JRS Volume #6; Issue #27

JRS/6:27/07.11.02

OFF AND ON: Find info at the bottom.

AG here on this fine 45-days-before-we-burn afternoon… and may I just say that Nevada was the PLACE TO BE this July 4 weekend for this burning girl. I got to see some of my favorite DPW faces, take a drive on the playa to the spot where the Man will stand, and sort through some of our team’s dusty supplies in anticipation of our desert operation. The Man is already built, believe it or not – crafted with love by some of the most enthusiastic hands to ever wield a nailgun. And the desert is just glorious right now! That cracked lakebed surface we know and love is currently hard-packed, so dust out on the playa was minimal (remember, though, it can all change without warning, so we make you no promises or guarantees about the dust this year. We’re Jack Rabbits, not Mothers Nature 😛 ). It was hot and breezy and quiet and inspiring and wonderful and I can’t wait to get back and start building the city!

I returned home on Saturday night to an inbox just chock full of JRS information…so much that we’re peeling off a separate JRS this week for events. Don’t miss it; it’s got great info on the upcoming FLAMBÉ LOUNGE, the DESERT ART PREVIEW, Chicken John’s ROCK THE BOAT, all the upcoming REGIONAL INFO, and some THEME CAMP FUNDRAISERS that will thrill and delight you!

Meanwhile all the Burning Man news you need, below: We’re trying to find a FOGHORN FOR THE MAN’S LIGHTHOUSE. Plus, the answer to the big question BRC: WHEN CAN I SHOW UP? Find out if it’s ok to arrive early (it’s not). There is also important news for getting to BRC: read some TRAVEL INFO ABOUT HOOVER DAM, and be aware of potential RENTAL CAR/TRUCK HASSLES. Also, DA RAT IN RENO IS OUT OF BIKES until further notice. There’s a PLEA FROM THE PODS OF L2K. And for airborne fun on the playa, we’ve heard about a KITEFEST AT BURNING MAN. Hook up with a great volunteer opportunity: GREETER TRAINING IN SF AND RENO, or be a GUARDIAN ANGEL FOR THE TEMPLE OF JOY, or come learn a new skill at the SIGN SHOP WORK WEEKENDS in SF.

And finally a word from little old me about ITEMS FOR POSTING IN THE JRS.

Ahoy! (I had to say that at least once this year.)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FLAMBÉ LOUNGE: OUR FINAL GATHERING BEFORE THE PLAYA!
BRC WELCOMES YOU STARTING AUGUST 26TH!
APPROACHING BRC: IMPORTANT TRAVEL CAVEAT!
RENTING A VEHICLE TO GET TO BRC? THE EYES HAVE IT
THE BURNING MAN SEEKS A FOGHORN
ONE LESS PLACE TO GET A BIKE
L2K: A PLEA FOR PODS
DATE SET FOR KITEFEST ON THE PLAYA
GREETER TRAINING: SAN FRANCISCO, RENO
THE TEMPLE OF JOY IS Calling All Angels!!!!
SIGN SHOP WORK WEEKEND IN SF – LEARN TO MAKE SIGNS!
A “JACK RABBIT SPEAKS” NOTE ABOUT…WELL, “THE JACK RABBIT SPEAKS”
ADMIN ON AND OFF

BURNING NEWS

**FLAMBÉ LOUNGE: OUR FINAL GATHERING BEFORE THE PLAYA!**

Burning Man Flambé Lounge Presents:
NO SPECTATORS DAY & The S.S. BLACK ROCK LAUNCH PARTY
A full day of PARKticipation & Floating World art and community!
Sunday, July 21st
2pm-6pm Esprit Park: Free and all ages!
6pm-2am Club Cocomo: $10 seaworthy attire; $15 street wear, 21+

Please refer to the upcoming ALL EVENTS JRS for full info, or click the Flambé page at http://bmpublishing.wpengine.com/blackrockcity_yearround/special-events/flambe/ (if the info isn’t there, it will be soon, so check back!)

Click http://home.earthlink.net/~eggchairsteve/launchparty.html to view the invitation!

