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Responses (September 5 to 9, 1997):

peace and love to everyone, see ya at next years burn -- joseph from SF, September 9, 1997 at 11:38p

I just noticed Tom Foreman's very gracious letter (which I hadn't seen before making my previous comment). No offense intended, Tom. See you next year! -- Dave, September 9, 1997 at 11:14p

-- Anon., September 9, 1997 at 11:01p

How about that Nightline report? Not bad really, but I thought some of the commentary was bit condescending: "Hey wow, a lot of these people actually have REAL JOBS that require them to WEAR CLOTHES!! Imagine that!" -- Dave, September 9, 1997 at 10:54p

This was my first BM also, I had fun parrticipating, and enjoying all the wonderful creations of others. I painted several people, including the silver woman on Sun. Funny note about getting my roll of snapshots printed. I've finally discovered the limits of Sam's Club (Walmart version of Costco) One hour photo. They printed all except two shots- both full frontal nudity, one of the silver woman. So I took those to a Pro Lab. Thanks to all who came for the great show! -- Steven Bradford, September 9, 1997 at 10:50p

I'd like to say thanks again to the lovely lady who shaved my head last Saturday. I now realize that bald is beautiful, not to mention comfortable. -- Dave, September 9, 1997 at 10:50p

My most surreal experience... walking across the playa, a night table with working lamp and a phone rolls up out of the darkness, stops in front of me, the acid kix in BIG-TIME, the phone FUCKING RINGS! I pick it up to say hello. It was at this point that I really started to understand what BM was. I hang up the phone the table rolls away into the darkness. I couild not stop laughing for a good 10 minutes. Thank you! -- Anon., September 9, 1997 at 10:48p

A quote about the desert: "The desert, like a powerful magnet, changes those who come within its field. Many travelers have felt it to be an almost mystical experience; others, a challenge to their humanity, to their very survivability. Some have found peace, others despair. Others have created from inner resources monuments of literature, philosophy and religion. Perhaps the desert is no more than a magnifying lens, something that enables man to write large whatever he truly is." --- William R. Polk and William J. Mares (20th Century American Scholars.) -- Doug Greene, September 9, 1997 at 10:34p

I like to believe that the "Woman in the Red Dress" was every woman who ever had to put up with the same puerile shit my sisters had to growing up and on into womanhood. -- A fan-O-da-woman-in red, September 9, 1997 at 9:52p

A photograph was taken Sunday at (in) the hot springs. The man was painting a woman's face with mud. We were going to give our address but didn't at that time. Would that photographer please contact us? We are interested in obtaining that photograph. Thanks! -- Jen, September 9, 1997 at 9:10p

Saw the BURNING MAN festival on ABC Nightline last night-9/8/97-11:30 PM. It looked great. However the organizers nee a good accountant to do some advance planning. Charging the BURNING MAN $300,000 for logistical support is a bunch of crap(that belongs in the portable carppers I saw on TV). Expect me there next year with my Jeep and Halftrack loaded with beer. Adios!!! -- Walt, September 9, 1997 at 8:14p

all I know, is that I could always be found in the dream machine. you know the place, the orange and white tent with the spinning light force in the center whatever the effect or affect, I could always bne found there. where can I get the blueprints for this miracle of light fixture. looking for love in all the light faces. -- eric in the dream machine, September 9, 1997 at 8:13p

Is that letter below (September 9, 1997 at 11:57a) really from Sheriff Dick Kirkland of Washoe Co? If so, that's one of the coolest gestures they could have made (other than leaving the helicopter on the ground the last couple of days, which I think they DID do) considering all the flack they are getting here. -- Jim, September 9, 1997 at 6:33p

