30 Days of Burning Man, Day 30 Have a great burn!

This year there is a possibility that there will be a much higher percentage of newbies heading to the desert so I thought I’d spend the 30 days before the gates open throwing out some information, some images and a little bit of wisdom, advice and snark about the place I love so much. These posts will be generally directed at Burning Man virgins but hopefully some of you old dogs out there will contribute through comments or get some enjoyment out of them as well. So here we go.  .  I’ll include at least one photo from Burning Man each day and once a week I’ll do nothing but photos.  I hope the posts are sometimes helpful and also enjoyable, enjoy ~ ZD Blue

For Day 30, a simple wish that everyone has a safe and fabulous burn and all 30 links from the last 30 days, ~ ZD Blue

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/07/27/30-days-of-burning-man-day-1-the-basics/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/07/29/30-days-of-burning-man-day-2-links/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/07/29/30-days-of-burning-man-day-3-virgin-guide-part-1/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/07/30/30-days-of-burning-man-virgin-guide-part-2/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/07/31/30-days-of-burning-man-day-5-virgin-guide-part-iii/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/08/01/30-days-of-burning-man-day-6-playa-magic/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/08/02/30-days-of-burning-man-day-7-photographs/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/08/02/30-days-of-burning-man-day-8-the-10-principles/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/08/04/30-days-of-burning-man-day-9-costumes/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/08/05/30-days-of-burning-man-day-10-art/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/08/06/30-days-of-burning-man-day-11-the-heart-of-burning-man/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/08/07/30-days-of-burning-man-day-12-should-i-bring-my-children/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/08/08/30-days-of-burning-man-day-13-supporting-playa-art-projects/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/08/09/30-days-of-burning-man-day-14-photographs-links/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/08/10/30-days-of-burning-man-day-15-photography-guide/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/08/11/30-days-of-burning-man-day-16-photography-guide-part-2/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/08/12/30-days-of-burning-man-day-17-links-links-and-more-links/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/08/13/30-days-of-burning-man-day-18-burning-man-in-the-news/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/08/14/30-days-of-burning-man-day-19-get-involved/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/08/15/30-days-day-1/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/08/16/30-days-of-burning-man-day-20-theme-camps/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/08/17/30-days-of-burning-man-day-21-the-faces-of-burning-man/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/08/18/30-days-of-burning-man-day-22-fire/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/08/19/30-days-of-burning-man-day-23-the-art/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/08/20/30-days-of-burning-man-day-24-sex-on-the-playa/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/08/21/30-days-of-burning-man-day-25-dont-go/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/08/22/30-days-of-burning-man-day-26-live-on-the-playa/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/08/23/30-days-of-burning-man-day-27-three-questions/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/08/24/30-days-of-burning-man-day-28-photos-photos-more-photos/

http://zdeaconblue.wordpress.com/2012/08/25/30-days-of-burning-man-day-29-the-thank-yous/

30 Days of Burning Man – Day 29, The Thank Yous!

This year there is a possibility that there will be a much higher percentage of newbies heading to the desert so I thought I’d spend the 30 days before the gates open throwing out some information, some images and a little bit of wisdom, advice and snark about the place I love so much. These posts will be generally directed at Burning Man virgins but hopefully some of you old dogs out there will contribute through comments or get some enjoyment out of them as well. So here we go.  .  I’ll include at least one photo from Burning Man each day and once a week I’ll do nothing but photos.  I hope the posts are sometimes helpful and also enjoyable, enjoy ~ ZD Blue

Tonight a simple post of a simple reminder and that is to give thanks to the people who make Burning Man happen.  I’m sure I’ll forget some people I shouldn’t so feel free to remind me in the comments section.  First, to the ORG, that’s right Burning Man LLC the organization that puts it all together, gets the permits, coordinates and organizes everything including suing local government when necessary.

To the men and women of the DPW, the people who build the infrastructure and stay after the burns are all done and make our presences as if it was never there, to make sure we keep our permits and can return to the desert next year.  When the DPW does their annual parade donate freely and heavily.

To all the artists and volunteers, the perimeter crew, ice camp, center camp a massive thank you to the people who work Exodus!!!  To all of you who create camps, activities and the insanity we revel in thank you.  To the makers of art cars and the department of mutant vehicles who make sure it all works out.

To the rangers who help out and the medical tent volunteers who save us and even the cops who occasionally actually protect us, the fire volunteers who keep the city safe, thank you.  To the builders of the man and the pyrotechnic maniacs who blow it up thank you.

