JRS VOLUME #13; ISSUE #21
Burning Man Update: The Jack Rabbit Speaks
Volume 13, Issue #21
June 11, 2009
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LATEST NEWS:
+ DEADLINES DEADLINES DEADLINES DEADLINES DEADLINES DEADLINES
+ GOT A BIKE? RENO BIKE PROGRAM ROUND-UP
+ IS YOUR THEME CAMP GREEN AS ALL GET-OUT? GET ON THE BRC MAP!
+ CLARIFICATION ABOUT NEW CALIFORNIA FLAME THROWER REGULATIONS
+ HOW TO GET MARRIED AT BURNING MAN
+ “BURN 2008” IPHONE APPLICATION
+ ART CAR SUPPORT HELPS THEME CAMPS AND MUTANT VEHICLES IN GERLACH
+ IRON MONKEYS SELLING PLAYA STAPLES TO SUPPORT THEIR 2009 PROJECT
PARTICIPATE:
+ KOSTUME KULT NEEDS COSTUME DONATIONS FOR PLAYA GIFTING
EVENTS & HAPPENINGS:
+ SOLARSTICE 2009: A FUNDRAISER FOR BLACK ROCK SOLAR AND PERSHING COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT – RENO, NV – JUNE 21
BURNING MAN ALL YEAR LONG:
+ LOS ANGELES REGIONAL UPDATE – TOWN HALL THIS SATURDAY!
CONNECT WITH BURNING MAN:
+ Burning Man on your favorite social networks
ADMINISTERRATA:
+ Want to unsubscribe from the JRS? Srsly? OK, here’s how: http://tinyurl.com/2rwqzx
{================================================} =================INTRODUCTION=================== {================================================}
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Greetings everybody, and welcome to the impending heart of June, wherein we dance ever closer to the magical surreality that is Black Rock City. Hey, that was pretty poetic, huh? How about that.
OK so anyway, here we are poking you in the eye again with yet another edition of the Jack Rabbit Speaks, once more chock-a-block full of the usual mad variety of interesting and valuable information bubbling around the ever-expanding culture and community of Burning Man.
People are starting to wonder where and wherefore lies our usual Resource Edition … and lo, this year we are doing things differently and more better, and thus there will NOT be a Resource Edition. Would-be submitters are kindly requested to hold their post requests, and await notification of what’s up-and-coming … and trust the Rabbit when we say it’s gonna be cool, and there will be much rejoicing. Truuuust the Raaaaabbit.
Read on, folks … and start imagining your place in the fabric of what will be Black Rock City, and enjoy that warm fuzzy feeling it evokes.
-Will
(Associate Rabbit)
p.s. here’s a shout-out to Chicken, for whom this introduction is especially penned.
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{================================================} ==================LATEST NEWS=================== {================================================}
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DEADLINES DEADLINES DEADLINES DEADLINES DEADLINES DEADLINES
* The deadline for the Burning Man sticker contest is June 14th (see last JRS)
* The deadline to register a Mutant Vehicle is June 30th
* The deadline to register an Art Installation is July 1st
* The deadline to register a Disabled Persons Vehicle is July 31st
* The deadline to register a video/film project is July 24th
* The deadline to register all other media projects is August 7th
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GOT A BIKE? RENO BIKE PROGRAM ROUND-UP
Our good friend Nathan once again helps us out with a round-up of bike programs in the Reno area. Now remember, people, just because you got your bike en route to the playa and don’t want to take it home, that does not mean you should leave it on the playa when the event is through. Take it with you, and return it to the Kiwanis folks! … ahem … OK, here’s Nathan:
“There are a few bike programs in the Reno area that sell or rent reliable and affordable bikes every year to Burners in preparation for Burning Man. This year they decided to get things rolling a little earlier, so you can have more time to get that “Can I get a bike in Reno?” issue taken care of before moving on to preparations of other things for your adventure to the playa.
