

its time to bring the L-Pad wood/metal/___? shop to the next level of organizization. if you are interested in being part of the shop crew, helping to determine what goes where & how space will be apportioned - or renting some space/access to it, please let me know.

BTW volunteer hours spent helping to get it set up can be used for credit in renting the space, classes, stuff.

posted in LaunchPad - 1 reply

Montreal Anarchist Bookfair

2005-04-19T16:35:13Z

Hi everyone!!
Montreal its having its Anarchist Bookfair on May 20th to 23th.
Come..they even will have a children's space,housning and more shit..it'd be fun!!

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

send you all my love

2005-04-13T02:25:20Z

Hi Launchpad...the East Bay is in my heart..this is Maneli by the way!!
I´ll be in Ithaca in two days and back in the East Bay..some dayyyyy.
I love you all and thanks for doing what you´re doing..the anhytheater looks great..how´s the bike library doing?
Well..take care ya´ll.
Later,
Lelly.

posted in LaunchPad - 6 replies

Bike kitchens in Oakland?

2005-04-03T09:33:30Z

Hey there I'm new here and live close to you guys and saw you are going to be doing something soon wth a bicycle library or something soon. Can anyone tell me what's up with that or if they know anything about any bike kitchens out here in the oakland area, like the one in SF?

posted in LaunchPad - 1 reply

I live right around the block!

2005-03-29T07:46:55Z

Just moved here from SF.

Hi neighbors! :)

posted in LaunchPad - 3 replies

DIY curating

2005-03-25T10:06:13Z

Prankster Smuggles Art Into Top Museums
Thu Mar 24, 2:57 PM ET

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Many a visitor to New York's Museum of Modern Art has probably thought, "I could do that."

A British graffiti artist who goes by the name "Banksy" went one step further, by smuggling in his own picture of a soup can and hanging it on a wall, where it stayed for more than three days earlier this month before anybody noticed.

The prank was part of a coordinated plan to infiltrate four of New York's top museums on a single day.

The largest piece, which he smuggled into the Brooklyn Museum, was a 2 foot by 1.5 foot (61cm by 46 cm) oil painting of a colonial-era admiral, to which the artist had added a can of spray paint in his hand and anti-war graffiti in the background.

The other two targets were the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History, where he hung a glass-encased beetle with fighter jet wings and missiles attached to its body -- another comment on war, Banksy told Reuters on Thursday.

"It was just an outsider's view of the modern American bug, bristling with listening devices and military hardware," he said.

An art Web site called www.woostercollective.com has posted pictures of the artist -- wearing an Inspector Clouseau-style overcoat, a hat and a fake beard and nose -- hanging up his work at the four museums and describing how he did it.

Speaking by telephone from an undisclosed location in Britain, Banksy said he conducted all four operations on March 13, helped by accomplices who filmed him and provided distractions where necessary.

"They staged a gay tiff (lovers' quarrel), shouting very loudly and obnoxiously," said the artist, declining to give his real name or any personal details beyond his occupation as a professional painter and decorator.

It is not the first time he has staged such stunts. Last year he smuggled work into the Louvre in Paris and London's Tate, attracting attention in the British media.

"My sister inspired me to do it. She was throwing away loads of my pictures one day and I asked her why. She said 'It's not like they're going to be hanging in the Louvre.'"

He took that as a challenge. "I thought why wait until I'm dead," he said.

His preferred creative outlet, graffiti on trains, was growing more difficult due to greater security so he decided to branch out into infiltrating museums. "I tend to gravitate to places with less sophisticated security systems," he said.

Officials at the Natural History Museum declined to comment on security. Museum of Modern Art officials said only that the offending picture was taken down on March 17.

It was unclear what gave the game away but Banksy's version of Andy Warhol's iconic images of Campbell's Soup Cans showed a can of Tesco value tomato soup, a discounted brand sold by a British supermarket chain.

"Obviously they've got their eye a lot more on things leaving than things going in which works in my favor," Banksy said. "I imagine they'll be doing stricter bag checks now."

He said the painting in the Metropolitan Museum, a small portrait of a woman wearing a gas mask, had been discovered after one day, while the others stayed up for several days. The paintings were fixed to the wall with extra-strong glue.

Asked how he managed to escape notice while putting them up on a busy Sunday at the museums, he said: "They do get pretty full, but not if you put the pictures in the boring bits."

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

help create a model summer camp-like program in Mexico

2005-03-25T08:49:31Z

Hey beautiful people....!

SoloMAX here in SF. I’m working on a Black Rock Arts Grant... seeking people interested in gathering in Mexico next winter holidays to develop a model summer camp-like program that will be shared through the web and touring schools with a team.

My goal in life is to make public schools more like summer camps. The method is mission-oriented education, which makes the process of learning an exciting journey into the unknown. Instead of filling heads with information, students seek to discover their powers and find applications for knowledge. The stress of testing and pressure to find a career is replaced by developing passions and building relationships. The reward is a real effect on the community, not just a letter grade. I believe everyone has an action hero in them, and an action hero needs a mission.

The Action Hero Network has formed to foster this education model by providing inspiration, information and helping organize cultural exchange opportunities. Visit www.actionheronetwork.net and look at http://actionhero.tribe.net/ …to see what you have to offer and gain.

