The Lab's New Yoga Schedule & Reopening Special

I'm excited to share the Lab's new Yoga schedule. For the time being I'll be teaching all of our classes and we will continue our exploration of Community-Based Yoga. Rather than break ourselves up into categories of beginners or advanced practitioners, we approach every class with the intention to connect deeply with our breath and find common ground in our physical practice. I have found that experienced yogis benefit from practicing with those new to the practice and our new students are inspired by the dedication of those who have been practicing for a while. It also instills the importance in internal focus and self-reliance that are beneficial to developing a personal practice. Yoga requests that we come to our mats with a beginners mind and that the primary focus is upon the breath. Community-Based Yoga strives to celebrate our differences and to inspire us upon our path, regardless of our station. As the new Lab evolves in the coming months we will be adding even more classes and instructors who will share Kundalini, Ashtanga and Pranayama based classes and workshops with our students. In Health, Joy and Liberation, ~Gregg

Community Based Yoga at Detroit Evolution Laboratory

Class Fees:
Walk-ins: $10.00
5 class pass (good for 1 month): $45
10 class pass (good for 2 months): $80
1 Month Unlimited Yoga Pass: $100
-Cash Only-

REOPENING SPECIAL
2 Months of Unlimited Yoga for $100!
(available one week only, April 1st - 7th)

Morning Weekday Yoga & Meditation - NEW!
We are pleased to announce the return of our morning classes.
On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays the Lab's doors will open at 7 am Puja and open Meditation prior to our 8 am class.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays the doors will open at 7:30.
Our morning classes will end promptly at 9 am.
Vegan Chai will be available before and after class.

Wednesday Lunch Yoga - NEW!
This light yoga class will give you an opportunity to more deeply connect with your breath and body in the middle of your day. This 45 minute class begins at Noon.

Tuesday & Thursday Evening Yoga
Our most popular classes continue at 5:30 pm. These classes offer an hour of Asana (physical poses) and 15 minutes Pranayama (breath and meditation).

Wednesday Evening Yoga - NEW!
Join us at 7 pm on Wednesdays for a later version of our Tues/Thurs offering. This class offers an hour of Asana (physical poses) and 15 minutes of Pranayama (breath and meditation).

Saturday Market Yoga
Visit Eastern Market on Saturdays and join us at the Lab for our 10 am and Noon yoga classes.
These classes offer an hour of Asana (physical poses) and 15 minutes of Pranayama (breath and meditation). Vegan Chai will be available before and after class.

About Gregg
Gregg connected to yoga at a young age but began his focused study and practice in 1994. In addition to asana, he pursued pranayama, meditation, tantra and more esoteric studies. In 2004, he began to teach at yoga studios and medical centers across the Metro Detroit area. Though teaching many styles of yoga, his personal practice is Ashtanga. In 2006, Gregg traveled to Mysore, India to study with Ashtanga guru Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. His time in India enhanced his connection to the traditional practice of yoga and he strives to share this with all of his students. He's been blessed to practice and study with Matthew Darling, Manju Jois, David Life, Sharon Gannon, Tim Miller and R. Sharath Rangaswamy. Gregg writes on yoga and other topics in his Detroit As A Portal blog.

It's Moving Day!

Angela, Aya and I are moving out of the Lab today. I'd like to say that it's my yogic detachment that has fostered my almost lack of awareness of this life changing shift, but I don't think that's it. Aya's birth a month ago and the changes, opportunities and challenges he has and will bring to our blurring of business and life are settling in. I believe it is actually the love and amazement I'm feeling for both him and Angela that has served to disconnect me from the stress. I mean, it's there, but its so out shinned that it hasn't really phased me. Until I found a slight twinge of something morning.

What I woke with today must certainly be the seeds of nostalgia. Though this space is evolving to meet a greater calling and though Angela and I are very pleased with where the Lab is headed, this space is magical and we will miss sleeping under its stars. In the next two months we need to get the Lab up, humming and financially sustainable. Our success in this will help us to return to live in the space adjacent to the Lab and resume "showcasing" our lifestyle. So, our move to Midtown is temporary and we will return to merge our energy and intention with the space next door. But my idealism comes with broad gestures and inspires me to call this the end of an era.

