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Volume 19, Issue #35 | August 24, 2015 
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ROUND-UP OF BURNING MAN WRITINGS:
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GET ME OFF THIS CRAZY RIDE!
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Home stretch, people. Like, literally. This week, if you're one of the lucky who managed to score a Burning Man ticket (believe us, we really do wish it was all of you), you're just about in the throes of packing (and procrastipacking) mania. We feel ya. We're doing it ourselves.
And we gotta tell ya, we're beyond psyched to be back in Black Rock City, especially after the crazy year it's been around these parts. From lasers to drones, turnkey camping to bug infestations, BLM negotiations to poop buckets, it's been quite possibly the wildest one on record around the Burning Man community.
Barring some unforeseen circumstance (hey, it happens), this may well be our last Jackrabbit Speaks of this event year, and we wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU for all your contributions, passion, and dedication to this wonderful and amazing experiment in which we all play a part.
We very much look forward to seeing you in Black Rock City — and if not there, wherever Burners join together around the world to celebrate and share in Burning Man culture.
Holy crap ...
The Man burns in 12 days.
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Bugs on the Playa: Don’t Believe the Buzz
If you’ve been keeping up on the latest rumors flying around the internet, people are in a bit of a frenzy about an alleged bug infestation of plague-level proportions on the Black Rock Desert this year. We understand the eagerness to swarm around this click-worthy story, as the media most certainly has. We’re here to dispel rumors (bless you, internet), provide facts, and calm some nerves.
Read more on Voices of Burning Man
In fact, after all that hubub, the bugs are gone. Take a look: Bugs? What bugs?
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Announcing the Burning Man Ticket Transfer Tool!
We're beyond excited to introduce you to the new self-serve Ticket Transfer tool, available through your Ticketfly account. Ticket Transfer allows you to assign any transfer-eligible ticket or vehicle pass in a Will Call order to a specific person. With Ticket Transfer:
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you can assign items in your order to different people.
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the need for any other name change request emails or paperwork or presentation of name change paperwork at the Box Office is eliminated!
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once an item is transferred to someone, they can pick it up with their ID at the Box Office, no need to perform an in-person "hold" at the Box Office.
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recipients are provided more security—transfers are one-way and once transferred, the recipient is the owner of the item. The recipient can transfer items on to others as well.
Hooray! You can find full details and instructions here.
(Photo by Fazlul Bari, Creative Commons)
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Here Comes the Rain Again — Are You Ready?
OK folks, so we’ve had some unseasonably late rain in northern Nevada this year. Small sections of Highway 447 were washed out last month, and in early August the DPW survey team evacuated the playa when storms swept through the area. If you remember 2014’s 12-hour Gate closure (we sure do), you’ll know why we feel it’s important to share our best tips for preparing for rain on your parade.
Read more on Voices of Burning Man
(Image credit: Prepper Journal)
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Consent and Sexual Harassment in Black Rock City
In the last of our series of posts about preventing sexual assault and sexual harassment at Burning Man, we joined with experts to discuss sexual harassment and the importance of consent in your interactions on playa.
Please read our full blog series on sexual assault and make sure others in your camp do too — this is a problem we can only solve together. Posts include:
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Drone Projects Selected for Burning Man 2015
Burning Man received more than 150 applications to fly drones at the event this year, and the organization has selected projects for the limited number of available slots for 2015.
All approved drones will be visibly tagged, as will the pilot’s controller, and the pilot will be issued a wristband. This is a public safety issue, so anyone operating an unauthorized drone in BRC risks receiving a citation or possible confiscation of their drone.
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On-Playa Fuel Sales
Need gas for your mutant vehicle, art installation or theme camp? We want to make sure your project keeps running, while reducing the amount of fuel stored in theme camps (y'know, for safety and whatnot).
Here's the form to fill out to get signed up to fuel up on playa.
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Harm Reduction: Take a Smart Approach to Drugs and Alcohol
Burning Man takes place on federal land. All local, state and federal laws apply in Black Rock City, and they are enforced by law enforcement officers at the event. Drugs, whether legal or illegal, can be dangerous on their own, and, like any city, Black Rock City is not immune to the dangers of intentional assault involving drugs and alcohol.
Given these realities, Burning Man and its organizational partners in health and safety, including law enforcement, believe in the importance of harm reduction when it comes to drugs and alcohol on the playa.
Read more on Voices of Burning Man
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Tales from the Playa: Live in Black Rock City
Jon "Argus" Mitchell writes:
"Announcing the first-ever Tales from the Playa: Live in Black Rock City! Come sit in a soothing installation way out on the edge of BRC to hear and share the dreamiest Burning Man stories.
