Burning Man Update: The Jack Rabbit Speaks
Volume 15, Issue #2
October 13, 2010
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====================TABLE OF CONTENTS=======================
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INTRODUCTION - The Rumor Edition, List of Decompressions, How to join a Regional Group!
LATEST NEWS:
2010 DEBRIEF:
+ POPULATION - WOW!
+ FATALITIES
+ LAW ENFORCEMENT CITATIONS
+ EXODUS
+ GATE ROAD REORIENTATION
+ CELL TOWER
+ BURNING MAN WEBCAST
+ THE GATE OPENED EARLY?!
+ BURNING MAN 2010/11 DESK CALENDAR
EVENTS & HAPPENINGS:
+ FULL OFFICIAL DECOMPRESSION AND REGIONAL EVENTS LIST
+ SOLAR SUNFLOWERS AT SAN FRANCISCO EXPLORATORIUM - SAN FRANCISCO
+ WISCONSIN REGIONAL DECOMPRESSION - MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 9
+ BURNOUT 2010 - PORTLAND DECOMPRESSION - PORTLAND, OR - OCTOBER 23-24
+ INAUGURAL LAS VEGAS HALLOWEEN PARADE - LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 31
PHOTOS & IMAGES:
+ BURNING MAN 2010 PHOTO GALLERY FROM WENDELL DELANO
CONNECT WITH BURNING MAN:
+ Burning Man on your favorite social networks
ADMINISTERRATA:
+ Want to unsubscribe from the JRS? Really? OK, here's how: http://tinyurl.com/2rwqzx
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====================INTRODUCTION========================
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We're calling this edition of the JRS the "Somebody Done Threw a Monkeywrench into the Works Down at the Rumor Mill". Which is a -- way -- of saying: here are the official event statistics and information that tends to be exaggerated, conflated, embellished, hyperbolized, misconstrued, misstated and other thesaurusly-generated words that mean "you got it wrong." Because rumors are fun, but the truth, while perhaps not as interesting, is usually better for us all in the wrong one.
So if you want the straight skinny so you can debunk your friend's bluster, you came to the right place.
Also, we've got a small handful of awesome events coming up this month, in addition to all the official Decompression events going on (we've got a complete list of them for you here http://bit.ly/adVBBD ). But Decompressions and events aren't the ONLY way to stay plugged in to your beloved Burning Man the rest of the year. Oh no no! Regional groups all around the world stay connected and keep the fires alive, and it's about a LOT more than throwing events or trying to re-create the playa. Just because there's not a Decompression near you doesn't mean there's not a community just waiting for you to plug in. Here's what you do:
1. Hop on over to http://regionals.burningman.com
2. Click the map on the area where you live
3. Find the nearest regional group and click through to their page to check out a short blurb about local activity
4. Now -- this is the important one! -- SUBSCRIBE via email to the local Burning Man Announce list in your area! These just-the-facts announcement lists, usually very low volume, will keep you informed of opportunities to connect with your local Burning Man community at events, workshops, civic actions, meet and greets, and more...
5. If you want, send a hello to your local contact(s) at the official address listed on the page, and say hi! He or she will get you plugged in to that local announce list and any local discussions you're interested in, and can provide you a personal welcome into the local scene.
6. Not an official group in your area? Subscribe to the list nearest your town, even if it's the next state/country over - sometimes you'll find lurkers on the list who also live near you even if there's not an official contact in your area.
7. Commence celebrating -- that daunting year of waiting for Black Rock City is so much less painful when you're working with others to bring Burning Man home with you!
We hope your decompressing is going smoothly... and we hope to see you ourselves at the San Francisco Decompression this Sunday 10/10/10!! Details, performers/artists/more! at : http://bit.ly/ameYsb
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====================LATEST NEWS========================
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2010 DEBRIEF:
A quick look at some post event facts and figures:
POPULATION
We've heard dozens of different numbers floating around, but here's the real poop: The population of Black Rock City 2010 topped out at 51,454, up from 43,558 in 2009. That's a pretty huge gain! The economic downturn in 2009 surely was responsible for the '09 dip, but some might argue that 2010 was equally dim for them, and what do you know - our largest event ever. Guess these times couldn't keep you away for TOO long...
