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Oak Grove Update #2

[Ed Note:  TheNick gives a solid run down with fotografias of what is going on at the Grove.  Bee Tee Dubya, "Ayr" was the "Authority Challenging Leader" from Saturday's Defensive Drills]

Continuing from my previous post ...

So after finding out that there might be something going on up at "hippie-land", my friends and I rushed up there to see what might be going on.

Star-divide

From a distance we could see that the "pod" was still there, though no one was inside.

P6191041_medium

We arrived to find, as I had said before, an expanded barrier that went all the way to the median:

P6191042_medium
"Why do you get a hardhat and I don't?"

The hippies had been, for the most part, relegated to the opposite side of the street.  There were far fewer students and other onlookers around by the time we got there though.

P6191039_medium
"We claim this lawn for all hippie-kind."

The excitement in the air was palpable.  As you can see from the photo above, people seemed to really be reveling in their absolute victory.  One guy (not pictured) shouted "Impeach the Regents".  This dog is an example of just how exciting it was.

P6191035_medium
"I shall not be moved until capitalism has fallen."

We were about to leave when we learned that there was going to be a group shower, no wait, a press conference... by the hippie leaders.  We figured why not wait and see what they have to say.  I won't go into too many details about what they actually said.  Frankly, I don't want to repeat most of it, but it consisted mostly of hippie rhetoric and outright lies.  The leaders attempted to gather a bunch of hippies on the median across the street from the video camers, thus creating an environment where cars were continually going through the background of the video frame, in between the speakers and the "backdrop" people.  They were, as has been previously noted, very distrustful of anyone telling them what to do and were incredibly disorganized.

P6191048_medium

The first speaker claimed to be a "former" student at the university.

P6191051_medium
"Did I graduate? I don't remember!"

Next up was Doug Buckwald, though I don't have a picture of him speaking.  Third was one of the people organizing this whole thing.  He said his name was "Ayr" (he spelled it) and that he had been there from day 1.  He also introduced himself in the third person, took a step back, took a deep breath, and then apparently switched personalities or something into Ayr.

P6191050_medium
"Breathe..."

Lastly, Dumpster Muffin climbed back up near, but not in, the "god pod" so that she could make a call on her cell phone to Ayr, who was holding another cell phone up to a megaphone so that everyone could hear it.  She read a prepared statement and then answered a few questions.  The best part is that Ayr first tried to put the cell phone up to the wrong side of the megaphone.  I'm not making that up.

P6191060_medium
"Is this the right side??? I'm so high right now... I have no idea what's going on..."

Note the random bicyclist behind him that was in the video frame.  He had just decided to stop by and be on the news, apparently.  After each speaker finished or when they said something particularly hippie-ish (perhaps mentioning the spirit of the trees or mother Earth or something) everyone would cheer, howl, whoop, etc.  The whole time another guy was walking around blowing and inhaling on what may or may not have been incense.

P6191054_medium
"But I did not inhale... Oh wait."

The guy who shouted "Impeach the Regents" did so several more times.  He also compared the situation to Nazi Germany and the removal of Jews from their houses (I'm not making that up either, Twist).

P6191061_medium

Random hippies blocked traffic (you can see about a dozen cars were backed up here) and the police would occasionally shuffle people out of the way and let the cars go through the video shoot.  Usually it wasn't too much of a problem but several cars tried to speed through and very nearly clipped a hippie.  They would have TOTALLY earned themselves 10 points, and 50 for someone without shoes, but alas, no one did.

Some of the few remaining tree hippies looked on from their perches and wiggled branches while the speakers talked or while Dumpster Muffin read her prepared statement.  You can barely see this guy clinging to the telephone pole, since he apparently chose the "Evil Mogwai" camoflage.  Maybe somebody splashed water on him or fed him fried chicken.

 

P6191057_medium

The best part, in my opinion, was that throughout the entire debacle, you could hear chain saws coming from the trees and see arborists collecting small branches and carting them away.