My abiding memory of Burning Man 1997; Dancing at the fire, girl in a red dress suffering the annoyance of an idiot shouting "take it off." To everyone's surprise she stands her ground and requests him to take HIS off. He; less confident that before. She; persistant as crowd gathers to cheer her on. He; "I will if you will." She; "Ok, but you first coz you started it." She; smiling and still dancing. He; taken aback, worried, clutching beer can harder. She; increasingly bold and sassy. He; wishes he was at home in bed, alone. She; smarter and plays the crowd brilliantly. He; under severe pressure to back up his big talk. She; orders him to take his clothes off. He; has no choice. He; does. She; does. She; reveals beauty. He; reveals tiny and humiliated winkie. Crowd roars, she revels, he will have better manners in future. Girl in Red Dress, I would love to know who you are. Nothing else. Just a curious fan. Thank you. -- Gerry Mullins, September 9, 1997 at 6:21p

Lying with my back on the playa with my mind in space and having shooting stars flash across "the dome" will be one of my most memorable flashbacks. I hope that the Burning Man will go down in history as the precipitating event that caused a paradigm shift to a more creative and spiritual way of life for Western society. The least I know is that it has helped start the ARCHIAC REVIVAL! -- mop, September 9, 1997 at 6:19p

Hey, I was really enjoying the beautiful stories about individual experiences at The Man. Let's here more. The petty stuff is a waste of space. No one has discussed how the festival affected their sexuallity. What was the Grrrll room like? Did you become closer or more estranged from your lover in BlackRock? -- Christopher, September 9, 1997 at 6:12p

* The community spirit. * The easy chair and functional lamp we spotted out on the playa, and when we got there we found a guy sitting in the easy chair. "Hey man, did you make this?" "No, it was here when I got here." * The two naked guys playing alien chess. * Feeling uncomfortable WEARING clothes at the hot springs. * Aproaching an "abandond" fire to find somebody laying down next to it and that somebody actually works at the same school I go. * Dijirido Jeff and the look on his face the day after the burn; like he had seen God or found the secret to happiness. * And of course all the fun I had being a part of the Temple of Atonement. Maybe I will actually get out and about more next year. -- Sklaverei, September 9, 1997 at 6:07p

Read a discouraging message from anon. saying "...Most of you don't belong here anyway.." etc. etc. I am trying very hard to raise a substantial amount of money here in the Northwest to help you with your difficulties and to ensure the future of BM. This was my first year but I feel akin to all who are a part of this. If I am not wanted please letr me know thru e-mail. Thanx! A most likely hyper-sesnitive, Cyburn -- Cyburn, September 9, 1997 at 5:53p

I hate to bring this up, but...with all these anonymous P.O. Boxes, how do we know we're actually contributing to Burning Man or if we're contributing to someone's bank account. I would gladly donate some $ if I could be sure it was going to the burning man people but how do I know for sure? -- Hugh, September 9, 1997 at 5:40p

hey apple head: as long as you folks stay glued to your monitor and critique the event, it will for one continue to spark even a shallow discussion of the burning man. More importantly, it will keep you at home so the rest of us can enjoy our so called "lazy" aspirations somewhere else other then in front of the commmmpeuuuuuteeer. -- cave, September 9, 1997 at 5:33p

Here's official news quoted from Maid Marian's most recent emailing: "DONATION INFORMATION: "We are broke, and in debt." according to Larry Harvey. And, as an organizer I can confirm this. Some of you are anxious to help out. Please use our official box to send any donations. P.O. Box 420572, San Francisco, CA 94142-0572. I WILL post shortly and let you know exactly what the future holds for us. But, we do owe the landowner and have approximately $50,000 in other outstanding debt. The total hoovers between $100,000 and $150,000, and I'll know more by the end of this week."......................................................... If you want to stay current on The Burning Man Project's financial situation and other news, subscribe to the email list: bman-announce-request@burningman.com, and add the word *subscribe* to the body of your message. -- Heidi, September 9, 1997 at 5:21p

I missed the Tom Foreman's Nightline report but the transcript is available on-line (http://www.abcnews.com/onair/nightline/html_files/transcripts/ntl0908.html). I'm sure it would be a challenge to capture the essence of the spirit and community found in this participant event. Hopefully it did capture a bit of the pervasive creativity and ingenuity present. Somethings that intrigued me about Burningman were the dichotomies of construction/destruction; individuality/community; performers/audiences; ritual/anarchy; primitive/technological; etc. Life itself, I guess. -- ej, September 9, 1997 at 4:54p