Kiwanis Bike Project
If you’re in need of a bike close to the playa that’s great for Burning Man, reserve one from the Kiwanis Bike Program. We have a variety of bikes for $30 up that you can purchase, and at the same time support our programs to fix up bikes for at-risk kids in our area. If you return your bike(s) to us on your way home from the playa, we’d love it — we’ll refurbish and reuse it! We’ll be at our shop daily starting one week before Burning Man or by appointment to pick up or pick out a bike for you before you head back out to Black Rock City. To reserve a bike, for further information, or if you’d like to know more about our programs in northern Nevada, see our website.
Kiwanis Bike Project
2605 Comstock Drive
Reno, NV 89512
775-846-7146
http://www.kiwanisbikes.org
Kiwanisbikes (at) att (dot) net
Black Rock Bicycles
Black Rock Bicycles is your Reno transportation headquarters for rentals, as well as sales of bikes for Burning Man. Having a bicycle – especially a reliable one with comfort and style, with fat tires and a soft seat – is a large part of the Burning Man experience and tradition, and is essential to your overall enjoyment in Black Rock City. Just a few hours from the playa, we offer rentals and sell used bikes at affordable prices that have been professionally maintained by experienced bike mechanics. We also have everything you need to be able to set your bike apart from the rest — lighting supplies, baskets, and many of the other items needed to have fun as well as be safe on the playa. Please check out our website for the details.
Black Rock Bicycles
7550 Hillview Drive
Reno, NV 89506
775-972.3336 (shop)
775-530-5805 (cell)
http://www.blackrockbicycles.com “
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IS YOUR THEME CAMP GREEN AS ALL GET-OUT? GET ON THE BRC MAP!
If you are a theme camp or village that knows how to Leave No Trace and be green on the playa, consider being a model camp. You can showcase and share your camping know-how with the community. You’ll be designated on the BRC map that each participant receives. Simple or fancy, big or small, any registered camp or village can be recognized.
Interested? Check out: http://bit.ly/DpvVf
and request your application at greenmap (at) burningman (dot) com
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CLARIFICATION ABOUT NEW CALIFORNIA FLAME THROWER REGULATIONS
In the last Jack Rabbit, we posted an announcement about new California regulations for flame thrower devices, and our fire guy ™ DaveX has stepped up to offer some well-informed clarification about said regulations, and how they relate to fire artists. Take it, DaveX:
“There has been concern among the fire arts community recently regarding the additions to Title 19 Chapter 6.5 involving Flame Throwing Devices, and it warrants some clarification.
First a little background. This issue came about as the ATF (Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms) was attending a gun show in California and found fully-functional flame throwers for sale. They were not “guns”, and thus not covered by any background checks, waiting period, or age requirements. With the intention of closing this loophole, The Flame Throwing Device Work Group was formed by the California State Fire Marshal’s Office, composed of members of the Department of Justice, ATF, State Fire Authorities as well as representatives from the special effects industry and people contracted to do fire prevention and suppression for the California Fire Service.
The result of their efforts is finally about to come into law and the public commentary period is open. It’s important to note that a) this law is only in effect in California … if you are using these in Nevada it is not an issue, and b) this law will not affect 99% of the fire arts community. Why? Let’s take a look:
Health and Safety Code Section 12750(a) states that “Flame Throwing Device” means any non-stationary and transportable device designed or intended to emit or propel a burning stream of combustible or flammable liquid a distance of at least 10 feet.
This does not impact propane effects because in most cases propane is used as a gas and not as a liquid. Even in effects where liquid propane is used, it’s for the most part completely turned to a gas before reaching 10 feet.
Liquid-fueled effects usually describes a situation in which there are separate fuel tanks, hosing, controls and other attached gear, which are not portable. When set up, this is a considered a stationary effect. If the supply tanks and operational controls were attached and able to operate in a mobile fashion it WOULD be a Flame Thrower.
If you have a non-stationary, transportable device designed or intended to emit or propel a burning stream of combustible or flammable liquid a distance of at least 10 feet, and you intend to display it in CA, you can apply for a permit, specifically a Certificate of Eligibility, from the California Department of Justice. This is an annually-renewable certification that you are eligible to own firearms. It involves getting fingerprinted, and costs a couple hundred bucks the first time and $20 or $25/year to renew.