Angela and I are so grateful to have met you all through this almost hidden location off a back alley on the south end of the Market. We set up shop here with main intention of helping others by sharing our talents and our lives. Here in the Lab we helped to connect people, foster ideas, and most importantly, began to experience the depth and breadth of living a sustainable life, a life on our own terms and expressed its benefits to others. Save a few blessed stragglers from our past, we stepped into this life, connected with established communities and found common ground with you all anew. We are truly blessed to know you!

So, it's moving day and even though I've pinned down nostalgia and gratitude we haven't begun to pack. Maybe when you don't have much this moving stuff is a little easier. I'm going to put my weight behind that thought and get on with the day. We're going to begin setting up the new Lab on Tuesday. We've a great deal to get done in a short amount of time so if you'd like to help out we'd be much obliged! We're going to be working days and evenings, message me if you'd like to come out.

10 Books

This can be a quick one. Don't take too long to think about it--Ten books you've read that will always stick with you. First ten you can recall in no more than 15 minutes. Then tag some folks who you think might be into yet another list...

1. Ah Pook Is Here, William S. Burroughs
2. Snow Crash, Neal Stephenson
3. Black Sun, The Brief Transit and Violent Eclipse of Harry Crosby, Geoffrey Wolff
4. The Illuminatus! Trilogy - Robert Anton Wilson
5. The Book of Lies, Aleister Crowley
6. T.A.Z.: The Temporary Autonomous Zone, Ontological Anarchy, Poetic Terrorism, Hakim Bey
7. Faust, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
8. V.A.L.I.S., Phillip K. Dick
9. The Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali
10. The Chronicles of Amber - Roger Zelazny

There are many other books I would consider vital in a more literary/artistic sense. These were instructional tomes that radically changed me as I read them. ~Gregg

A Spring Equinox Missive

I want to take a moment to recognize the turning of the Wheel of the Year and, with the utmost sincerity, the return of spring.

Sharing my birthday every other year with the Winter Solstice brought a heightened awareness of the seasons at an early age. This year, our son Aya's arrival and the rather brutal winter intensified the importance of this morning's Sunrise for me.

I hope to encourage each of you, regardless of your station or belief, to add a bit of weight and meaning to the day as well. This time around, spring can be taken as a great deal more than the already vital return of local produce and bearable, even downright enjoyable, temperatures. Spring can bring rebirth on many planes. I suggest this spring be taken as a call to action.

If you're tuned into some of the same channels we are, and a starling number are, then you're witness to a very far-reaching shift in certain aspects of our culture. Though some of this is due to regime change, the changes that resonate for me are the changes arising within and from individuals and small groups. Almost everyone we share with admits that they can almost taste the potential.

I believe Detroit is experiencing the first rumblings of an exclusive local economic and cultural heyday. This spring, as Detroit becomes thick with more farms, community-based projects, DIY micro-industries, activists and artist, we have a great opportunity to build, inspire and assist in its recreation. Our city is changing quickly and, through our active participation, the Detroit of the not so distant future can and will reflect and respect each of our personal visions.

As the Wheel of the Year turns, I also want to note the importance of diligence as we navigate the coming changes in ourselves and in our communities. We all know that spring, summer and fall lighten our load emotionally and physically, but they can also lighten our energy usage and consumption. We can more comfortably walk, ride bikes and easily lighten our diets with local produce. With many of us tightening up financially this turn can give us self-determined economic relief.

While taking advantage of this relief, I recommend being mindful of the three seasons we have to prepare for next winter. This is certainly not a gloom and doom prophesy, but rather an aspect of the call to action that this spring heralds. Learn how to grow and store food, research and implement DIY home and health care, and make your living and work space more energy efficient. A few generations ago these practices were not only common sense but also considered boons to the development of character and self-respect. I've seen the act of taking up these practices assist to change attitudes and perspectives in so many, but most importantly in myself.

Finally, I urge you to take the coming of spring as a call to get out into your community, wherever that may be, and share your skills and expand your knowledge. Take this time to adapt to the quickly changing world around you and strive to anticipate future change through active participation. Working together inspires creative genius, or what Burroughs and Gysin would call the Third Mind, and I think we can use all the creative genius we can get at this point.

For me, as inspired by Angela and Aya, 2009 is a year of reconnection, to myself, to the communities and groups I share with, to the earth and all the realms I can muster. I am honored to be connected to so many incredible people and want to express my great gratitude for each of you no matter your level of engagement. Even the most minimal attention or awareness makes all the difference in the world. I look forward to working and playing with you all in the trenches. It’s going to be a great spring in Detroit!