Finally my biggest thank you to the builders of the Temple, the Temple Guardians and most of all to all of you who share your dreams, your pain and your wishes.

A thank you to anyone I’ve missed who participates and for all of you about to start driving, see you in the dust ~ ZD Blue

30 Days of Burning Man – Day 28 photos, photos & more photos

This year there is a possibility that there will be a much higher percentage of newbies heading to the desert so I thought I’d spend the 30 days before the gates open throwing out some information, some images and a little bit of wisdom, advice and snark about the place I love so much. These posts will be generally directed at Burning Man virgins but hopefully some of you old dogs out there will contribute through comments or get some enjoyment out of them as well. So here we go.  .  I’ll include at least one photo from Burning Man each day and once a week I’ll do nothing but photos.  I hope the posts are sometimes helpful and also enjoyable, enjoy ~ ZD Blue

The last pure photo day of the 30 days of Burning Man, enjoy ~ ZD Blue

30 Days of Burning Man – Day 27, Three questions

This year there is a possibility that there will be a much higher percentage of newbies heading to the desert so I thought I’d spend the 30 days before the gates open throwing out some information, some images and a little bit of wisdom, advice and snark about the place I love so much. These posts will be generally directed at Burning Man virgins but hopefully some of you old dogs out there will contribute through comments or get some enjoyment out of them as well. So here we go.  .  I’ll include at least one photo from Burning Man each day and once a week I’ll do nothing but photos.  I hope the posts are sometimes helpful and also enjoyable, enjoy ~ ZD Blue

It’s getting close to leaving time now for those who are dust bound this year, so for tonight’s post I asked a few “old timers”  and even one person who has only done regional burns.  I asked them the following questions:

One piece of advice

One reason to go

One reason to stay home

From a friend I camped with at 4^th and J:

mmmm…. 1. free your mind and your ass will follow. 2. being in a momentary city of 65,000 or so people who are all intentionally shaping reality will blow yer fucken mind. 3. because you are an utter chickenshit idiot.

From a friend who literally hypnotized me:

1. One piece of advice: Regionals 2: Reason to go: Acceptance by other Burners 3: Reason not to go: Your true friends will accept you anyway, even if they happen to be Burners.

From an old dog

1. pay attention to the direction of the sun.  2.  It’s a place to be more relaxed than any other place you’ll ever be.  3.  If you’re in a relationship with problems don’t go, the playa is a magnifier.

Veteran Burners, feel free to chime in with your own answers.  ~ ZD Blue

30 Days of Burning Man – Day 26, Live on the Playa

This year there is a possibility that there will be a much higher percentage of newbies heading to the desert so I thought I’d spend the 30 days before the gates open throwing out some information, some images and a little bit of wisdom, advice and snark about the place I love so much. These posts will be generally directed at Burning Man virgins but hopefully some of you old dogs out there will contribute through comments or get some enjoyment out of them as well. So here we go.  .  I’ll include at least one photo from Burning Man each day and once a week I’ll do nothing but photos.  I hope the posts are sometimes helpful and also enjoyable, enjoy ~ ZD Blue

The day the gate opens approaches and some of you who have decided not to go may be lamenting your decision.  Some of you will never go but are curious as hell as to what it’s really like on the Playa, and some unfortunately will have sudden changes in your life that will prevent you from going.  So tonight some links to help you experience what the Playa is like even if you can’t be there.

Radio BMIR/Shouting Fire – live radio from the Playa assuming all goes well
http://bmir.org/

Live Playa webcast from the BMORG
http://www.burningman.com/blackrockcity_yearround/special_events/playa_webcast.html

An additional link to the same site
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/burningman-live

 If anyone knows of any other live broadcasts this year please post in the comments, thanks ~ ZD Blue

30 Days of Burning Man – Day 24, Sex on the Playa

This year there is a possibility that there will be a much higher percentage of newbies heading to the desert so I thought I’d spend the 30 days before the gates open throwing out some information, some images and a little bit of wisdom, advice and snark about the place I love so much. These posts will be generally directed at Burning Man virgins but hopefully some of you old dogs out there will contribute through comments or get some enjoyment out of them as well. So here we go.  .  I’ll include at least one photo from Burning Man each day and once a week I’ll do nothing but photos.  I hope the posts are sometimes helpful and also enjoyable, enjoy ~ ZD Blue

Yes, I know, you’ve been told that Burning Man is a drunken Pagan orgy where people are running around stoned and naked looking for the smallest of reason to jump into the sack with you.  Well, much like the leprechaun at the end of the rainbow, the Playa orgy is a bit of a myth.  Now, does an environment where people are relaxed, kind, non-judgmental and uninhibited increase people’s libidos a bit, absolutely.  Does it turn everyone into wanton sluts, no.