As we were leaving, I spoke with a UCPD officer and asked him about the jurisdiction of the area.  He was kind enough to answer my questions and told me that the stretch of Gayley Rd / Piedmont Ave from the International House to the "fire hydrant at the stop sign" is actually city property, and thus the City of Berkeley is currently okay with the blocking of the northbound lane of traffic...currently.

If you see these crazies on the news, take it with a grain of salt.  Unless the university comes out with something else, the media will only get one side, and it's not a very good one.

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are, in every way, reflective of the opinions of every California Golden Blogs Marshawnthusiast. Moreover, they are reflective of every employee of SBNation, including Tyler "Blez" Bleszinski.

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Good stuff, good stuff. I love the caption for the dog.

Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism. That’s my new favorite slogan.

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jun 19, 2008 10:09 PM PDT reply actions  

thanks for the report- it really allows those of us who can’t be there in person to soak up some of the crazy.

by Itchy25 on Jun 19, 2008 10:19 PM PDT reply actions  

holy cow it was crazy…

without other students and anti-hippies, we were afraid to do a GO BEARS after they cheered for something lest we be trampled by dirty dirty feet.

by thenick on Jun 19, 2008 10:29 PM PDT reply actions  

You could have said you were doing the classic GOB EARS chant. Hippies love Gob Ears!

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jun 19, 2008 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions  

How dare you defame anyone associated with, or blackballed from, the Magicians’ Alliance!

by thenick on Jun 19, 2008 11:52 PM PDT up reply actions  

Are you defaming me, who is associated with and/or blackballed from the Magicians’ Alliance?

HOW DARE YOU, SIR!

"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jun 20, 2008 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions  

My own blogger, TwistNHook. My own, selfish blogger. TwistNHook.

by Spazzy Mcgee on Jun 20, 2008 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

"City of Berkely"

I think the tree hippies have gotten to you. The first sign is spelling Berkeley wrong!

by OskiWeeWee on Jun 19, 2008 10:32 PM PDT reply actions  

I just fixed it… Thanks for the heads-up and I’ll watch out for any other signs of hippie-ness… I don’t yet thirst for brains and communism.

It’s late, and today is my first foray into blogging. sigh

by thenick on Jun 19, 2008 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

'tis ok

don’t beat yourself up. Once you do it once, you’ll never do it again. (“That’s what she said!”)

More emails from Save Oaks. All completely true. (Damn blockquote isn’t working correctly)

June 18th, 11:43pm

Subject: [save oaks] Arrests Made: Please donate for Bail fund now!

Special flash request from the Oaks Arrestees Defense Committee:

“UC has stepped up their attacks on the Oaks Treesitters and their allies.
At least 3 people have been arrested already, and UCPD has threatened all those outside with arrest for aiding and abetting.

As more sitters and supporters are arrested, we will need money to pay for bails, fines, and other court costs. Please, visit:

http://www.oaksarrestees.org

and click on the “Donate” button to make a contribution through PayPal.

We need your help now! Please donate whatever you can – bail bonds and legal expenses are very pricey.

http://www.oaksarrestees.org

Thank you,
Tristan Bunner
Oaks Arrestees Defense Committee”

Thursday, June 19th, 5:20pm
(apparently so urgent they couldn’t finish their thought)
(they also haven’t realized that it’s Thursday)

Subject: Urgent! Come to the Grove Now

Police Attacking and Removing TreeSitter’s, Wednesday5pm,

June 19th, 5:43pm:

Subject: berkeley grandma’ ask

everyone to bring lots food and water to the grove at 545 pm today, Wednesday, ASAP!

Yeah, it’s not Wednesday anymore. Bummer. I missed it. :)

by OskiWeeWee on Jun 19, 2008 10:50 PM PDT up reply actions  

ABC News

abc7news.com, while confusing and poorly designed, seems to have a fairly impartial (and thus pro-university like all rational people) stance in their video clips.

by thenick on Jun 19, 2008 10:40 PM PDT reply actions  

Channel 2 (KTVU FOX) also has some good clips.

