Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005's topics - tribe.net

Solstinox '06?

2006-02-08T20:57:05Z

Any need or interest in throwing down another hoedown?

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 5 replies

This tribe needs a new moderator...

2006-02-04T16:24:12Z

I'm in LA and uninvolved with any Solstinoxious activities. Anyone up there want to be the moderator?

Al

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 2 replies

Solstinox Lost and Found (at last)

2005-08-20T00:00:38Z

Hey folks, I have a couple of tubs of material, extension cords, fashion accessories, clothing, etc. that were left behind after the event. I'll be bringing them to the beach burn this weekend, so if you lost something, and don't plan to attend the burn, could you post (or msg me) any items you are in need of, and I'll set them aside for you? Or have a friend pick them up at the beach for you if possible.

Thanks!

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 1 reply

I wanted to say thank you... to all of you.

2005-07-05T02:57:18Z

To everyone I know and love,

It has been 6 1/2 months since I was diagnosed with cancer, and the time has now come for me to sit and write a letter to all of you. A letter of Love, Gratitude, and some information about how I am doing now.

For some, this letter may have come sooner than they had expected, and for others, a little late.

But for me, the time is now. Not a minute sooner, not a moment later. To those of you that were wondering, thank you for your concern and infinite patience!

I never thought that my existence here would be terribly important to anyone, I feel so blessed and comforted to have you all in my life. We are all so blessed. What an amazing gift we have been given. Each Other.

I have learned so much in such a short period of time, and am still VERY MUCH "in school", that it seems impossible to tell you everything, but I will try to tell you the things that have been important and life affirming for me in the last several months, and give you an update as to what is happening with me now.

The first thing that I have learned is that if nothing else, a life threatening disease like cancer will get you fucking present, in your body, in the moment, right here right NOW like NOTHING else that I have experienced in this lifetime. Truly amazing. It allowed me to go inward, which is something that I was never very prolific at. Those that know me well, know that I am usually an "outward" kind of guy. It's the performer in me, and one of the millions of masks that I wear to keep myself separate from myself and my usefulness to others. Those that know me REALLY well, know that this kind of contemplation was WAY over due. So that's exactly what I did. I went "inside" as much as I have been able to. I separated myself in order to have a LONG OVERDUE conversation with myself. (We are still talking, by the by. The conversation is getting interesting).

I moved to Atherton shortly before my treatment started, as an Angel just happened to fall into my lap. She is a friend of a friend. A cancer survivor herself. She handed me the keys to her amazingly beautiful home and said, "Here. HEAL!", and then she went to France to live.

I went through my radiation treatment at Stanford every day for almost two months, and at the same time was at Valley Medical Center once a week for chemo. For those of you that want the gory details, yes...it was fairly painful and ugly, but it is amazing how resilient the human spirit is. I was scared first, sick later, and glad it is over now. That's it in a nutshell. The last several months have been about healing. The radiation to my throat was pretty damaging, and has taken a while to recover just normal functions like swallowing, saliva function, taste, etc. It is a VERY slow recovery process, but is getting better everyday. I was on a diet for months of "Ensure", and am now eating some solid food everyday! (MAN the shit I took for granted!). I had my feeding tube removed about 2 months ago and am eating everything by mouth now.

I have lost a LOT of weight. Over 75 pounds, but hey, as Larry told me... "You WERE kind of chubby Curtis, you needed to lose it!" Ahhhhhh.... more blessings.

Now? Well... I am starting to get out and about everyday and it feels really good. I have been "showing up". Fuck! I missed you guys!

How is the Cancer? Gone. GONE.

For now I get tested every few weeks, and hopefully it stays away. I will keep you posted. Call me cured if you want. Call me in "remission". I don't care. Just do me a favor, please? If someone asks you how I am doing? Tell them that the cancer is gone. GONE. And tell them that the power of love did it. Wanna see some magic? You just did. Wanna see a miracle? There it is. Did you see it? I did. Fucking brilliant. And I am grateful beyond measure.

To my Dad, thanks for telling me you were proud of me. You always were, and told me so all the time, but before I couldn't hear it. I was too angry. I wanted things to look differently. They do now. I love you, and NO I will NOT play cribbage with you! :)

To my Mom, NOBODY else is allowed to rub my back while I am throwing up except you. (Sorry everyone?!?!) I loved sitting and painting pictures with you while I couldn't talk. Could we PLEASE do that again sometime? Soon? I would love that.

To Andi, thank you for seeing me. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being afraid for me. Thank you for holding me while I cried. Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for pushing me harder and harder to stop complaining and get on with it. Thank you for listening to me for endless hours of brutal insane drama nonsense. Thank you for wanting to make love with me when I felt like the ugliest man in the entire world. But most of all, thank you for being my partner through what hopefully is an experience that we will only have had once in this lifetime. A sacred moment, if you will. Thank you, Andi for showing up when I needed you most. I will always love you.

To my brother Glen. Oh boy Oh boy oh boy. We did it this time. Connected even more than we ever have. I have more fondness and genuine care for you than I could have imagined one could have for another. Thank you brother for EVERYTHING!

To Heidi Hi Hi Hi. Thank you for the energy energy energy energy energy energy energy energy. You never had to do a thing for me to see you, and your integrity, and your brilliance. I have adored you since the day we met. Thank you from the bottom of my SOUL for doing everything in your power to make sure I was taken care of. Thank you for Solstinox. Watch closely, Heidi... this one isn't finished being written yet....

To Mary... Thanks for working hard at keeping this friendship... it's been worth it, huh??? The best is yet to come...