First off folks and I’ve mentioned this before, there is a lot of law enforcement on the playa so public sex acts run a pretty high risk of getting you both observed and arrested.  So should you run into that leprechaun, be discreet.

Without a doubt some interesting things can happen on the Playa, on burn night, my first year on the Playa I was propositioned at the burn by a really friendly young lad, not my cup of tea so I passed on the offer.  I’ve been picked up on a bike ride by a lovely young lady and claimed by an incredibly sexy vampire at PUN camp’s Nowhere bar, the Playa is a magical place and a lot of lovely things happen there.

Like in the default world however, no still means no and someone too loaded to give consent is off-limits.  We don’t want the ugliness of the default world to creep in, unfortunately at times it does but we should all do our best to make sure it doesn’t.

A little tour around the web for a little more information about sex on the Playa.

First, the experts, the folks at the Bureau of Erotic Discourse (BED) are dedicated to making sure sex is an appropriate and good experience on the Playa, I would really advise anyone to check out their site if you’re even thinking about having sex on the Playa.

http://www.bureauoferoticdiscourse.org/

Sex and relationship advice from the org site:  http://www.burningman.com/preparation/event_survival/relationships.html

Sex and the Single Burner

Once upon a time, I did a stint as an advice columnist. Here is the answer to a question I received.

Q. I’m going out to Burning Man for the first time and I’m curious about the sexual energy involved. Could the Goddess of Love give me a survival guide to sex at Burning Man?

A. As you state, there is a lot of sexual energy swirling and whirling about, much like a little hippie chick at a Dead show. Anything and everything can and will happen when you stick a bunch of 20th century homo sapiens in an empty desert. Here’s the inside skinny that will make your journey through the sexual side of Black Rock City more pleasant.

• Figure out what you want. Love? Sex? Your wildest fantasies? It’s all there for the taking. And for goodness sake, make sure the person across from you wants the same thing. If she or he doesn’t, there are 500 others who do. Don’t go breakin’ no hearts.
• Be respectful. Just because people are walking around naked does not necessarily mean they wish *you* were naked in a small enclosed space with them. Learn to take no for an answer, and don’t be afraid to use the “n” word yourself.
• Pay attention to your body. The desert is a dangerous place, and the climate alone will push you to the limit physically. Get plenty of rest, monitor your substance intake and carry water with you at all times (you also have to drink the water).
• Always play safe. If your budget for supplies didn’t include condoms, stop by and see the fine folks at Safer Sex Camp. They’ll hook you up.
• Make love to the playa, and she will love you back. Become one with the sun, the stars, and the omnipresent dust. (Word up to Annie Sprinkle for that piece of advice.)
• Don’t be afraid to try new things. If there was ever a space for exploring, this is it! Who knows, you may even like it and want to do it again…and again and again….
• Take responsibility for your own pleasure. You can find anything your little heart desires, but you have to ask for it first! If you don’t get what you want, look in the mirror.

Here’s a great piece on the subject from Carnal Nation  http://carnalnation.com/content/58418/1476/playa-virgins-guide-sex-burning-man?page=0,1

 

30 Days of Burning Man – Day 23, The Art

This year there is a possibility that there will be a much higher percentage of newbies heading to the desert so I thought I’d spend the 30 days before the gates open throwing out some information, some images and a little bit of wisdom, advice and snark about the place I love so much. These posts will be generally directed at Burning Man virgins but hopefully some of you old dogs out there will contribute through comments or get some enjoyment out of them as well. So here we go.  .  I’ll include at least one photo from Burning Man each day and once a week I’ll do nothing but photos.  I hope the posts are sometimes helpful and also enjoyable, enjoy ~ ZD Blue

Whenever people talk about Burning Man they talk about the art.  Let me first talk about what “art” means because it is a pretty broad definition.  You see art can take many, many forms there are the things we always think of paintings and sculptures, we sometimes broaden that to include performance art and if we think about it music and dance and a lot of other things come under the umbrella of “art”.  One of the things I love about Burning Man is that all of these forms and more show up on the Playa on steroids, not only from a size perspective but from a thought perspective as well.  One of my favorite camps in BRC is the wholly politically incorrect Barbie Death Camp & Wine Bistro.  There is something at the same time horrific, beautiful and utterly snarky about the display they create each year and to me art has to make you feel and the death camp certainly does that.