**THE BURNING MAN SEEKS A FOGHORN**

We’ve searched high and low, and so far we’ve not been able to turn up a foghorn for the lighthouse structure that will form the Burning Man’s base. We’re seeking a classically toned electronically operated foghorn to fully complete the transformation of its pedestal into a lighthouse in the Floating World.

In our search, we’ve turned up ship’s horns, hand-crank foghorns, and other such findings, but none so far have had the true, foghorny quality we seek.

Got a resource? Got an idea? Write us at jackrabbitspeaks(at)burningman(dot)com.

**BRC WELCOMES YOU STARTING AUGUST 26TH!**

A message from the Department of Public Works –

Q: When can I arrive at Burning Man? Can I come early?

A: Our gates open on Monday, August 26th. Theme camps placed in Center Camp or the Esplanade and registered artists will be allowed to arrive on the Saturday before our gates open (August 24th.) All other early arrivals are *not* allowed – because we’re not ready for you!

We know you’re eager, but we are still making our city roads and infrastucture and cranking in high gear to finish safely and on time. Any extra body not working toward this effort is just in the way. Arrivals before August 26th tax our infrastructure, increase safety risks and cost the event money. The area used for Burning Man is closed until our event begins.

Please work with us by waiting until Black Rock City is ready for you. See you on the playa on Monday, August 26th.

Welcome home!

DPW

**APPROACHING BRC: IMPORTANT TRAVEL CAVEAT!*

Hoover Dam is CLOSED to most BM traffic (RVs and tightly packed cars)

Gary Taylor, our AZ Regional RockStar writes:

“Some of you go across Hoover Dam and then up the western side of Nevada by way of Las Vegas to get to Black Rock City. Since 9-11 Hoover Dam has been closed to trucks, vehicles with trailers and RVs. This also includes cars, pickups and SUV’s that are so tightly packed that the police can’t tell what is in it when you stop at the road block. Don’t think that they *might* let you across. They wont, so don’t be tempted. If you try, it will add an hour of frustration to your drive when they turn you back. Save yourself the hassle by going to the bridge across the Colorado River at Laughlin. There are two ways over the river. One is across Davis Dam and the other is a bridge about a mile south of it. This bridge is not shown on some maps. Don’t worry, it is there. Davis Dam is closed just like Hoover. Just follow the signs.

So here is how you do it. Once you come to Kingman Az., you take Highway 68 to Laughlin-Bullhead City. This is a straight shot out of Kingman to Nevada. Once you Exit from I-40 at Kingman onto Highway 68, just follow the highway signs to Bullhead City-Laughlin and the bridge. After you are across it, take Highway 163 a few miles to Highway 95 then north to Searchlight and Henderson. This route is not that bad and is well marked. The road is two lane at 65 mph. It is further than going across Hoover. But before 9-11 it was faster during the day because of the tourist traffic at Hoover Dam. There is a negative side to this route. During the day this road has a lot of traffic. The speed limit is 65 but don’t expect to do over 55 because of all the motor homes and slow poke drivers. However, if you take this road late at night or early in the morning, traffic is very light. Driving late at night in the desert this time of year is much easier on your vehicle and tires anyway. Not to mention how much better it is if you don’t have air conditioning.”

**RENTING A VEHICLE TO GET TO BRC? THE EYES HAVE IT**

If you are renting a car to drive to Burning Man then beware: technology is a double-edged sword.

We have received a report of a participant taking a rental car to Burning Man and being stuck with a $2600.00 surcharge when she turned the vehicle in. The vehicle was cleaned inside and out before she returned it. They allegedly charged her for abuse and mileage because she went to Black Rock Desert. She had told them she was going on a camping vacation, but failed to tell them it was in Black Rock City Nevada. Her mileage was less than allowed by the contract for the week she had it, but since she drove into Nevada they hit her for out of state mileage (at $1/mile for the whole trip). Then they said there was a surcharge for repairs that “might” be needed because she drove it off road. They also charged her $180.00 because she exceeded the speed limit three times on her trip! It seems the GPS was on the whole time.