HEY KARIE..... I love you! Thanks for being worried, for keeping your eye on the road, and being there for me when I was REALLY sick....now get over here and PICK UP YOUR FUCKING LOTIONS! :)

To Marian... I have searched my whole life for a friend like you. One who doesn't need a thing from the other. The ease in which we have done this dance together is a testament to true loving presence between strangers. WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG? (meow)

To all of you who helped Heidi put on Solstinox.... And to those of you who CAME to Solstinox....., what the FUCK you guys????? That was AMAZING!!! Can we do that EVERY year for someone else each time? Count ME in! It helped me so much in so many ways! Took the heat off financially, helped me to remain strong. But lets face it people, it wasn't about "Curtis". Because you and I both know that as long as we can use our creative energy to benefit something in need, anything, we serve ourselves, and the world around us greatly, in the most profound ways. I am grateful for what you all did for me. Beyond words. But I must say, that if my cancer gave us a reason and permission to start and CONTINUE to serve something OTHER than ourselves? Then it was ALL worth it. I love you guys. Thanks!

To ALL of Burning Silicon, when I moved out here last year, I didn't really know why I had come. I arrived with a loud voice. Some of you embraced me, others felt a bit put off. But when I got scared, you circled the wagons around me, told me I was safe, and showed me the way home. Thank you forever for teaching me about community and family. YAY! Thanks you guys. I love you all.

To my best friend Arthur. Where do I begin. You have been my best friend since we were kids, and I feel like we are just getting started. So much to do, so little time. NOBODY knows me like you, Artie. Sometimes that is an awfully vulnerable place for me to be with you, sometimes I don't like it, but I know you hold it with love. Thank you for helping me along my journey. Thank you for crying your own tears for my terror and fear. Thank you for reaching out to the world for some help and compassion for me, and, inevitably NOT just for me, but for us all. I am HONORED to be called your best friend. You and I made a pact when we were 16 to meet at a pre-described destination when we were 50. I have every intention of being there. I will NOT let you down. I love you Arthur. So much.

And last, but CERTAINLY the most important people of all... To all of those who have called themselves so lovingly, "Friends of Curtis", I want to tell you what happened to me when you were building that tribe... The doctors had given me pretty bad news, and I was not sure that I wanted to, nor had the strength to do all the things they wanted me to do to save my life. Radical neck dissection. Neck muscle removal. Radiation to the throat and mouth. Chemical injection into my blood. All with a strong possibility of dying anyway. I asked the doctors what would happen if I did nothing at all, and they told me I would be dead within 1-2 years. So, I started to look at ALL my options, including suicide. You see, I have never been afraid of dying. But I do NOT want to be sick, in bed, fighting for no reason. So, I went onto the internet, and typed in the search box "painless suicide methods". I came upon a site called the "Church of Euthanasia". I was frightened, alone, and very confused. They listed every form of suicide you can imagine, with the pros and cons. Everything from jumping off of a bridge to 20lb nitrous tanks (my personal fav). Simultaneously, I was getting e-mail after e-mail after e-mail from people I had not ever met before, sending love, hands of friendship, LOTS OF MONEY for my treatment and recovery, concern, love, more love... this amazing well of life force. Juicy, slobbery, fucking sexy ass LOVE! I decided INSTANTLY that I was going to have surgery and treatment, and, everyone who knows me well will tell you that I never talked of my "demise" again. You showed me how to feel like I was really worth something.

You saved my life.

I love you all so deeply for that, that I still cry when I think of what that felt like. My hope is that we will all continue to spread that kind of love around to each other ALL the time, for ANY reason, no matter WHO we are. For me, it's NOT "about the art, stupid". It's about the connection between us. The reflection. The mirror. The love.

The art, the party, the party etc... are just vehicles to get us to find each other, and ourselves. Thank you for teaching me this very valuable lesson. I am honored to be connected in this way to you all.

As far as singing goes... I cannot sing so well these days, but I am trying. My voice will surely be different. That's ok. I am different now too.

As a gift to you all, a song that I wrote as a right of passage some years ago. Put it to whatever music plays in your head, and if you see me on the playa, ask me. I would love to try to sing it for you. :)

DYING FLAME

Here we all sit. Here we remember.
Thinking of times that have come and gone.
And if we can choose to live in the moment,
The memories will fade like the dusk and the dawn.

I came to this place, with some trepidation.
The newness brought fear, in spite of each face.
You held out your arms, and wrapped me inside them.
Your warmth and your love cannot be replaced.

And if we all sing, and raise up our voices,
And try to see clearly the choices remained.
*Todah Adonai, who blows on the embers...
Blow life in this dying flame.

Hugs and Kisses,

Curtis

*(the God that IS us)

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 1 reply

visit curtis today :)

2005-03-13T21:00:40Z

we are thinking of heading down and hanging out with curtis and perhaps taking a tub in that pretty pretty back yard.

anyone else have a few hours to kill today?

after calling curtis in a few minutes to confirm we may head right down ... anyone else game for an impromptu gathering?

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 2 replies

Part-time job oppty in Bay Area: $15/hr

2005-03-13T03:32:46Z

Hi Solstinoxers, my friend (and boss) Athena Demos is hiring a few people to represent/sell the energy drink ZipFizz in the bay area. We've only got a few guys up there and a lot of Costcos to visit.

Zipfizz has 30 times the electrolytes of a serving of Gatorade, has no sugar or artificial colors/flavors, has 25 vitamins and minerals including the full B complex and 2500 mcg of B12, as well as 500 mg of vitamin C, and typically provides a 4-6 hour energy cycle for one serving. It is quite the perfect playa drink, and happens to be perfect for a "vitamin" supplement when you're feeling warm and fuzzy at a playa party, and is an excellent hangover remedy. Marathon runners, body builders, truck drivers, nurses, teachers, dock workers, construction workers and bartenders are among the kinds of people who SWEAR by Zipfizz. Many forswear coffee and Red Bull forever.

