I start at the Man. My goal isto find a home. I aimed for thecenter to begin my quest, but itwas not to end there. I walkNorthwest and the effigyrecedes, shrouded from view byhigh winds carrying fineparticles dust filling my nostrilsand lungs.

I am thirsty and head towardsit in hopes of finding water onMars. On the horizon I spot agigantic red orb loudly pumpingmusic at the edge of the expanse.Inside humans reluctantly offerme a lukewarm sample. I leavefeeling that the Martians are notthe friendliest of races.

The storms worsen. I seekrefuge behind large machineswith noisemakers to adjust mygear between Mars and Jupiter.Humans peer at me from behindglass barricades.

I decide to head for Uranus,having heard it was a dirty butnecessary place. I arrive at theedge and run into a small enclaveof humanoids, exposingthemselves to the Sun.

I inquire, “Can you tell mewhere the center of Uranus is?”

One reply, “We are holding upthis end of Uranus. You need tohead that way.” He points downa bare outline of a boulevard.

Fragments of human wastefling past me as I head into thestorm in a new direction. When Istop, a water-emiting vehiclepelts my legs as it passes, acooling experience. Inspired, Ireturn to the Red Planet. When Iarrive, Tobias of the Camp ofIncestual Nipples greets me. Iam offered sausages and a cooldrink. Tobias, tells me of a daywhen they create a large omelet.An Orgasm Omelet. Participantsare required to scream their mostconvincing of human orgasm ortell a tale of their favoriteecstacy.

Satiated I return to my quest.Tobias points me to Center

Camp, which he identifies aspossible center, a place wherehumans meet and pour libations.

I arrive and find this is true,but there is so much more. A seaof humans engage in variousactivities: making music, averbal diarrhea called rap, someform of contortionism. Iexchange some scrip for adelicious beverage called Chai,which I quickly imbibe. But it’snot the center, so I move on.

I exit the large red and goldtent and resume my search. Ihead toward the Sun, followingan Esplanade. I spot acommunications device,emitting a ringing sound. I

operate the device, and a voicesays “Hello, who is this?”

“Who is this?”I ask. “God”“God? Do you know where

the center of the universe is? I’mlooking for a home.”

“The center of the universe iswhere ever you are.”

“This booth is the center of theuniverse?”

“Wherever you are,” the voiceconfirms.

Another dust storm swirls. Ipanic and leave thecommunications devicedangling on its cord, headingtoward the effigy at the placewhere I began my search. Thestorm subsides, revealing a smallwhite structure.

It is a house. Completelywhite. Inside, a simple white-sheeted bed sits. I go inside andsit on the matress. Was I homenow? A perfect house and awhite picket fence? I search foranswers in the universe and themore I see, the more I learn, isthat there are just morequestions. Even when God said Iam the center of the universe,surely he must have meant eachhuman as well. That no matterwhere we are we create our owncenter.

Friday, September 3rd, 2004 TRAVEL EDITION Volume 13 Issue #56 Population 30,466

Nobody’s quite sure what it means, butBurning Man leaders are quite certain theywant to head toward development ofregional Burning groups. In a panel newsconference on Wednesday, they discussedrecruitment and development goals, alongwith the challenges of taking magic off thePlaya and performing it in distant towns.

“Most of the salient lessons after adecade and a half is that what we do on theplaya is scalable,” said Founder LarryHarvey. He says plans for regional groupscould make today’s large-scale playaexperience comparable to the origin ofBurning Man at Baker’s Beach in 1986.

This year’s Burn included low-profiletraining for regional leaders around thecountry. Projects under considerationinclude inter-city art exchanges and multi-camp decompressions. There was also aRegional Playa Info desk run at CenterCamp by Steven Raspa. But regionalism isnew enough that nobody knows how itwill work.

“We’re learning as much from them asthey learn from us,” said Marian Goodell,Mistress of Communication. “We’re notdictating a program to them. It’s not aboutideology.”

It may not be a rigid ideology, but theyclearly want it as an extension of theirvalue system. Harvey even comparesregional burning groups to the old ElksLodge. “A whole array of groups are dyingat a drastic rate,” he says. Burning Mancould provide another motif for public

service on the local level.“It may seem a stretch that we’re all

talking about what’s happening beyond anexotic event in such a remote location, butthe clear majority of people (here) areexotic if given half the chance,” he said.He calls it an effort to “reinvent theculture”, and calls the Playa a “life lessonin civics.”