Peak Oil Resources

Here are the resources that Lisa Forzley put together for last night's Detroit Abides. As always, HUGE thanks to Lisa for her assistance with this incredible event! ~Gregg

DETROIT ABIDES – MARCH 18th – Peak Oil Resources
The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil
http://www.powerofcommunity.org

What is peak oil?
Peak oil is the point in time when the maximum rate of global petroleum extraction is reached, after which the rate of production enters terminal decline. The concept is based on the observed production rates of individual oil wells, and the combined production rate of a field of related oil wells. The aggregate production rate from an oil field over time usually grows exponentially until the rate peaks and then declines—sometimes rapidly—until the field is depleted. This concept is derived from the Hubbert curve, and has been shown to be applicable to the sum of a nation’s domestic production rate, and is similarly applied to the global rate of petroleum production. Peak oil is often confused with oil depletion; peak oil is the point of maximum production while depletion refers to a period of falling reserves and supply. (From Wikipedia)

Are there varying opinions? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predicting_the_timing_of_peak_oil

Documentaries
End of Suburbia - A movie that discusses the dwindling supply of cheap energy in the form of fossil fuels and its effect on society. http://www.endofsuburbia.com/

A Crude Awakening - A Crude Awakening, produced and directed by award-winning European journalists and filmmakers Basil Gelpke and Ray McCormack, tells the story of how our civilization’s addiction to oil puts it on a collision course with geology. Compelling, intelligent, and highly entertaining, the film visits with the world’s top experts and comes to a startling, but logical conclusion – our industrial society, built on cheap and readily available oil, must be completely re-imagined and overhauled. http://www.oilcrashmovie.com/

Websites
Community Solutions - The Community Solutions program, started in 2003, is a national resource for knowledge and practices on low-energy living and self-reliant communities. We educate about the coming global oil production peak and climate change, and design solutions to the current unsustainable, fossil-fuel based, overly centralized way of living. http://www.communitysolution.org/

Association for the Study of Peak Oil and Gas - A network of scientists and others, having an interest in determining the date and impact of the peak and decline of the world's production of oil and gas, due to resource constraints. http://www.peakoil.net/ http://www.aspousa.org

Books
Peak Everything: Waking Up to the Century of Declines - Peak Everything addresses many of the cultural, psychological and practical changes we will have to make as nature rapidly dictates our new limits. This latest book from Richard Heinberg, author of three of the most important books on Peak Oil, touches on the most important aspects of the human condition at this unique moment in time. http://www.newsociety.com/bookid/3964

The Post-Petroleum Survival Guide and Cookbook: Recipes for Changing Times - Over the coming years we will need to move from a global culture addicted to cheap, abundant petroleum to a culture of compelled conservation, whether through government directive or market forces. The Post-Petroleum Survival Guide and Cookbook provides useful practical advice for preparing your family and community to make the transition. http://www.newsociety.com/bookid/3927

Documents
The Hirsch Report (AKA Peaking of World Oil Production: Impacts, Mitigation, & Risk Management)
http://www.netl.doe.gov/publications/others/pdf/Oil_Peaking_NETL.pdf

Overview of the The Hirsch Report http://www.resourceinvestor.com/pebble.asp?relid=11748

Kinsale 2021: An Energy Descent Action Plan - This document “is the first attempt at setting out how Kinsale, a West Cork town of about 7,000 people, could make the transition from a high energy consumption town to a low energy one. The impending peaking of world oil production will lead to huge changes around the world, and Ireland will not be immune from this.” http://transitionculture.org/wp-content/uploads/KinsaleEnergyDescentActionPlan.pdf

DETROIT ABIDES is presented on the third Wednesday of every month by
Detroit Evolution Laboratory, Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit & The Eastern Market Corporation

Detroit Evolution Laboratory
http://detroitevolution.com
Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit
http://www.sustainabledetroit.org/bioneers/
Eastern Market Corporation
http://www.detroiteasternmarket.com

Tonight's Detroit Abides, Join us!