There is a lot of random performance art or as the principles call it, radical self-expression in BRC.  One of my all-time favorite moments occurred while I was walking the Esplanade one night and I stumbled upon three women doing a performance, or a ritual but they were reading from an old book and dropping roses into a fire the whole thing had a very Pagan feel to it.  What made it utterly spectacular was that included in the circle of people who had stumbled upon this little show was Jesus Christ, crown of thorns, full sized cross and all.  Where else in the world could a good Christian like Jesus Christ enjoy a good Pagan performance?

Finally, I get a lot of questions from people who ask me, do people really burn their art?  Yes Virginia, people really do burn their art.  I think this is done for a lot of reasons and each artist probably has his or her own reason for why they create something so beautiful only to see it go up in flames.  For me, I love the idea that it represents the impermanence of everything, the art, BRC and even our lives.  Like flowers, the impermanence of the work makes it even more beautiful for its fleeting existence.  As always, some images of art on the Playa and sorry, I don’t have a picture of Jesus at the Pagan ceremony it was one of those moments that I was too swept up in what was happening to shoot.

 

30 Days of Burning Man – Day 21, the faces of Burning Man

This year there is a possibility that there will be a much higher percentage of newbies heading to the desert so I thought I’d spend the 30 days before the gates open throwing out some information, some images and a little bit of wisdom, advice and snark about the place I love so much. These posts will be generally directed at Burning Man virgins but hopefully some of you old dogs out there will contribute through comments or get some enjoyment out of them as well. So here we go.  .  I’ll include at least one photo from Burning Man each day and once a week I’ll do nothing but photos.  I hope the posts are sometimes helpful and also enjoyable, enjoy ~ ZD Blue

Tonight, just shots of some of the beautiful people who make Burning Man what it is, enjoy ~ ZD Blue

 

30 Days of Burning Man – Day 20 Theme Camps

This year there is a possibility that there will be a much higher percentage of newbies heading to the desert so I thought I’d spend the 30 days before the gates open throwing out some information, some images and a little bit of wisdom, advice and snark about the place I love so much. These posts will be generally directed at Burning Man virgins but hopefully some of you old dogs out there will contribute through comments or get some enjoyment out of them as well. So here we go.  .  I’ll include at least one photo from Burning Man each day and once a week I’ll do nothing but photos.  I hope the posts are sometimes helpful and also enjoyable, enjoy ~ ZD Blue

I was fortunate to be with a theme camp my first year on the Playa way back in 2004.  It was in my not even slightly humble and personal opinion the greatest theme camp to ever exist if for no other reason than the name, The People United for Nothing.  PUN was a great camp, and like most great camps it came down to good people and a few really good people who worked their little asses off to make it happen.  In  our camp Wally made things happen, rarely bitched where the rest of us could hear him and seem to have a solution to whatever emergency popped up.  He of course never got enough recognition or what he wanted even more, help with all the things he took care of in that camp.  Like most organisms it was born, grew up and then died but it was great while it lasted.

So tonight I thought I would pay a little tribute if only to the names of their camps to the theme camps of Black Rock City.

I have a few personal favorites, The Barbie Death Camp and Wine Bistro is a first-rate establishment and where else on earth can you sip wine and chat in a death camp.

Loadie Camp, not usually an official theme camp is a jewel in the dust if you can find it but be prepared Loadie is not for the faint of heart.

The 7 Sins lounge always serves up a good drink and well, go check it out, and remember new experiences are important in life.

I totally dig Kidsville, I’ve volunteered down there before and did some interviews there last year it’s an absolutely awesome camp.

And of course the Death Guild, every event needs a warm huggy place where you can feel welcome like falling into a big fur coat coated with love.

I once had one of the best meals of my life at The G-Spot.

There are other places I’ve loved that like PUN have faded back into the dust and next year (2013) I’m planning on bringing The Church of Abnormal Acceptance & The Ministry of Happiness to the Playa for the first time.

Below are some nameworthy camps worth visiting this year and a link to the whole list, enjoy!