The DPW added two more streets onto the back of Black Rock City (London and Mumbai) from the 6:30 to 10:00 radials to provide enough extra space for that many people -- but they only got sparsely used, in the end.
FATALITIES
There was one death this year, which occured while a participant was being transported from Black Rock City to Reno. Details are not available at this time, until the coroner's report is released.
LAW ENFORCEMENT CITATIONS
The total number of citations issued by BLM were slightly higher than last year, but since our population increased this year, the number of citations on a per capita basis is down from 2009.
The BLM reported 293 citations and eight arrests, compared with 287 citations and nine arrests in 2009. More than half of citations and all nine arrests were for drug offenses.
We still don't have official numbers from the Pershing County Sheriff's Office. BUT, an article in the Lovelock Review-Miner quotes the Sheriff's Office on some official stats::
35 arrests (26 for drug possession or drug trafficking). Up from a total of 22 in 2009. 19 citations mostly for possessing under an ounce of marijuana or furnishing alcohol to a minor. Source: Lovelock Review Miner, Sept. 23, 2010 "Sheriff's office reports 35 arrests at Burning Man"
EXODUS
The Gate, Perimeter and Exodus (PG&E) team insituted a new Pulsing program in 2010, intended to reduce the amount of vehicle emissions expended during Exodus by eliminating the "gate road creep" during peak Exodus hours. It involved staging vehicles to be let out of the city in waves, allowing people to turn off their cars and enjoy a little respite while waiting for their turn to leave.
We have heard a little feedback about the pulsing, most of it positive, but a few have complained that it still took them the same number of hours to get out of Black Rock City. Pulsing was never about reducing exodus times -- the limitations of Route 34 make it almost impossible to significantly reduce times during peak hours. It was merely designed to allow drivers to turn off their cars instead of idling/creeping along for hours.
Overall, Pulsing was very successful in its first year, and we'll publicize it more vigorously for 2011, encouraging participants to share shade, entertainment and gifts during the Pulse, making for a nice after-Burn experience. We'll also examine porta-potty placement to see if we can improve that situation as well.
GATE ROAD REORIENTATION
The Burning Man Planning Department reoriented Gate Road in 2010 from its normal path aiming directly down the 6:00 radial street ... they shifted it to the west, so that all the dust kicked up by cars wouldn't blast right through the middle of the city, but would hopefully skirt by the edge of the city. While it's difficult to say for sure, since it rained early in the week and tamped down a lot of the dust, but it seems by all accounts that it was a successful experiment. What did you think? feedback@burningman.com
+ CELL TOWER
A private company (who subcontracts from AT&T and Verizon) put up the cell tower next to the playa in 2009 also put one up in 2010. But due to challenging negotations with land-owners, they were only able to get the tower up by Wednesday of the event. If you happened to look at your phone amidst all the amazing eye-candy that is Burning Man (because, you know, you were bored), you might have seen some bars of service.
Word has it they are planning a permanent cell tower near Gerlach that could provide service to the open playa by 2011.
This is an effort by a private company, and is in no way related to the Burning Man organization.
+ BURNING MAN WEBCAST
The Burning Man webcast was in full effect all week, and we had upwards of 136,000 unique viewers at our peak. The team also utilized a mobile web camera vehicle that was driving around the playa shooting footage.
+ THE GATE OPENED EARLY?!
Yep, we opened the Gate at 6pm on Sunday, rather than the traditional midnight. Our intention was to alleviate the pressure on Gate Road, Route 34 and Gerlach by opening the valve and letting our some steam. Our apologies to folks who may have been inconvenienced or unpleasantly surprised by this somehow.