One of my favorite quotes is that the police said the arrested protestors didn’t resist very much… that it was like they didn’t have very much energy.

Great.

by thenick on Jun 19, 2008 11:35 PM PDT up reply actions  

Call the tree sit cell phone!

The number is 510-938-2109 (Courtesy of a PhD from Scouts.com) If too many people call, it could jam up their communications, so please act accordingly! I’m calling in a few minutes!

by Jan K Oski on Jun 19, 2008 10:47 PM PDT reply actions  

wonder if she gets text messages?

I wonder what kind of cell phone plan she has for all these midday/midweek calls. Those minutes are killer! I hope she has a good text plan.

by OskiWeeWee on Jun 19, 2008 10:51 PM PDT up reply actions  

overload?

If you call enough you can get them maybe to turn off the phone…

However, regardless of whether or not the phone is off, text messages go through and cost the receiving party money.

Sounds like a good opportunity for a classic TEXT BOMB!

by thenick on Jun 19, 2008 10:57 PM PDT up reply actions  

power?

How do they charge that thing?

by PolarBear on Jun 19, 2008 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yeah!! What gives?!?

Solar? Dumpster Muffin looked pretty sunburned too. I don’t think Mother Oak makes organic suncreen.

by thenick on Jun 19, 2008 11:26 PM PDT up reply actions  

I called it!

I didn’t say anything for fear of cracking a rib laughing so hard.
It went like this:
“Sup! .....
Helloo?
Hey man, if you’re gonna prank me, at least say something! I mean, you can hate on me, or love on me, or whatever, but…”
I hung up before I fell of the couch.
I called them again, and it went like this:
“Hey, watsup?”
He hung up after five seconds w/o a response.
What will I do for entertainment after they come down?

by RollOnYouBears667 on Jun 20, 2008 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions  

Masturbate furiously?

"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jun 20, 2008 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions  

If it makes you feel any better masturbate furiously is my answer to most questions.

It can get…...........awkward in the Court room.

"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jun 20, 2008 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

lol cell phones. these hippies are fucking sell outs. they should be using smoke signals.

by Itchy25 on Jun 19, 2008 11:00 PM PDT up reply actions  

hahahaha

I just called that number….some dude answered and here is how it went down:

phone dude: ”...ya we just got it on camera”
me: “who is this?”
dude: “uhhh I just got a call from this number”
me: “no u didnt”
dude: “uhhhhh ok”
me: “shut up u stupid hippie”
dude: “uhhhhhh whats that?”
me: “you’ve been hung-up-upon!”
end of conversation

by NorCalLonghorn on Jun 19, 2008 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions  

i just sent a text...

...asking if they texted me. stay tuned.

by mwpfoot on Jun 20, 2008 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions  

Wow, thanks for the update complete with pictures. I really can’t believe the nerve of the hippies. To compare what is happening to them to Nazi Germany is really pretty disgusting if you ask me. If it were Nazi Germany the hippies would all be in concentration camps awaiting execution. I just don’t understand how the hippies could possibly be so stupid. These hippies really, really make me sick!

by CaliSeth on Jun 19, 2008 10:53 PM PDT reply actions  

I’m pretty sure that guy was not with the “official” protest supporters (he had shoes), but it was still, in my opinion, really, really offensive.

by thenick on Jun 19, 2008 10:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

Still, I’m impressed with their resolve. If only they could channel it into something more productive.

Stanfurd Delendum Est.

by Olsonist on Jun 19, 2008 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions  

I was thinking that if they could have channeled their considerable energy into getting rid of Longshore, we’d be done with him by now. It isn’t too late. I’ll speak with them directly.