More on this topic at: http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/azstar/20020706/lo/rental_car_tracking_spurs_suit_1.html

**ONE LESS PLACE TO GET A BIKE**

Burners are fired up and planning! Following last week’s mention in the JRS, Nevada’s Da Rat saw all 110 of his bikes reserved, in less than a week! (I stopped by and took mine for a spin on the way to the desert. It’s red, of course!) So – no more bikes are available through Da Rat, but we will keep a bunny ear to the ground for opportunities for other burners to pick up a bike on the way to the playa.

**L2K: A PLEA FOR PODS**

L2K (the ring of lights around the Man) is a computer controlled wonder. You have seen the lights running patterns for the last several years. This is a big project and Burning Man now maintains all of the components, pods and wiring. This year plans are to have more interactivity right there at the Man.

But like any major project, L2K can use some help. There is some final pod and harness testing to be done before the event. L2K needs some other help as well during the event as well such as installation. If you are interested in getting involved in this project contact tim(at)astronomynv(dot)org. Plans are to have 1 day of testing at the Nevada Work Ranch the end of July or the beginning of August. This is simple work and requires little effort (i.e. it is a sit down job). This will be the final work before the event. This is simple work, involving only sitting with a battery pack testing pods. It’s the *location* of the work that’s fun!

In previous years the ring suffered the most damage the night of the burn. Pods are taken as souvenirs and broken when driven on by bikes and cars. The obelisks and battery get tagged, pissed on and banged around. Everyone is encouraged to help by spreading the word: enjoy L2K but leave it there when you go. The pods take time and money to create. Don’t take the pods and please don’t drive over them. The Obelisks are not urinals or repositories for graffiti. They are fun to hang around and look at. If people help in these areas, L2k will be easier to maintain and less costly for Burning Man, ensuring its return for the next year.

**DATE SET FOR KITEFEST ON THE PLAYA**

The Black Rock City Department of Tethered Aviation will be sponsoring the 3rd Annual Black Rock City International Kite Festival on Thursday August 29th at 4:20pm.

The BRCIKF has twice been nominated for the Best Kite Festival of the Year at the Kite Trade Association’s annual convention.

In keeping with this year’s Burning Man theme, we are asking all of you to bring out your fish, octopi, boat, and other marine theme kites. Our goal for 2002 is to have over 1,000 kites in the air and to finally win that award.

If you need a kite please visit your local kite shop or go to www.paintthesky.com. You can also shop by telephone at 1-800-KITELUST.

See you all on the Playa!

BRC Dept. of Tethered Aviation

PARTICIPATE

**GREETER TRAINING: SAN FRANCISCO, RENO**

When : Saturday 7-13-02 at Noon to 2 p.m.
Where : SF Offices at 1900 3rd
http://www.burningman.com/office.directions.html (watch out for construction)

Why : We will be Greeting on Playa in less than 2 months!!

Bring a bag of chips and a six pack and lots of questions. Let’s get out to the playa this year and make last year downright dull! Bring in your H.A.P.P.Y. face and get the latest and the greatest in Greeting at Burning Man in 2002. For those that have attended a training meeting, we would love your assistance at this one.

Greeter Training Meeting in Reno

When : Saturday 7-27-02 from 3 p .m. to 5 p.m.
Where : Bruka Theatre
99 N. Virginia St
Reno, NV
Why : Kick-ass good training for Greeters

Please join us in Reno at the Bruka Theatre for a wild show called Greeter Training. If you have Greeted before or not, this meeting is for you!

**THE TEMPLE OF JOY IS Calling All Angels!!!!**

The artist David Best is creating another Temple to follow in the wake of the beauty of his “Temple of Tears ” from 2001. He is gracing this new temple with the Title of “The Temple of Joy”…a place of Reflection. David is in serious need of a Legion of “Guardian Angel ” Protectors to quard and protect this 3-story masterpiece of architectural design, 24 hours a day. The purpose is to warn people from climbing upon the structure, to prevent injury to themselves and others. The desire to climb is natural, but the delicacy of this structure will not handle the weight and the new height would make climbing quite dangerous. You’ll also help keep an eye out for any misguided attempts to conflagrate the piece before its time.

