Various naughty bits and tasty morsels

Top Ten Reasons to Go Veggie During World Vegetarian Week

Jenn — Tue, 20 May 2008 18:20:43 GMT

from Yahoo News: Gone are the days when vegetarians were served up a plate of iceberg lettuce and a dull-as-dishwater baked potato. With the growing variety of vegetarian faux-meats like bacon and sausages and an ever-expanding variety of vegetarian cookbooks and restaurants, vegetarianism has taken the world by storm. With World Vegetarian Week beginning today, here, without further ado, are the Top 10 reasons to give vegetarian eating a try, starting now! 1. Helping Animals Also Helps the Global Poor While there is ample and justified moral indignation about the diversion of 100 million tons of grain for biofuels, more than seven times as much (760 million tons) is fed to farmed animals so that people can eat meat. Is the diversion of crops to our cars a moral issue? Yes, but it's about one-eighth the issue that meat-eating is. Care about global poverty? Try vegetarianism. 2. Eating Meat Supports Cruelty to Animals The green pastures and idyllic barnyard scenes of years past are now distant memories. On today's factory farms, animals are crammed by the thousands into filthy windowless sheds, wire cages, gestation crates, and other confinement systems. These animals will never raise families, root in the soil, build nests, or do anything else that is natural and important to them. They won't even get to feel the warmth of the sun on their backs or breathe fresh air until the day they are loaded onto trucks bound for slaughter. 3. Eating Meat Is Bad for the Environment A recent United Nations report entitled Livestock's Long Shadow concludes that eating meat is "one of the ... most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems, at every scale from local to global." In just one example, eating meat causes almost 40 percent more greenhouse-gas emissions than all the cars, trucks, and planes in the world combined. The report concludes that the meat industry "should be a major policy focus when dealing with problems of land degradation, climate change and air pollution, water shortage and water pollution, and loss of biodiversity." 4. Avoid Bird Flu The World Health Organization says that if the avian flu virus mutates, it could be caught simply by eating undercooked chicken flesh or eggs, eating food prepared on the same cutting board as infected meat or eggs, or even touching eggshells contaminated with the disease. Other problems with factory farming -- from foot-and-mouth to SARS -- can be avoided with a general shift to a vegetarian diet. 5. If You Wouldn't Eat a Dog, You Shouldn't Eat a Chicken Several recent studies have shown that chickens are bright animals who are able to solve complex problems, demonstrate self-control, and worry about the future. Chickens are smarter than cats and dogs and even do some things that have not yet been seen in mammals other than primates. Dr. Chris Evans, who studies animal behavior and communication at Macquarie University in Australia, says, "As a trick at conferences, I sometimes list these attributes, without mentioning chickens and people think I'm talking about monkeys." 6. Heart Disease: Our Number One Killer Healthy vegetarian diets support a lifetime of good health and provide protection against numerous diseases, including the United States' three biggest killers: heart disease, cancer, and strokes. Drs. Dean Ornish and Caldwell Esselstyn -- two doctors with 100 percent success in preventing and reversing heart disease -- have used a vegan diet to accomplish it, as chronicled most recently in Dr. Esselstyn's Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, which documents his 100 percent success rate for unclogging people's arteries and reversing heart disease. 7. Cancer: Our Number Two Killer Dr. T. Colin Campbell is one of the world's foremost epidemiological scientists and the director of what The New York Times called "the most comprehensive large study ever undertaken of the relationship between diet and the risk of developing disease." Dr. Campbell's best-selling book, The China Study, is a must-read for anyone who is concerned about cancer. To summarize it, Dr. Campbell states, "No chemical carcinogen is nearly so important in causing human cancer as animal protein." 8. Fitting Into That Itty-Bitty Bikini Vegetarianism is also the ultimate weight-loss diet, since vegetarians are one-third as likely to be obese as meat-eaters are, and vegans are about one-tenth as likely to be obese. Of course, there are overweight vegans, just as there are skinny meat-eaters. But on average, vegans are 10 to 20 percent lighter than meat-eaters. A vegetarian diet is the only diet that has passed peer review and taken weight off and kept it off. 9. Global Peace Leo Tolstoy claimed that "vegetarianism is the taproot of humanitarianism." His point? For people who wish to sow the seeds of peace, we should be eating as peaceful a diet as possible. Eating meat supports killing animals, for no reason other than humans' acquired taste for animals' flesh. Great humanitarians from Leo Tolstoy and Mahatma Gandhi to Thich Nhat Hanh have argued that a vegetarian diet is the only diet for people who want to make the world a kinder place. 10. The Joy of Veggies As the growing range of vegetarian cookbooks and restaurants shows, vegetarian foods rock. People report that when they adopt a vegetarian diet, their range of foods explodes from a center-of-the-plate meat item to a range of grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables that they didn't even know existed. Sir Paul McCartney sums it all up, "If anyone wants to save the planet, all they have to do is just stop eating meat. That's the single most important thing you could do. It's staggering when you think about it. Vegetarianism takes care of so many things in one shot: ecology, famine, cruelty." So are you ready to give it a try? Check out VegCooking.com for recipes and meal plans and to take the World Vegetarian Week 7-Day Pledge.

