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swarb

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Posts posted by swarb

  1. Posted

    10001548_834619539884779_493035806836635

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    Neurons to Nirvana: Film Premiere and Discussion Panel Fundraiser

    Thursday 8th May

    Paddington RSL

    220 Oxford St, Paddington

    Door and lounge open at 6pm, film starts 7pm

    http://www.entheo.net/ega_shop

    ------

    Sydney Evolver Spore is organising a Sydney screening of the film Neurons to Nirvana.

    Neurons to Nirvana is a mind-blowing documentary about the resurgence of psychedelics as medicines. Through interviews with the world’s foremost researchers, writers, psychologists and pioneers in psychedelic psychotherapy, Neurons to Nirvana explores the history of five powerful psychedelic substances (LSD, Psilocybin, MDMA, Ayahuasca and Cannabis) and their now well established medicinal potential.

    Following the film we will have a panel discussion with some of the luminaries of drug law reform and psychedelic research in Australia:

    Alex Wodak is Australia's leading expert on drug law reform. Dr. Wodak is President of the Australian Drug Law Reform Foundation and was President of the International Harm Reduction Association (1996-2004). He helped establish the first needle syringe programme and the first medically supervised injecting centre in Australia (when both were pre-legal) and often works in developing countries on HIV control among injecting drug users.

    Steve McDonald is the Association Secretary of Psychedelic Research in Science & Medicine Inc (PRISM), a non-profit organisation founded in 2011. He is currently working to establish an Australian clinical trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for war veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder, which is PRISM's first study and a part of the USA-based Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies' global research program.

    Sebastian Job is an anthropologist at Sydney University. His work has concentrated on philosophical issues involved in the sacramental use of plant entheogens or ‘psychedelics’ in Peru, Mexico, and Australia. He is interested in anthropology’s capacity to illuminate the current highly pathological world situation and the existential and political possibilities open to humanity.

    This event will be a fundraiser for Entheogenesis Australis and PRISM (Psychedelic Research in Science in Medicine). Entheogenesis works tirelessly to produce events and educational resources to support, educate and strengthen the psychedelic community in Australia. Recently, they launched a Youtube channel (www.youtube.com/entheotv) with recorded talks from past events. Funds raised from this film screening will directly contribute to making more material from the EGA archive available online.

    PRISM is an independent non-profit research association that investigates the potential of psychedelics as medicines. PRISM is currently working to establish the first clinical trials of MDMA in Australia.

    There is a slow wave building as more and more research leads mainstream society to reconsider its attitudes and beliefs about the risks and potential benefits of psychedelic substances. Never before has real and meaningful change on this issue seemed possible. We hope that you can come surf the crest of that wave with us on the 8th May for a very special evening to support these trail blazing organisations.

    =================================

    Tickets and full details available here: http://www.entheo.net/ega_shop

    Film trailer: http://vimeo.com/75152295

    Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/610149299054762/?fref=ts

    Sydney Spore page: http://goo.gl/XbbxF3

    =================================

  2. Posted

    Hi all,

    We're having an afterparty in Sydney the day after the Origins of Consciousness tour. Hope you can join us!

    ------

    Sydney Evolver presents Origins of Consciousness After Party with Dennis McKenna, Mitch Schultz and Martin Williams on Monday 22nd October @ Camelot

    https://www.facebook...51141685032272/

    This Monday 22nd October, Evolver Sydney is delighted to host an Origins of Consciousness after party, featuring a World Cafe style discussion with three of the series' esteemed guests, Dennis McKenna, Mitch Schultz and Martin Williams, exploring a future where psychedelics are well integrated into a human society which grows and flourishes from their influence. We will also have musical entertainment by Marc 'Kundalini' (DJ, live didgeridoo) and Leigh Wood (Global Tonic Records) with visuals by Slinky and Snudis throughout the evening.

    Join us to share in the wisdom of Dennis, Mitch, Martin and the Sydney psychedelic community next Monday.

    Where: Camelot, 19 Marrickville Road, Marrickville

    When: 7pm - 11pm, with an intimate Word Cafe discussion with Mitch Schultz, Dennis McKenna and Martin Williams from 8pm sharp.

    Cost: $15

    Light snacks are included and drinks are available for purchase at Camelot's full bar.

    Spaces are limited.

    http://www.trybooking.com/CAQF

  8. Posted

    Hi everyone,

    Just a note to let you know that some of us from the Sydney Evolver Spore group have been working on a couple things in response to the proposed legislation.

    Firstly, the Attorney General's office has stated that they will not be making submissions publicly available even though that is normal practice during government consultations. We've created a website where people can upload a copy of their submissions (anonymously if desired) so that there is a public record of as many responses as we can get. This means that people looking to write submissions can see what other people have already written and also, once the AGs office comes up with their final proposed legislation we will be able to evaluate how adequately it reflects public sentiment.

