The Assless Chapel Newsletter #65: In the Shadow of the Man Edition

The Chaplain’s Screed

In The Shadow of the Man is a Burning Man podcast that focuses on how Burning Man affects people’s off-Playa lives.  I was interviewed for it (the interview should come out sometime around the Burnal Equinox.)  It’s a great podcast.  That Andy (the interviewer) has had some genuine Burning Man luminaries on the podcast.

I really love the name and theme of the podcast.  Those of you who have been reading this newsletter for a long time know that the theme is a major theme in my life.  A few weeks ago, I took a non-Burner on a date.  I brought ladders and we peaked over the fence of a place where Burners make large-scale art, called Reared in Steel (brownie points to anyone who gets the pun.)  Then, I took her to see a few other pieces of art – this was in her hometown, not mine – that wouldn’t be out of place on the Playa.  Lately, I’ve been making plans to go find Burning Man art in the Default World for next year.

All this got me thinking about a few things.  First, Burning Man doesn’t stand out so much because there’s stuff there you can’t find elsewhere (though there’s a bit of that.)  It’s that so many things that would be real treats or even epiphanic to encounter in the Default World are so extremely concentrated in one place and time.  Some of the reasons for that are material, logistical, unavoidable.

But there’s another reason which I’ll get to in a roundabout way.  First, let me urge you to seek out Burning Man art and events between Burns.  Or just those types of things that thrill you at Burning Man when you’re not there.  A flamethrower isn’t more special just because it’s in Black Rock City.  In fact, it’s even more special if you encounter one randomly in the Default World.  You can find the things you find at Burning Man in your normal life, whether it’s the types of workshops, art, people or whatever you dig at Burning Man; you just have to put in more effort.

Even better, find ways to participate.  Volunteer at a local nonprofit.  Pitch in to help some Burners on an art project.  Give a compliment to a stranger.

But the Holy Grail is to create.  The Default World would be significantly more like Burning Man if we were to make it that way.  Yes, there are myriad differences between Black Rock City and, say, New York City, not the least of which have to do with our own time and resources.  But I challenge you to find one way you’re going to make the Default World a bit more like the Playa.  And remember one big secret: there’s no such thing as the Default World or, more accurately stated, Black Rock City is actually just a very special part of the Default World.

Camp News

Meagan and her husband Curtis are expecting a new baby!  Thank you, Meagan and Curtis, for doing your part to fill the world with great people! 

Also, just so everyone knows, neither Stupid nor Red will be joining us next year.  Booooo!!!!

BORG has informed me that we are in good standing and one of the couples we married mentioned us as their favorite camp!

Please send me any news you have to share with the camp!

Camp Planning

Wedding Planning

Nothing new since last month.

Other Camp Planning

Keep me updated about how you’re feeling about coming next year.  We’ll need to replace one camp tent, the bar and podium and two car ports.  Does anyone remember if there’s anything else we forgot, need to add or need to replace?

Black Rock City News and Acculturation

·         From Roller Disco to Freight Logistics - When Burning Man Sparks Organization Creativity

·         Video: The Library at the End of the World

·         Art is the How: From BRC to Public Policy

Placement / Ticket News

Placement News

I’m working on our Statement of Intent.

Ticketing News

Nothing to see here.

Adding New Camp Members

If you want to invite someone to join us, please send me an email about it.

Ticketing Calendar

Current Pre-Build, Build Week, Burn Week and Exodus Schedule

Here’s our current schedule with actual dates and moon phases during build and burn weeks indicated by brightness of yellow.  Build week is in grey and burn week is in red.

Upcoming Tasks

To Do in the Next 10 Days

TAC

   Begin planning weddings and events for coming year.

Work on Statement of Intent

To Do in the Next 30 Days

Everybody

   Send me any news you have to share with the camp.

   Let me know if you want to remove, change or add an email to/from the newsletter list.

To Do in the Next 60 Days

TAC and Stupid Seamus

   Replace, clean, repair, organize and store gear.

   Keep me updated on your plans to return or not and let me know if there’s anything we need to change or something we need to bring for next year.

Closing Thoughts

Nothing for you here, but to wish you happy holidays and let you all know that I love you!

The Man Burns in 261 Days