Over the past five years, I've been developing a Cultural Exchange Community Center in Mexico and have a great relationship with a very special community that has adopted me like family. This is a unique opportunity that I have been blessed with... and these sweet people are looking forward to meeting you too. visit: www.solomax.com/roblito.html

This place, Roblito, Nayarit, on the Central Pacific coast just south of Mazatlan, has many adventure opportunities: Water(estuary and ocean) for surfing and water skiing, mountains for hiking, horses to ride, fishing, biking... just about anything.... and lots of land to build on for the future.

I visited Roblito again last winter holidays and have images from the trip on my site, starting at: http://www.solomax.com/dec.27.4.html

Getting there is super cheap to fly or bus... costing around $200 from southern US states.
We can stay in the village community or 4km away in our very private camping area. Also, there is a semi-abandoned hotel on a near-by beach that an old lady looks after, and we could rent for almost nothing and use to party like there's no tomorrow.

What I'm looking for.... are other people interested in developing a summer camp program-- the Action Hero Training Camp. Burning Man and Rainbow gatherings are already the most bad ass summer camps.... and the energy from these is changing the world for the better, but there is so much going on at these events... it is hard to focus on creating a program. So... imagine taking the best of Burning Man and Rainbow to Roblito... when the north is cold and wet in the winter... to create a summer camp... where it is warm and we can play on a playa with waves.

The intention is to create annual Action Hero Training Camp from Christmas to March Break, and have it open to families, schools, corporate folk.... anyone who wants to get there freak on and discover their mission. Then... we can get paid to do our thing. But, we need to start somewhere, and that is here and now. If you are interested.... speak up, so I can put your name in the grant. The grant is due Mar. 31, so get back to me ASAP!

-Cory
818-331-9707
www.solomax.com

posted in LaunchPad - 1 reply

BIKE POWERED WASHER

2005-03-16T04:08:50Z

I want to make a bike powered washing machine. I have been wanting to build one for a long time now, but haven't had the tools or the welding "know how" to do it all by myself. If anyone can help me build it, that would be really awesome!

My plans would be to dumpster all/most of the parts. The rest we could find used and really cheap too!

posted in LaunchPad - 2 replies

New member

2005-03-16T04:07:23Z

Hi there! Found out about your community through Tribe meeting John. I hope to come visit sometime and help out. Interested in moving into a community soon in the E. Bay like yours and looking around. Love to find out more!

posted in LaunchPad - 2 replies

Natural Building Workshop 4/21 - 4/25

2005-03-13T07:59:04Z

Honoring the Land:
Nature Awareness through Natural Building
Where: Black Mountain Preserve
Cazadero, Western Sonoma County, California

Starhawk and Ethan Castro

How do we live on the land in sustainable ways? How do we listen to
theland, honor its gifts and needs, and still provide for human needs?
In this workshop we will learn natural building techniques grounded in nature awareness and ritual to connect deeply with the earth and the materials and tools we use in building human structures. Specific
techniques will include cob, lime plaster, havesting poles and
materials in ways that support the health of the forest, and a living
roof, as well as an introduction to the concepts of permaculture and
nature-based spiritual practice. We will start and complete a small
structure during the course.

Starhawk is an author, activist, and leading voice in earth-based and
feminist spirituality movements. She is an experienced permaculture
design teacher and cofounder of Earth Activist Trainings.

Ethan Castro is an artist, natural builder, basketweaver, and teacher
with the Solar Living Institute.

Friday 21 - Monday April 25
Friday 3 PM arrive
6:30 pm Dinner
8 pm- Introductions, session
End 5 pm on Monday

$275-$350 sliding scale
for information see
http://www.starhawk.org/permaculture/natural_building.html
or email Monique at mduphily@y...

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

art studios at LaunchPad now renting

2005-03-01T10:13:52Z

art studio / workshop spaces available at LaunchPad

From February first, very secure 160-square foot studios will be available, with direct access (no parking, but unloading is fine) to a very large open shared 220-power-equipped work-yard. This art-shop work area is adjacent to a performing area, a bike shop, a sculpture garden, a vegetable garden, and 600-square foot interior shared shop & event space.

we have off-street parking for bikes (pedal and motor). We are one block from BART and are at the intersection of two major streets with bus lines. We have a very good relationshoip with the landlord, city and neighbors.

posted in LaunchPad - 1 reply

its definite - tomorrow!

2005-02-23T07:42:02Z

in salute of Hunter S, that glorious bastard who left the building this week, LaunchPad is showing Fear and Loathing (Directors cut) tomorrow night (wednesday th 22) at 7:30 pm. Theres definitely no question that we'll have the projector up and running in time, don't listen to what anybody else says. Definitely no later than 8. theres definitely no possibility that we might end up in a huge pile inside watching it on a big TV, because its definitely not going to rain and the projectors definitely going to be there. bring your suitcase.

posted in LaunchPad - 1 reply

RIP Hunter S Thompson

2005-02-21T23:41:10Z

Hunter S Thompson,
the man who started Gonzo journalism (AKA new journalism) by simply going over the edge on a deadline, and sending stream-of-consciousness truths-not-normally-told, emphasizing rather than minimizing the effect of the writer -

-and not getting fired, as he expected to be.

the man who wrote Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail about Nixon and others of that era, and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, later made into the movie you've probably seen-

The man who wrote the definitive book about Oakland's own Hells Angels - for he which he was duly stomped, as he fully expected to be (one does not tell the Angel's secrets) but as a sign of their respect and friendship, they let him live-

- checked out of this hotel Earth last night.
cause is unknown but its been speculated that he had cancer, and chose to go out with a characteristic bang, rather than a whimper.

much of modern 'zine-style indy media owes this man a debt, as do cacophonous libertines, culture-jammers and fast-talkers everywhere.

something Must be Done, and we're warming up with a screening of his Fear and Loathing. we have a copy of the Dirtector's cut. working on a projector, so we can put it on the side of our building. possibly as soon as tomorrow. i'll let you know as soon as we get it.