If there is a calling inside of you to stand guard one of the world’s most ephemeral cathedrals, whilst witnessing the profound communion of people placing their thoughts gently upon its walls…to ignite into brillant transformational flame Sunday evening… email the Arch Angel Termeh in charge of heading up this masterful Legion at goodoos(at)earthlink(dot)net. Headquarters shall be on the playa in the Lamplighter camp.

**SIGN SHOP WORK WEEKEND IN SF – LEARN TO MAKE SIGNS!**

The DPW sign shop creates all the street signs and other signage in BRC. This hardworking team is having work weekends in the Burning Man San Francisco office on the following Saturdays and Sundays:

July 20-21
August 4
August 10-11

We’ll start at 10 am and go until around 4, except on July 21st, when we’ll stop at 2 PM so everyone can go enjoy Flambe Lounge.

Come and have some fun and make signs for Black Rock City! Office location: http://www.burningman.com/officedirections
E. mail honneyman(at)burningman(dot)com with your contact information and availability.

Thank you,
Honneyman 🙂

Please check the upcoming EVENTS ONLY JRS for regional info! Stay tuned for JRS V6-27a…but one more thing before we go:

**A “JACK RABBIT SPEAKS” NOTE ABOUT…WELL, “THE JACK RABBIT SPEAKS”**

The JRS has a distribution of roughly 30,000 addresses. We get a LOT of post requests these days for events, and it’s becoming a time-consuming quandary for us to decide which events are/are not coming from within the Burning Man community, which theme camp benefits are sizeable enough that folks might fly to a city to catch them, who is going to make money off a party’s ticket sales, whether it’s a commercial party, etc.

Since the primary purpose of this newsletter is *news about Burning Man*, we thought it might be a good time to reexamine some guidelines for postings that will go into the JRS. In many cities, we’ve got a regional contact with an active announcement list who would just LOVE to post your local event to the Burning Man community. It may be that your announcement should be sent to several regional contacts – for example, if you have a theme camp benefit in Chicago, you might send a note to the Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio contacts in addition to the chicago@ alias, for their announce lists. Likewise, be sure to make use of the excellent regional calendars, linked from each region’s page found at http://www.burningman.com/blackrockcity_yearround/contacts/regional_contacts.html.

In order to keep the JRS relevant to the event, we’re asking you to aim in the direction of the local regional contacts when posting your local happenings. If you live in an area where there are lots of events happening but there’s just NOT a regional anywhere remotely nearby to help announce it, fire us an email at jackrabbitspeaks(at)burningman(dot)com and let us know.

Another really valuable resource for finding and promoting events is the year round calendar at http://www.burningman.com/calendar/yearround/month.php. Find events in your area and add one of your own. We strongly encourage you to use this tool! If you’ll be traveling through a region for business or pleasure, check it – you might find other like-minded family to meet.

And yes, we will continue to post the information for things Burning Man: regional burns (events to which one might choose to travel to experience!), volunteer trainings, Flambé Lounges, film screenings, etc., but we’ll be devoting less column space to those smaller events such as theme camp benefits, meetings, and those kinda-but-not-really-directly-Burning-Man-related gatherings that people are always sending us. The hope is that this resource will be kept useful for the burner from Japan, the burner from Idaho, the burner from Ireland, and the burner from San Francisco to obtain information about Burning Man. Sometimes (like today) we’ve got so many of these items that we’ll move them to a seperate, events-only JRS.

Please don’t be insulted if your item is not posted in the JRS. The announce lists and year-round calendars on http://www.burningman.com have been greatly improved recently to make them useful for finding ways to connect with like-minded people in your area.

Another note – due to the deadlines and schedules and rhythms of the office this time of year, the JRS will now come to you on Thursdays instead of Wednesdays. (Rabbit factoid: it takes between 8 and 12 hours for the JRS team to compile and write and edit each newsletter.)

The Jack Rabbit retains the right to post what the Jack Rabbit will, to have a cheesy sense of humor, and to make gloriously bad puns with absolutely no warning.

If you have questions, just ask! jackrabbitspeaks(at)burningman(dot)com.

xoxo
*AG*

[Soundtrack to this JRS: the “Kids” soundtrack; Elliot Smith.]

ADMIN ON & OFF

THE STUFF AT THE BOTTOM:

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