JRS VOLUME #9; ISSUE #8
JRS:V9:#8:12.20.04
Please see our footer for updated unsub and submission information….
So, here it comes, the end of 2004…quite a year (in the traditional sense) for sure. We would like to take this opportunity thank you, readers, for your participation, curiosity, volunteerism, hard work, shared community, interesting ideas, challenges, feedback, and for sharing your creativity and effort with those around you.
From the volume of posts this week, you’d think it was “the off season”, but it’s far from it… there is plenty of energy afoot and some very exciting things to look forward to in 2005. We’ll keep sharing them as we get ’em. Meanwhile, this week’s news reflects on your feedback, seeks help at BMHQ, updates the home page, and more…some great links to share, an invitation to break a world record in BRC, and yes, somewhere out there are photos still un-found. Heck, maybe you’d like to loan out your parking lot in Orange County for fire performers to practice if that’s your cup of tea. Plus events in SF, LA, New Zealand…plus NY Decom photos. Oh yeah.
Our little gift to you this week is a short intro – perhaps to save a extra few moments for enjoying the season with people you love. We all send you best wishes and blessings for a warm holiday, enjoyed in its truest spirit. Thank you!
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BRC NEWS:
-YOUR FEEDBACK, OUR EARS AND EYES
-BM.COM HOME PAGE UPDATE FOR 2005!
-HR POSITION AVAILABLE AT BMHQ
-BUILDING BURNING MAN ART: ‘THE DIAMOND PORTAL’
-A GIFT FOR YOU TO GIFT AGAIN ‘ BURN A ‘SOUNDS OF BMAN’ CD
PARTICIPATE:
-ORANGE COUNTY FIRE PRACTICE SITE NEEDED
-STRIPPER POLES AND LAMPLIGHTERS: WHAT’S THE CONNECTION?
-FIRE BREATHIN’ RECORD BREAKIN’ INVITATION
-EVEN MORE “PHOTOS WANTED”
EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS:
-REMINDER: ANON SALON NYE
-NEW YEAR, NEW ZEALAND
-NY DECOM PICS
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===================BLACK ROCK CITY NEWS======================
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YOUR FEEDBACK, OUR EARS AND EYES
Many thanks to everyone who sent comments to feedback(at)burningman(dot)com! We have received over 100 responses from participants. The Board Members, Senior Staff, various other production staff members and volunteers have read these emails and forwarded many to the appropriate Departments. We are in the planning stages for 2005 and are considering the great suggestions.
Because of the overwhelming number of responses, we cannot reply directly to everyone. Depending on the nature of the feedback, some participants may receive a direct response. Because, many comments touched upon similar issues, we are able to address these issues generally below.
‘ DMV Registration
Many folks commented on the DMV registration process and related safety issues. First, the organization would like to apologize for any inconvenience that participants experienced this year. Second, please rest assured that the DMV registration process will begin earlier and the DMV department will be modified to reflect the needs of the mutant vehicle community and all other participants in 2005.
‘ Acculturation of Newcomers
Yes, there were a large number of newcomers in 2004. As a result the event experienced some serious challenges, such as trash in the porta-potties, and some reported a dilution of the sense of community experienced by seasoned Burners. Some people perceived less evidence of unique self-expression, such as large scale art and costumes. We are in the process of discussing the numerous solutions that many of you proposed. We are considering many changes in an attempt to acculturate newcomers in 2005 and we will be asking for your support. In the meantime it is important to remember that we were all newcomers to Black Rock City once. It takes time to learn how to be a responsible participant at Burning Man. If many of this year’s newcomers return in 2005, they will come as veterans with a year’s worth of planning and inspiration under their belts.
‘ Art
Several participants perceived less art on the playa this year. Inclement weather prevented some artists from completing their work and there were a few no-shows. Burning Man has already begun to address this issue. A proposal for more funding by our organization is in the works for 2005. Stay tuned.
‘ Fall Town Meeting
It is our feeling that the annual Fall Town Meeting is no longer meeting its intended purpose. Accordingly, we received several emails with suggestions on how to reinvent this forum. Before discussing this further, a background of this meeting is given below.