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

the LaunchPad wishlist - seeking donations

2005-02-18T10:21:46Z

the BURNING NEEDS:

plywood -
19 sheets) 5/8"
12 sheets) 3/4"

lumber -
2x8s - 3)16 feet, 5)12 feet
2x10 - 1)12 feet
4x8s - 3)10 feet
4x4s - 7)10 feet

also pressing:

3/4" plexiglass - up to 8 sheets
big windows three @ 4 feet x 4 feet (six would be orgasmic)
currugated plastic - clear or green, either will be helpful
16-20 heavy wheels/casters
a barn door and/or hardware for a heavy sliding door.
large mirrors (for dance classroom)

2) 20' cargo containers - free or cheap source
mig welder - free or cheap source
plasma cutter - free or cheap source
computers - bonus points for a laptop!

other helpful things:
table saw - floor model
drill press - floor model
one sheet 3/4" melamine
hinges - lots of hinges
Bicycles, parts, and tools
ceramic kiln

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

call for sculptors, peeps with mad skills in various media

2005-02-16T04:26:58Z

We're now preparing for the next stage of the ampEartheater project (coming soon, after a bit of a breather for the support crew).

There will be sculptural work and finishing touches on the central section, possibly a hybrid design utilizing mixed materials for the forward outrigger (which will be the first thing seen at LaunchPad's main entrance). (steel, stone, cob..?)

The first thing we want to do is open the creative process for the remainder of the project to others who'd like to be involved.

We'll be doing this very soon, so please let us know if you have a proposal or would like to help with the brainstorming.

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

AmpEARTHeatre!

2005-02-16T04:20:31Z

AmpEARTHeatre update
----------------------------------

Hey all, just wanted to update you regarding the AmpEARTHeatre project. For several weeks now, the AmpEARTHeatre Design Group has been meeting, preparing a proposal for the Launchpad Board. On Sunday, the Design Group made a proposal to the Board, and the Board approved the project.

The proposal is for a mini-ampitheatre seating section to be built out of earth, so that people could sit and watch concerts, plays, movies, and other shows in the Launchpad yard. The building method is called "cob", and is made from clay, sand, and straw that is mixed by foot and molded by hand (like silly putty). The foundation will be made from rock, so that ground moisture will not affect the integrity of the earth ampitheatre. There will be two rows of seating, the back row a foot higher than the front row.

There will also be an earth oven built into the back of the seating section, which can be used to bake bread... and/or warm up the seating area! Once the ampitheatre is complete, it will be coated will linseed oil, a natural product which will protect it from the elements. If the project is successful, and it is desired, additional seating areas will be constructed: a backrest for people sitting on the ground in front of the front row of seating; one or two two-row loveseats, which can shoulder bamboo benches or big-ass hammocks that drape from the main seating section.

There is a schedule for building activities:
Weekend of January 22-23 - Materials Acquisition
Weekend of January 29-30 - Workshop: Foundations of Cob
Weekend of February 5-6 - Community Work Party 1
Weekend of February 12-13 - Community Work Party 2

In the next couple of weeks, we will arrange for materials to be dropped off in the Launchpad yard. We are getting these materials for free or cheap, so we cannot always determine exactly when the materials will be delivered. So if you see someone you don't know dropping some stuff off in the Launchpad yard, don't get freaked out -- introduce yourself -- and say thanks for the stuff! At least one member of the Ampitheatre Planning Group will endeavour to be on hand for any delivery.

Cob building is INCREDIBLY labour-intensive -- and a LOT OF FUN. So we will be inviting the neighbourhood and the natural building community in the Bay Area to help out with the project. If you know anybody that would be interested in participating in the project, please get them to e-mail:
oakland@cityrepair.org

To see drawings of the proposed ampEARTHeatre, go to the website
http://oakland.cityrepair.org/ampeartheatre
To see some photos of cob building projects, go to the website
http://www.davidsheen.com/cascadiacob

I look forward to seeing you all muddy!
Love, Ashan

posted in LaunchPad - 1 reply

afterparty saturday night

2005-02-14T20:01:51Z

hi all,

we'll be having an afterparty Saturday night, early (starting right after sundown) for friends of LPad and friends of friends. we'll have a small bonfire, firedancers, a snakedancer or sword-dancer(depending on the snakes' schedule) probably some other bellydancers and musicians.

please bring:
your musical instruments, firetools, drinks if you want, firewood if you have a nice source, and your bas selves & friends..

this is tomorrow night (sorry for short notice - we planned it last-minute)

posted in LaunchPad - 3 replies

Tuvan throat-singing night

2005-02-10T21:07:57Z

on wednesday, Feb 23 at 7 pm,
people who have learned, are learning, or even are interested in learning (or accompanying) Tuvan throat-singing - or Khoomeii, as the Tuvans call it - are invited to gather, compare notes, and do our best to freak out the neighbors with our multi-overtone prowess.

if the weather's nice, we can have a fire in the fire pit outside. there are a couple of other interesting sonic environments on the grounds that we can play with, too.

instruments likely to complement some sound-gargling are welcome too (double points for traditional Tuvan or other central asian instruments!)

theres no charge.
folks are welcome to bring drinks or snacks to share.. (just be sure and wash down those chips before trying to bust out with some kargyraa.. )

please try to make it, regardless of skill level - I'd love to see who else in the bay area is wierd enough to try this stuff-
who knows, maybe we can make this a monthly thing, get some classes or workshops going..