What: Telling Burning Man stories in a far-out vibrating portal
Where: 11:55 Reformation Portal, 11:55 & way out there
When: Burning Man 2015: Monday at 9am and 9pm, Friday at 9am and 9pm
Playa stories aren’t just the what of what happens out there. They’re also the why. The unbelievable events and encounters that happen in BRC become the stories we bring home with us, and they’re the fuel that brings us back. Come share some!"
Learn more on Voices of Burning Man
(Photo by Mr. Science)
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A Packing List for List Lovers
Mama J writes:
"The time of planning, provisioning and packing is upon us. Especially if this is your first year, packing can be daunting. Mama J of More Carrot Farmers Market offers her list, replete with many a tab organized by function and an explanation of why each item is important. Mind now, this is a personal camping list only and does not include larger infrastructure and support items. Pack on!"
Check out the list on Google Docs
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Why I AM Going to Burning Man This Year
Zach Bell writes:
"Look at the life you get to live and realize what is happening. We are them, then; now. We are those that took action during our time. Respect the past and the people who built these platforms you are standing on. Celebrate their success because now a greater world audience gets to experience their magic.
‘It’ is all very much not only still happening, but growing. So what are you going to do it about? Get your mind out of what once was, and what will never be again and look at the present moment, the right now. Then, look forward. Whatever you can envision, can be."
Read more on Return
(Photo by Trey Ratcliff)
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We Lost Spoono
We are sad to announce the loss of beloved Department of Public Works staff member Scott “Spoono” Stephenson. Spoono passed away overnight on the playa, in the city he loved most.
Stephenson was in his late 50s and died of apparent natural causes, according to Pershing County officials. Stephenson had been in Gerlach and on the playa since April supporting construction of Black Rock City. His passing will have an enormous impact on the Burning Man community.
John Curley and Tony "Coyote" Perez provide heartfelt remembrances.
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How Burning Man Changed My Life: Slowly but Surely
It doesn't always hit you all at once. It could take years. Brody writes:
"I have always envied people their transformative experiences at Burning Man. Friends, acquaintances, strangers whose stories I read on the internet. “Burning Man changed my life!” they say, and point at one instance, one specific moment where they realized their life was going to be different moving forward.
This will be my 12th year in a row of attendance at the event, and I’ve never experienced that lightning bolt of differentiation.
Burning Man HAS changed my life, though, just not in the way I expected. It occurred to me recently that my life would be entirely unrecognizable if not for Burning Man. Transformation has snuck up on me slowly, over this dozen years of participation."
Read more on Voices of Burning Man
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Bringing a Hexayurt? Practice Safe Hex!
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Hexayurts are amazing playa habitats, but their crumbly foam can create major MOOP problems if you aren't careful. If you're bringing one to Black Rock City, check out this video and checklist by Vinay Gupta, the inventor of the hexayurt:
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"Finish your hexayurt at home. Definitely no board cutting, even for windows, on the Playa if you can avoid it. Reno parking lots etc. are not ideal either.
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Transport your hexayurt safely. That seems to mean sandwiching the panels between two sheets of plywood and ratchet straps if you are using a roof rack. That is going to be heavy: make sure your roof rack / car can take it!
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Make your tie downs good and strong. Candy caned rebar stakes, driven deep, or regular rebar with ends protected so nobody can cut themselves. User ratchet straps or a rope halo, and make sure it's tight enough that the wind cannot shift the unit a milimeter.
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Put a smoke detector at the peak of every hexayurt. This is really important: the more hexayurts that are in use, the safer each one must be if we are going to maintain our safety record!
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Make sure that every hexayurt has two exits. Even if one is taped shut - in case of fire. This is particularly critical if you have honeycombed hexayurts together. Fire is a real risk: please protect yourselves."
Learn more on hexayurt.com
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Come Be a Carny in the Midway and Join Our Face/Body Painting Contest
LadyBee writes:
"Become a carny and play in the midway! Carny Corral is doing face and body painting daily, Monday through Friday, at the Man! Transform into a true carny by getting painted by Nora the Explora and friends. If you want to volunteer at the Carny Corral contact carnycorral@burningman.org. We have several shifts left!
Carny-tastic (face/body) Painting Competition, Tuesday 6-8
Carny Corral is hosting a face and body painting competition at the Man!! Artists come join the fun and enter the body painting contest for bragging rights as the most carny-tastic on the playa. Show and judging begins at sunset."
Join the Carny Corral on Facebook
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Vow Ceremony at the Temple of Promise
Carousel writes:
"The Temple Guardians will be leading a celebration of commitment at the Temple of Promise. We will be meeting in the Temple courtyard at 7pm on Thursday September 3rd and will start the ceremony around sunset. Come join us for whatever vow you would enjoy joining in.