Basically what you do is:

1. Use Zipfizz in your daily life to find out for yourself how cool and effective it is for HEALTHY energy when you need it

2. Go to Costco on weekends, set up a little table, and talk to people about it, share info about nutritional value and personal accounts of how you and people you know use it,

3. Give out lots of samples,

4. Have all the free Zipfizz to keep you going at all those late night breakbeat parties, and when you have to work the next day. You will have enough to supply your friends too, at parties.

You work about 17 hours on a typical weekend, and it's all independent-contracter work. You need to be great with people, portray a healthy lifestyle/look and be energetic, easy to talk to, and able to work with a minimum of supervision.

Hiring IMMEDIATELY. Call Athena Demos at (310) 245-4147.

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 0 replies

amazing!

2005-03-09T06:01:44Z

Hi Coalition!

Solstinox was amazing. What started out as an inquiry of "What can I do to help Curtis" became something much bigger and grander than I had ever conceived. For the short time I was involved and useful to the cause, you guys shined. Things really got going when Heidi picked up the ball and ran with it, and you all dazzled. Anyway, since I took myself out of leadership in this event I feel kinda weird thanking you, since it really was Heidi's baby from that point on and she has done a more-than-adequate job in the Gratitude Dept... but know that I'm grateful that you were all so willing to say YES, to play, to help out our man Curtis, and create something that was really, really special. And thank you for supporting Heidi.

Hasta la playa, or at least until I am able to make it up there to NorCal.

Once Curtis is better, then he can plan the next Solstinox. Right, Curtis?

Mousetrap

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 8 replies

Who's going to BORG2?

2005-03-02T18:26:33Z

http://sanfrancisco.tribe.net/event/f4f3d66a-dd8d-4aea-b556-f732ae91acb8?tribeid=03d7f73f-bbb7-45f7-a60b-519c228a3b64&nextpage=http%3A%2F%2Fsanfrancisco.tribe.net%2Ftribe%2F03d7f73f-bbb7-45f7-a60b-519c228a3b64%3Fr%3D10535&r=10535

if you are going, and can do some simple promotion (handing out flyers, telling people what we are creating...) please contact me ASAP so i can get you flyers by saturday night...

thank you!

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 12 replies

Ropelights......needed!

2005-03-01T21:57:33Z

Elecktra needs your Bling Bling baby!
for the solstinox.com party!!!!
if you have ropelights we can borrow.....tribe me!!
ELECKTRA

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 2 replies

Auction stuff-reposted from google list

2005-02-06T19:30:49Z

Hey, I have put up an inventory of auction/raffle donations at:

http://www.ploop.net/solstinox/donations/

It looks a little thin. I am delighted to be working on the
auction/raffle, but I am not as hooked into this community as any of you are, and feel like I just can't rally folks (though I did get a few tentative ok's on donations at RealGirl's house).

If something isn't on this list, I don't know about it (or only vaguely
know about it). I want to coordinate logistics, making sure we have
enough tables, signage, a little auction flyer/booklet ... so if you
are planning to donate anything, or if you know anyone who is planning
to donate anything, please please have them contact me (kris@ploop.net)
so I can facilitate this.

So if you or friends were planning to show up at the door with cool
things to sell, that's fab, but it would be even better if you could
hook them up with me first so I can get the details. OK?? Help!! Help!!
Make something, ask someone to make something ... 'k?

Kristine

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 0 replies

Quick&Dirty webpage up and running!

2005-02-04T16:53:33Z

Don't you fucking LOVE the internet and ancient versions of photoshop?

http://www.alpolito.net/Solstinox1.html

Let me know if it needs any updates or if we need to put it on any other sites...

Al

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 3 replies

Thoughts on Promotion

2005-02-03T23:13:57Z

I've been asked by a coupla folks if I can take the lead on promotion. Unfortunately I just don't have the bandwidth to take on any other extracurricular projects.

But, sheesh, is it really necessary to have one? If everyone involved with the party promotes in their own way, it'd probably be more effective than one person leading it anyway.

WHAT WE NEED:

- SIMPLE FLYER (b&w or print on whatever color paper---small enough to fit 4 to an 8.5 x 11" paper). Everyone can download, copy and bring to wherever they go. It'd just need the basic info/web address and maybe a small decorative design.

- EMAIL-ABLE PARTY ANNOUNCEMENT that everyone can distribute to their various lists (and no worries about repeats---some repeat is good, especially from different folks, since that generates buzz). Obviously, if we won't repeat to the point that it's annoying.

- TRIBE POSTINGS (version of above)

- TRIBE EVENT INVITE (individuals can modify the above)--the more people who get invites from different folks, the better (see above comment on "buzz").

That's about it...I don't think we need anything else. More stuff is good, but we don't want to spend $ on advertising.

Whaddayathink?

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 14 replies

flyer?

2005-01-28T23:42:56Z

I'm never much for the uber-designed, expensive flyers (they CAN be really nice though), but...

There's a Borg2 Fundraiser coming up on Feb 5th and we should definitely have a flyer of some flavor to invite folks from there (and other parties we go to before March).

Have you already got this covered?

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 6 replies

New name

2005-01-28T17:37:25Z

Is it Solstinox or Burning Solstinox? Did I spell it right?

MT

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 0 replies

Online meeting?

2005-01-26T20:15:47Z

I read something about an online meeting that could/would/might have already occured. Maybe it's time for another one? Should we organize a Yahoo chat? I have access to an IRC server we can use, too. Small and private enough to be a good place. Or whatever. :)

Let me know.

Kristine, new to the cause but enthusiastic. Have you heard about the Love Quilt for Curtis? PM me for details. :)

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 0 replies

MUST READ: reposted from Googlegroup

2005-01-26T06:39:30Z

Please respond, preferably via Google but here if necessary. Thanks!!! LOVE YOU,

Mousetrap..
_______________________________________
CONNECTIONS

We have 5 weeks to throw the party of the year. We can do it, and it's going to be amazing!