at the
LaunchPad
3833 MLK Jr Way
Oakland CA 94609
510.654.4588

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

LPad event space

2005-02-06T06:42:38Z

our grounds have 12000 square feet of space, of which over half is available for use as outdoor event space. These grounds include: a performing/projection area with ampitheater-style seating (seats 50 + lawn), an upper stage, a sculpture garden with large climbable installation, trees & flower gardens, a fire pit, plentiful street parking w/off-street parking for bikes (both kinds).

our interior event space is 650 square feet, including a separated bar/kitchen area, and restroom access.

posted in LaunchPad - 2 replies

Needed: Lpad DIYTV station name & curator

2005-01-31T19:18:59Z

Needed: Lpad DIYTV station name & curator

I am building a second DIYTV, for the Launchpad. It should be ready by this weekend for the workshop, and in that regard, it should be invaluable. The first show that I will load onto it will be "Cascadia Cob", a slide show of cob buildings and other structures that I have documented all along the West Coast. It should give interested passers-by some ideas of what is possible with cob, and perhaps inspire them to come out and help us with the building of the ampeartheatre.

For people who do not know what a DIYTV is, you can check out images of the first DIYTV station on the website
http://oakland.cityrepair.org/diytv
or the tribe
http://diytv.tribe.net

So... we need a name for this new DIYTV station. Any ideas? I have designed the DIYTV station to reflect the character of the Launchpad, so the name of the station should reflect that. I don't want to tell you exactly what the station looks like, I'll let that be a surprise to you when I bring it by, hopefully Friday night. But let's just say that the theme is: FIRE. Fitting, no?

The first DIYTV station, at the southwest corner of the intersection of MLK and 32nd, eight blocks south of the Launchpad, is called "GT1", short for Ghost Town One People's Television. It would be really nice if I could get suggestion as soon as possible, so that I can put together the flyers that explain what the DIYTV is, and advertising the new station itself, in time for the workshop, as well.

Also, very important, we need someone who lives at the Launchpad to take on the responsibilities of DIYTV curator. I'm doing the work of assembling the whole thing, and it mostly runs on its own, but it does need some regular care and maintenance, from someone who regularly walks in and out of the Lpad and would be able to keep an eye on it -- although all Launchpadders should keep a watchful eye out for the DIYTV, especially at the beginning, while the community is adjusting to its presence.

The responsibilities of the curator include:
1) checking once a day or so to see if the slideshow is still running
2) diagnosing and fixing the problem if it is not running
3) making sure that there is an ample amount of flyers on the DIYTV
4) cleaning up junk that passers-by might leave around the DIYTV
5) educating people in the Launchpad and in the neighbourhood about the purpose of the DIYTV when you see them interested in it
6) changing the show on the DIYTV once a week, or at other frequency to be determined
7) stay in touch with the curators of the other DIYTV stations, so that you can share programming and publicity efforts
8) putting more DIYTV shows together, especially by local artists and people in the community

Regarding this last responsibility: the curator need not put the actual show together, but it is their responsibility to get the files into the right format and load them up onto the DIYTV, which means partially disassembling and then reassembling the DIYTV. And they should put the word out so that people in the community know that they can, and should put some images together, and that you'll do the rest.

Okay, to summarize, we need a name for the DIYTV station, and a curator for the DIYTV station, and the latter should live at the Launchpad. Any ideas? Any takers? Holler back! Email me at ashan@davidsheen.com or better yet, call me at 415-218-2743.
Thanks 1,000,000 =) Ashan

P.S. Here is a brief description of the DIYTV concept:
A DIYTV is a working television station that you can make all by yourself, at little or no cost. By "station", we mean stationary -- not a studio that broadcasts signals over airwaves, but rather, a kiosk that screens slideshows of still images. Every day our freedom of speech is stolen away from us by the corporations -- they monopolize all of the media in our public space! Why shouldn't we take back our communities by starting to talk to one another, by making our own media?

posted in LaunchPad - 5 replies

Monday January 31 Shop Workday

2005-01-27T19:55:07Z

What: Launchpad shop workday
When: Monday, Jan. 31 1:00 pm until late.
Why: Take the next step in developing the shop.

The Launchpad shop is undergoing its anticipated makeover. As you've probably seen, several major steps are already complete, and the shop area is rapidly progressing towards its desired state. We're having a shop workday on Monday January 31 from 1:00pm until we drop, so come by any time and stay as long as you can. Help us take the next step. A lot of the heavy lifting has already been completed, but there's still plenty to do. We'd love to see you here whether you have tons of shop skills and experience or none at all.

So come by, take part, and have your say in how the shop develops.

Michael

posted in LaunchPad - 1 reply

please help us find low-cost cargo containers!

2005-01-26T18:04:54Z

we're looking high and low for cargo containers - big 20' steel things, like the ones they have at Box Shop and Shipyard.

Please ask around - If anyone knows someone who knows someone who may have a line on a good deal for these (or a company that may be willing to sponsor a nonprofit with a donation or partial donation), please let us know.

time is running short, because these things need to be in place before the workshop this coming weekend!

posted in LaunchPad - 1 reply

LAUNCHPAD MOVIE NIGHT 1st ever! WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY!

2005-01-26T07:57:14Z

Cinematic Movements
aka Movie Night

First off, I will appologize for not getting things in gear for movie night this week, I have been moving in the remainder of the things I have too many of and dealing with getting my room in order.