Please help us make sure that we have enough volunteers to help by letting us know that you wish to participate. RSVP here."
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Come Phly Your Phreak Phlag
Annelies writes:
"The Philly Phreak Show Midway project invites all phreaky sideshow acts to come share their uniqueness. Are you a hairy beast in search of your wolf pack? An evil scientist or mad doctor in search of humans to observe and analyze? Are you a 3-breasted fortune teller, a mermaid, magician, bearded lady, Siamese twin, contortionist, sword swallower, or have features that make you uniquely phreaky? Come join the Phreak Show and celebrate your positive strangeness!
The Philly Phreak Show will host intimate nightly performances within its Museum of Oddities & Curiosities. Sign up for a performance time ahead of time by emailing phillyphreakshow@gmail.com or stop by the Pheak Show Midway booth on playa to sign up in person! Also, impromptu performances are welcome anytime!"
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Charisma the Playa Locksmith
Charisma writes:
"Charisma, a.k.a Jason a.k.a Me, will be acting as Playa Locksmith from Tuesday through Sunday. I can unlock anything (cars, bikes [if you can prove it's your bike], cabinets, rv compartments, padlocks, trunks, etc.) except late model luxury cars.
I will be in The Unicorner (6:45 and G) of the Barbie Death Village. Come find me if you need me!"
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Zombie Leader Needed for Thriller Flashmob
Fuser writes:
"Our annual world record attempt Thriller Flashmob is happening in front of the Hardly Hotel Friday evening in the 4:30 Portal. All we need are some mildly or wildly talented people to teach 13,000 dusty Zombies the routine. Sound, stage, music, lighting, and whisky provided. Be a part of history!"
Interested? Email Fuser.
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Greatest Mutant Arts Parade Returns for 2nd Year
Doug writes:
"The 2nd Annual Greatest Mutant Arts Parade needs your Mutant Vehicle, mutant bicycle crew, or mutant marching band participation, as we again parade along an uncharted playa mystery route... which will caravan near beautiful art pieces, pass along in close proximity to the Man circle, and head towards 3:45 and Esplanade.
The Greatest Mutant Arts Parade will begin Wednesday, September 2nd from 11am-noon, launching around C street and 10:00.
Come share in our vision of becoming one of the most unique and creative... Community Meet and Greet experiences at Burning Man!
Contact Doug Abrahams for further information and to sign up for this year's parade!"
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Calling All Chefs and Foodies
SashaSauce writes:
"I am doing an art project this year documenting food projects across the playa. I would like to conduct interviews and photograph the process and finished project of whatever culinary art you will be providing on playa. Special camp dinner? Food cart? Specialty food item? Anything related to food is of interest, so please contact me if you are willing to participate."
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PlayaRPG is Looking for Camps and Characters to Collaborate With
Jem writes:
"Do you like games? Do you like LARPing or fantasy or RPGs or anything like that? Are you interested in helping run something awesome on the playa?
I'm looking for camps and individuals to collaborate with to help run the first ever PlayaRPG! I'm also looking for planning input and ideas, if you're willing to contribute those as well!
I see PlayaRPG as being a fun, interactive, playa-wide, week-long mini-LARP-y-like thing (live-action role playing). In it, players (heroes!) will choose their class and receive quests. The goal of the game will be to complete and turn in five quests without losing all of their HP over the course of the week. More info is written up in the group. If this sounds like something you may be interested in, ask to join the Facebook group!"
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PlayApology Seeks Poets, Musician and Doodlers
D-Stracted writes:
"Camp PlayApology (from LA, Tuscon, and SF) seeks volunteers. We offer playa-friendly flowers, Burner-centric greeting cards, and singing 'SorryGrams' to those who want to say, 'Sorry, I f—ked up!' to someone on-playa. Help us craft conciliatory haikus or limericks; join us for a Flash Mob-style 'SorryGram', or simply drop off a card to a camp of strangers on your way to a party.
Shift duration and responsibilities are totally up to you. NEWBIES WELCOME! VERY LITTLE SKILL REQUIRED! WE HAVE A BAR! Email us at campplayapology@gmail.com, or find us on the 9:00 Plaza at 3:15."
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How Do I Support a Burning Man Art Project?
So you'd like to help out with an art project, but you're not sure how. Well, you can gift your services, skills, time, resources, or funding. There are plenty of projects in need of assistance. Here's how to find them:
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Help Mazu Crew Rebuild from Their Kitchen Fire
It's been a tough build for the amazing international crew of the Mazu Temple. As if the total commitment this project has demanded wasn't hard enough, their kitchen RV burned down in Gerlach, destroying not only their means of cooking but all their food as well. And Witch Doctor, the project lead, lost pretty much everything he had.