A statement about What Is and What Shall Be.... Please respond to this email acknowledging that you have read it and include any thoughts or feedback... Thanks!

I would like to organize a conference call or group Yahoo IM Conference for Wednesday or Thursday night. Please indicate your availability in your response to this post.

I know this is a long email, but this is the mothership we must all plug into and it's super important that we're all aligned and ready to do our part. Whereas I've spelled much of this out, I'm still very open to new and better ways of doing things. Many of you have signed up to help out; we may very well need ALL OF YOU.

_______________________________________________

CONNECTIONS is the Bay Area’s mid-year Playa Underground party... A solstice-like celebration marking the midpoint between the sunset of Black Rock City 2004 and the sunrise of Black Rock City 2005. In CONNECTIONS, we remember 2004 with a smile and anticipate 2005 with a thrill -- AND we look inward.

These are “interesting times,” with the earth claiming many due to natural disasters, as well as hardships and tragedy striking our own community, and now bold voices speaking their truth about what Black Rock City can and should be as an expression of the Playa community. CONNECTIONS is an expression of a community’s goodness and connectedness -- door proceeds will be split between BRAF (25%), BORG2 (25%) and the Friends of Curtis Foundation (50%), which has been established to help one of our own, Curtis Coleman, in his fight against a deadly throat cancer that threatens his life and his livelihood as a singer for thousands of schoolchildren across America.

CONNECTIONS, to take place at SOMArts in San Francisco on March 5, will feature the Bay Area’s favorite break-beat DJs until 4 a.m., a bar until 2 a.m., a down-tempo “chill” environment where people can relax and feel the love, a silent auction area, and FUNdraising activities that will allow people to CONNECT and benefit Curtis. Rather than catering to one specific style of burner or collective, CONNECTIONS will reflect the diversity of the Burning Man community.

As Curtis recorded a CD of his favorite songs just prior to undergoing neck surgery for his cancer, the first part of the evening (8 p.m. - 10 p.m.) will be dedicated to celebrating the release of his CD, which is fittingly titled, “For My Friends.”

* * * * *

THE SPACE:

So far, we have the main room and the lobby area. The main room is quite large, and features a stage which alone is as big as a sizeable room. The stage area has a curtain that divides it into two spaces. One side could include the DJ booth and a dance area. Raised go-go platforms would be very cool to put in the dancefloor area as well. The other side of the curtain could be a separate environment with the same music (speakers in both rooms?)... perhaps a fundraising area a bit more private, featuring the Erotic Ice Bar, perhaps other dungeonlike and/or massagelike stuff for fundraising, a few sofas, etc., and some dance space. Breakbeats would be the main sound there. If a second room is available, it could feature house/progressive house or something like that. The lobby, which has nice sound separation from the main room, can be a chill area with sofas/futons/etc. and a down-tempo exotic hookah bar setting with modern world music and some bellydancing, where dollars collected by the dancers will go to FoC.

SOMArts won’t be altogether recognizable. The effect created will be that of “Burning Man’s Best.” Combined with the music, the love vibe -- the vibe that “This event matters such that people would create something so great” -- will be very evident. Lighting and visuals will be above par, and the chill area will be very inviting and relaxing. The outdoor patio will be inviting... a relaxing place for fresh air and nice chat.

THE EXPERIENCE:

Our mission for our guests/participants is that each person feels like they made a special CONNECTION that night.. to a stranger, to their friends, to Burning Man, to themselves. All other tasks must be organized around this principle.

* * * * *

HIGH-LEVEL TASKS to be handled

BUILDING RELATIONS: Rental, Care, and Insurance of the SOMArts facility. This includes the hiring of (a) fire marshall(s); insuring the building for $1 million liability listing SOMArts as additional insured; securing of an addtional room (if available/required).

PROMOTION: Publicizing the event through various internet channels, including but not limited to JRS, Squidlist, Tribe, e-Playa, various/sundry Yahoogroups/listservs. Promotion area will determine need and if necessary will produce flyers for physical distribution. This effort must begin immediately but must be united and coordinated in language and purpose.

MUSIC PRODUCTION: Coordinating sound systems, enlisting DJs, live performers, etc

ENVIRONMENT: Transforming, through décor and structure if necessary, the SOMArts space into a magical evironment of CONNECTIONS. This includes furniture acquisition (enough sofas, etc. for an effective chill-zone) and visuals/projections.

CONSUMABLES: This includes the bar and any snacks or food to be served. Coordinate with Adam at 12 Galaxies.

FUNdraising: Organization and responsibility for various interractive fund-raising activities

AUCTION/RAFFLE: Acquisition and raffling/auction of items to benefit Friends of Curtis Foundation.

CONNECTION COLLECTION BANK: Handling of money for collection and pay-out before, during and after the evening.

* * * * *

C u r r e n t T e a m :

MUSIC PRODUCTION: Peter has handed the primary task to Samira.
Notes: Frank Sparkinzi has a sound system with 2 amps, 2 speakers, SubW, CDjs, Turntables and mixer. Don’t know how powerful or if there are monitors. I (Mousetrap) have a 1000w sound system with speakers, stands, 12-channel head and monitor, good for a small room. George Feil and Kurian also have some speakers and monitors. Tracy Spears knows a great sound guy at JK Sound named Bruce. Michelle and PetBo both know of some cool bands should we want to go that route. Strawberry has volunteered her knowledge of LA DJs as well.

ENVIRONMENT: Strawberry will be our headmistress of Environment. Michelle Van DeVoord has offered her skills in site design/illustration. This will come in handy in transforming the space into something magical and connecting. SOMArts has some stage lighting that could come in handy.