I have a vast selection and I can promise that movie nights will always be quite a cinematic event.

MOVIE NIGHT JANUARY 26, 2005 8:00 pm
THE MOVIE: DAVID LYNCH'S BLUE VELVET

bring popcorn, movie goodies, yourself and a friend if youd like.

movie/philosophical discussion/herbal tea session in an inviting room of the house shortly after the flick.

any questions just email me at the address below, there is a good chance i will log back on to check it before wednesday.

VCC
Visual Cinemagraphic Curator
Joni Lynn Mcfarlin
alpha23_5@hotmail.com

posted in LaunchPad - 1 reply

New to town - time for an introduction....

2005-01-25T23:56:20Z

Hello folks, my name is Matt, and I just moved up to Oakland this past week. I've been swapping a few emails with John about the Launchpad, and been lurking on this discussion board for a while, and figured I should post an intro of sorts.

I'm not trying to do a "personals" ad - it's more to connect with some new folks, and share/explore resources. I'm definately looking to get involved with Launchpad, and potentitally interested in a room/space s well, so figured this is a way to do the quick rundown about me. Anyways....

I moved to San Diego from Seattle about 2 years ago. I'm 25, male politically progressive/radical (and active), vegan (though not millitant), an occasional social drinker, and a non-smoker. I'm generally not super excited about dominant culture and lifestyles - but I also don't like the frequent elitism/alienation/animosity that many sub-cultures take towards the mainstream.

I loosely identify as an anarchist/anti-authoritarian and am politically active in various environmental and social justice issues, with most of my work these days doing an AK Press sort of book distribution/education project I'm caucasian and male-identified, and am actively anti-racist, feminist, and queer-positive (and often identify as queer, having been in an serious open relationship for the past 5 years).

I've been involved with many collaborative/collective projects over the years, ranging from performance spaces/venues to political organizations and more - and I've lived in collective/communal activist/artist/punk housing my whole life. I really pride myself on being a good communicator, responsible, accountable, drama-free, and big on conflict resolution. I've also got some background in non-profit administartion and fundraising, as well as working as a community organizer/educator, specifically with youth.

I primarily "work" (both my employment and passion) as a freelance audio engineer, touring/travelling a litte bit , but also meaning I don't do the 9-5 thing. I used to have my own small audio company, now I mostly freelance, but still have a fair amount of sound equipment (and expertise) that is potentially avaiable for community uses and projects. I'm also a drummer and guitar player, mostly rooted in the punk realm, but I listen to everything from folk to industrial, especially if it's got a socially concious slant to it.

I'm also pretty good with my hands - while I don't have a ton of construction know-how, I've got tools, energy, and desire to get dirty with house projects and learn more about everything from plumbing to framing to solar and more. I've got a fair amount of experience in audio/performance-related construction - things like basic rigging, soundproofing, electrical, and stage-building.

I'm pretty outdoors-oriented, I love to play soccer, ride my bike (around town and in the dirt), and also rock climb. I'm also a mean (mean as in nice) scrabble player, and can play a decent hand of poker too. I'm pretty eco-concious, and while I don't have a green thumb, I wouldn't mind developing that side of myself either.

This next year I'm exploring expanding my existing book distrubtion project into a potental collaborative retail space as well as an online store - focusing on progressive/radical books and merchandise. So, I'm looking for other like-minded artists, activists, and entrepreneurs that might be interested in working on something together.

So anyway, Hello to all. I'll hopefully be stopping by the Launchpad soon and meeting a few of you. And of course, I look forward to seeing how I can plug in to the project....

-Matt
losinghand@riseup.net

posted in LaunchPad - 1 reply

LaunchPad bike shop/library

2005-01-24T08:28:21Z

we're proud to announce a new partnership with some old friends. In today's council meeting, we invited Ayala and James, of Ashby Community Garden fame, who've inherited the orphan core of the old Bat-Cave's bike/bike-tool collection, to work with Dave and the rest of the LPad crew to form LaunchPad's long dreamed-of bike library & bike shop in a new home in one of the first cargo containers, to be brought in this week!

James & Ayala are a natural fit with LPad, having helped us to get our community garden started, a few months back.

Looks like LaunchPad's second educational offering will be in bike-building/maintenance.

I know I'm going to be teaching tall-bike-building sometime soon!

posted in LaunchPad - 1 reply

pAInt ParTy

2005-01-18T07:34:39Z

time for our second paint party. we'll be goin' off this coming friday evening, the 21st. we have lots of paint & brushes & stuff, but more are always welcome. We'll be taking a break to have a bonfire and other fire-related activities, and welcome musical instruments!

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

What is LaunchPad?

2005-01-18T07:26:54Z

...

posted in LaunchPad - 14 replies

garden day sunday

2005-01-14T08:54:23Z

(reposted from the LPad list)

garden work party at the launchpad garden (still gestating) on sunday jan 16th starting at 2:00.

we'll be finishing the building of the boxes, filling
em up with dirt and planting? maybe we will chose a name for the garden and paint a sign for the neighborhood to see.
see you then
nora

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

HI!!!! I'm new!

2005-01-14T01:53:07Z

My name is Erin, I am new to this tribe and wanted to introduce myself. Also I wanted to ask what everyone else is doing here, or what event/function/part of launchpad has been their favorite. I am on the path to moving my life to Berkeley and thought this community might be a good place to start. Here's a little about me...