Friends,

I thought I would send this along to remind you about tonight's Detroit Abides in Eastern Market and inspire you to join us. Here is a review of the film from Yes Magazine, which is a resource we highly recommend. We hope to see you this evening! ~Gregg

Wednesday, March 18th, 7 - 9 pm
in Eastern Market's heated Shed 5

This Month's Topic: Peak Oil

This months FREE movie is The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil

The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil
Reviewed by Janaia Donaldson
Yes Magazine

“The Power of Community” is creating excitement in localization groups, and with good reason. In this film, individual Cubans tell us how they responded to an artificially imposed “Peak Oil” in the 1990s, when the fall of the Soviet Union caused the loss of most food and oil imports. Their stories serve as a valuable model for a world facing Peak Oil on a global scale. Cuba’s transition to a low-energy society is hopeful and instructive.

Interweaving a cogent overview of global Peak Oil with the story of Cuba’s experience, director Faith Morgan outlines the dire consequences of Cuba’s energy crisis. Transportation halted. Electricity was available sporadically. Lacking substitutes for fossil-fuel-based farming, food production was devastated. The average Cuban lost 20 pounds.Morgan shows us the innovative responses of the Cuban people. We see city-dwellers planting urban gardens on every available plot, using permaculture and organic farming to reclaim soils destroyed by chemical fertilizers and pesticides. These local farmers reconnect with their neighbors and willingly supply free food to elders, schools, workers, and pregnant women.

We also see how Cuba coped with a sudden lack of energy for modern infrastructure. Without fuel for cars, Cubans walked, carpooled, and rode buses. They even massively adopted the bicycle, despite the prior absence of a cycling culture. We also see Cubans creatively reducing energy consumption in their homes and workplaces and implementing small-scale renewable energy projects.

Most of the innovations Morgan presents arose from the Cuban people, but she shows how the government fostered them. To increase food production, the government divided state farms into smaller private farms and cooperatives. With smaller farms and local control, farmers replaced fossil fuels with labor-intensive practices, animal power, and Cuban-developed biopesticides and biofertilizers, resulting in increased per-acre productivity.

To help people survive, the Cuban government even expanded their free, localized medical system.

Cuba adapted, survived, and thrived because they mobilized their entire culture. They made changes requiring cooperation, adaptability, and openness to alternatives. As one Cuban in the film remarks, “When told they needed to reduce energy use, everybody did it.”

Janaia Donaldson is the host and producer of “Peak Moment,” www.peakmoment.tv, a TV series about community responses to Peak Oil.

Source: http://www.yesmagazine.org/article.asp?ID=1587#community

Evolve Detroit: Aya Newsom is here, Detroit Abides Wed & Krishna Das

take it easy on your eyes and see this as it was intended to be seen.

March 16th, 2009 (The Moon Wanes Gibbous) Greetings Detroit and all those who grace us here, It seems like it was a lifetime ago that I sat in this chair to write an Evolve Detroit. We are getting back to business here as we prepare to reopen the Lab, but Angela and I are also slowly settling into our new lives as parents. I wanted to steal away for a brief moment and share with you all. Welcome Aya! I'm honored to announce that our son, Aya Eden Ouroboros Newsom, was born on Monday, February 23 here at our home, the Detroit Evolution Laboratory. Angela is in good health after a 20 hour labor that brought forth a healthy 7 lb 10 oz child. Aya was born to the sounds of drums, songs and chants on the auspicious Hindu holy day of Shivaratri. We were blessed by an incredible birthing team who helped us move between bed, pool and birthing stool many times over. We are also so thankful for Aya's patience and health during the rather extended labor. Aya's 3 weeks old today and he's plumped up to 8 lb 10 oz and even though he's going through some very typical bouts adapting to his new environment he's extremely healthy. Angela is incredible. She's been enjoying her prescribed downtime to connect with the baby, but she's also excited to get back into the kitchen. Everyone here at the Lab is excited for our reopening on April 1st. Angela, Aya and I are preparing for a temporary shift of our personal lives to Midtown, but are pleased to share that we'll be returning to the space adjacent to the Lab on June 1st.