You will need to describe your flame-throwing device(s) when you fill out the application form. You must pass background checks, have a secure (by state definition) safe storage area, transport it in a secured manner, as well as surrender your rights to search and seizure. You must also keep records on the use, storage, sale or destruction of the device. Unless you feel strongly that this regulation applies to you and you plan to operate your device in California it’s better to not apply. Here’s the application (PDF) as it currently exists:
And the proposed application form (PDF) is here:
Links to the proposed rules and associated forms:
http://bit.ly/l31QL
http://bit.ly/1Rnfi4
Finally, please remember a term like “Flame Thrower” is not to be used lightly. For the most part what we are talking about in the context of fire arts is the use of “open flame” and “flame effects”. Burn hard, and burn safely!”
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HOW TO GET MARRIED AT BURNING MAN
Did you know you can legally get married at Burning Man? If you want a pre-planned, well-thought-out wedding on playa, everything you need to know can be found on our weddings page, including how to get a permit, officiant rules, stuff like that:
http://burningman.com/preparation/event_survival/weddings.html
You can also hit up Armadillo, our Wedding Coordinator (yes, really) with any questions, by emailing weddings (at) burningman (dot) com … feel the love, people. Feel the love.
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BURNING MAN iPHONE APPLICATION
In case we weren’t plunging headlong into the 21st century fast enough (and we are well aware that someday we’ll look back at this paragraph and laugh at ourselves), one of our intrepid participants has created a Burning Man iPhone application. Nope, that’s not a typo. Check it out. Says he:
“Hi, this is Pmatt from Seattle’s Space Virgins camp. I want to let everybody know that nine months after I started the project, my Burning Man iPhone app is *finally* available!!
Burning Man 2008: A Photo Essay by Matt Freedman
Here it is on iTunes: http://bit.ly/dFIWy
Think of the app as a coffee table book for the iPhone, together with a selection of essays. It contains over 300 extraordinary Burning Man photos, packaged in an easy-to-use full screen photo viewer. You can go through the whole collection, or browse by categories (People, Art, Art Cars, The Man, Dust, etc.). When people ask you what Burning Man is about, now you can just pull out your iPhone (or iPod Touch) and show them!
You can also visit my site to see sample images, excerpts from the essays, and the complete text of my annotated packing list…
http://www.silentcolor.com/projects/burningman2008
If you do get the app, PLEASE go back to the app store and enter a numerical rating, and if possible, a brief written review. This is absolutely crucial for its success.
Burning Man 2008: A Photo Essay by Matt Freedman has been reviewed and approved by the Burning Man Project, and a portion of the proceeds from every sale goes back to the organization as a contribution to the community it supports.”
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ART CAR SUPPORT HELPS THEME CAMPS AND MUTANT VEHICLES IN GERLACH
Our friend JB, who runs Art Car Support out of Gerlach, NV (our favorite town-next-door), has been successful supporting well-organized theme camps and art cars store and service their infrastructure and materials between burns. Says JB, “Our vision is to support the event, the longevity of the event, and to do our part in making positive change to our home in the Black Rock Desert.” And hey, you can’t beat THAT with a stick.
They even donate a portion of their proceeds to the Friends of Black Rock / High Rock organization.
They’re planning to build a year-round store in downtown Gerlach in 2010 called Barsyl Bazaar, which will employ locals and keep your money in the Gerlach community, where they say: “burning is our favorite pastime!”
http://www.artcarsupport.com
jb (at) artcarsupport (dot) com
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IRON MONKEYS SELLING PLAYA STAPLES TO SUPPORT THEIR 2009 PROJECT
Our good friend Tabasco, head of The Iron Monkeys, who have created the last two (gorgeous) Burning Man Center Camp Fire Cauldrons, are raising some money for their 2009 Burning Man project In`cu•nab”u•lum. Tabasco writes:
“Many groups throw parties or awesome events in order to raise money. We, however, are good at making things. We thought that making something that will last for years and save a foot or two from impalement would be a good way for us to raise our capital.