I am alot of things, an artist, a writer, a singer, a student (forever!!!), an educator, gardener, cyclist, a damn good friend, a massage therapist, one who loves to sew, a craftster, and music lover.

I am highly productive, but I also love my down time. I am very open minded and willing to try most anything (more than once, so I can at least get the hang of it), I am also a very giving person and like to surround myself with others who like to share (and I'm talking about ideas, dreams, advice, and more...).

This is all just a surface description I guess, if anyone is more interested in hearing about some of the stuff I do let me know.

Thanks for reading, and hope to meet some of you on Sunday at the garden!

-Erin

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

LaunchPad website - call for suggestions

2005-01-08T08:53:59Z

we are now planning a real website of our own, that will have a place for board members to post a little blurb or resume. also for artists who've contributed. maybe also for different groups that use our space for organizing or whatnot.

what other things would you like to see on a LPad website?

posted in LaunchPad - 1 reply

positions still open

2005-01-08T08:16:35Z

LPad council has about 10 members now. several projects are still without a permanent bottom-liner though.

curator
computer lab steward (first task is to seek equipment donations!)
finance mgr
grantwriter
mini-ampitheater project
acquisitions coordinator
info/PR

posted in LaunchPad - 3 replies

events (parties) at LaunchPad?

2005-01-04T23:05:33Z

I was pointed over here by Organizer J to get more info on possible events (specifically a 40th birthday party hosted by a friend and I in March). So....who wants to fill me in on the details?

thanks!

posted in LaunchPad - 2 replies

intergalactic bored of realtors

2005-01-04T03:11:17Z

excerpt from ET 101

The members of the Intergalactic Board of Realtors specialize in the reacquisition of all planetary realty for future development as spacefront property. As the Board takes over, many of the current landlords will be evicted. This takeover does not imply that the Third World is about to invade your countries and occupy your shopping malls. It means that survival is over. The old world’s systems are in collapse. Those who wish to continue in those systems will be graciously asked to leave, because their motivator, fear, is being relocated to another planet where its subdivisions are still welcome.

The Intergalactic Board of Realtors has already placed this planet on an Interdimensional Multiple Listing for recolonization by the Forces of Light. The Board is present on this plane to see that this planet’s personal property frenzy comes to its natural end and that the illusion of planetary ownership is replaced by the legacy of planetary stewardship. That is the birthright that was intended. That is the heritage that will result in true equality and abundance an this precious planet.

Light is the rightful inheritor of the Earth. Our realtors are here to assure that the terms of the contract are drawn up properly as the deed is transferred to its legitimate heir.

posted in LaunchPad - 1 reply

call for sculptors

2005-01-02T08:18:22Z

We have a large space designated for our sculpture garden.

there is currently one large sculpture out there (18 oranges, pictured in this tribes photo pages. not quite completed, but it'll get there).

Theres still a lot of space. short term or long term is OK. Sculpture Garden is visible from one of the heavier travelled streets in Oakland, and will be seen by all who come to LaunchPad for events.

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

call for muralists

2005-01-02T08:12:40Z

this is one of those things I've been neglecting, as "acting curator" (still wearing too many hats).

we have about two metric tons of wallspace -indoor and outdoor- thats *crying* for murals.

we can't pay for the work, but we have a lot of free paint and we're happy to display your work for free! its even possible that you could have panels up temorarily, and claim them for re-use in a year or so.

Our emphasis is on local artists (this neighborhood, Oakland) but we're not closed to others.

Diversity is a goal. Political or nonpolitical, serious or whimsical, young or older artists, street-style or art-school.

bring it.

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

locks/locksmith help

2005-01-01T04:06:54Z

LaunchPad is beginning to feel some growing pains. As we expand our services and become more and more open and public, we are going to need some better security solutions.

We really need locks that are more flexible, that can be changed fairly frequently. Thing is, a lot of people are going to need access, and if we change keys often, that means a lot of money and hassle getting new keys to people all the time. so we really need something better. the other parameter is, being a collective of starving atists and activists, we don't have a lot of cash to drop on it. So a high-tech programmable magnetic doo-hicky is out of the question, unless somebody's got an uncle who's got a soft spot for artists (or maybe somebody knows a fence that specializes in stolen locks and alarm systems..?)

do you have creative solutions, or know somebody that might?

we've already had one theft - an inside job - so please let us know as soon as you can!

thanx in advance,
jvol

posted in LaunchPad - 1 reply

my possible contribution

2005-01-01T04:05:22Z

Well, my Halloween project is over and I'm excited to explore some possibilities with Launchpad. I've really love what I've been hearing thus far.

My interest lies with art and kids mainly. A dream I've been having for about the past year is to have an after-school/summer art program for kids in West Oakland. Specifically, I would like to create projects for kids centered around weekly demonstrations by local artists. I feel fortunate to have found a supportive web of artist's collectives. And, I want to share my artist friends with my community and especially with inner city kids who may not have art or music programs at their schools. The way I see it the possibilities are endless. I would also be interested in hosting art classes for adults with developmental disabilities.

Just fyi: My personal art consists of costume design and performance art. And, I would love to share a performance at any upcoming Launchpad events.

I've got lots of spare time at the moment and I'd love to help Launchpad in any way that I can. I'd especially love to hear any feedback on my previously stated idea. I'm located in West Oakland so it would be easy for me to stop by anytime to chat about things. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone.

Thanks!