Evolve Detroit is a weekly, or as needed, publication produced by the Detroit Evolution Laboratory and dedicated to Health, Joy and Liberation. Subscribers this week: 850! Please share Evolve Detroit and encourage your friends and family to subscribe. Detroit Evolution Laboratory 1434 Gratiot Ave #1 Detroit, Michigan 48207 313.316.1411 The Detroit Evolution Laboratory promotes Active, Aware, Healthy and Sustainable Vegan and Raw Food Lifestyles in the city. The husband and wife team of Angela Kasmala and Gregg Newsom created "the Lab" in 2007 with the intention to share their talents and raise social, environmental and spiritual awareness. With an invaluable Development Team, a large Volunteer Corps, and the recent addition of partner Alan Scheurman the Lab is growing to meet the needs of our city. The Lab shares classes on Vegan and Raw Food, Yoga, Meditation, Shamanism, and Body Awareness. We also offer Bodywork, Nutritional Counseling and Sustainable Lifestyle Training. We also provide Sustainable Vegan and Raw Food Catering for any sized event. Featured in Hour Detroit Magazine, Model D, The Metrotimes, Fox 2 Sunday Morning, Real Detroit Weekly, and WDIV's 2008 4 the Best, Detroit Evolution Laboratory has been recognized as a community-based, healthy and incredibly tasty alternative for the people of Detroit.

Detroit Abides, Funk Night & Krishna Das in Detroit!
I think that that brings you up to speed on our great joy. Like many of you, we're looking forward to Spring more than ever before. We look forward to seeing you all out and about in the city. Please consider joining us for our March Detroit Abides on the 18th. We're showing the vital documentary The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil and are going to have an impressive group for open discussion afterward. We'll also be offering a special Soul Food menu at this month's Funk Night. Bring a little extra cash so you can feed your Soul and fuel your Funk. We're excited to mention that Krishna Das will be leading a Detroit Kirtan Concert on April 9th at the Masonic Temple. Please see below for all the details.

Get Your Lab Notes
I also want to mention that we're doing very well with our Lab Notes. Happily, we've been focused upon Aya's arrival and not spreading the word about Lab Notes, but we're honored to have already raised $400. We developed Lab Notes as an opportunity for people to invest in the future of Detroit Evolution Laboratory. To gently expand, staff and create a secure financial foundation for the new Lab we need to raise $8,000. For each dollar invested we will present you with .50 in Lab Notes good for any of our offerings. (You can read the details below) If you have found value in our work, if we have touched your hearts or imaginations, or you have benefited from our presence in the city please consider a minimal investment in the Lab and its mission.

The New Lab
Though it is April Fools Day, we are seriously on schedule to reopen the Lab on Wednesday April 1st. Our partner Alan Scheurman will be coming on full time to curate a great many new offerings. We'll have an extended yoga schedule, a diverse offering of workshops and we'll increase the number of our kitchen classes to meet high demand. We will also offer open hours so the Lab can become a place where our diverse community can gather to relax, meet or work on projects. If you would like to host a workshop or gathering at the Lab please let us know.

Our New & Expanded Yoga Schedule
We are in the process of creating our new yoga schedule and will be adding some exciting new classes and teachers to the Lab's Yoga Community. Remodeling the Lab gives us a great deal more space and we'll be able to host classes throughout the day and into the evening. If you have any special requests for our yoga schedule or classes please send me an email gregg@detroitevolution.com. We are also looking for a few yoga teachers to assist us in flushing our schedule out. We'll be sharing the schedule for April next week, so stay tuned!

In Health, Joy & Liberation,
Gregg on behalf of Angela & Aya, Alan and the entire Lab Crew

Please bring a rattle or drum if you have one. Journeying is often done lying down. Wear comfortable clothing, including clothing for possible work outside. Bring sleeping bags, blankets or whatever you need for comfort. The Detroit Evolution Lab will provide blankets if necessary. A scarf or eyecover is needed. A pen and notebook is recommended. Please bring a single item for the altar that will return home with you. Class size limited to 10. Cost $70. Time Offered: Sun. June 14th, 2009 from 9:30 AM-4:30 PM. Doors will open at 9:00 AM. Lunch will be 1 hour.

Announcing a New Lab Workshop! Introduction to Shamanic Journeying with Connie Eiland, Shamanic Practitioner Sunday, June 14th, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm - $70 The classic shamanic journey is a remarkable method for exploring the hidden universe, which is otherwise known mainly through myth and dream. Shamans use this method primarily for healing and learning where to find help. Journeying is also a way to connect with spiritual teachers and guides to aide on one's path. Establishing relationships with teachers and guides can help in everyday life. Students will journey to Lower, Middle, and Upper worlds. The state of non-ordinary reality, or the shamanic state of consciousness, is achieved through drumming or rattling. Drumming is the common denominator among indigenous shamans throughout the planet to help enter non-ordinary states of consciousness. During this six hour introduction, students will learn to journey to meet a power animal, find a power animal for a partner, & journey to meet a teacher. Participants will have the opportunity to do four to six journeys, depending on what participants are finding. Each journey will be followed by a discussion with time allotted for journaling. This class will prepare you to take other classes or simply to gain help on your spiritual path.