Phoenix Projekt presents: LANTERN FESTIVAL May 10

Jenn — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:33:03 GMT

Come on out for our biggest and dopest event yet! ~The Phoenix Projekt Presents~ LANTERN FESTIVAL Saturday May 10 9pm til 4am partial proceeds to benefit Burners Without Borders www.burnerswithoutborders.org BreakBeat Buddha (http://www.myspace.com/breakbeatbuddha) Oscure (www.myspace.com/oscure) Jonny Cota (www.skingraftsdesigns.com) Nick.the.Neck (www.pocketunderground.com) Kodama Taiko (www.kodamataiko.com) DJ Psychotropic DJ MOOP fire and theatrical performance by The Phoenix Projekt (www.phoenixprojekt.net) with special appearance by Volcano Flux and international spin jam courtesy of Fire Groove Desert Rose Hookah Lounge Green Truck Organic Catering Illuminated Art Massage Parlour & more 21 and over $25 door $20 presale cash only bar fully permitted location shuttle available from 1st and Central for more information and presales: www.phoenixprojekt.net

Phoenix Projekt presents The Silk Road Cabaret- a new monthly event

Jenn — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 01:51:04 GMT

.:The Phoenix Projekt:. .presents. an intimate monthly gathering .:THE SILK ROAD CABARET:. fire theatre, bazaar & hookah lounge Saturday, March 22nd 7:00pm – 10:00pm show begins at 8:00pm hosted by Enchanted Deva’s & Desert Rose Lounge 5050 Vineland Ave. North Hollywood, CA Dub, glitch & breaks by DJ PSYCHOTROPIC Fire, martial arts, & dance by THE PHOENIX PROJEKT Unique beverages and tasty treats all ages $15 cover www.phoenixprojekt.net please arrive early to find street parking ... .

Some thoughts about trash

Jenn — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 19:39:15 GMT

Remember Chris Jordan's photos at Burning Man/ Check them out! http://www.chrisjordan.com/ AND- From http://booknoise.net/garbageland/whattodo.html Is It Hopeless? Heck No! The problems with garbage are so huge that it is easy to be overwhelmed, but you needn't be. In general, try to think about what kind of trash something will become before you buy it: will it be toxic in a landfill or an incinerator, or will it soon become obsolete? Can the object be repaired, reused, or recycled? Can you rent or borrow it from someone else? When you're done with this product, can you pass it along to someone else instead of shunting it to the curb? One of the most shocking things I learned while reseaching my book, and the most important thing for all of us to remember, is that for every barrel of waste you send to the landfill, there are 71 barrels' worth of waste generated by the industrial processes that transform raw materials into finished goods. When you avoid buying new goods, you help avoid all that other waste upstream. Here are 10 practical things you can do to reduce your garbage footprint and help slow the garbage juggernaut: * Support recycling industries—and lower the demand for virgin materials—by buying goods with recycled content. If no one buys the recycled stuff, we're not closing the loop. * Avoid disposables and individually wrapped single servings. Buy in bulk, or buy the largest size possible. * If at all possible, compost your food and yard waste. * To stop junk mail, visit Ecocycle and heed their advice. * Bring dead cell phones and rechargeable batteries to an office supply store that accepts drop-offs. To find a store near you, go to www.earth911.org and type in your zip code. * Donate working computers to nonprofits (try www.cristina.org); to find a responsible e-waste recycler (one that pledges not to landfill, burn or export hazardous components), visit www.ban.org/pledge/Locations.html. If there isn't a responsible recycler nearby, you could ship your equipment to an approved e-cycler. If that's too expensive (it ain't cheap), hang onto your equipment until a local recycler signs BAN's pledge. Then contact your equipment's manufacturer and ask the company to take responsibility for its products at end-of-life. For more on this topic, visit computertakeback.com. * In your workplace or school, launch an environmental purchasing program for cleaning products, paper, computers, paint, and renewable energy. See www.newdream.org/procure/products/ComputerPrinciples.pdf for inspiration and guidance. * If your landfill is publicly owned, urge your city council to ban yard waste and recyclables from the dump. * Urge local and federal governments to support producer take-backs. Here's the deal: if producers had to take financial responsibility for their products' end of life, they'd have an incentive to design goods that are more durable, that are easily recycled, that contain fewer hazardous materials, and come wrapped in reusable packaging. Manufacturers will continue to externalize the social and environmental costs of the goods they're pumping out until government and consumers force them to take responsibility for their waste (as in Europe, where manufacturers are required to recycle computers, cars, and packaging). * Don't lose heart. Consumers wield enormous power. We have persuaded food corporations to add organics to their product lines; pushed sales of recycled paper at Office Depot up 65 percent over the last three years; convinced some publishers (but not mine, yet) to print books on recycled paper; and persuaded Dell to take back and responsibly recycle its used computers and Apple its iPods. Individuals can make a difference by pressuring lawmakers to adopt and support sustainable initiatives. Add your voice to this growing community by joining New American Dream.