Rebecca

posted in LaunchPad - 5 replies

garden update:

2005-01-01T03:50:20Z

I 've closed the deal for a style-y antique trailer (wait till you see the hubcaps!;). we can pick it up this weekend

five different varieties of seeds we planted last week have sprouted - some are over an inch high!

todays garden day was called on account of rain, but we'll be going again next weekend!

posted in LaunchPad - 3 replies

Mini-Ampitheater project

2005-01-01T03:39:13Z

>are there pics of the area dedicated for the mini amphitheater? is it fixed or mobile? indoors?

its outdoors, so we can project movies on the side of the building, and also watch fireshows, music, aerial shows...

I just uploaded a photo that shows most of the area from one angle. (currently main photo) Its plannind to occupy the space toward the left side between the sculpture in the foreground and the building, starting at about the (first floor) window, facing the building.
another photo is labeled 'sculpture garden' i think on page 3 of the photos. the project would appear on the right side of that photo.

cob (similar to adobe) can't really be moved because its heavy, but it will be easily removable, to conform with lease specifications.

posted in LaunchPad - 1 reply

nonprofit vs LLC

2004-12-31T20:00:17Z

we've been planning (on a back-burner) to go for 501-3(c) since the beginning.

Now its been suggested that LLC has all the same advantages plus some better stuff.

Also, its been said that we better get to it. that we should have this completed before we begin classes n stuff, and I agree.

anybody have input on any of this?

posted in LaunchPad - 3 replies

LaunchPad Goals

2004-12-29T07:33:42Z

these are the generalized goals, or reasons for Lpad's existence. maybe this is a step ij deriving a mission statement from the What is Lpad thread.

they are prioritized

Each of the activitys' purpose is, in part, to support activities that are higher in priority. Lower priority activies will not be done at the expense of higher priorities.

1) To be a showcase accessible by the mainstream - A model that will demonstrate that a sustainable alt culture lifestyle does not represent a step down from the standard of living that the mainstream still associates with the bad habits of the 20th century, but rather a step up.

2) To provide a place for the "twin fires" - artists and political/social activists - to meet and merge, forge alliances. To that end, LPad will act as a center for networking among neighborhood spaces and the broader community.

3) To provide classes and events that benefit the neighborhood & the greater community.

4) To provide support for both arts and activism - ie space to do or plan their thing.

5) To create sustainable (eco-friendly) lioving space.

6) To provide some cheap housing for some of LaunchPad's membership.

7) To provide space for entertainment, art shows, fun parties.

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

the Plan (feedback welcome)

2004-12-23T04:15:31Z

a summary of the decisions that have been made so far:

1) We'll keep the name LaunchPad, even though some of the nature of the beast is changing.

2) We'll continue to use LPad credits - our own local underground economy. more about that in its own thread.

3) Lpad will have a Director. Hopefully soon we'll have an assistant director, maybe eventually a co-director, but until somebody else is willing to take as much responsibility and make as big of a commitment as I have, I'm it.

4) Lpad will have a board or council that meets to decide most policy and approve big projects, conducted by the director (chairman?). Project facilitators (crew chiefs? dept heads?) have the right to cast their vote on the board.

5) positions/tasks: there are 18 job descriptions so far. listed on next post

posted in LaunchPad - 6 replies

living space open

2004-12-23T04:03:27Z

our space combines the best features of warehouse space and residential.
lots of space and facilities for projects. working bathrooms and kitchens. some really cool common areas, we've been experimenting..
bedrooms are also mostly a bit beyond the usual four walls, each one different. you kinda have to see them.

email me at fyrist@yahoo.com for dets.

posted in LaunchPad - 4 replies

Bay Area Women's Wrestling Class

2004-12-22T19:05:50Z

Here's the deal...My partner and I started this BJJ Academy about a year ago. For me it was a really, really important thing that I felt I needed to do. In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the art I study, women are generally treated like second class citizens...and even the men are subjected to fairly constant physical and mental abuse so regularly it's not even considered abnormal. I always knew that it didnt HAVE to be that way, but until last year I really didnt know how I was going to get decent training if I wasn't willing to put up with the mysoginistic crap.

After having to deal with some ugliness that I wont go into...I scraped all the money I had together, and asked my boyfreind (a brownbelt at the time - a blackbelt now) if he would be willing to leave the Gracies and open an Academy with me instead. The Academy wouldn't be focused on taking really tough assholes and making them even tougher and meaner...it would be focused on teaching regular people how to live in the world without fear of physical intimidation.

I believe that everyone, regardless of age, gender, or physical aptitude, should be able to experience 'joyous aggression'. Every predatory mammal on the planet, cats, raccoons, bears, otters - they all wrestle with each other. Human beings also are naturally inclined to wrestle, but now this is usually only considered to be appropriate play for children to engage in...as adults our physical boundaries are such that that kind of close contact is only considered appropriate with those whom we have intimate relationships with. And that's really sad.

We have lost the ability to just allow ourselves to PLAY. The only times we allow ourselves to just enjoy being embodied is when we're eating, getting a massage, or having sex. We go to the gym because we HATE our body....not because we love it! That's why it's so hard to force yourself to go! Wrestling is the most intense physical workout there is, but because you're having so much fun and because you're so focused in the moment, you don't realize how hard your body is working until you collapse on the mat panting, laughing and drenched in sweat. While sports, dancing, and other martial arts forms can also all be considered physical play none give you the same experience of primal joy that wrestling does. None encourage you to to be stronger, more aggressive, more ferocious, more assertive, more fearless than you ever thought possible. For example: imagine wrestling a man who outweighs you by over 100 pounds, with him giving 100% in his attempt to get you to submit...and getting HIM to tap out instead. It takes a little while, but you CAN get there. And when you do it completely changes your feminine experience of being in the world. It changes HIS experience and understanding of the feminine as well.