On the third Wednesday of every month DETROIT ABIDES screens a movie on a sustainable topic, explores the topic at the local level through discussion and support from regional groups and businesses, and creates a space to meet like-minded people from all walks of life & grow an active, healthy community. For this casual event, please bring a comfortable seat. Though Shed 5 is enclosed and heated, it’s a large space so bringing sweaters, blankets and friends is advised. Shed 5 is located at the corner of Russell and Alfred St. Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Shed.

Detroit Abides - A FREE Monthly Sustainability Gathering in Eastern Market Wednesday, March 18th, 7 - 9 pm in Eastern Market's heated Shed 5 This months FREE movie is The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit, Detroit Evolution Laboratory, and Eastern Market Corporation are pleased to present a free screening of The Power of Community, How Cuba Survived Peak Oil on Wednesday, March 18th from 7 - 9 pm. This fascinating and empowering film shows how communities pulled together, created solutions, and ultimately thrived in spite of their decreased dependence on imported energy. After the film we will open a discussion on the reality of Peak Oil and what it means to those of us living in an auto industry dependent region. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990, Cuba's economy went into a tailspin. With imports of oil cut by more than half – and food by 80 percent – people were desperate. This film tells of the hardships and struggles as well as the community and creativity of the Cuban people. They share how they transitioned from highly mechanized agriculture to using organic farming and urban gardens. It is an unusual look into the Cuban culture during this economic crisis. The film opens with a short history of Peak Oil, a term for the time when world oil production will reach its all-time peak and begin to decline forever. Cuba, the only country that has faced such a crisis, is an example of options and hope.

How Do Lab Notes Work? For each dollar invested we will present you with .50 in Lab Notes good for any of our offerings. 'Lab Notes' can be redeemed 3 months after the reopening of the Lab. Lab Notes can be used for half the total amount of a purchase. The remainder of unredeemed Lab Notes can then be used for half of your future purchases until complete. For example, if you elect to make a $100 'investment' in the Lab we will issue you $50 in Lab Notes. This $50 can be redeemed for half of your purchases until completed. For further example, if you purchase an $80 yoga pass, you can use $40 of Lab Notes. Your remaining $10 in Lab Notes can be used when you next purchase $20 or more. Purchasing Lab Notes: There are many ways to purchase Lab Notes, cash, check, money order or paypal if you would like to do so electronically. Though the Lab is currently closed we will continue to be active in events across the city, like Detroit Abides, and will be able to issue you a receipt for your Lab Notes. You can mail other forms of payment to: Detroit Evolution Laboratory, 1434 Gratoit Ave #1 Detroit, Michigan, 48207 Please include your mailing address and expect your Lab Notes to arrive within 2-3 weeks.

Micro-Invest in Detroit Evolution Laboratory by purchasing your Lab Notes Today! We THANK YOU so much for your support of our work!

Purposeful (Not Random) Acts of Kindness Garie Thomas-Bass, Kertia Thomas-Black and Kirtis Thomas III Please check out Garie's new website for more Purposeful Acts of Kindness! We have copies of Garie's book in stock at the Lab for $16 or if you're out of town you can order a copy through her new web page. "Even though our book may not be considered politically correct, it is written with the hope that some ideas that used to be called “common sense” will again become the behavior of choice. There is one rule presented for each week of the year. The fifty-two “suggestions” Our hope is that each person will use in his/her life some of these straightforward and easily applied ideas after it is understood why they are important. Truthfully, these rediscovered actions will allow us to live together in society with as little confrontational stress as possible."

Please help keep the Lab Up and Running!

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Get your "Lab" Materials

March Detroit Abides - The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2009
Contact: Gregg Newsom
Phone: 313.316.1411
email: gregg@detroitevolution.com

FREE SUSTAINABILITY GATHERING DISCUSSES PEAK OIL
Eastern Market’s Detroit Abides opens a discussion on Peak Oil with a free screening of The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil.