Next time you cut your hair...

Jenn — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:44:02 GMT

My sister Michelle just cut her hair off and donated it to a place called Locks of Love that hand-makes free wigs for underprivileged kids with cancer. So if that hair gets long again and you're sick of it… don't leave it on the salon floor! Tell your long-haired friends about this. I wonder if mine will ever be long enough or healthy enough to donate… experience says no. www.locksoflove.org Jenn

The Phoenix Projekt presents Year of the Rat

Jenn — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 01:10:33 GMT

Hey everyone, My fire troupe, The Phoenix Projekt, is throwing a Chinese New Year gathering with a complete fire show and a body-quaking DJ. I've even invented a few new drinks for the occasion. .:The Phoenix Projekt:. .presents. an intimate gathering to celebrate the .:YEAR OF THE RAT:. Saturday, February 9th 7:30p-10:30p Enchanted Deva's 5050 Vineland Ave. North Hollywood, CA Dub, glitch & breaks by DJ Psychotropic Fire, martial arts & dance by The Phoenix Projekt Unique beverages concocted for your New Year's pleasure $10 cover www.phoenixprojekt.net

Pollworkers need in LA County

Jenn — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 19:26:20 GMT

I heard on the radio that they still need 300 more pollworkers for the Feb. 5 primary election. If you need some extra cash or feel as strongly about our voting rights as I do, please sign up! I just applied because I'm curious to see how it works, and because I feel strongly about democracy, and I'm sick of idiots always running the polling places. Anyway, it's 6am-9pm, long hours, but you're helping your country! POLLWORKER PAY Clerks receive $105.00 stpend. - This includes training class bonus - Inspectors receive up to $175.00 stipend. - This includes training bonus & pick-up of election supplies - If you're interested… http://www.lavote.net/VOTER/POLLWORKER/Default.cfm https://lavote.net/SECURED/POLLWORKER/Default.cfm?AppType=General_Public

Help CA farm animals receive more humane treatment!

Jenn — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 21:03:52 GMT

www.humanecalifornia.org Did you know that on many California farms, pigs during pregnancy are confined in metal cages called gestation crates and are unable even to turn around for months on end? Young calves are also kept purposely confined in veal crates so small they are barely able to move for nearly their entire lives. And egg-laying hens are often kept in tiny battery cages, unable even to spread their wings. Californians for Humane Farms—sponsored by The Humane Society of the United States, Farm Sanctuary and other animal protection groups, family farmers, veterinarians and public health professionals—has launched a groundbreaking ballot initiative campaign to place the California Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act on the November 2008 ballot. We need to collect enough signatures to get this on the ballot! Once it is on the ballot, we need to spread the word, so it will pass. Due to animal welfare concerns, the entire European Union has already banned veal crates and is phasing out gestation crates and barren battery cages. By getting the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act on the November 2008 ballot, and winning the majority of the public's votes, 20 million animals each year will be relieved of the most excruciating suffering known to factory farmed animals -- veal crates, battery cages, and gestation crates. These are the most cruel and inhumane forms of extreme confinement, and they will be banned when this law is passed (although producers are given a 6 year phase-out period). Gestation crates for pigs have already been banned in Florida, Arizona, and Oregon. Arizona has banned veal crates as well. Once these barbaric practices are banned in California, the banning of battery cages in particular, this will set a national precedent which is bound to lead to even greater victories for the animals. If you are interested in helping to gather signatures, or helping in other ways, please sign up at: www.humanecalifornia.org/ You can also learn more about the bill, and see photos of the types of cages this bill would ban. Please spread the word!