FUNdraising: Special K is Coordinatrix of Special FUNdraising projects. Coordinate with Jocko who is running the Erotic Ice bar for Captain Erotica.

AUCTION: Soleil has volunteered for this position. Yay Soleil!

* * * * *

V a c a n t C h a i r s :

CONSUMABLES: Adam from 12 Galaxies is providing a temporary liquor license for the night and will allow us to purchase the alcohol using his distributors, which will out-price the other options. Raffle tickets should be sold, rather than having a cash bar. This will make it quicker, simpler and totally above-board. Bar Tenders can have a tip jar. We will need bartenders!

SECURITY: Curtis recommends Odwally for this task. I’ve emailed him. He also has contacts for Fireplay Safety apparently.

PROMO DEPT: Coordinate with Curtis who has major contacts.

BUILDING RELATIONS: Arthur, can you step into this role, possibly combine with the role below?

CONNECTON/COLLECTION

# # #

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 10 replies

Latest update, reposted from Googlegroups, please read!

2005-01-21T17:30:09Z

it was great meeting some of you -- and haven't had the time to do any
master planning as yet. I may not get a chance to do so until Monday.
But before I leave today for a conference I'm attending, I thought I'd
get the ball rolling a bit...

We need coordinators/coordinatrices! So far, according to my records,
the following coordinators are in place:

Special K: FUNdraising games
PeterB: Music (Sound, DJs, etc)

That leaves us needing the following:

Bar Coordinator/trix
Head Promosexual
Lead Decorator/Designer
Headmaster/Mistress of Auction Activities

These are all important jobs, and it is absolutely essential that they
be filled ASAP for this event to go off and be the magical event that
it promises to be. If it's your job, you OWN it and are free to be
magical and THINK BIG. I will provide any possible support in your
efforts.

With respect to the Bar Coordinator/trix, Adam at 12 Galaxies is
providing us with a temporary liquor license for the event - BLESS HIS
HEART! - and will be using his discounted rate to purchase the drinks.

Please respond ASAP so that we can be in action on all fronts. Thanks
for all that you do! You rock my world!

Mousetrap

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 0 replies

Date and Place Established

2005-01-20T08:19:22Z

March 5, SOMArts in San Francisco.

Lots of planning to do. More info and planning to come next week. Please stay tuned and be responsive. You are so needed. Yes, YOU.

Thanks,

Al aka Mousetrap

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 0 replies

In town this Mon-Thurs...

2005-01-15T02:10:36Z

Could use a place to sleep Mon-Wednesday night... Who's willing to host the Mousetrap?

Thanks! :-) Let me know if there are any spare beds or sofas!

Mousetrap

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 0 replies

Probable place and date

2005-01-14T03:32:32Z

Update: I spoke with Cecily at SomArts today, and she has penciled us
in for March 5, Saturday night at SomArts. It's going to be a bit
costly, and Adam at 12 Galaxies has pitched in to get us a
conditional/temporary liquor license for the night. So we get to keep
the bar! We pay for the bar, too, but at least we keep the money. If we
can find an all-night caterer, we must do so PRONTO. Otherwise it's
Adam until 2 a.m., then we sell LOTS OF WATER!!! (and other stuff)...

It will probably cost us a few grand easily to throw this party, but
we'll easily make that back on the bar alone.

More venue info may come up, prompting a plan B, but begin to think
about making this space work.

I will be there to play a gig in San Francisco (please come! - see
http://www.alpolito.net/gigs.html) Jan. 18, and to check out the venue.
Many blessings, y'all...

Oh, and join the Curtis Googlegroup, as I intend to migrate to it as the main communication artery. As a member, you will get messages as email and be able to reply to all as email, very easily. Email me your email address to sign up, or go to: http://groups-beta.google.com/group/CurtisCoalition/

Mousetrap

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 17 replies

email group forming

2005-01-13T21:47:10Z

Hi everyone,

I'm making a google group to put email in your box whenever there is a posting to this group, to improve communication and response time... We all have different tribe usage habits!

Please send me your email address via Tribe email to get on the list. Thanks,

Mousetrap

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 2 replies

Opening Party Salvo! Where we're at/what we need

2005-01-13T17:04:18Z

Repeat of post from Googlegroups, time-delayed... Please join the Google Group per your invite...

* * * * * * *

OK, team:

Here's where we're at, and what we need.

There's a better-than-75% chance that we'll go with SOMArts on March 5,
Saturday. Each room they have is $500 for a 6-hour block. Setup and
breakdown will easily occupy 6 hours alone, so figure $100/room. Plus,
I am informed, we must rent a fire marshall for the night. That could
get expensive too. One marshall per 100 people expected over 299. Fire
Marshalls may cost us a grand. We need two rooms, and availability is
not guaranteed of a second or third room but I should know by Tuesday
of next week.

We will be going with Adam at 12 Galaxies to handle the catering. By
2/5 at least, he should know what our liquor needs will be so that he
can order from his distributors. We will reimburse him for his
expenses, and he will allow us to serve alcohol until 2 a.m. After 2,
we rely on games, food and water for income. Curtis keeps the bar! YAY!

We should have no problem turning a profit. That being said, we need
some "Green Angels" to front money for upfront expenses. I can probably
put up $1000 but uncomfortably! Please email me personally, my dear
Green Angels, with your commitments, reimbursable the night of the show
or the day after.

The auction has great potential to make additional funds for Curtis. We
will need to get our hands on some high-value playa stuff that could
fetch a few hundred to a few thousand bucks a piece, or other things
for a silent auction that would be fun and great. My friend Athena came
up with the idea of having a few Ebay auctions that close at midnight
of the party, and have a few terminals hooked up at the party. This
would allow burners in other cities to be a part of the action.