Detroit, Michigan, March 9, 2009 - Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit, Detroit Evolution Laboratory, and Eastern Market Corporation are pleased to present a free screening of The Power of Community, How Cuba Survived Peak Oil on Wednesday, March 18th from 7 - 9 pm. This fascinating and empowering film shows how communities pulled together, created solutions, and ultimately thrived in spite of their decreased dependence on imported energy. After the film we will open a discussion on the reality of Peak Oil and what it means to those of us living in an auto industry dependent region.

Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil


When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990, Cuba's economy went into a tailspin. With imports of oil cut by more than half – and food by 80 percent – people were desperate. This film tells of the hardships and struggles as well as the community and creativity of the Cuban people. They share how they transitioned from highly mechanized agriculture to using organic farming and urban gardens. It is an unusual look into the Cuban culture during this economic crisis. The film opens with a short history of Peak Oil, a term for the time when world oil production will reach its all-time peak and begin to decline forever. Cuba, the only country that has faced such a crisis, is an example of options and hope.

For this event, please bring a comfortable seat. Though Shed 5 is enclosed and heated, it's a large space so bringing sweaters, blankets and friends is advised. Shed 5 is located at the corner of Russell and Alfred St. Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Shed. For more information or to get involved call "the Lab" 313.316.1411

On the third Wednesday of every month DETROIT ABIDES screens a movie on a sustainable topic, explores the topic at the local level through discussion and support from regional groups and businesses, and creates a space to meet like-minded people from all walks of life & grow an active, healthy community.

Links:
http://www.powerofcommunity.org/cm/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
http://www.detroitevolution.com/detroitabides.html

- END -

About Detroit Evolution Laboratory - The Lab is a unique space in Detroit's historic Eastern Market dedicated to the health, joy and liberation of all beings. The Lab offers yoga, vegan and raw food classes, catering, nutritional consultation and meal planning. Individual bodywork, reiki and NLP sessions are also available. The Lab is also dedicated to sustainable practices and presents workshops on these and other topics to assist in and inspire a New Detroit. http://detroitevolution.com

About Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit - Bioneers comprise a network of visionary innovators working to build a sustainable, positive and creative future for the web of life. Bioneers is a nonprofit organization that promotes practical environmental solutions and innovative social strategies for restoring the Earth and communities. The Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit Conference combines local sessions, solutions and events with international innovations. This year's conference is October 16 – 18 and will be held on the Marygrove College campus in Detroit. http://www.sustainabledetroit.org/bioneers/

About Eastern Market Corporation - Eastern Market is located between Gratiot and Mack, bordered by St. Aubin and the I-75 service drive—just northeast of downtown Detroit. The Market is open on Saturdays from 6:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. For more information, contact 313-833-9300 or visit the website at http://www.detroiteasternmarket.com

Gregg to Present at Earth Day Expo - April 18 & 19th

In addition to our work in the city with United Children and Family Head Start, we're doing some Suburban Outreach this year to celebrate Earth Day. I'll be presenting Motown to Growtown, Talking Transition in Detroit at the Earth Day Expo (http://www.earthdayexpo.org/), a free event in Downtown Rochester. I'm not sure of my time slot yet, stay tuned. ~G

Motown to Growtown, Talking Transition in Detroit
The Transition Movement is a proactive and creative response to the triple threat of Peak Oil, Climate Change and Economic Crisis through community based relocalization. Discussing the realities of these crises in a region supported by the auto industry presents us with very specific and sometimes challenging answers to tough questions about our personal livelihood. Many visionaries across the nation and world see Detroit's potential as Growtown, but how can we, as a community and individuals, begin to recreate our lives as the age of the automobile comes to a close? Gregg will share sobering facts on Peak Oil and lead an open discussion on the opportunities Transition offers.

Gregg is a Writer, Bodyworker, and Yoga Teacher dedicated to relocalization in Detroit. In 2007, he and his wife Angela decided to pursue a mindful, sustainable urban lifestyle and share their experiments with others through the Detroit Evolution Laboratory. Located in Detroit’s historic Eastern Market, “the Lab” promotes active, aware, healthy and sustainable vegan and raw food lifestyles in the city. http://detroitevolution.com

Third Bridge in SW Detroit?