my new favorite thing for cooking

Jenn — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 18:46:40 GMT

Is my cast iron skillet. I’ve actually had it for a while… I bought it because I’m prone to anemia, and when you cook foods in the pan, they absorb a little bit of the iron. Well, at the behest of my new awesome cookbook (Veganomicon!), and the fact that I’ve been feeling a little weak lately, I started using it regularly. This is the original non-stick pan! I swear, it really does function like a nonstick after you’ve used it for a while. http://whatscookingamerica.net/Information/CastIronPans.htm Teflon is very nasty stuff, and I have been reading lately about how bad non-stick pans are for you (which I have been using for years and use all the time). http://tuberose.com/Teflon.html It’s scary. I want to decrease the nasty chemical load in my body, and I certainly don’t want to continue to poison my family! Here’s the article that started all this for me: http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/science/10/22/body.burden/ I was worried about the fat content when I use my other (not nonstick) pans all the time, but… cast iron skillet to the rescue. Really. I browned some sausage last night with no additional oil. I tried this in one of my other pans the other day, and everything stuck… it was disastrous (veggie sausage obviously has very little fat). But not so in the skillet. You have to season them and care for them a little differently, but it’s really no big deal. I now use mine every day. Plus, they’re cheap- they cost like $20 (less at a thrift store or garage sale) and you can pass it on to your grandkids. I also have a cast-iron grill pan, which I have used before for good results with asparagus, veggie patties, etc. I just had to share with the cooks in my life, because it is a great alternative to icky chemicals released by your nonstick pans. While we’re at it… plastic water bottles are really bad for you- both the flimsy disposable kind (so terrible for the environment too) and the polycarbonate reusable ones (these may be even worse). This is even scarier- http://www.ecowise.com/information.php?info_id=21 and http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/1102earthtalk1102.html Bisphenol A is a chemical that can leach from these containers, and most evilly can cause reproductive problems in your grandchildren. Insane. I just bought stainless steel water bottles for the adults and all the kids in my family for Christmas. They’re a little pricey- $15-$25… but they will last for the rest of your life, and you and your kids won’t be ingesting hormone-altering chemicals. http://www.reusablebags.com/store/reusable-bottles-c-19.html?osCsid=4267d1770e730c310534f2f0e791bf6f They even have a steel sippy-cup (most kids cups contain some Bisphenol A). Or you could do as my sister Michelle suggested for the adults- just buy a drink in a glass bottle (Sobe, etc.) and save the bottle. For $2 you have a non-leaching water bottle, and you’re helping the environment by not using a bunch of plastic bottles. You can save all your spaghetti jars and use those to store food in your fridge (we’re starting to do that). Now I am just hunting for a solution to freezing leftovers in plastic containers (something I do all the time lately). Freezing the containers releases some chemicals, the way that heat does. I was rather alarmed when I found all this out, and just had to share.

Vegan living

Jenn — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 17:01:59 GMT

That's it, I'm going vegan. I've been vegetarian for 12 years, and it's just time to get off the dairy and eggs. Eggs gross me out anyway, and my body doesn't like dairy. Plus, I was reading some articles about the mistreatment of chicken and dairy cows... did you know that veal calves come from dairy farms? There aren't good standards in place to track "cage free" and such, so you can't be sure you're not contributing to cruelty. Anyway, I am transitioning, and not totally hardcore yet, but I feel it happening. I already don't use animal products other than some foods. I'm kind of excited about it. Ethical eating is good for the soul... and vegan cooking is good for the palate too! I recently discovered Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World. God help me and my ass.

The Compact Rules

Jenn — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 15:56:37 GMT

From the yahoo group: The Compact has several aims (more or less prioritized below): * To go beyond recycling in trying to counteract the negative global environmental and socioeconomic impacts of disposable consumer culture and to support local businesses, farms, etc. -- a step that, we hope, inherits the revolutionary impulse of the Mayflower Compact. * To reduce clutter and waste in our homes (as in trash Compact-er). * To simplify our lives (as in Calm-pact) We've agreed to follow two principles (see exceptions etc. on our blog). #1 Don't buy new products of any kind (from stores, web sites, etc.) #2 Borrow, barter, or buy used. I've also recently learned about Freeganism. Check it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freeganism

Buy nothing!