I'm putting the call out for an Auction Minister. Who would like to set
this up and take responsibilty for the success of this aspect of the
evening? Properly executed, the auction could raise as much or more
than the rest of the party. Please contact me if you wish to be
Meister/Minister of Auction. We will "do your BIDDING." Someone cool
has already offered some art to put in the auction.

Connections will be the sweetest, lovingest party ever! Because of you,
the people who are throwing it down, with such sweet, loving
intentions. But we must be fierce at the same time, because a lot is
riding on our efforts.

Reply with any comments. Love you! I'll be up next Mon - Wed.

Mousetrap

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 0 replies

UPDATE

2005-01-11T21:32:33Z

Hi everyone:

I've not fallen off the edge of the world, although keeping dry has been an issue...

†oday I should get in touch with SomArts. We do have a caterer who can carry us to 2 a.m., after which point we'd have to sell water. Strawberry, keep your eyes out for the ALL NIGHT caterer though...

Francis has provided some cool logo/postcard designs... More on those later...

Thanks all,

Mousetrap

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 1 reply

Updates on Curtis

2005-01-11T20:54:44Z

Hello Our Dearest Friends,

I wanted to give you some updates regarding Curtis' treatment. Curtis is healing well from his surgery as most of you know. He ’s up and about, eating and sleeping as most of us do. He is in good spirits and easing up on the drugs substantially. He occasionally complains about pain in his neck, throat and chest, but the pain is not nearly as great as it once was. He is starting to get some feeling back in his jaw and neck. Curtis has gotten his dental work out of the way in preparation for the radiation treatments- radiation to the neck will cause his salivary glands not to produce saliva, which in turn puts his teeth in jeopardy of rapid decay. All patients undergoing radiation get their teeth cleaned and sparkly beforehand.
In addition to the radiation that was expected, he is now faced with doing chemotherapy at the same time. The chemotherapy is a 5 hour process once a week during the full 7 weeks of his radiation. Radiation is every day, 5 days a week. Side effects for these aggressive treatments include nausea, dizziness, sweats, extreme fatigue, other flu-like symptoms, and loss or thinning of hair. The most uncomfortable side effect will be the sunburn and scaling of his neck skin and throat. Ever run your fingernails over sunburn? That ’s how it going to feel for him to even swallow water. Needless to say, he is going to be one hurting pup. And what ’s more, the side effects could last for 3 weeks to a month after the therapy is over.
Curtis goes in to get his feeding tube installed tomorrow, Wednesday. We will be there at 7am and he will be staying overnight at the hospital for recovery. His release is expected around noon on Thursday. The feeding tube is essential for keeping him alive and fed during the course of his treatments. Water, soup, Ensure …whatever will sustain him will be poured directly into his stomach to keep him nourished.
The most recent struggles for Curtis have been in selecting a medical facility that has the latest and greatest radiation therapy. The top of the line software run on the machines is not available at Santa Clara Valley Medical, which is where he will be doing the chemo treatments. Hence, he ’s on the active and fast search for another healthcare facility. We are really hoping it is Stanford, as a highly recommended and internationally renowned radiologist works there. It is extremely important that Curtis use this newest technology and best doctors in helping him maintain his salivary glands and vocal cords. We are praying that with this approach, his salivary glands will come back working within a much shorter time, and that his vocal cords (which are not directly infected by the cancer) are protected in the process.
As he is going outside of Santa Clara Valley, money continues to be important. His radiation will be coming out of pocket at the minimum cost of $40K. That means he needs more money! Please keep spreading the word about our fundraising efforts. We are receiving checks at the house as well as donations through Paypal. We are also selling CDs--- if you haven ’t bought one yet, you may consider doing it NOW. The music is stellar —so heartfelt and true. And they make great gifts! :) Paypal contributions and CD orders can be placed by visiting www.friendsofcurtis.com. If you'd like our address, just ask me.
On a side note and to make matters more challenging, I just got laid off from my job yesterday. I ’m going to be taking this new found time and rediscovering myself. I ’ll be spending time at the house, updating my resume in my search for a job, and spending time outside of the house, visiting with friends, getting errands run and responsibilities met. As the treatment and healing goes on, we will continue to welcome folks to come and visit. Help out if you can by bringing meals, books, movies …maybe even helping out around the house …whatever you want to share, if nothing more then your company! Curtis and I both appreciate your visits.
That ’s about it for now. Just keep those healing vibes and financial contributions coming. Particularly now, he (and we) need support. We love you all very much, and continue to be very proud and happy to be a part of this community.
Love,
NastiAndi

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 1 reply

the Auction

2005-01-06T21:32:42Z

I think that one of the ways that we could raise BIG MONEY, FAST, would be to put one or two art cars in the auction. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the local collectives have a dusty art car they're "done" with, or "never QUITE finished" before moving onto another project, etc... and at the same time there are other collectives who don't even know what a blowtorch looks like but who would EASILY come up with a few C notes per head to purchase an art car on the open market. Publicizing in advance that a few art cars will be auctioned, and circulating some pics around Tribe or what not, we could get some serious bidders. If we auction off the cars FIRST, the losers will have lots of cash in their pockets that they may be in the mood to spend on a Lulie coat or whatever else we have. Or they'll drink their sorrows away. We Win!

So... Does anyone, right off the bat, KNOW anyone who might have a spare art car that they're done with?

Mousetrap

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 1 reply

Graphic Artists and others: And the Name of the Event Shall Be....

2005-01-06T21:31:04Z

CONNECTION

Several graphic artists have offered to assist in this effort. I would like to have all of you come up with a logo design or two that reflects the concept of interpersonal connection - soul connection - heart connection - contribution/sharing - intimacy, etc. Please post your designs to the photo gallery of this tribe only. Not sure how I will choose the design we'll use, but I'd like you to start thinking about it now.

I appreciate all that you do! Thanks everyone!