Stanfurd Delendum Est.

by Olsonist on Jun 20, 2008 7:34 AM PDT up reply actions  

Hitler killed Jews

so imagine what he would have done to these people…..

by RollOnYouBears667 on Jun 20, 2008 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions  

yeah, I can only imagine if:

a. they were productive members of society… finding a cure for cancer, building 50 foot platforms into the Stanfurd Tree, or something of that level.

or

b. they were protesting something more worthwhile.

The speakers (the former student and Doug, mostly) kept on comparing themselves to MLK and Gahndi.

I seriously think MLK and Gahndi would be incredibly insulted to be lumped into a group like that… though I can forgive Gahndi for his lack of shoes.

by thenick on Jun 19, 2008 11:33 PM PDT reply actions  

Oh my

Wow, if they are comparing themselves to such timelessly iconic figures as MLK and Ghandi, they truly are delusional. They have a very self inflated sense of importance and entitlement. I honestly think most of these folks suffer from severe mental illness.

by CaliSeth on Jun 19, 2008 11:37 PM PDT up reply actions  

Pretty funny comment

considering your avatar or icon or whatever . . .

by oaktownmario on Jun 20, 2008 12:21 AM PDT up reply actions  

Well, technically speaking, both the treesitters and MLK are/were mammals. So…there’s that.

by Spazzy Mcgee on Jun 20, 2008 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions  

Well, to be fair Ayr has been to known to plagarize his speeches.

And I think Dumpster Muffin took to sleeping (and ONLY sleeping) next to underage girls, often.

So, maybe those comparisons aren’t as bad as you might think.

"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jun 20, 2008 6:46 AM PDT up reply actions  

That Doug Buchwald guy is a joke. Anytime there is a camera around he crowds in and tries to be the center of attention. It’s really sickening to watch. MLK he is not.

by CaliSeth on Jun 19, 2008 11:39 PM PDT reply actions  

and as far as I can tell none of the news stations that were there have shown any footage of him from tonight, and any footage of the other guy seems to be from earlier and not from the “press conference”. I have a feeling that the microphone’s weren’t picking up quality audio and the news people junked it all. the most the hippies will get are random stock footage shots of them milling about and possibly dancing

by thenick on Jun 19, 2008 11:45 PM PDT reply actions  

The media are just as bad as the treesitters. They search for the most ridiculous, outlandish people and literally give them microphones and a platform, as though Ayr and Doug Fuckwald have any perspective on the actual legal situation beyond their psychotic paranoia and pathetic exaggerations. Then they show 4 seconds of Dan Mogulof saying something official sounding.

KGO was the worst one tonight, they interviewed a mother who was “caught” in the protest and didn’t move her car, even after police told her to. “Her elbow was hurt in the confrontation,” said the news report. Because that factoid is so important… In all 4 news reports tonight (I channel flipped), I never once heard “Arquist-Priolo.”

by Spazzy Mcgee on Jun 19, 2008 11:54 PM PDT reply actions  

this really puts into perspective the importance of the internet when it comes to spreading, discussing and reporting factual information while siphoning out bias. one can only imagine how poorly informed the masses were about the real issues before said internet existed. or am I exaggerating and has the news media just fallen that far in recent years…

by PolarBear on Jun 19, 2008 11:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

It is a double-edged sword.

I think television and print journalists have become a lot more sloppy. They think that they need to get something up on their website as fast as they can so they don’t worry about it being too accurate. They know that they can change it later and most people won’t notice.

Before the Internet, they had to be more careful about what they said because it would be printed thousands of times over. When they were in error, they would issue a retraction instead of being able to silently change things with no accountability for being wrong.

by thenick on Jun 20, 2008 12:33 AM PDT up reply actions  

both ktvu fox 2 and cbs 5 mentioned AP in their online video, which seemed to mirror their TV broadcast reports…

They were talking in the “conference” about the mother that you mention. They claim the police were instructing her to drive over protesters who were laying in the road. From all of the experiences that I have had with the UCPD, they have been nothing but professional and rational people. They are being VERY understanding in all of this and very polite and respectful. I cannot imagine them directly telling ANYONE to drive over another person.