Initially in 1997, Burning Man created the Fall Town Meeting to address some heavy issues that the organization was facing. In 1998 the same forum was used as a very successful way of exchanging ideas and recruiting volunteers. Out of it, the Spring Town meeting was created as a volunteer recruitment event and the fall Town Meeting was reserved for discussion and feedback. The Spring meeting has flourished, but the Fall meeting has served only a smaller group of Bay Area participants.
Burning Man staff decided it was time to reexamine the purpose and format of the Fall Town Meeting. The following issues surfaced:
1) The core Burning Man community is no longer restricted to the Bay Area; but rather, is global.
2) Many of the same basic questions and concerns are raised at the Fall Town Meeting repeatedly every year, so it yields little in the way of new information
In order to address these issues, we solicited feedback from participants. After reviewing the suggestions, we have decided that the Fall Town Meeting is no longer automatically warranted each year. The need for this meeting will be evaluated on an annual basis. Should the meeting be held, it will be done in a way to involve the community as broadly as possible. This could likely include pre-event outreach as to the purpose, and a webcast or teleconference for remote participation.
In lieu of the meeting, the Burning Man organization has set up several feedback mechanisms for all participants to utilize in expressing ideas and feedback. The first of these is the feedback(at)burningman(dot)com email. This year the feedback email address will remain active until December 31, 2004. Next year the feedback email will go live immediately after Burning Man 2005, and stay active through December 1, 2005.
Additionally, next year there will be a “Feedback on 2005” topic on the ‘eplaya’ (Burning Man’s BBS) where participants can not only provide feedback, but also, have a dialogue with staff and other participants.
Furthermore, Burning Man staff members are interested in meeting with participants and hearing their thoughts in person during their increasing number of trips to meet with Regional groups year round. We are currently working with Regional groups and will continue to do so to set up meetings with participants when Board or Senior Staff members travel. If you would like to find out more about our regional groups please visit http://regionals.burningman.com.
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BURNINGMAN.COM UPDATED: NOW, WITH EXTRA 2005 FOR YOUR PLEASURE!
Check out the latest info on 2005 (including theme info, ticket info, and a link that answers “What Is Burning Man, Anyway?” for you first timers who haven’t attended. Plus new links to other fun tales and updated sections of our website.
Give the Web Team a little karmic love and come on over for a visit: http://www.burningman.com/
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HR POSITION AVAILABLE AT BMHQ
Burning Man is currently in need of an experienced Human Resources Specialist to develop and maintain its growing HR infrastructure. If you are dedicated to Burning Man values, and you are capable of creating an HR function without bureaucracy and abundant processes, please read on!
DOES THIS DESCRIBE YOU?
‘ You seek out creative ways to develop and implement HR policies and practices
‘ You have been working in the HR field for 4-7 years
‘ Your previous co-workers describe you as being organized, friendly, knowledgeable and effective
‘ You are a savvy computer user, using all the basics of this century
CAN YOU DO THIS?
‘ Create new programs and maintain an existing HR function which includes performance reviews, benefits administration, hiring practices, corrective action, benefits administration, and a worker’s compensation program
‘ Establish efficient, effective internal HR processes
‘ Train management and employees on employment practices
‘ Keep us out of trouble by ensuring we are in compliance with all applicable labor laws, including FLSA classifications, Employee vs. Contractor classes, Leave of Absence requirements, and Nevada employment law
‘ Assist in recruiting, interviewing and reference checking as needed
This is a part-time independent consultant opportunity. If you are qualified, we want to hear from you. Please send your resume to hrconsultant(at)burningman(dot)com and include ‘HR Position’ in the subject line.
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BURNING MAN TICKET FLYER: HIGH EXCITEMENT’.LOW RESOLUTION?
Oops! The graphic for this year’s Burning Man ticket announcement was printed in low resolution, due to a printer error. If all goes well, you’ll soon be able to see the image ub full-glory high resolution on a new poster from Burning Man.