As for the nuts and bolts of regionalism,the group appears to be steppingcautiously. It wants to provide autonomywhile not endangering the Burning Manname or sensibilities.

To obtain regional status, groups willhave to agree to follow the “10 Principles”articulated on www.burningman.com.These include “transparent books” andother sorts of accountability. It alsoincludes “radical inclusiveness” and“interactivity” to find a role for everyone.”

“We ask them to sign a letter ofagreement with us, and to acquire a formal

structure that allows them to do specifictypes of corporate busines,” said Goodell.She says the use of Burning Man logosand symbols is “still under review,” andmight be resolved by allowing “variationson a theme”, without faithful logoduplication.

Burning Man staff will make regionaltraining a priority, and visit cities aroundthe country to lend support and helpleaders develop their skills. “Our job is toempower,” says Harley Dubois.

Less clear to the national leaders is howspecifics of the Burning Man culture willtranslate to other settings. Harvey admitsthe “gift economy” is not going to work ina permanent community.

“You’d have to meet everyoneindividually just to get a ball point pen,”he said.

But he suggests it can co-exist with thecommerce-based “Real World”.

“(They) can do projects they couldnever do with a credit card. There’s a hugeamount of social capital out there,” saysHarvey. He is also interested in how toprovide the community buildingassociated with arduous travel andprimitive conditions (the struggle ofachievement).

Organizers appear to be counting on thepassions and energy of the artists thatcomprise the Burning Man community.

“All of these communities sprang upspontaneously,” said Harvey. “You can’tplan culture.”

Photo by Richard Gillmore

You planned your trip to Burning Man forweeks. You mapped out your camp, workedyour check list, carefully packed and hauledyour stuff to they playa. But when yourvacation in altered reality draws to a close,it’s time to pick up your toys. It’s time topack your art cars. It’s time for Exodus.

Burning Man began organizing Exodus in2000, said BlackRock RangerOdwally, whooversees Exodus.

“By 1999Burning Man hadgrown to the pointwhere we were getting bad bottlenecks. Werealized we needed a system to get peopleoff the playa and onto the pavement moreefficiently,” he said.

Last year the Exodus team was a bit tooefficient. It did such a good job gettingvehicles off the playa that it created trafficjams on the pavement. This year the teamwill better monitor the flow. There will betwo exit lanes. If traffic gets backed up onthe pavement, one lane will be shut down.Black Rock City so large this year that trafficcould back up into city streets at the busiesttimes.

The Exodus team has more than 50p e o p l e .Volunteers areneeded and maysign up at PlayaInfo.

The Exodusteam controls

the roads from the Greeter Station to Empire.Approaching the exit, the right lane is forlarge vehicles and the others for cars.Department of Public Works Extortion Areasare located right before the Greeter Stationand will accept non-perishable food,cigarettes and alcohol for the crew.

Tips for an easy Exodus:• Try to avoid the busiest times (10 a.m. to

4 p.m. Sunday and Monday, and Sundaynight after the Temple burn. Early morning isbest.

• Try to avoid stopping in Gerlach orEmpire. If you must, make sure you arecompletely off the road; don’t block traffic.

• Listen to Black Rock Radio 94.5. Trafficreports are updated every half hour or asneeded.

• Make sureyour load iss e c u r e ,especially trash.Trash bags canblow off andburst, spreadingMOOP all over.

• If you break down, try to get the vehicleoff the road. If you can’t move the vehicle,the Exodus staff will call a tow truck forwhich you will have to pay.

• Carry that Burning Man spirit with youon the roads. Smile, wave, have fun.

Keep an eye out for the census takers asyou exit. If you have not yet filled out acensus form, please grab one. Wave the formout the window when you finish, and acensus taker will collect it.

By Gothalot

By Chris Penny

By Liane Gabora

Pack Early and Often

Is this home?