Also, you can be charged for “refusing to obey the lawful orders and directives of a police officer who was performing a duty authorized by law”. Whether or not you agree with the duty is irrelevant. Take it up with the court at your hearing.

by thenick on Jun 20, 2008 12:04 AM PDT up reply actions  

I would have GLADLY driven over them.

by Spazzy Mcgee on Jun 20, 2008 12:13 AM PDT up reply actions  

Me too! If a cop orders me to run them over, well I would follow the order! Who am I to argue with law enforcement? I’m not a hippie after all. I would consider it an honor, and think of the wonderful crunching noise it would make! Oh man that was bad, I know. However, several of the hippies have mentioned that if they could just get some cars, they would gladly run over all jocks. As it stands now their attempts to run people over with bikes just hasn’t worked very well.

by CaliSeth on Jun 20, 2008 12:55 AM PDT up reply actions  

HOLY CRAP HE IS STUPID OR ILL-INFORMED

Jimmy Kimmel just said that “student protesters” are trying to prevent the oaks from being cut down.

by thenick on Jun 20, 2008 12:17 AM PDT reply actions  

Damn you, Jimmy!

See, stuff like that really pisses me off. And to think, I used to really like his show. What a shame. I can’t see myself ever watching it again unless he apologizes. Stuff like this makes Cal look bad. Only a few of these psycho hippies have actually been students, and most are probably on academic probation by now if they haven’t flunked out altogether…

by CaliSeth on Jun 20, 2008 12:50 AM PDT reply actions  

This reminds me of a song...

No junk food, just earthly goods
I ate weird berries in the woods
Now Im seeing colors, Im getting higher
I think Ill start a forest fire

The problem: Didn’t Cal have a big hand in creating the whole hippie phenomenon? The rest of the world in return says “Thank you! Enjoy your smelly hippies.”

by Bruins102NCAA on Jun 20, 2008 2:39 AM PDT reply actions  

Isn’t Karl “King Of The Hippies” Dorrell the one to blame for all the hippies, ever? I dunno, you do the math! I’m sure we can shoehorn him in here somehow.

"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jun 20, 2008 6:49 AM PDT up reply actions  

KD is busy plotting ways which he can continue to ‘ruin’ ucla football. he is doing so with a thin, tight lipped facial expression.

by Itchy25 on Jun 20, 2008 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions  

That’s the sort of facial expression that just screams “The valuation of the Memorial Stadium should be low!”

Damn you, Karl Dorrell. WILL YOUR REIGN OF TERROR EVER END?????

"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jun 20, 2008 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions  

you just better pray KD never teams up with Dumpster Muffin…

by Itchy25 on Jun 20, 2008 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions  

Has anyone ever seen KD and DM in the same room together?

He does have a lot of free time lately.

Hmm…

by CalBandGreat on Jun 20, 2008 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions  

DUMPSTER DORRELL!

Or would it be DORRELL MUFFIN????

"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jun 20, 2008 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions  

Dorrell Muffin is hot. That sounds like a transvestite showgirls stage name.

by Itchy25 on Jun 20, 2008 10:18 AM PDT up reply actions  

YOU'RE RIGHT!

This whole Karl Dorrell fiasco was a giant conspiracy put on by our communist Nor Cal brethren. HERE, I FOUND THIS CLUE RE-ARRANGING THE LETTERS IN HIS NAME:

Karl Dorrell = KAL DROLL ERR!!1

GET IT? GET IT?

by Bruins102NCAA on Jun 21, 2008 1:56 AM PDT up reply actions  

Actually, I don’t get it. Could you use more bold, all-caps, and question marks to explain it to me further?

Thanks!