The org’s list of all the camps including a past year archive http://www.burningman.com/themecamps/

Burning Sky
Harnessing the winds over Black Rock City since 1999, Burning Sky brings you colorful aerial performances and nighttime pyro in the sky. Not content to watch us from the playa? Come win a ride in our plane! You’ll have a kickass view of skydivers exiting the aircraft over the city. What a rush! Congratulations, you have now become an elite member of the Firefly order.
Hometown: Portland, OR
URL: http://burningsky.org

Dark Carnival Community Cafe
Dark roast for those dark of heart, the Circus is in town, Gothic performers lurking in the night. Bring your mug as we have no cups, embrace your inner expressionist but leave your drama at the door.
Hometown: Santa Cruz
URL: http://www.darkcarnivalcafe.com
Contact: ringmaster_rodent@yahoo.com

GLAMCOCKS
GLAMCOCKS are an all-gay, always glamorous group of boys from all across the world. We are dedicated to creating a loving, open-minded, body-positive environment, and as always – fantabulous sunset parties.
Hometown: Seattle, WA
URL: http://www.glamcocks.com
Contact: muffy@glamcocks.com

Math Camp @ Group W
Math Camp: A Safe Place for Mathematics. A small, social camp, we offer a place to drink and derive! Daily lectures and impromptu chats on all things Math related. Home of the Fabulous Electric Cupcakes. Purveyors of crunchy snacks & The Best Friday Morning Sunrise Cocktail Party on the Playa.
URL: http://www.mathcamp.us
Contact: info@mathcamp.us

Painting Your Patootie
We will be painting bodies every day from morning till late afternoon. Come by with your ideas and wishes. Artists are welcome to join us; contact us in advance, or drop by and talk.
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Contact: luv_dem_lemmings@yahoo.com

 Reverend Billy & The Church of Stop Shopping
We are a radical performance community based in New York City, earth loving gospel shouters. We sing, we dance, we preach, we perform small interventions, invisible plays, and acts of ritual resistance. Earthalujah!
Hometown: New York City
URL: http://www.revbilly.com
Contact: savitri@revbilly.com

Smoregasm
It’s called smoregasm, figure it out. (just kidding… we’ve served up smores and more with a smile since 2011)
URL: http://www.smoregasm.com
Contact: robrob@gmail.com

White Dragon Noodle Bar
The White Dragon Noodle Bar returns for it’s 9th trip to the playa! Come by our noodlebar when the sun hits the mountains for our hot, salty noodles with a side of sarcasm and appreciation for your mom. If you’re old enough, try our signature drinks, the Legopener and the Trucker Bomb.
Hometown: Northampton
URL: http://wdnb.wordpress.com
Contact: kevinrt@kevinrt.com

Zen As Fuck
ZEN AS FUCK brings the soul to black rock city, with a live soul music venue and a place to chill out and spiritualised. Come groove, get your boogie down, and meditate to the beats of the fro… just make sure to take off your fucking shoes.
Hometown: Bay Area and Beyond
URL: http://www.zenasfuck.com

30 Days of Burning Man, Day 19 Transition

This year there is a possibility that there will be a much higher percentage of newbies heading to the desert so I thought I’d spend the 30 days before the gates open throwing out some information, some images and a little bit of wisdom, advice and snark about the place I love so much. These posts will be generally directed at Burning Man virgins but hopefully some of you old dogs out there will contribute through comments or get some enjoyment out of them as well. So here we go.  .  I’ll include at least one photo from Burning Man each day and once a week I’ll do nothing but photos.  I hope the posts are sometimes helpful and also enjoyable, enjoy ~ ZD Blue

Ok, a bit low energy tonight so just a quick post and a couple of images, enjoy  ~ ZD Blue

 So a little advice on heading in and out of the playa for those of you who haven’t done this before.  You see there is a reason we differentiate between home and the default world, they really are drastically different.  Many people feel a little post-playa depression, and some of that has to do with the gear shift.  So my solution has always been to spend a night in Reno on the way in and the way out.  There are some advantages to this, first off Reno is not quite the default world so it gives you some transition space and time before the default world.  It’s also cheap and close to the Playa which on the way out significantly reduces your time to your first large meal and hot shower.  Let’s be clear, I shower on the Playa, some years I’ve showered damn near everyday, but no camp shower will every replace the joy of a hot pressurized shower in an air-conditioned room after a week in the dust.  Yeah, I know, kind of the absolute opposite of what you are living out there, but what can I say, I’m not perfect.  Just a thought, I’m sure others have opinions would love to hear them.