For now, you can use artist Hugh D’Andrade’s page at http://www.hughillustration.com/burn/ to grab jpgs of the graphic (for personal use ONLY.) You can use the jpg above or grab Wallpaper jpgs from the links below to decorate your desktop. Please address any questions or inquiries to hugh(at)hughillustration(dot)com. Thanks!
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BUILDING BURNING MAN ART: ‘THE DIAMOND PORTAL’
Artist Harlan Emil Gruber writes:
‘I have a website documenting the 11:11 Diamond Portal’s design, construction, transportation and photos at Burning Man and back here in Taos . It received a feature length article in the local weekly newspapers magazine section for an event I held at it on Nov. 11th (11/11) ‘ (the link) is included on my website:
http://www.harlanemil.com/diamondportal/diamondportal.html
I would like it if peolpe would email me their photos or expeirences at the Portal to : h(at)harlanemil(dot)com
Many people who I met at the piece said it was their favortite thing there. I hope you had an opprtunity to experience it. It was located at 11:11 and the distance of the Temple of the Stars. I also have photos from this and past years Burning Man. See 2004 photos at:
http://www.harlanemil.com/bman2004thumbnails.html
I hope you can include this info on a future Jackrabbit emailing.
Thanks So Much,
Harlan Emil Gruber
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A GIFT FOR YOU TO GIFT AGAIN ‘ BURN A ‘SOUNDS OF BMAN’ CD
‘
‘Check out http://www.TheSoundsOfBurningMan.org for a free downloadable set of tracks. available for burning into a CD called “The Sounds of Burning Man.” Makes a great gift or stocking stuffer for those Burners on your holiday gift list. There is a label and CD case insert you can print, too.
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Cheers,
Sound Man
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PS: Though this was announced last summer, it seemed appropriate to remind folk about it at this time of year.’
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ORANGE COUNTY FIRE PRACTICE SITE NEEDED
We need an area for fire practice: breathing, poi, and some propane toys. Ideally it would be a nice paved parking lot or warehouse where we would have the owner’s permission, paying for the privilege if necessary, and carrying an insurance policy.
Please pass on any ideas, we really want to get legal.
ericmendenhall(at)cox(dot)net
Thanks
Eric
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LAMPLIGHTER RIGGING NEEDS A RIDE LA TO SF
Lamplighters write: ‘Some 2004 Lamplighter rigging went to LA after the event, and we’re looking for a good Samaritan to transport it to the Burning Man offices in SF. The rigging is three ten-foot brass dancing poles. Yep, I said dancing poles! What do dancing poles have to do with Lamplighting? It’s a long story, but in short, very little it turns out. They were an experiment with mixed results in our 2004 lounge, and therefore we’d like to sell them. But first we need them back in SF.
If you have room for a pile of brass poles and you’re heading north from LA to SF in the near future (or you’d like to inquire about the poles) we’d love to hear from you. The poles are covered in fabric sleeves and have accompanying hardware. Please write lamplighters(at)burningman(dot)com with your contact information including travel dates and a phone number.’
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FIRE BREATHIN’ RECORD BREAKIN’ INVITATION
Tedward writes: ‘Open call to 2005 Fire breathers!!
If you will be at Burning Man in ’05 and have some skill in fire breathing, you are welcome to join the Ocean of Fire project. We will be attempting to shatter, crush and destroy the current world record of 80 fire breathers in one spot. Tell all your Burning Man Breather friends to sign up for the ocean of fire.
http://www.geocities.com/burningbreathers/ ‘
This one ought to be a slam-dunk, yes?
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PHOTOS WANTED
OK, tell us this photo request from Arthur isn’t just a little bit adorable:
‘I installed a mirror art piece in the Observatory called ‘Twisted Infinity’ that consisted of three infinite mirrors mounted on some shelves, and if anyone got any pictures of it, I would really appreciate a copy! This was one of my first art projects since the teen age so I’d like my aging mom to see it, but the only shot I have is from when I was installing it totally naked and I fear her poor heart may not handle that. I know it is unlikely anyone took pictures of mirrors in a dust storm, but if your camera happened to click by accident or anything, please do send a copy to arthurz(at)sbcglobal(dot)net and the love will reflect backatcha. Thanks!’