We are selling Playa Staples.
Playa Staples are hand-forged, square stock steel tapered to points at each end and bent into a ‘candy cane’ shape. When hammered into the ground they lay flush with the playa and will not trip or skewer people like that unsafe rebar stuff. They enter the playa easily and stay secure until it’s time to go. Playa Staples are removed quickly and simply by levering them straight up. They’ve been around since 2003 and are time tested and burner approved (with over 2000 made and sold in that time).
There are two sizes:
– Regular Playa Staples are roughly 10″ on one side and 6″ on the other, with 1-1/2″ spacing in the center, and are made with 3/8″ square stock. These are best for tents, carports and smaller structures.
– Large Playa Staples are roughly 15″ on one side and 8″ on the other, with 2″ spacing in the center, made with 1/2″ square stock. These staples are designed for use on large structures (domes or tie downs for things that require a more solid anchor).
If you have any questions please let me know (Tabasco (at) theblacksmithshop (dot) com). Special orders (sizes and styles) are available. I will accept cash, check and CC via Paypal.
Shipping you ask: I recently discovered that I can fit 50 Regular Staples in the USPS priority prepaid boxes. So any amount up to 50 is $12. Unfortunately this is not so with the large staples. Shipping is still being figured out.
For more info and to order please go to
http://www.theblacksmithshop.com/playastaples.html
To see what the Iron Monkeys are up to please visit:
http://www.theblacksmithshop.com/ironmonkeys.html or http://iron-monkeys.blogspot.com/
Tabasco
Iron Monkey
Tabasco (at) theblacksmithshop (dot) com
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{================================================} =================PARTICIPATE==================== {================================================}
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KOSTUME KULT NEEDS COSTUME DONATIONS FOR PLAYA GIFTING
We heart Kostume Kult. They have clothed us in decidedly (and for lack of a more diplomatic word) fashion-forward style for years now. Help ’em out if ya can: the fashion victim they save might just be YOU. They write:
“Beautiful people! Kostume Kult will be back in 2009 but needs bigtime help with our annual mission to costume all who come by our esplanade costume dome. Do you have any unused costume clutter or might you ask your local costume shop if they have stuff to donate for a non-profit tax deductions or to sell to us at a bulk rate? It’s been a crazy year in NYC and we are late to figure this out — so any ideas could help!
As many of you know, Kostume Kult gifts hundreds of pounds of donated costumes every year, helping many get into the spirit of Burning Man and, by extension, changing some lives. All costumes are gifts – no returns or barter necessary. Based in NYC, we throw numerous fundraisers and collect stuff all year in pursuit of this mission and would dearly appreciate any ideas.
If you’ve got stuff- we have CA and NY shipping addresses or you can bring by on-playa. As we have had some successful fundraisers this year, we can help with shipping charges if needed and, again, if you hear of any costume shop or theater group going out of business, we would consider offering cash for a large, bulk donation…
Here is a one-page glossy for more info or to print and show others… http://www.kostumekult.com/donate/2009glossy.pdf
Any questions or leads – please let our lovely costume coordinators, Squirrel and Amazon, know at Squamazon (at) gmail (dot) com .”
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{================================================} ==============EVENTS & HAPPENINGS=============== {================================================}
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SOLARSTICE 2009: A FUNDRAISER FOR BLACK ROCK SOLAR & PERSHING COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT RENO, NV – JUNE 21
Black Rock Solar, the City of Reno, and the West Street Market present Solarstice 2009. Sunday, June 21, 2009, 7PM-10PM, at the West Street Market!
This is a great opportunity to connect with friends and the Burning Man community, listen to some great music, drink a beverage of your choice, and generally chill out from the Big Bounce and Dada Motel, all the while supporting Black Rock Solar and the Pershing County School District — on the longest day of the year.