Taking That Burning Feeling Home

Photo by Tokyo Pearl

He Finds Himself at Burning Man

Photo by Chris Penny

Photo by Bryce Perry

Photo by Bryce Perry

Publisher & Editor in Chief: Michael DurgavichEditors Suzanne Zallev, Mitch, Editrix Abby;Graphics/ Operations: Francis Wenderlich;Volunteer Coordinator: Sarah Sevilla; Webmaster:Edge; Writer, IT: John Lam; Photo Editor/Writer:Gothalot; Writers: Weegee, Durgy, Ed Carter,Caleb, Naomi, Jonno, Worm, Babesodelicious, TomLaPorte, Howeird, Gothalot, Abby, LiAnimal,Stacy, Mary Jane, Leslie Landberg, Chris Bullseye,Richard, Alabama, Worm, Famous Melissa;Photographers: Richard Gilmore, Gothalot, PearlGartho, John, Loretta, Johnny Switchblade,

Yvonne Soy; Utility Infielder: David Silver;Distribution Captain: Armadillo; Dis Reps:Paperboy, Paperboy Biff, Snapper; PhotoWrangler/IT: PixMan; Proofeader: Larry Breed;Layout & Production: Angie Zmijewski, CarryTveit, Peg Oberste, Just Debbie; Special Thanks:Harry Yarvel, Marian Goodell, Glenn, AG,Porkchop Latte, Dayglo Bagel, Michael Michael,Raines Cohen, jRicK, and the other people whohelped, whose names we did not get.

www.burningman.com

Some burners come here unprepared,whether they are first-timers or those whoforgot essential items such as a first aid kit.But what about animals that come hereunprepared because they have gone unno-ticed by not only the Gatekeepers, but alsotheir drivers? Black Rock City AnimalControl is in charge of rounding up peskyhumans dressed as non-native animals inBlack Rock City, but there is a growingissue of “real world” animals finding theirway into BRC unnoticed until they areinside the gate. These are “real” animalsmeshing unexpectedly with the non-realityworld of Burning Man. And often theyneed help.

Earth Guardians recommend folkscheck their wheel wells, under the sides ofcars, and in rolled-up carpets before leav-ing for Burning Man. You may otherwisefind crea-tures thatd i d n ’ texpect tobe hereand maynot sur-vive inthe harshclimate ofthe desert.Andy, anecologistwith the Earth Guardians, helps to repatriatenative Black Rock Desert animals back totheir desert eco-system, which is notnecessarily the playa. Praying mantisesand beetles are sometimes relocated to theFrog Pond just east of the playa. Prayingmantises are drawn to the bright lights ofBlack Rock City. Fall migration has begunaround Black Rock Desert, which meansthat BRC residents may see kestrel, sagesparrows, and other birds flying overhead.

A garter snake that found its way toBlack Rock City this year has been placedwith DPW until it can be taken to the

Burning Man ranch just north of BRC tobe released. A rat that also snuck pastGatekeepers was last seen roaming aroundthe city and suspected of creating havoc insome camps. And yes, this year, kittenshave secretly made their way to BlackRock City. E.Z. Bob, a staff member forBRC who is camped at Little Texas,bought a trailer in Reno almost two weeksago. After being parked at Burning Manfor a couple of days, a fellow campmateheard meowing as she walked by the trailer.After walking into the trailer four kittenswere found. Three were alive. Dehydratedand without a mother, the kittens wereimmediately taken to a veterinarian inFernley, where the vet stated that as longas the kittens were fed milk in a syringeand given a prescription formula, theycould return to BRC. Dwayne, camped at

E v e n tH o r i z o nC a m p ,and hisgirlfriendB r e a n n ahad justlost theircat, Ring,w h i c hD w a y n ehad for1 8 1 / 2

years. Just 12 hours after they returnedfrom ceremonially creating the cat atPyramid Lake, Maid Marian brought themtwo cats who had no home. It was the ulti-mate Burning Man gift for Dwayne andBreanna. A Little Texas campmate adopt-ed the third cat. The kittens have providedextra magic for some at Burning Man thisyear and have been referred to as the“Playa Miracle Kittens.” And the kittenshave been given the gift of finding ownerswho know they have found a very specialgift, unlike any other they have everreceived at Burning Man.

By Famous Melissa

Dedicated LeadersOf Playa Fashion

Animal Control/False Ecosystems

Photos by Johnny Switchblade

By Daisy

Repurposing our fallen Mac Classics to paperweights

Photo by Pearl

Apparently, there are some people whowould want to shut down Burning Manby sabotaging the porta potties.

Their M.O. is to bankrupt the banks ofpotties of toilet paper, put MOOP in thepotties, and otherwise attack our mostfaithful vendor, Johnny on the Spot.

Andie Grace, communications manag-er, said, “It has never been moreimportant to impress upon people thatnothing should go into the potties unlessyou ate it first.”