Jenn — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 16:21:40 GMT

Check this out- these folks have decided to not buy anything for one year. Well, it’s not entirely true- they can buy food (preferably from local sources), and can buy things they need if they find them used. The idea is that you’re not creating the amount of waste that the usual American does- all the resources that go into creating your new clothes, new car, overly-packaged food, etc. If you buy something used, you’re not contributing to waste the way you do when you buy something new. Not to mention all the money you would save! The http://www.moneyunder30.com/buy-nothing-year-could-you-do-it the blog: http://sfcompact.blogspot.com/ The LA yahoogroup: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lacompact/ the original yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thecompact/ This idea came up last night at this little party I went to. Also, the idea of creating a tighter community that uses barter and trade to distribute the things we need instead of always consuming new goods. We all talked about the extra stuff we have, whether it’s oranges from a fruit tree, or a closet full of unworn clothes, that we could distribute to one another if we started thinking in those terms a little more, and created a structure and way of living that supported it. How very Burning Man- it’s all about gifting, sharing and nurturing community. I’m considering starting a blog or website expand this project… I’m fired up! I love it. I think I’ll start with doing this for one month, then see how it goes. As the article points out, you should make your own rules to some extent so you can stick with it. So I’m thinking my rules for new stuff are this: I can buy th following things, while trying to cut down as much as possible: -needed cat supplies -supplies for doc projects (tapes, rental gear, etc.) -fuel for fire performing and supplies to repair tools -toiletries and cleaning products (environmentally friendly, and in bulk whenever possible) -tattoos -a limited amount of entertainment- Netflix, concerts, new music (downloaded instead of CDs to save resources), performances… and sometimes getting dinner and/or a movie -I still get to travel, and buy the necessary things that go with that (although cutting it down to the minimum) -I can also buy gas, but really want to cut down the amount of gas used by walking, riding my bike, carpooling and taking public transport. Hm… that list seems long, but it has a lot of specifics. I think it still keeps the philosophy intact, as I am buying mostly experiences, instead of stuff, or things that directly relate to what I do (doc making, fire spinning, cat rescue). Anyway, I’m excited about all this stuff. Burning Man inspired me in many ways this year, and I’m ready to take the plunge into a lifestyle that more closely jives with my philosophies and goals. Anyway, just had to share and put the feelers out for like-minded folks.

Workshops & other fun at Pandemonium

Jenn — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 02:16:23 GMT

Hey ya'll, Our camp is hosting a series of workshops over the course of the week. Drop by and join us! In addition, we will be open various nights (Tue, Thurs., Sat & more) with booty-quakin music, tasty sangria & wine and occasional bizarro performance art. Pandemonium by Synaesthesia 3:00 and Coral Reef TUESDAY 4:00-5:30P Head/neck/face massage workshop Learn some basic techniques to give an awesome 30 minute head massage. One half of the class will massage the other half, then we’ll switch. Bring a partner or you can make a new friend at the workshop. Bring a towel, clipped nails, and the cleanest hands & face you can manage. 9:30p to whenever- Pandemonium Opening Night! Step into Pan’s Enchanted Forest, where statues learn to move, intoxicating elixir flows freely, and spellbinding music urges you to dance with wild abandon. Bring a goblet to taste the wine and elixir, and a body that’s ready to move. Powered by the sun and wind, Pan’s followers channel an arousing mixture of breaks, glitch, electro and house, and the magical beats awaken statues to become priestesses and priests. Among the nymphs, satyrs and faeries, Pan himself sometimes makes an appearance. WEDNESDAY 4:00-5:30p Kung fu sabre seminar (taught by Anna Maltese of Phoenix Projekt) Come learn the art of kung fu sabre (broadsword) in this fun and exciting seminar designed for all levels. Meet other martial artists to share experiences and insights. Fire performers are especially welcome, as the shape and movements of sabre are excellent for fire. Sabres will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own if you have one. Limit 25 people. THURSDAY 4:00-5:30p Beginning poi (taught by Jenn & Danna of Phoenix Projekt with Rob & Heather of Cresote Rising) Always wanted to learn to spin poi? Now’s your chance! Learn basic skills, plus techniques for expanding those basic moves into a routine. You’ll have 4 teachers at your disposal! This is not a fire class, but a workshop to ignite your poi addiction. Bring practice poi if you can (borrow some from a campmate!). A few sets of poi will be available to borrow during class. 9:00-9:30p The Phoenix Projekt Fire Performance This martial arts based fire troupe from Los Angeles burns it up with ass-kicking kung fu, hypnotically unique dance, and a sense of humor… and as much fire as your playafied mind can handle! 9:30-whenever Booty-shakin DJs FRIDAY 4:00-5:30p Poi skills exchange Wanna learn some new poi moves? So do we! Bring your poi and your skills and let’s do a little trading. Intermediate and advanced spinners especially welcome. SATURDAY 4:00-5:30p Staff/double staff skills exchange Wanna learn some new staff or double staff moves? So do we! Bring your staves and your skills and let’s do a little trading. Intermediate and advanced spinners especially welcome. After the Burn to Whenever general madness, with alcohol!