This event will feature performances by Kate Cotter, Tyler Stafford, Leroy Virgil, and Controlled Burn; a raffle with many fabulous prizes including TWO BURNING MAN TICKETS, beer supplied by Great Basin Brewing, and food and refreshment from the fabulous vendors in the West Street Market.
Black Rock Solar is a non-profit 501(c)(3) in the business of gifting solar power to schools and non-profits to marginalized and rural communities. As you drive to the Black Rock Desert, you drive past something in excess of 100 kW of solar generation facility installed by Black Rock Solar. To date, we have installed over 300kW of solar generation capacity in Northern Nevada, saving schools and non-profits well over one million dollars.
The Pershing County School District has been hit very hard by budget cuts. Of approximately 40 teachers, 6 have been laid off in the past year. Black Rock Solar has raised about 90% of the resources needed to build a 50kW solar array, which will save the PCSD approximately $11,000.00 per year (at today’s rates!), and all at no cost to them. But we’re still about $15,000 short of what we need to make this project happen!
Let’s show our broader community in Northern Nevada that we know how to affect creative and positive change, and have a great time while doing it!
HAVE A GREAT TIME DOING SOMETHING TO STOP GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE!
West Street Market is at 148 West, in Reno, NV
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{================================================} =========== BURNING MAN ALL YEAR LONG ========== {================================================}
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***LA REGIONAL UPDATE: LOS ANGELES TOWN HALL JUNE 13!***
We’re excited to re-establish our habit of telling you about what’s going on with regional Burner communities in local areas worldwide, and today we’re starting with Los Angeles, California.
Recently, an eager group of LA Burners have been meeting to share ideas for revitalizing the connections in their community and its local activities. After a call out and interview/meeting process, a new team of four Regional Contacts has emerged and been installed:
Athena, Topless Deb, Normal, and incumbent Regional Ernest Belding will work as a team, and in cooperation with a core group of other local leaders who are helping to reinvigorate the LA Announce list (subscription info below) and other community-organizing activities in Los Angeles.
The latest info is, they’re having a Town Hall meeting and Ice Cream Social coming up on June 13th – this wekeend! If you’re an LA Burner and you’ve been out of the loop for a while, or this is your first time, come by and meet your local Regionals and other new folks in your area who are headed to Burning Man this year. We’re coming down to say hello, too. Hope you’ll come check it out.
Here’s the invite:
“We’re having a Town Hall Meeting for all of you to attend, meet the regionals, meet the other people, get involved, and enjoy a refreshing bowl of ice cream! Also we will reveal the Survey results!
LA TOWN HALL & ICE CREAM SOCIAL
June 13, 2009, 2 PM
@ Smash Labs 1714 Albion St, LA, CA 90031
It will start at 2pm and will continue until the ice cream is gone, all topics of interest are discussed and until we declare it’s over. If you would like to add a topic to the agenda please write la (at) burningman (dot) com and let us know!
The social is BYOBaT (bring your own bowl and toppings). *Bring toppings to share*. We’ll cover the ice cream! (I scream, you scream, we all scream…)
See everyone there,
Your new LA Regional Coordinators.”
The updated LA Regional Page can be found at: http://regionals.burningman.com/us_ca_la.html
To subscribe to the Burning Man announce list for Los Angeles (no discussion, announcements only), send a blank email to: la-announce-subscribe (at) burningman (dot) com
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{================================================} ===========CONNECT WITH BURNING MAN============= {================================================}
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The Official Burning Man Facebook Page:
http://tr.im/bman_fb
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============== {====================================================}
Email us or questions (at) burningman (dot) com any time with questions. Email jackrabbitspeaks (at) burningman (dot) com by 11:59 PM PST on Sunday for post requests. (We don’t post all requests, however.) Please type “POST REQUEST” in your subject line to make it past the SPAM.
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https://burningman.org/culture/stories/jrs/archive/
On and off this ride:
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Soundtrack for this JRS: J. Tillman, Bon Iver, The Acorn, Death Cab For Cutie, Fanfarlo