And the very best thing is that in wrestling and BJJ, unlike other martial arts, the point of doing all of this is NOT to hurt your opponent! The object of a match is CONTROL....which why you can spar as hard as you want to, and still not be afraid. Injuring another wrestler is the same as loosing a match because what that means is that you lost control of both your body and your opponent's body as well. Because of this, so many things that we women have come to associate with the negative; aggression-competition-weight-close physical contact-sweat-gravity; are seen through a completely different mental filter. A 'fight' is no longer a 'FIGHT'...it's a game.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is generally considered to be the most effective/practical martial art there is (as the Ultimate Fighting Championships attest to) as if you know how to control an attacker on the ground you're pretty much guaranteed to have the upper hand in most fight type scenarios. That said, I don't call my classes 'women's self defense' because that presupposes that the woman is the 'victim' in any given scenario.

WHEN YOU CAN INTELLIGENTLY ASSESS A POTENTIALLY VIOLENT SITUATION FROM A POSITION OF POWER AND KNOWLEDGE YOU STOP BEING A 'VICTIM'. 'ATTACKERS' NO LONGER EXIST IN YOUR WORLD...ONLY 'OPPONENTS'.

Okay...I went off on a rant there...but what I wanted to say initially is that I WANT MORE WOMEN AT MY ACADEMY DARN IT!!!

And so...I'm proposing a WOMEN ONLY introductory submission wrestling workshop to take place on the afternoon of Saturday, January 8th at 3pm.

My goal isn't to make money with this, but to just get more women to come in and check out the school and possibly train with us on a regular basis. I'll probably ask for a $10 donation or something like that, but nothing major. If there's enough interest I'll be able to start up a regular women's grappling class which could meet a couple times a week at either our Oakland or El Cerrito Academy. And THAT is what I really am hoping to achieve!

Annnnyhoo-if anyone here is interested in checking out the workshop, or know of someone who might be-HELP ME GET THIS UP AND ROLLING WILL YA!?!?!? Pleeeeze? I've taught little mini-women's workshop type things over at UC Berkeley in the past, and the girls there has SO MUCH FUN that once I convinced them to start, getting everyone to STOP wrestling was even more difficult! I've won the US Open in BJJ twice, taken first at the Arnold Classic in both BJJ and Submission Wrestling, and beaten the World BJJ Champion in my weight division FOUR times (I couldn't get to Brazil and actually compete IN the World Championship tournament, which is why I can't claim the title); so what I'm getting at is that I AM qualified to teach and I do know my stuff when it comes to rolling around and getting sweaty ;-). Once again....this class is NOT about competing; it's about playing/having fun, getting a GREAT workout, and learning to not fear physical aggression...be it your own or someone else's.

To get more information, write me at: vonmott@hotmail.com

THANK YOU!!! :-)

Cyclops Queen

posted in LaunchPad - 1 reply

Artist acknowledgements

2004-12-17T13:32:46Z

some of the artists who have donated or loaned some of their work to LaunchPad:

Shan Masuda
Javaughn Fernanders
Marcus Guyton & a buncha other neighborhood kids (I didn't catch all th names)
Tansy Brooks
Ian Baker
Morley John
Andrea Drugay - http://www.spacekitten.com
Sarah Shourd
Joni McFarlin

posted in LaunchPad - 2 replies

new photos

2004-12-13T04:07:29Z

Well, I missed the painting party, but eventually I got to see the results (and now you can too)!

posted in LaunchPad - 0 replies

Heirarchy in community spaces

2004-12-09T04:34:21Z

I've been accused of instituting a heirarchical system at LaunchPad.

fair enough.

Our present sytem of decision-making is that people who've made a 3-month commitment to do a specific job at LPad get a vote on the LPad board, which operates primarily by consensus. people who are involved with LPad (volunteering or teaching or renting live or work or event-space in its building) but haven't made as much of a contribution and commitment don't get a vote. true, this is a kind of heirarchy - a very flat, voluntary, labor-based heirarchy - the minimum that I felt would function after the original nonheirarchical nonstructure didn't work. But yes, it is a kind of heirarchy. (more detail on thread 'the Plan')

However, my critics want to replace this skills/commitment-based heirarchy with a system in which only people who rent living space from LPad get a vote -even if they've only been living here for a week and have done nothing to advance any LPad projects - and those people who've been deeply involved for months and committed to bottom-lining a job will be left out. In plainer words, they want an aristocracy of rent-payers - a money-based heirarchy - to replace the existing voluntary/merit-based heirarchy. no exceptions given for people who couldn't afford to live here, or couldn't break a lease, or whatever.

I believe that the existing system is far more fair and far less heirarchical than the one thats been proposed to replace it. What do you think?

In the spirit of brainstorming, I'm asking for opinions..

posted in LaunchPad - 1 reply

beautiful donations

2004-11-17T23:01:25Z

Andrea Drugay has donated two really cool art tables, painted in Dia De los Muertos-style (and valued at over 400$) to the LaunchPad space. Thank you very much Spacegirl! (her tribe name).

more of her work, including some for sale, can be seen at http://www.spacekitten.com

posted in LaunchPad - 1 reply

movie nights

2004-11-16T02:50:08Z

we want to do movie nights-

local filmmakers, topics relevant to our projects, stuff somebody wants the group to see..

when we've got the equipment, we'll do projections on the side of the building.

any movie suggestions?

posted in LaunchPad - 3 replies