"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jun 21, 2008 6:55 AM PDT up reply actions  

what the fuck is a karl dorrell?

by Itchy25 on Jun 21, 2008 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions  

The cause of and solution to all the world’s problem.

"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jun 21, 2008 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions  

Great Coverage!

Thanks thenick. I live in Oakland and can easily go check out the haps but am afraid I’ll become so enraged by all the nonsense that I’ll turn into the Incredible Hulk, rip the godpod tree out of the ground and use it like a golf club to drive ground hippies into the bay.

Where was Runny Dub in all this?

by CalBandGreat on Jun 20, 2008 9:31 AM PDT reply actions  

Press Release -- Hippies are not from Cal

Seriously, maybe the Golden Blogs should issue a press release. Their news reporting is just as good as KTVU (especially Twist), and let me just say this website is immeasurably better. I’ve got the text right here:

Press Release—Degenerate Hippies not from UC Berkeley.
Berkeley, CA.
Although difficult to discern between dirt-crusted, hemp-sewing, hemp-smoking grandmothers and world-renowned Nobel Prize winners, the California Golden Blogs feel it is import to clarify that the Hippies who have taken residence on UC Berkeley property are in no way affiliated with the University - or really any type of education at all. This is clearly displayed by their general ignorance of property rights, new technology, historical perspective, forestry health, and basic hygiene. Members from the local “Lets Protest Anything” community - if in fact you can call a group of anarchists a community—have decided to move from sitting in their own filth to sitting on top of trees. We believe they have some vague reasoning that is unintelligible to outsiders.

Once again, well educated engineers of the Cal community -as anti-social as they may be- are NOT DIRTY HIPPIES.

Thank you,
California Golden Blogs.

by AndBears on Jun 20, 2008 10:13 AM PDT reply actions  

Except that the biting hippie (a particularly dangerous type) was enrolled last year.

by CalBandGreat on Jun 20, 2008 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions  

a failed attempt to join society. Do we really count all failed students as Cal community? ...wait, I just remembered Adam Duritz… hmm..

by AndBears on Jun 20, 2008 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions  

BURN!!!

So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!

by ragnarok on Jun 20, 2008 10:31 AM PDT up reply actions  

excellent!

we totally need to send this to Jimmy Kimmel. the masses must be informed!

anyone here know how to issue a press release?

So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!

by ragnarok on Jun 20, 2008 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions  

i think you get a megaphone and a cell phone, hold the cell phone to the megaphone (little end) and have someone start yelling?

by Itchy25 on Jun 20, 2008 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions  

I sent a message to a friend of mine who works in the PR business. We’ll see what the requirements are to issue a press release and go from there.

"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jun 20, 2008 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions  

Easy

There are plenty of free services to issue press releases. AND you can just email them directly to the managing editors of newspapers and the assignment editors at TV stations, info of which can usually be found on their websites.

Here’s a couple free press release services (you have to register)...

PRLog – www.prlog.org
PRLeap – http://www.prleap.com/

Oh ya, Jimmy Kimmel’s contact:
Tracy Brawley (323) 860-5900

(I knew being in PR would eventually come in handy)

by CalBandGreat on Jun 20, 2008 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions  

My friend is slow and useless compared to you, CalBandGreat. And you love the band, even better!

"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jun 20, 2008 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions  

Associate Producer

Sarah Robe has a direct line listed: (323) 860-5726

by CalBandGreat on Jun 20, 2008 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions  

Thanks, Twist.

I’d do anything for CGB. ANYTHING.

Oh wait, where was I? So, all you have to do is format the release in a standard way (which I’m happy to do) and provide press contacts. I’d suggest other than just saying the hippies are not from Cal, we need something more newsworthy to actually get coverage.

Like, “hippies being used by rich homeowners to do their dirty work” or “Dumpster Muffin actually out of work actress looking for publicity” and then some supporting evidence.

by CalBandGreat on Jun 20, 2008 10:32 AM PDT reply actions  

Given your background and knowledge of public relations, how would you phrase a purported press release to get maximum value? What could genuinely be gained from issuing such a release?