As John Curley reports from the playa, other crews are stepping up bigtime to help — the Temple crew is letting them use their whole kitchen — but it's not like they have infinite resources to spare out there. The Mazu crew could use some donations. You can find all the info you need to help out on their Facebook page.
If you want to make a PayPal donation, send it to leavingforaliving@gmail.com.
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Meet the Artists Tour Broadcast on BMIR 94.5 FM
Diablo writes:
"Coming at you directly from the Playa on BMIR: Burning Man Information Radio!
An 'unholy' alliance between the ARTery and BMIR, the Meet the Artist Broadcast will be hosted by Diablo, Dazzle! and G-Spot.
There is a record amount of AMAZING art this year and we're gonna tell you about SOME of it, while interviewing a FEW of the incredible artists who dreamt up and created these fantastic works.
You can turn in to BMIR 94.5 FM while on the Playa, stream on-line worldwide at BMIR.org or (best of all) come follow the tour on your bike!
Which Art Car to follow? None other than The Queen of BRC: Christina and Captain Flipper. Just look on the Esplanade near the ARTery/BMIR for a gorgeous 58' yacht with blue waves on her hull.
All YOU have to do now on Thursday August 28th just before 11:00 a.m. is remember to:
TURN ON!
~Your radio
TUNE IN!
~To 94.5 FM on the Playa
(or stream on-line @ BMIR.org)
or
DROP EVERYTHING
You Dusty Old Burner & come follow us out into the desert on your bicycle."
Join the Facebook event
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Pinhole Project Playa Art Exhibit at the University of Nevada, Reno
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Cynthia writes:
"Have some time in Reno before you hit the dust, or on your way home from the playa? Stop by the University of Nevada Reno’s art exhibit of the people, art and events from previous Burning Man festivals:
'Pinhole Project - A collaborative photography project from the playa'
August 25 through October 1, 2015
Front Door Gallery, Church Fine Arts Building, Ground Floor
At the Jewelbox on Virginia St. at College Drive
Exhibition Reception: September 8, 4-8 PM
Refreshments hosted by the UNR
DJ’s from Wolf Pack Radio all evening
Since 1999, Pinhole Project has challenged the conventional assumptions about photography at Burning Man. Our aim is to document the people, art, and events at Burning Man while teaching others to explore their own creativity through this hundred year old technique of pinhole photography.
For more information visit Pinhole Project’s website.
Pinhole Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit artist-run cooperative."
Voices of Burning Man posts about Pinhole Project:
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Burning Man Unicycles Unite
Neptune writes:
"Can you ride a unicycle? Have you ever thought about bringing one along with you to Burning Man? The open playa actually can be a great place for a one-wheeled ride! Over the last decade, Burning Man's unicyclists have been meeting up every year for a counter-clockwise parade around the Esplanade. This year will be our 11th ride, so bring that wheel along and come on out to join us!
On Thursday, September 3rd at 5:30 PM in Black Rock City, we'll all meet at the 9:00 Plaza for a wheel count before heading off on another round of fun!
You can also connect off-playa and keep in touch with the Facebook group, Burning Man Unicycles Unite!"
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Russian Burners of the World, Unite!
"WHAT: Russian Burners of the World, Unite!
WHEN: Tuesday, September 1st, 6pm-9pm
WHERE: Black Rock City, Camp OWNWAY (9:30 and Erzatz)
Come meet and greet your favourite neighborhood Russians. Moscow to London, St. Petersburg to Brighton Beach, LA to SF - we want you all!
Engage and meet all the Russian-speaking artists and Burners from all of the world while drinking delicious cocktails and hot tea at the OWN WAY camp. Get to know the main Russian art projects, Russian Midway submission and raise a toast with your comrades at BM2015!
ALL WELCOME!"
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Trojan Horse Reunion
Homer writes:
"Calling all Greek gods and goddesses, satyrs, nymphs, Trojan and Greek soldiers, flaming arrow archers, pyro team, builders, musicians, and the more than 500 'slaves' who pulled the horse to her final destination. Come celebrate one of Burning Man's most memorable art pieces, Trojan Horse 2011.
Douglas Bevans, whose idea it was, Homer, who was also the production lead, and several other key members of the project will be on hand to reminisce and swap stories. Join us 3 PM, Wednesday, September 2 at SHIFT Camp, 9:45 and Esplanade."
(Photo by B Mesiti)
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Annual Burning Man Fashion Show, Since 1991
Absinthia writes:
"Freak Show Fashion Fantasy!