    The site is at http://opendecisions.net

    There are only a few submissions up so far but hopefully as more people finish theirs the collection will grow. If you've worked out a submission please consider recording it here. We'll be contacting groups supportive of and opposed to the proposed legisilation so hopefully it will be a fair indication of public opinion on this.

    Secondly, we are organising a screening of 'DMT the spirit molecule' in Sydney next Wednesday 23rd Feb to raise awareness about these new laws. I've just posted details in the News and Notices forum (http://www.shaman-australis.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=26998). Hopefully some of you might be come along and join in the conversation.

    I've been following discussions on this issue in some other forums but have only just read through the posts here tonight. Its great to see so much fruitful discussion and I hope you guys find the website idea useful!

    • Like 2

  9. Posted

    Hi,

    Sydney Evolver Spore is screening DMT the Spirit Molecule next Wednesday to raise awareness about the proposed legisilative changes to plant and drug laws in Australia.

    This a chance to see this important film if you havent already and an opportunity to come together to connect and discuss the proposed legisilation and strategies for responding.

    About DMT - The Spirit Molecule (www.thespiritmolecule.com)

    THE SPIRIT MOLECULE weaves an account of Dr. Rick Strassman's groundbreaking DMT research through a multifaceted approach to this intriguing hallucinogen found in the human brain and hundreds of plants, including the sacred Amazonian brew, ayahuasca. Utilizing interviews with a variety of experts to explain their thoughts and experiences with DMT, and ayahuasca, within their respective fields, and discussions with Strassman’s research volunteers, brings to life the awesome effects of this compound, and introduces us to far-reaching theories regarding its role in human consciousness.

    Note: This is a free screening, and there is no obligation to donate, however we will be collecting donations for the film maker who has generously agreed to allow us to use his film in support of this issue.

    -----

    This event will be in the inner west at 7pm on Wednesday 23rd February

    Address details on this facebook page http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=195993947094611 or message me direct. Hope to see some of you there!

  10. Posted

    Police seize lethal new drug DMT in WA

    ...

    Police were called into investigate after a patient was admitted to Denmark Hospital with a suspected drug overdose of the drug.

    ...

    woah... all the drug safety info I ever heard talked about how it was always safe to call ambos and that drug admissions were never referred to the cops. Anyone know the general procedure for this? Are things different in WA?

    (sorry if this is off topic)

  12. Posted

    I was at the sydney show and it was also frigging fantastic :)

    There is some really great flaming lips stuff floating around the internet... something that is really worth checking out is this:

    http://btjunkie.org/torrent/Flaming-Lips-Z...b1cdd05e75fd0e2

    It's a dvd someone has made of the zaireeka album (the one with 4 cds that you are supposed to listen to simultaneously) with incredible psychedelic video footage from a whole bunch of movies and animations. Its really really trippy and very excellent.

    That link is to a huge download so im also happy to make copies for people. Maybe some lips swapping is in order at EGA?

  13. Posted

    How did you find it logistically? How easy is it to get there. I would imagine there is some form of communal transport in from nearby areas and then on route I can pick up a tent and an old bmx to cruise around. Did you stay the whole time? I think I would only be able to manage a couple of days including the end. Are a lot of people baked?

    We were incredibly lucky and had some friends in the states who picked us up from the airport and drove us there in a big old ambulance with all the equipment we needed and through these friends were also able to join a large established camp so it was almost guiltfully easy for us.

    I think that joining a camp is probably the best way to go - you can find info on these on the burningman site and forums.

    What I really would say though is dont just plan to go for a few days! My sister came with us and was really concerned about having to spend a whole week out there but very very quickly changed her tune. It really is that good and there is plenty of places to relax and chill out in style if you need some down time.

    Also I have heard that there is a fairly big group of people from melbourne who have funding to take a massive art project over next year (2010). Apparently it is a giant 'birthing woman' with a dance floor in her stomach, cinema in one boob and chillout room in the other. I dont know too many details about it yet but it would most likely be possible to join in with that mission if you are interested :)

    I dont know if lots of people were baked.. i guess a lot were, and there was certainly a lot of alcohol but drugs werent nearly as big a part of it as I was expecting. So much fun to be had anyway that getting high just felt like an optional extra most of the time.

  14. Posted

    I would love to go to burning man one day. As a designer, artist, musician and hippy at heart it looks like crazy fun! Any SAB crew members been and would like to share their experiences?