"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jun 20, 2008 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions  

Honestly, probably not a lot unless we had some really good inside knowledge.

Also, analysis and whatnot is usually newspapers (except the Chronicle), action (not thought) is for TV. The press only likes crazy people willing to do crazy things on camera. Not a bunch of nerds (no offense everyone) writing them emails.

The story right now, whether we like it or not, is hippies trying to save trees and the UC is trying to forcefully remove them. The lawsuit is just background. The media doesn’t care if the oaks are planted, sacred, or whatever. They want people doing stuff. Which is why the school never gets equal coverage. If the UC lawyer ran into the middle of the street naked and smearing excrement on himself, they’d cover it.

We could get easy TV coverage with a anti-hippie demonstration. With signs and 10 second sound bytes? Our story could be that these are fake hippies that aren’t even students being paid by PHA to do their dirty work. If a bunch of people went up there and chanted things like that, we wouldn’t even need proof. There’d be the likelihood of conflict which = TV newsgasm.

by CalBandGreat on Jun 20, 2008 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions  

now if only a bunch of us had no jobs and nothing but time on our hands...

twist, i seem to remember us staging some rather successful counter-protests back in our college days…

So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!

by ragnarok on Jun 20, 2008 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions  

Word Rags

And the students are mostly gone, so not a lot of support there.

by CalBandGreat on Jun 20, 2008 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions  

Well, the counter protests that we used to do that Ragnarok is talking about wouldn’t really work here. Because we genuinely care about this. And it would be a genuine counter protest.

Previously, our “counter protests” involved a general protest to the utter inanity of collegiate protests. About how they were little more than a masturbatory exercise to stroke the ego of those involved. Our signs would be non-sensical and irreverent.

To wit (and they are in B+W because of a slight technical problem):

"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jun 20, 2008 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions  

Right

A counter protest isn’t really our style. Would any one of us get all belligerent when a cop tried to move us?

We should think of something that plays to our strengths then go from there.

by CalBandGreat on Jun 20, 2008 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions  

would a large banner with:

be out of the question? It would be humorous, harmless, and maybe put their protest into a bit of perspective.

by PolarBear on Jun 20, 2008 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions  

I was always partial to “I Need A Prom Date,” “Did Anybody Do The Chem 3A Homework?” and “It Burns When I Pee” signs.

"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jun 20, 2008 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions  

yeah, the Chem 3A was also my favorite, although the ‘Thumb Wars Are Not The Answer’ sign was pretty good too

So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!

by ragnarok on Jun 20, 2008 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions  

Especially when combined with the 1,2,3,4, I Declare A Thumb War sign.

I feel as if we are already old and crotchety. “Berkeley protests were so much better back in my day!”

"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jun 20, 2008 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions  

So we need a banner that says

Ban Free Speach!

Would they say, “Hey, you don’t have the right to say that!”?

by Montezuma's Revenge on Jun 20, 2008 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions  

in fact, i think the ‘Stop Plate Tectonics’ sign would be particularly appropriate at a time like this…

So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!

by ragnarok on Jun 20, 2008 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions  

That’s hilarious!

I would be totally down. I didn’t get to participate in the protest pictured in Black and White.

This one means so much more.

by thenick on Jun 20, 2008 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions  

The idea of a counter-demonstration, with a huge wall banner stating the facts of the case would be a great way to go. Unfortunately, unlike the hippies, I have to earn my living so I can’t sit there forever.

by PolarBear on Jun 20, 2008 10:59 AM PDT up reply actions  

not PG

I think given a name like ‘Dumpster Muffin’, she’d have to be an out of work porn actress…

by AndBears on Jun 20, 2008 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions  

whatever porn she was working in, i am not interested in seeing…

So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!

by ragnarok on Jun 20, 2008 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions  

we need a contingency plan...