The Annual Burning Man Fashion Show, since 1991!
Center Camp Café at the Big Stage
Burn Day, Saturday, 5:30-7pm
Step right up Burners, freaks, and clowns! Everyone walks the runway at the Burning Man Fashion Show, a Burning Man tradition since 1991! Please participate!
CLOWNS, CABARET, AND CARNYS... We need your awesomeness to do a special performance for the Burning Man Fashion Show i.e burlesque, live music, strip tease, whatcha got? We'll have your act performing between runway sets. Please contact absinthia@gmail.com
Hosted by Dr. Hal and DJ Justin Credible, with special clown judges Evil Pippi and Ouchy the Klown, with DJ Darkat."
(Photo by Dan Adams)
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Jazz Funeral to Honor Nancy and Remember Katrina
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Where: Black Rock French Quarter, Esplanade at 7:45
When: Sunday 9/6, 2pm
Iggy writes:
"In this, the fifth year of our jazz funeral, Nancy Beth Morrison, a brilliant light in the community, was taken by cancer. Her partner of 20 years, Kevin Finch, along with other Burners from New Orleans, will be part of our procession to pay her proper tribute. Moreover, with this very personal purpose in the foreground, in the background we recognize it is the tenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which struck the city of our hearts on August 29th, 2005. So this year, we parade not just with the spirit of joy and sadness, but with the purpose to celebrate a beautiful soul that was lost to us, and to rejoice in the rebirth of a proud city.
We invite all of Black Rock City to join us in this most meaningful of years. The event remains as fun and ridiculous as ever, but is also something more. In addition to our usual route from the French Quarter to the ashes of the Man and back, there will be a group continuing on to the Temple. Before the parade, there will be an impromptu brunch in the French Quarter, and everyone is encouraged to bring whatever they would like to cook or share. Musicians are all welcome to join the main line. Mutant Vehicles and other participants are all welcome to join the second line. If you are not bringing an instrument, feel free to bring libations or hydration to support the march."
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Burning Man 2015: Final Resting Place of Timothy Leary
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Date: Thursday, September 3
Time and Locations:
6:00 pm – Gathering at Cirque Gitane (8:15 & Geek)
6:30 pm – Art Car Procession to the Man.
7:00 pm – Join forces with the Billion Bunny March Against Humanity.
7:30 pm – Marching Band, Art Car, Kazoo processional to Totem of Confessions. Electric Kool-Aid party
Lauren writes:
"One of the most famous countercultural icons of the 1960s, Timothy Leary, was among a small group of renowned social scientists who abandoned traditional Western methodologies for the sacred culture of Tibetan Buddhism in an effort to pursue mystical revelation and personal liberation. As an advocate of guided meditation through hallucinogenic drug use, Leary initiated a cultural renaissance with his 'turn off, tune in, drop out' mantra. After his death in 1996, several grams of Leary's ashes were launched into space aboard a Pegasus rocket. The rest of his ashes were dispersed amongst loved ones, some of which are making their way to the playa this year through Cirque Gitane, an intergalactic travel camp located at 8:15 & Geek.
On Thursday at sundown, Cirque Gitane will encourage everyone on the playa to be a part of a Timothy Leary extravaganza. This celebration of Leary’s life will turn into an elaborate funeral procession that will travel through the playa to veteran artist Michael Garlington’s ‘Totem of Confessions’ on the 3:00 Promenade and 1600 feet from the Man.
The march will culminate with the ashes being placed inside the ‘Totem of Confessions,’ and when the Totem is burned, the ashes will burn with it. Burning Man will be one of the final resting places of this exceptional man, who President Richard Nixon called ‘the most dangerous man in America’. Leary taught people to tap into the wisdom of indigenous cultures and to treat the natural world as an extension of themselves."
(Photo by Philip H. Bailey, CC-BY-SA)
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We were listening to ...
Just... everything on shuffle. No brain capacity to make decisions about such things.
Until we realized — BMIR.org, of course!
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Post Request:
Want your post considered for inclusion in an upcoming Jackrabbit Speaks?
Fill out this form.
Credits:
Editor: Will Chase
Compilation: Jon Mitchell
Looking Over Shoulders: Megan Miller
Design & Development: Silvia Stephenson
Back of House: Amani Loutfy, Edub
Original Jackrabbit (O.J.): Marian Goodell
Jackrabbit Emeritus: Andie Grace
Header Photograph: Fire Poi, 2014
Photographer Credit: Jared Mechaber
More Information:
For questions contact us here.
Previous Editions of the Jackrabbit Speaks:
Visit the JRS Archive
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