    Hey Botanika,

    I went last year and it was just mind blowingly awesome. The absurb effort that people go to to bring something fun or beautiful or just plain nuts out to the middle of nowhere defies explanation. im not talking small things either - random things i passed whilst wandering the desert include an 11 storey tower, a giant motorised rubber ducky, a 20 foot 4-player tetris game, a vat of liquid with explosive bubbles you could ignite by piercing them with a spear, pirate ships, a bowling alley, a roller skating rink, a giant mechanical car with legs and quite literally hundreds of other artworks, installations and random craziness.

    no one is paid to bring any of this stuff out there, there is no money and nothing to buy, its all totally voluntary and just done for the hell of it.

    so many beautiful, friendly, interesting people as well. a highlight was going to a stage two tents down from where we were staying to see erik davis talk and bumping into sasha and anne shulgin who were sitting in the audience. so many amazing, friendly, beautiful people and such a great vibe - everyone is just focused on making everyone around them have a great time. it truly brings out something wonderful in people. its pretty much like utopia for a week. it was like being on drugs without being on drugs.

    if there is anyway you can get there do it, do it do it! without a doubt one of the greatest experiences of my life.

    this is a video (not by me) which i really like that captures some of the feel of it.

    http://vimeo.com/1959559

  17. Posted

    Hey guys,

    I thought people in sydney might be interested in this:

    Friday 19th June

    The War on the War on Drugs

    This film is the first feature to take targeted aim at the U.S. government's ineffectual and costly anti-drug campaign. In a series of 60 humorous vignettes, director Cevin Soling uses a variety of cinematic styles to parody the governments drug war propaganda and those insistent upon enforcing it. The film exposes the twisted logic and obvious lies at the core of the Bush administrations obscenely expensive anti-drug efforts. Ironically, Solings exhaustive research reveals the potential benefits of illicit drug use. The film embraces popular American media and culture in parodying the drug war propaganda.

    Location Mu-Meson Archives

    Time Doors 7.30 for 8pm start

    Cost $10 with supper

    http://www.mumeson.org/

    I havent seen this film, but mu-meson is an awesome little underground cinema in annandale. They have zany docos and weird films on all the time. I'm almost certainly going tomorrow night and would be really happy to meet up with anyone else interested.

  18. Posted

    nothing like the feeling of knowing you can close your eyes for hours if you want and go on your own journey knowing that several others are doing the same right around you..

    for sure, there is nothing else like that feeling :lol:

    I wonder sometimes about the way people on a dancefloor effect each other. Sometimes it feels like such an intense personal journey but at the same time, the awareness of everyone close by going through the same thing is such an important part too. I also wonder how the dj feels (it must be amazing), how they know what to do and where their guidance ends and each individual's contribution starts...

    It seems like there is so much going on a doof - it feels like a borderline between history and technology, magic and mystery.

  20. Posted

    at the conor of Brooklyn & Bridge Street there is a pub

    I was thinking meet say 9.30-10.00am at the connor of these streets

    making our way to end of Bridge Street will bring us to the great northern walk if we were to say allocate around 2 hours maybe a little more or less depending on weather for our edibles hunt and then meet back at the pub sometime between 12.30-1.00 of course this is merely a proposal and I'm always open to better suggestions hope to see you all there

    Sounds like a good plan. There's a train leaving central at 8:45 that arrives at hawksbury river at 9:43, I'll probably be on that. Anyone else training it up?

  24. Posted

    I dont think this research is saying anything too profound. it shows that we process sentances differently based on their content or meaning. That they happened to ask questions about god and religion here is kind of arbitrary.

    doesn't prove/disprove the existence of god, but still kinda interesting

    ****

    http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn1672...ved-brains.html

    "It's not surprising that religious beliefs engage mainly the theory-of-mind areas, as they are about virtual beings who are treated as having essentially human mental traits, just as characters in a novel or play are," comments Robin Dunbar, an anthropologist at the University of Oxford.

    "But it nicely reinforces my claim that it is the higher orders of intentionality that are crucial in the development of fully fledged religion as we know it," says Dunbar.

    I think what he's saying in this last sentence is that religion couldnt have existed before the point that people evolved the capacity to have complex abstract thoughts... well duh :)

  25. Posted

    this is an interesting question...

    so if i understand this right, you are asking us to imagine a situation where we have 2 completely identical people located in separate rooms where they receive no sensory input whatsoever, and the question is whether their subjective experiences are identical.

    I think the answer depends on what you believe about free will and determinism.

    If you believe that consciousness and thinking is something like a mechanical process then you would have to say that these two people would have the same sequence of subjective experiences when placed in identical environments. Technically i guess in this situation this could lead to a kind of telepathy if they were aware of the existence of the other person. Its funny to imagine what this would be like though, because i dont think it would feel like recieving messages from an external source, it would be more like just knowing that someone else was having the same thoughts that you were having. trippy.

    On the other hand, if you believe in some sort of free will then i think you'd have to say that each of the individuals, in their sensory deprived environment could decide what they what wanted to think about, and that their decision would not be based on their physical makeup. So in this case the two people would not have identical subjective experiences. Maybe this situation would manifest materially through the sorts of quantum probabilities suggested by occidentalis.

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