Please help spread the word and protect our neighboring community in SW Detroit! ~Gregg

Begin Fwrd...

The Detroit International Bridge Company (DIBC) is full steam ahead with plans to build a twin span next to their current Ambassador Bridge. This would make three bridges on the Detroit River. Their plan includes taking over public property, parks and streets to accomplish it. It also includes illegally accessing public dollars to butress their private project. According to Rep Tlaib, their changes in DIBC design plans are also stalling the completion of the Gateway Project, keeping construction on I75 going indefinitely, suffocating businesses of Mexicantown. There has been no cumulative impact study for three bridges on environment, health, or housing values. There has been no environmental justice study.

Below is a letter from Rep. Tlaib.

In the past Bridge Watch was successful in protecting Ste. Anne's church- the oldest parish in the US- from the bridge's truck traffic. Bridge Watch is now reconvened and will meet again this week. I urge you to attend the Coast Guard Public Hearing on Tuesday, March 17, at Earhart Middle School, 1000 Scotten St. in Detroit beginning at 6 p.m. You will have to sign up early if you want to testify. Contact rashidatlaib@yahoo.com if you would like to do so.

Here is a link to Coast Guard's current analysis:

http://www.ambassadorbridge.com/environmental-assessment-final.html

please distribute widely


> Dear Neighbors,
>
> It is an immense pleasure to serve as your State Representative.
> Working for my constituents has been even more rewarding than I
> thought possible, and working for the community in which I grew up
> continues energizes me in powerful ways.
>
> Other aspects of serving as State Representative are less pleasant.
> Since taking office, I have worked with state and local workers and
> officials to voice our community's concerns about the Gateway Project
> and the Detroit International Bridge Company's (DIBC) attempts to
> steadily claim ownership of pieces of our city. Please see attached
> letter to MDOT and DIBC that list some of the proposed changes to the
> design plans by DIBC. I have voiced our community's deep distress
> from news of unneeded delays in the Gateway plaza construction. I have
> demanded that the project's final form reflect its original intent -
> to keep bridge traffic off our surface streets. And my voice - our
> voices - have been greeted with mere empathy and nods. It has become
> clear to me that there is a disturbing, growing acceptance of the
> following falsehood: The DIBC will ultimately do what it wants because
> they're patient and they have a lot of money.
>
> These people, however, do not live in Southwest Detroit. But you do,
> and so do I. We know, as do all our neighbors, the years of
> frustration, disappointment, anger, sadness and rage that grow from
> knowing what it is to live in the shadow of that towering monstrosity
> that we call The Bridge. We know the injustice of sharing our
> neighborhood with the worst neighbors in all of Detroit - The Detroit
> International Bridge Company. No company is above the law.
>
> And yes, we've spoken - in voice, in letters, in folded arms and
> shaking heads. But our message, to be heard over the surrounding
> apathy, must be coordinated, united, loud, clear and impossible to
> dismiss, and I am committed to making this a focus of my community
> work.
>
> I, along with several community advocates, want to resurrect Bridge
> Watch Detroit. There are a number of elected officials (that I have
> to work with everyday) that are already swayed because of political
> contributions. They turn their heads to DIBC and it must stop. We
> need actions that will bring media attention and a group that can
> effectively disseminate information quickly and take action. There
> are already two important upcoming meetings that if we can’t get
> hundreds of our residents, business and community leaders to attend,
> then shame on us.
>
> There will be a Coast Guard hearing on Tuesday, March 17, at Earhart
> Middle School, 1000 Scotten St. in Detroit beginning at 6 p.m. to
> discuss the approval of the permits for DIBC to build their second
> span.
>
> DIBC is also applying for public activity bonds to build their second
> span and they are going in front of the Michigan Strategic Fund on
> Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. at the Michigan Economic
> Development Office. 300 N Washington Square, Lansing 48913 (in Lake
> Conference Michigan Room) to request support. Sens. Basham and
> Anderson, Reps. Gonzalez, Geiss and I will be testifying against
> DIBCʼs pab.
>
> I propose our first Bridge Watch Detroit meeting take place on
> Saturday, February 28th at 10 a.m. Location TBA (I have a couple of
> folks on locations but please let me know if you have an ideal place
> to hold our first meeting.
>
> I look forward to working with all of you in an effort to bring
> justice to this important cause.
>
> Best,
>
> State Rep Rashida Tlaib

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