MT

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 8 replies

Update

2005-01-06T20:17:39Z

Meeting didn't happen, so no one really missed out. Soleil and I checked out Mighty, Whisper's and Cocomo. Will be in touch with Steve at Burning Man on Tuesday. Fave so far is Cocomo. More to come. Thanks to Soleil for sheuffering me around and giving me the skinny. She asks good questions too!

Al

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 6 replies

Promoting

2005-01-05T07:53:39Z

Thought we could start a thread with the lists to which we can/should post the event to get the word out...once we know more (at least a Save the Date and a vague description of the party).

I can post on these tribes:
Ooooh, yeah
The Treehouse
East Bay Peeps Events (if it's in the bEast)
Mission Folks Events

If it's a more dancey/dj thing, I can post to Illuminaughty and FnF.

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 6 replies

Meeting in SF or East Bay Tuesday Night

2005-01-05T04:53:49Z

Hi everyone!

Guess what! I'm coming up for a visit Monday, Jan. 2, to the Bay Area. I'll be arriving at Curtis & Andi's place Monday night and doing various/sundry stuff until I split on Wednesday. Whaddya say we all get together for a pow-wow on Tuesday night, for whoever is available? I'm guessing SF or East Bay locale. Any tips for a mellow publike environment where we can meet for a drink and dinner? I'll post the meeting place on Tribe by 5 p.m. Tuesday, and if you don't see it posted, call me at the number below.

Also, Curtis says that he got us a venue.. Whisper's or something like that, and also may have brought Anon Salon in on it too... I'll learn more.

Soleil, let's still get together... Tuesday OK?

My phone number is (818) 694-4757. Call me!

Love, and happy New Year, you fabulous band of superheroes and superheroines!

Al

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 5 replies

Tuesday Nite meeting: South Bay

2005-01-04T15:55:06Z

OK, so here I am with Curtis and Andi, and they have educated me on two points: 1) Many of you actually live in the South Bay AND 2) I committed a major faux pas in calling San Francisco by its initials. Sorry, it's an LA thing...

So do you all wanna meet here in South Bay Tuesday night?

Soleil, I left you a voice mail about a Tuesday venue-scouting mission... cuall me...

Peace,

Al

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 1 reply

A call out

2005-01-02T04:19:19Z

Hey, as part of the Curtis Coalition, we are looking for people with experience, talent and licences in liquor sales/catering.

Anyone know of a someone in the Burner community with these skills?

Peter

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 15 replies

Awesome Affordable Sound Guys and Bartenders

2005-01-01T04:13:20Z

It's all about the Alien Underground!

If any of you caught the Alien Underground stage at the LA Decom, or the upstairs chill room near the bar at Regeneration, those guys are my Soul Family, so ... I'm in a good position to ask them to do sound for this party.

They're really versatile, good at dealing with many different kinds of venues and music. They've engineered for my live metal and industrial shows, and for Maria Muldaur and other folk and blues acts at the Bongo, as well as EDM events all over town, indoors and out ... and in the middle of the stinkin' desert.

They can handle anything.

And dey've gots da gear! :->

What are our ideas for dates, so we can begin booking negotiations?

The Alien Underground bar crew was also responsible for the awesome bar and catering situation at Regeneration. If we want them to, we/they can handle this stuff like falling off a log.

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 3 replies

May Have Excellent Spot for a Private Party

2005-01-01T02:50:06Z

I may be able to use a large "unimproved" ex-factory for a party venue. My employers just rented out half a floor of an old garment factory, and the space is currently vacant. Eventually, it'll be broken up into offices and loft/artist/designer workplaces and ateliers, but right now it's just a big old empty room ... with wooden floors (the dancer's paradise).

It's not strictly a public place, so we may be able to just have a private party there *and* serve drinks. (If any of you went to Regeneration here in LA, you know how that works.) As long as we don't technically charge admission or sell liquor, and just pass the hat and urge folks to tip the bartender, it should work out fine.

The site is about a mile-and-a-half south of the LA Art District and Loft Town, on the east end of the garment and electronics district, but still north of the 10. The building has a large parking lot, which we can probably secure pretty easily. My employers are on good terms with the parking lot managers, so we should be able to do this on the cheap-cheap, especially if we can get a few volunteers to watch the cars.

Now -- I used to be a rave promoter here in LA, so I still have a line on some damned good DJs ... and I can probably hit up Burner friends to suggest Burner-friendly bands who might be able to play for a small honorarium ... or less.

As I recall, my employers' only worry is about insurance coverage for the new space. They frequently use their old office space for private parties associated with their business, so the idea of a party in these buildings doesn't intrinsically scare them. I'll try to pin them down on the insurance question ASAP.

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 0 replies

Conference Call recap

2004-12-29T06:59:56Z

Great call everyone. Details to come when I have time to post. Quick easy-to-digest factoids that came from the call though:

Soleil: Venuemistress
Peter: Mister of Music and Finder of Catererperson with Liquor License
Special K: Coordinatrix of Fundraising Games!
Nurse Lisa: Participant in Fundraising Games...

Next call will be after the first. Have a delicious NYE everyone!

Nighty night.

Mousetrap

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 0 replies

Conference Call Tuesday: Who's available?

2004-12-29T01:41:44Z

Time(s) to be determined. What time(s) are you available?

To enter: Call (213) 213-6180 and press 2#. Then enter room number CURTIS (2 8 7 8 4 7)!