Home sweet home

Jenn — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 05:28:17 GMT

This year, Camp Synaesthesia has revamped and we're doing a downright fabulous theme camp, with appropriately glorious placement! Pandemonium by Synaesthesia 3:00 and Coral Reef (on the plaza!) Step into Pan’s Enchanted Forest, where statues learn to move, intoxicating elixir flows freely, and spellbinding music urges you to dance with wild abandon. Bring a goblet to taste the wine and elixir, and a body that’s ready to move. Powered by the sun and the wind, Pan’s followers channel an arousing mixture of breaks, glitch, electro and house, and the magical beats awaken statues to become priestesses and priests. Among the nymphs, satyrs and faeries, Pan himself sometimes makes an appearance. We will have workshops throughout the week (check the Playa guide or our sign out front) and DJs and sangria on various nights. Come and visit us!

Anyone NOT going to BM?

Jenn — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 01:18:38 GMT

Is there anyone not going to Burning Man who lives on the west side? I need someone to take care of my cats and water my plants while we're gone. You would need to come by every day, feed the kitties, give them lots of attention, scoop the litter boxes and water the outside plants just twice while we're gone. I have 7 cats, so it will take a little bit of time to give that much love! I live near Rose & Lincoln. If you're just going later (like mid-week or something) I could possibly hire you for a half week. We're leaving on Friday, 8/24, so you'd need to come Sat. 8/25 thru Mon 9/3. I will pay you, of course. Let me know ifyou or someone you trust is interested! Thanks!

Phoenix Projekt presents The Silk Road Cabaret and Night Bazaar

Jenn — Mon, 28 May 2007 16:45:52 GMT

...she pressed on. Kalaratri was upon her, but it was no matter. The fire in her soul burned bright. If Typhon had indeed swallowed the Sun, then it was this flame that reflected off the full Moon tonight. It was this flame that would guide her across the endless sands of Sahara... of Gobi... of Time. Indeed, it was this flame that danced across the Road of Silk, Legend, and Wonder... ... Phoenix Projekt Presents: ~THE SILK ROAD CABARET~ Dinner Theatre & Night Bazaar One Night Only June 8th, 2007 ... LIVE ON STAGE: Phoenix Projekt (phoenixprojekt.net) Kodama Taiko (kodamataiko.com) The Department of Mental Technology (dmtlabs.com) DJ Psychotropic Thomas Wood Ray Ray VEGAN CUISINE: Food Not Bombs (foodnotbombs.net) IN THE MARKETPLACE: PsychoSoaps TrickConcepts (trickconcepts.com) Phoenix Projekt Boutique (phoenixprojekt.net) Michael Spiezialy Black Light Paintings Joan Maltese Pashimas & More ... @ Venice United Methodist Church 1020 Victoria Ave Venice CA 90291 Tickets: $25 Limited Capacity Doors open: 745p Dinner served: 815p Show begins: 845p A portion of the proceeds will benefit Food Not Bombs. For more info, updates & presales: phoenixprojekt.net

feel the vibe...