Will this happen again in 2011? We don't know yet. But it's an important issue (we get in trouble with the Nevada Highway Patrol if traffic backs up or stops on Route 34 - the main objective in all cases is keeping that traffic moving steadily) that we need to contend with in order to keep doing our event.
You can look forward to much much more in the 2010 Afterburn reports, which should be posted in early 2011. Got questions, feedback, or suggestions? Send us a note! feedback@burningman.com
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BURNING MAN 2010/11 DESK CALENDAR
Contrary to public opinion, there IS a 2010/11 Burning Man Calendar this year!
OK, actually, there hasn't been any rumor to the contrary, but yes! To celebrate the 25th Burn, we've created a limited edition Burning Man weekly desk calendar AND commemorative photo book. This is two gifts rolled into one! Use the calendar pages to plan, doodle and dream throughout the year, then later rip the transparent calendar pages out and keep the book full of gorgeous photos from the past 25 years of Burning Man and beyond! As usual, our Burn-year starts in September and runs through the Burn in 2011, so get yours quick & you can start using it!
http://bit.ly/b8hwby
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====================EVENTS & HAPPENINGS========================
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FULL OFFICIAL DECOMPRESSION AND REGIONAL EVENTS LIST
Wondering where your nearest Decompression event is? Here's the full list of official Burning Man Regional events for 2010!
http://bit.ly/adVBBD
What's an official Decompression? This name applies only to events officially affiliated with the Burning Man Regional Network, meaning that a local regional contact has vouched that the event meets the Ten Principles of Burning Man, and is legal, insured, and benefits the entire local community - and, each tries to encapsulate the broadest range of art, creativity, and inspiration from each local area. It's more than a party, it's a celebration of our way of life! Find yours and sprinkle a little playa dust on those post-Burning Man blues.
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SOLAR SUNFLOWERS AT SAN FRANCISCO EXPLORATORIUM - SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER
Imagine giant solar-powered sunflowers that sense your presence, leaning over to provide shade as you near them. Imagine these same flowers gently opening at sunrise, tracking the sun as it moves through the sky, and then closing back up again at nighttime!
Presented by Black Rock Solar and designed by Poetic Kinetics, The Solar SunFlowers will be on display at the Exploratorium until Sunday, October 10, 2010. After the install at the Exploratorium, the Solar SunFlowers will travel to different schools, museums and festivals across the country, teaching young people, students and artists and about renewable energy.
About the SunFlowers
The Solar SunFlowers are a Black Rock Solar project in partnership with the creative design team at Poetic Kinetics and support from the SunPower Foundation. The SunFlower project is believed to be the first of its kind, blending large-scale interactive art and cutting-edge technology in an immersive educational experience designed to change the way people think about renewable energy.
For More Information
The Exploratorium : http://www.exploratorium.edu
Poetic Kinetics Facebook page/Photos of Sunflower build: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Poetic-Kinetics/147602808610553?ref=ts
Contact: Marnee Benson -Booking the Solar SunFlowers Marnee@blackrocksolar.org
Website: http://www.blackrocksolar.or
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BURNOUT 2010 - PORTLAND DECOMPRESSION - PORTLAND, OR - OCTOBER 23-24
Burnout 2010 - Portland Decompression - Metromorphosis
www.burningmanportland.com
Saturday October 23-24, 2010.
SE Water Avenue & Main St.
3:00pm to 3:00pm
"Metromorphosis" is an interactive arts festival. This event will consider community and the transformation of interior city spaces. We offer artists, performers, and camps a chance to express themselves in an open forum. We are driven by community and entirely volunteer run. Our event follows these guiding principles: Inclusion, Gifting, Decommodification, Self-reliance, Self-expression, Communal Effort, Civic Responsibility, Leaving No Trace, Participation, and Immediacy.