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 17 replies

party activities

2004-12-24T17:50:51Z

i suggested to mousetrap that we should have some booths at the party to raise additional funds. booth ideas that i had were massage, lapdancing, and facepainting.

i sent a note to another friend who elaborated on this idea and sent me the following suggestions for making it more fun. i especially like his idea of calling it a FUN-draiser! i am inviting him to this tribe and i am sure he will add his 2 cents in the planning. calling captain erotica!!!! here are his ideas:

Here is one idea...I think it might be fun to set up ways for people to DO things with curtis. We make a printed out mask of his face with eye and moutholes. We find out things that curtis likes to do. A perusal of his tribe profile does not reveal much except: Kissing Songwriting Jazz Being Social

So here are the booths I propose:

Kiss Curtis booth - both curtis himself AND people who are masked to look like him (imagine the fun he can have preparing for this either going through old photos or making new digitial ones of himself kissing or doing any of these activities(in fact a VERY diligent crew (which he seems to have) could prepare a packet of photos for each volunteer to use or each booth to have so that the volunteer could use a different face depending upon what happens(this might be too much but imagine you see a friend at the kissing booth and you whip up your CURTIS LOOKS SUPRSIED Mask and then change back to your CURTIS ABOUT TO KISS YOU SO GOOD Mask( these can also make GREAT and easy to make souvineers)))
$5

Write a song with/for Curtis Booth - either a song that gets added to or each person writes a song.
$5

Arm/Thumb Wrestle Curtis Booth
$2

Play Backgammon with Curtis Booth
$2

Lapdance or Be Lapdanced by Curtis booth - you know you want to do that one you naughty girl you...
$5

Get a music lesson from curtis booth
$5

Sit on Curtis's Lap and Tell him a Secret
or sit on SantaCurtis' lap and tell him what you want for xmas
$2

Get facepainted by Curtis
$2

Get massaged by curtis
$5

Win a Date with Curtis booth - at this booth you get interviewed by "curtis" to see if you would make a great date for him
$5

Have your palm read by Curtis: The volunteer can just make up somthing funny - no need for actual palmestry skills
$2

Sign the curtis get better magiacl incantation super community spellbook
$1

Tell curtis to his face how rad he is booth - in this one you have a mic and recording device the person speaks into ... unless the party is too loud this might create a fun memento for curtis
FREE

Get spanked by curtis-
$2

Make a work of art to help heal curtis- picture arts n crafts supplies- either one big or several smaller canavas/butcher paper/cloth for people to make some art for him - nother memento for his spirits
$2

I will bust out the icebar if you want and if it is apropriate to the event style...I can donate the booze and ice costs and we can charge people depending upon what implement they pic etc... could be fun
$2

SIDE NOTE SUGGESTION - I suggest to event coordinators to call it a FUN Draiser and that Drasiers are parties where you bring any excess cash you have in order to play lots of fun games WITH CURTIS.

I am not sure of his abilities at this point or how they will be come february however this style of party where every station has a masked curtis (it could even be just a half-mask with just the eyes and nose by the way) to do something with, allows for the real curtis to move from station to station and get in on the fun so that at any given point someone is REALLY doing xy or z with curtis.

OK hope that helps...if you want help brainstorming any of these ideas and or figuring out what is needed to do them I am glad to help.

Also I had an idea - someone should organize a random drive by striptease review for curtis at his house... I think it would be supercool to have 2-6 women show up at his bedside and do a little show for him...
I don't think I am the person to organize it but it is a fun idea to pass on to andi or arthur I think... =)

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 7 replies

Holiday wishes and Conference Call

2004-12-24T17:49:40Z

Hello my beloveds:

It's Christmas Eve and I'm off to do some landlording stuff before driving down to my parents' house in North San Diego County for Christmas. I'll be back Sunday night.

I would like to conduct a Monday or Tuesday conference call. My daytime and evening schedule is pretty wide open at present.

There's a free conference call service I use that's very simple for all to dial in to.

Please advise of your availability Mon. and Tues., and I'll enjoy getting to speak to most of you for the first time and getting to know you, and throwing some ideas around.

My Christmas prayer for you (whether or not you celebrate that particular holiday, it will happen and you'll be blessed either way!)...

May you see how wonderful you are;
May you see what a difference you make in the world;
May you see how worthy you are;
May you know that you are a magnificent creation, creating yourself ongoingly
And know that I love you!

Mousetrap

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 0 replies

Hi and welcome to the Coalition of the Bitchin'!

2004-12-24T17:40:44Z

Thanks for contributing your brainwaves, your time, your talent and energy -- singly or in combination!

Concern #1 is venue choice. A few ideas have been floated.

12 Galaxies has been offered for Sunday, Feb. 20, for naught but a song. The following day is a holiday so it's not really a school night per se.

Pluses: Turn-key venue. Costs about $160 for sound man and door man -- negligible. Minimal staffing requirements. Great stage setup, nice vibe, from what I can tell. Legitimate place you can invite parents to, etc. No fear of cops shutting you down. No capacity issues.

Minuses: They keep monies made from alcohol, etc. and we don't. They close at 2 p.m. and we get ROLLING at 2! Need to confirm/book by early next week, hence come to a decision (yay or neigh) very soon.

Possible compensating solution: Have party at 12 Galaxies, emphasize the acoustic performances, invite the press, etc. THEN have an afterparty that kicks off around 11 or midnight, a short distance away, or midway between 12G and East Bay or San Jose, wherever would draw people who mightn't otherwise come.

I need someone to be the coordinator/coordinatrix for centralizing all our contacts for venues up there. Let's narrow it to 5 or 6 if possible. I'd do this if I were there, but I don't know the venues. I've heard Anon Salon has some, plus there was mention of NIMBY. What do venues cost in the Bay Area? How tight are they concerning alchohol sales? (That's where the coin is made.)

Please reply to this post with your thoughts on 12 Galaxies, specifics on other venues, etc. If you have a contact for a venue but do not wish to call them, I will be happy to. Just provide me with the information I need.

You're all rock stars. Thank you deeply.

Al

posted in Burning Solstinox! March 5, 2005 - 9 replies