...so i propose that everyone go for a stroll in an area affected by sudden oak death syndrome this weekend. collect any wood that appears fuzzy and gross. return to the stadium and extend it to the protesters as a peace offering. how sudden is the oak death, anyways? i hope it’s really really sudden.

by mwpfoot on Jun 20, 2008 11:06 AM PDT reply actions  

Now we're talking

It can’t cross over to humans, right? I’ve got a BBQ to go to Saturday and would rather not die suddenly instead.

by CalBandGreat on Jun 20, 2008 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions  

only oaks...

...but if it is illegal to transport moldy wood, i’ve been breaking the law in my pants for a long long time. wait, what? please don’t break the law. that’s what she said! huh?

by mwpfoot on Jun 20, 2008 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions  

michael scott?

is that you?

So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!

by ragnarok on Jun 20, 2008 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions  

I read an article recently explaining that some researchers (including one from Cal, I believe) had identified the epicenter of sudden oak disease somewhere in the Santa Cruz mtns.

Road trip anyone???

by OskiMonsta on Jun 20, 2008 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions  

I’d prefer finding the epicenter of Agent Orange production…

by Spazzy Mcgee on Jun 20, 2008 12:56 PM PDT reply actions  

ok that was supposed to be in response to oskimonsta

by Spazzy Mcgee on Jun 20, 2008 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions  

You can make a small difference:

I wrote the journalist responsible for the LA Times article yesterday pointing out a claim. He replied back. Just thought I’d pass it on.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-berkeley20-2008jun20,0,5915484.story

Hi,

For what it’s worth, when Volker says: "We believe that the battle will continue until the university gives up, because we never will,” Volker said. “This is the wrong place for this project. It’s profoundly unsafe to the public and a waste of taxpayer dollars.”

It’d be great if there was a counterpoint stating that the $110-125 million SAHPC is actually 100% privately funded. This guy spews out lie after outrageous claim after complete b.s. and yet he’s still quotable. No offense to you, but there has been way too much misinformation spread by every other media outlet regarding this ruling, this project & the University.

Regards,

Paul

Hi Paul,
Thanks for your email. No question that Volker is very good at getting his views out there. I guess we’ll see as the legal case develops whether it’s all talk. Thanks for your suggestion on the funding by donors. It would be good to include in the next story.
Best,
Rick

by PolarBear on Jun 20, 2008 2:40 PM PDT reply actions  

It is INSANE to me that Volker is complaining about waste of taxpayer dollars. INSANE.

But what would else would we expect?

"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jun 20, 2008 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions  

it is insane to me that media give credence to his claims with no attempt to verify them whatsoever.

So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!

by ragnarok on Jun 20, 2008 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions  

How much taxpayer money is being used because of THEIR lawsuit?

1. Get out of the damn trees. Save everyone money.

2. ????

3. Profit.

by thenick on Jun 20, 2008 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions  

see, there's your problem:

3. Profit.

Somehow, saving the trees and destroying capitalism are inextricably linked. How this is so, or why one might want to destroy capitalism, has never been satisfactorily explained to me, but I am sure they have their reasons.

These people give hippies, liberals, and activists a bad name. I’d say Volker gives attorneys a bad name, but that name is pretty blemished as it is…

So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!

by ragnarok on Jun 20, 2008 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions  

But as the underpants gnomes showed us all, profit and capitalism can be good too!

by thenick on Jun 20, 2008 3:45 PM PDT reply actions  

Damn. I, too, am still having trouble with reply to comment and reply to post.

by thenick on Jun 20, 2008 3:45 PM PDT up reply actions  

yes, we have much to learn from the underpants gnomes, not the least of which is the virtues of capitalism.

man, that last sentence was fun to write.

So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!

by ragnarok on Jun 20, 2008 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions  

Not for the English language, that’s for sure.

"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jun 20, 2008 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions  

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