Want to get involved? There are a couple ways to get involved from volunteering to bringing your camp, performing, or even offering some arts & crafts. You can volunteer for DPW, D'Corps, Gate, Rangers, Fire, Music, Medical or clean-up. Please see BurningmanPortland.com for more details on how you can participate. You can also register to bring your camp, see online form: http://bit.ly/burnoutcamp
Art Grants: We have no walls or ceilings to limit your potential this year. We have a large open space right in the heart of Portland. We welcome your themecamp, art cars, and large scale art. We have a moderate for art grants and want to hear from you. We welcome your creative and crazy insights! See the online PDF form here: http://bit.ly/csF2dw
Pre-sale tickets available for $14 (inclusive).
Tickets at the door for $20. Doors open at 3:00pm
Under 18 requires parent or guardian present.
Free admission for kids under 12.
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INAUGURAL LAS VEGAS HALLOWEEN PARADE - LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 31
The very awesome Cory "LadyMerv" Mervis has moved from New York City to Las Vegas, where she's serving up a healthy dose of the Burning Man spirit to the unsuspecting masses there, by producing the first ever Las Vegas Halloween Parade. This is a great chance to crank up the self-expression and roll it out for all to see. Definitely make it if you can. Cory writes:
"Ramp up your Radical Halloween Self-Expression & help bring the playa spirit and large scale participatory events to Las Vegas. Let’s show Las Vegas how its done. We need the help of our arts community to make it a success and as artists and participants, we all know about costumes, participation and large scale interactive events. So why not share it with Las Vegas? Come and be a part of the experience.
Sunday, October 31st
Halloween 2010 Parade lines up at 6pm, Parade begins at 7pm!
Parade route is from the Arts District to Fremont Street in Downtown older Vegas; complete details and map on http://www.thelasvegashalloweenparade.com
It's Free to march in the parade in costume.
Call for Participation:
Get involved. Your amazing and diverse talents, spirit, creativity and enthusiasm are what its all about.
Individuals, Groups, Art Cars and Theme Camps
1) March costumed in the Parade!
Express Yourself and pARTicipate! Wear your finest playa pageantry and costumery. Then illuminate your outfit with El Wire, LEDs and lighting for night time!
2) Drive your Art Car in the Parade!
Show off your mobile work of art by driving in the parade!
3)Perform on Stage at the end of the parade!
There will be an opportunity for performances! Have a gift you can share? LED Poi, sword swallowing, LED hooping etc.... contact us now so we can accommodate and celebrate YOUR special contribution to this amazing event!
If you know of other artists who may like to be involved, please forward this to them! Want to volunteer? Email contact@thelasvegashalloweenparade.com "
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====================PHOTOS & IMAGES========================
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BURNING MAN 2010 PHOTO GALLERY FROM WENDELL DELANO
Here's a truly spectacular gallery of photos from Burning Man 2010, shot by Wendell DeLano. Absolutely stunning work, thank you Wendell! (Not 100% safe for work, though Wendell has his subjects' permission to share! )
http://explorerphoto.com/p334126905
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==================CONNECT WITH BURNING MAN====================
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The Burning Man Regional Network - connect with Burners in your hometown:
http://regionals.burningman.com
Visit our own Lyceum and engage with published authors, bloggers and thinkers in and around the Burning Man community as they observe and comment on our culture and like-minded cultures around the world:
http://blog.burningman.com
The Official Burning Man Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/burningman
Official Burning Man Twitter Account - All Things Burning Man:
http://www.twitter.com/burningman
Black Rock City Twitter Account - All Things BRC:
http://www.twitter.com/blackrockcity
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==================ADMIN ON AND OFF THE JRS====================
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Email questions to questions@burningman.com anytime. Email post requests to jackrabbitspeaks@burningman.com with the words "POST REQUEST" in your subject line.
For questions: questions@burningman.com
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Soundtrack for this JRS: Roni Size, Bassnectar, Trentmøller, Amon Tobin
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