Jenn — Mon, 21 May 2007 04:44:02 GMT

I just had to share- I have had the most amazing past couple of days! I should preface this by saying that Lightning in a Bottle was such the rush of inspiration and creativity that I have been needing. Saturday night ranks as one of the best nights of my life. I discovered the Glitch Mob, for one thing... was totally inspired by all the decor to kick it into high gear for our growing BM project, met tons of cool folks, and had a lovely weekend with the love of my life. I am still high from it and have already started working on a new glitchy, pop-lock, bellydance fire piece. On Saturday, I went to a beer-tasting party. I am not a beer drinker, and I don't generally like it. By the end of the night, I was tasting with the best of them and actually enjoying myself. I found an appreciation for something new. Awesome. Oh, and after I sobered up, I got to spin fire. Then I went to an audition, (got to spin fire again) where all the artists took turns performing , and we could all watch each other. It was so inspiring to watch all these beautiful and incredibly talented fire performers. I have a lot of work to do- but I'm happy about it! These people blow my mind and tickle my fancy. Only slept for 3 hours, but aside from a little difficulty getting my ass out of bed, I have felt fine all day. Had a doc shoot for my project I am working on (my first independent project that's all mine!) at a high-volume Spay/Neuter event for feral cats. The shoot went incredibly well, and I met some truly fantastic people. I met a few big shots and several activists who will be great interviews- but are very inspiring for the work they accomplish to help animals and raise the overall compassion level of those around them. It was downright fabulous. Usually I am tired at the end of a shoot where I am standing for 8 or more hours. Today, I was just energized! Then I topped the weekend off by adopting out one of my foster kittens! I have a litter of 3 foster kittens (so cute they'll melt your heart!), and I've only had them for 3-4 weeks. Now that they're all healthy and big enough to spay or neuter, I posted them on the website, and a woman contacted me a day later. She visited today and decided to adopt little Laptop. She will be a great home, and I am so excited to be getting the babies adopted so quickly! The best thing is that tomorrow, I get to work on the planning for my trip to Africa in 3 weeks, practice for a big Phoenix Projekt show (details coming soon) and go to rehearsal for a bhangra dance piece (my new favorite thing!). Time for sleep now, but I am on a high from all the greatness of this weekend. Goddamn, my life fucking rules.

Learn how to help stop the genocide in Darfur!

Jenn — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:28:05 GMT

Combat the ongoing genocide in Sudan! http://www.ladarfurobservance.org/index.html May 20th, 2007 4:00 Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio R. Villaraigosa, American Jewish Committee, First AME Church, Jewish World Watch and partners invite you to come to First AME Church on May 20th and take action! First AME Church 2270 South Harvard Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018

Just a reminder...

Jenn — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 00:07:41 GMT

DJ Psychotropic, Glycerin, Pete Tong at Giant March 24

Jenn — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 19:44:41 GMT

DJ Psychotropic at Giant March 24

Jenn — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 23:11:05 GMT

DJ Psychotropic (sometimes known to fellow conspirators as my husband, Michael Biswas) will be spinning at Club Giant on Saturday, March 24. He is spinning in the 2nd room from 1-4am. Pete Tong is in the main room, and our friends Glycerin will be opening for him. Please come out and show your support for Mike! He’ll thank you by shakin your booty with some tasty breaks. Email me back if you think you may be able to go. You will be put on a list for $15 entry before 11pm (as opposed to the usual rate of $25). You will also show Giant that you are there specifically to see Psychotropic, and you want him back for future shows! Bring lots of friends. For those who have not been to Giant … they are notorious for making folks wait in line, so you should arrive early to get to the front by 11pm. Doors open at 9:30p. DJ Psychotropic Glycerin Pete Tong Saturday March 24, 2007 Club Giant At Vanguard 6021 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, CA East of Vine between Gower and Bronson http://www.vanguardla.com/vanguard.php? Dj Psychotropic’s brand-spankin-new (and still under construction) myspace page- add yourself as a friend! http://www.myspace.com/djpsychotropic http://www.glycerinmusic.com/ http://www.giantclub.com/

Two doggies need a home now or they will go to the pound! :(

Jenn — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 01:57:16 GMT

My sister and her family are moving, and they now have no place to keep their dogs. So they are looking for a new home for them. Ideally, they could go together (they love to play with each other), but they can be separated if necessary. They get along well with other dogs and with kids. I do not know about cats. Pictures are attached. Dakota is a 2 year old mutt. She was found as a puppy, and had been attacked by other dogs. She is well now, and is a sweet, pretty mellow lady. She is well-behaved, hardly barks, and is very docile and smart. She obeys when you ask to quiet down and I would keep her if I could! Lady is a 5 year old Spaniel mix, and was adopted from the pound to be a friend for Dakota. She is an energetic and loving dog, who likes to ride in the car. She recently had an ear infection, and was very good about getting her meds- she did not run away or struggle at all. She does bark at night when she is outside- but not if she is inside. With a little training, she'll be perfect! They are in Palmdale right now, but if you are interested, I can arrange to bring them down to LA for a visit. They are about to go to the pound, since the rescue that was going to take them decided they cannot. Please help if possible! Jenn

Heh

Jenn — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 04:57:03 GMT

Stupid and hilarious all at once

See this movie immediately

Jenn — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 21:20:32 GMT

The Future of Food I was unsure about the whole genetically modified food thing. HOw could it be bad? What is the big problem? In 2 hours I went from "so what?" to anti-GMO (genetically modified organism) food crusader. www.thefutureoffood.com Also- support your local organic farmers! It tastes better, I swear, and you and your kids won't be ingesting pesticides. Find one near you: http://www.farmernet.com/events/cfms How to avoid eating GMOs: http://www.saynotogmos.org/shop.pdf

Help bring the Pylon to life for BM 2006!