All participants keep your eyes open,let a Ranger know who they are, andremember descriptions of people. To thepeople doing this, come to the BRG, andlet's discuss your grievances in an openand honest debate.

Photo by Johnny Switchblade

Burning Man is a Leave No Trace event.Black Rock citizens work together to makesure that the playa is used respectfully dur-ing our stay and that after we leavenothing remains but fond memories. Thatis great but there are additional impacts onthe environment that a city of 35,000 peoplepowered largely by generators and addictedto fiery arts must consider. Burning Manwill explore alternatives for fueling gener-ators and fire-based art installations.

Using alternative power sources is not anew idea, and past discussions have takenplace about using more of them in theinfrastructure of Black Rock City. Giventhe absolute critical nature of our powersupply, running a city in the middle ofnowhere and the harsh and unpredictableenvironment, there has been hesitation toimplement any widespread changes. As issometimes necessary to turn an idea intoreality, the right group of determined peo-ple came together, formulated a plan, andwas given the go ahead to execute a seriesof experiments using alternative fuels.

This year, the Greeters station is pow-ered by a generator running on B20, whichis a fuel with a 20 percent biodiesel mix-ture. Biodiesel is made from substancessuch as vegetable oils.

The generator is maintained and serv-

iced outside of our normal generator con-tract specifically for this experiment, so thatthe results of running biodiesel can be care-fully monitored and documented. Asmall team is working together on the test,including experts in alternative fuels andmechanics with experience in biodieselengine maintenance who will be on handjust in case there are any problems. No seri-ous issues are anticipated, based on theknowledge and experiences shared fromother events which have been operatedentirely on alternative fuels. The onlyanticipated effect of changing a generatorwhich had been previously run on straightdiesel to run on biodiesel is a slight tempo-rary increase in the number of filters neededas a result of the transition. The sameshould happen when that generator transi-tions back to running straight diesel fuel.

Burning Man uses fuel for more thanjust generators, and this year an effort istaking place to test alternative fuel optionsin some of the art. The Flaming LotusGirls will be conducting a series of exper-iments with different fuels in The SevenSisters. This installation will be shootingplumes of fire 100 feet into the sky, andthat fire might be created by ethanol, aBiodiesel mixture, or some other explo-sive combination.

By Caleb Clark

Powerful Alternatives

Fashion on the playa is a vacation of theimagination combined with survivalaccessories. Think of it as G.I. Joe cross-dressing with Barbie’s wardrobe.

This year, along with neon fishnet thighhighs, parasols and thongs, hot pink is therage. Technicolor space cowboy hats and(politically correct) faux furs also are popular.

Men in skirts have joined scantily cladwomen as a Black Rock City trademark.Sighted this year: tartans, tie-dyed sarongsand the increasingly popular utilikilt. Adelightful variation was made entirely ofstitched white cotton utility gloves.

This year’s uber-accessory is a chic,plastic belly band. Also known as theholographic hula hoop, it is decoratedwith hieroglyphs and reflective candybands of mylar.

Looking down at high fashion but up onfoot fetishes, six-inch heels are beingreplaced with six-inch black pleatherplats. Clean them with slaves to fashion.

If fashion is your passion, the 14thannual Burning Man Fashion Show takesplace in Center Camp from 5 p.m. to 7:30p.m. on Saturday.

Cut the Shit

You might not know it from nighttimeappearances, but bikes and scooters inBlack Rock City must have front andback illumination if they are operatedafter dark.

Ranger Fixit dropped by the BlackRock Gazette’s office on Wednesday totell us what we already knew: Lots of dimcitizens are whizzing around the playa inthe dark, endangering themselves and,more significantly, everybody else.

“Blinkers front and back,” he said, arethe minimum standard for night riders.“Glow sticks are not enough.”

Besides the common sense and safetyaspects of using proper illumination,Ranger Fixit noted that “the spirit of theevent” should impel Burners to glow.

Dorks on Wheels

Burners who have special objects toburn in The Man should bring their burn-ables to the box at the 6:00 perimeter by 6p.m. Saturday. Your stuff will be put in thecrate and placed in The Man before theburn.

Burn With the Man

Don’t jump on or off moving art cars. If you do, run as you

hit the ground.

On the subject of commerce,Danger Ranger says:

“Everything is freeexcept your attention.”