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==================EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS=====================
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REMINDER: ANON SALON NYE
NEW YEAR’S EVE, ANON SALON is back at the San Francisco Regency Center with SEA OF DREAMS – “SURREALIA!” , AND down in Los Angeles at the Park Plaza Hotel with SEA OF DREAMS – “ODDySEA”,
Here’s your chance to go all out with surreal costumes’as you join the play across multiple floors and large’and elaborately dressed ballrooms. Lots of great’burner talent, up north… (Hamsa Lila, Kan’nal, Rosin’Coven, Kid Beyond & more!) plus loads of’ DJ’s (Garth,’Ellen Ferrato, Late Night Sneaky, Jeno, Laird, Adam’Ohana, Random Rab & more!) amazing circus and cabaret’acts (Vau De Vire Society, Xeno).
And down south with a similar costumed vibe and more great talent (Mutaytor, Lorin, El Circo, Ooah, Mamsutra, Anahata, Anamstik, Dream Circus, Mystik Alchemy and Alcyone).
Always plenty of gorgeous environments and artful interactivities!
Full info on both events at http://www.anonsalon.com
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OR, IF YOU’LL BE IN NEW ZEALAND AT THE NEW YEAR’.
KIWIBURN2 Regional Burn, New Zealand 2-4 January 2005
Kiwiburn2, New Zealand’s second regional Burning Man’event will be held on 2-4 January 2005 in the Anatoki’Valley near Takaka, Golden Bay, South Island, New’Zealand. We will hold the event from 2nd to 4th Jan’2005 on private land as the guests of the Rainbow’Community. The site is in a beautiful valley’surrounded by bush (forest) covered hills. The event’will be the first standalone kiwiburn event. Last year’we held the inaugural kiwiburn as part of the’similarly-conceived Visionz f estival, which is having’a one-year rest after a successful run of New Years’festivals. The event is free, and advertisement is’largely by word of mouth, our kiwburn email list, and’here in the JRS. As such we have no idea as to how’many will participate, but expect it to be in the’50-150 area.
We hope that as many of you come to the event as possible. Please come and be part of making and shaping what kiwiburn is about.
Email me if you would like information on kiwiburn2, join the email list, or just want to say gidday. I’ll look forward to seeing some of you at kiwiburn2!
Mark Stirling, aka Yonder Man
New Zealand Burning Man Regional
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MIDWEST BURN: INTERFUSE 2005 — MAD SCIENCE
Where: Ozark Avalon, Columbia, Missouri
When: May 13-15, 2005
Midwest Burners is a Burning Man inspired group radiating out from the Kansas City area. Many InterFuse participants come from the Kansas City and St. Louis areas, since InterFuse is primarily a collaboration between these two communities. However, we encourage any other Burners, especially those in the Midwest, to come co-create the InterFuse experience. Of course, you don’t need to be a previous Burner to attend this event. The goal of InterFuse is to unite the scattered Burners and pre-Burners of the Midwest in the flames of this celebration of Art, Fire, and Life – further spreading the unique Burning Experience through the region.
This year’s theme will explore the crackpot scientist in all of us….check out the website for more info!
For more information on InterFuse please visit http://www.midwestburners.com or join http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MidwestBurners/
(coming soon: kansascity(at)burningman(dot)com – for now, use the contacts on the website above for more info)
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NEW YORK DECOM PHOTOS
LadyMerv sends this little morsel from NY Decompression:
”just a glimpse of our NYC 2004 Astral Slide Decompression- you may recognize a few faces- wonderful wonderful evening- and the kids were an excellent added energy!( no doubt we will include them in whatever we do moving forward).
http://www.jeromepix.com/Decom2004/ ‘
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{Soundtrack to the JRS: “Sugar Mama” by Jason Blum/ “Simple Devotion” by Misty Edwards. Figure that one out.}
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==================ADMIN ON AND OFF THE JRS====================
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YES! YOU *CAN* WRITE TO THE JACKRABBIT! (We love it!)
Email the JRS or questions any time with your questions or comments.
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Andie Grace, Actiongrl
Office of the Jack Rabbit
http://www.burningman.com 