Jenn — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 19:50:34 GMT

Hello friends and conspirators, Mike and I are once again bringing our pylon art project out to the Playa for all to enjoy. However, it will be prettier and more complex this year, and we’d like your help to make it super awesome. Here’s a description for those not familiar with it: A pylon stands alone on the vast open desert playa. You enter its dark interior to discover a strangely shaped pedestal placed in the center. The multi-colored crystals that dot its face sparkle and twinkle with erratic light. As you touch the crystals, you realize you can easily pull them from their slots and rearrange them in various configurations. Once all the crystals are in a new order, you suddenly hear a bizarre sound- as though the fabric of space-time is ripping. You then begin to hear sounds from the past and present… or possibly from the future. You realize this pylon is a recorder of human history and experience, and a documentation of human enlightenment. As you are listening to the speeches, poetry, music and odd sounds from the speakers, you notice a notebook attached to the pedestal. The explorers who preceded you have recorded their discoveries, sketching out the configurations necessary to hear specific records. You begin to record your own findings, a gift to those who will follow… You get the general idea. This will be out on the open playa and will be listed on the map. We’re still coming up with a name and re-designing the actual pylon, but right now what we need are more MP3s! We ended up finding a few hundred last year, but we can fit many, many, many more. Since we only have 2 ½ months to fill out the selection, I am soliciting help. If you’d like to participate, please email me or give me a CD of any MP3s you find appropriate. They should be of the highest sound quality possible. If you don’t know how to rip MP3s from CDs, you can send me the CD file, and I can rip it. The length can be anywhere from 20 seconds to 1 hour or so. However, shorter MP3s are best because people tend to skip to the short ones. my email: jennifer@netcaffeine.com We are looking for things that generally catch your attention and make you want to hear more. This is also designed to be very tripper-friendly, so in general, the stranger the better. However, that does tend to limit the choice of dark or disturbing material somewhat. There is some in there- there are discussions of war & slavery, poems about addiction, etc. But I would be disinclined to include the sound of someone being beaten, or very angry and negative songs and poetry, etc. Our selections have tended to fall into a few basic categories (although feel free to think outside those categories). 1- religious – chanting, religious singing, meditations, lectures on Buddhist thought, etc. 2- historical – speeches or talks of historical significance that can also stand on their own- MLK speech, etc. 3- random oddities and sounds – whale songs, various animal noises, yodeling, etc. 4- trippy – one of our favorite categories – Tim Leary guided trip sessions, Terence McKenna lectures, etc. 5- intellectual – lectures & discussions that require a little more brain power – Richard Feynman explaining physics, etc. 6- music – the music is carefully selected, and there is not a lot in there. We tend to include either ethnic music and trippy stuff (Shpongle, etc.). This category is probably the most heavily edited, as we only want some choice selections in here. 7- Movies/culture – quotes from movies, interviews from documentaries, stand-up comedy, etc. In general, the main criterion is that your piece should stand on its own as much as possible without background. People should be able to experience the recording and walk away having learned something new or experienced something unique. I tend to pick something for the project if my general reaction would include the terms: weird, beautiful, hilarious, fascinating, amazing, “I never knew that” or “what the hell?”. Examples of MP3s already in the project (in addition to those above): Lectures by Alan Watts, Grant Morrison, Terence McKenna, Joseph Campbell, etc. Alan Ginsberg’s poem “Howl” Gregorian Chanting Tuvan throat singing Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood theme song Clips from the film “Waking Life” Readings from “A People’s History of the United States” Tim Leary’s “Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out” “Ave Maria” Clip of Vonnegut reading a story form “Breakfast of Champions” Songs by Younger Brother Sufi singing Lion roaring MLK’s “I have a dream” speech Old radio shows about alien invasions You get the picture. Please send me more! And tell your friends! Even if what you were thinking of is already listed above, please send it. I would love to include more of this stuff. Thank you! Jenn