It is a day of tension on the board. I wish all of you would quit cyring, most of you don't belong at Burning Man anyways -- Anon -- Anon, September 9, 1997 at 4:23p

For those of you inquiring on where to send donations, please send any and all to: The Burning Man Project, P.O. Box 420572, San Francisco, CA 94142-0572. Make checks payable to Burning Man. The official debt tally according to the event staff is 100K. Shout it loud and long. -- john nettle, September 9, 1997 at 4:17p

Take a chill pill, Phil. No need to get all hysterical just because someone makes a dumb comment. We all experienced something special at BM and we should all love one another. We're community, you know. -- Sam, September 9, 1997 at 3:48p

HELLO !!! HELLO!!! HAPPY DAY !!!! Just because B/M is over, and most of us are basically bored with the material world...doesn't give any of us the right to become a bunch of bickering, babbling, brats...Remember this is a form for CREATIVITY!!! I loved my experiance at B/M sooo much....I know that will never go away... its been a week and two days....Anyhow, I would really like to THANK EVERYONE FOR PARTICIPATING IN THIS MOST BEAUTIFUL, SPECTACULART EVENT!!!! Larry, whoever and wherever you are, the rangers, the entire cast and crew of Black Rock City Burning Show... ect; Thank-You so much for creating a true place for freedom to reign...I am still so EXCITED!!!!I can hardly stand it sometimes...!!!!I just got back my photos today...their sooo funny!!! Gees... if there are any fellow OREGON B/M junkies, I would love to connect....especially since being back and attempting to communicate, with anyone, is not very satisfing...I would love to hear from you Tra...La...La... LaPlaya...Forever...Yes!!!Yes!!!Yes!!!....a group here in Oregon/and San Francisco, we've been thinking about a shoe/foot fettish theme camp.....ANY IDEAS?!?... Have a beautiful day!!! WAKE UP ENJOY WAKE UP LIVE WAKE UP LAUGH WAKE UP LEARN WAKE UP CONTINUE LIGHT WAKE UP EXPERIANCE TRUTH WAKE UP TOUCH TASTE BECOME WAKE UP ALIVE WAKE UP EXPLORE WAKE UP CONTINUE WAKE UP LOVE FEAR WAKE UP.......peace -- Love, Laughter, and Light, Forever...Adora..., September 9, 1997 at 3:32p

HELLO !!! HELLO!!! HAPPY DAY !!!! Just because B/M is over, and most of us are basically bored with the material world...doesn't give any of us the right to become a bunch of bickering, babbling, brats...Remember this is a form for CREATIVITY!!! I loved my experiance at B/M sooo much....I know that will never go away... its been a week and two days....Anyhow, I would really like to THANK EVERYONE FOR PARTICIPATING IN THIS MOST BEAUTIFUL, SPECTACULART EVENT!!!! Larry, whoever and wherever you are, the rangers, the entire cast and crew of Black Rock City Burning Show... ect; Thank-You so much for creating a true place for freedom to reign...I am still so EXCITED!!!!I can hardly stand it sometimes...!!!!I just got back my photos today...their sooo funny!!! Gees... if there are any fellow OREGON B/M junkies, I would love to connect....especially since being back and attempting to communicate, with anyone, is not very satisfing...I would love to hear from you Tra...La...La... LaPlaya...Forever...Yes!!!Yes!!!Yes!!!....a group here in Oregon/and San Francisco, we've been thinking about a shoe/foot fettish theme camp.....ANY IDEAS?!?... Have a beautiful day!!! WAKE UP ENJOY WAKE UP LIVE WAKE UP LAUGH WAKE UP LEARN WAKE UP CONTINUE LIGHT WAKE UP EXPERIANCE TRUTH WAKE UP TOUCH TASTE BECOME WAKE UP ALIVE WAKE UP EXPLORE WAKE UP CONTINUE WAKE UP LOVE FEAR WAKE UP.......peace -- Love, Laughter, and Light, Forever...Adora..., September 9, 1997 at 3:32p

To every soul who writhed naked around a pile of burning bicycles to the tune of primal drum beats echoing accross the playa: A knowing wink of my left sparkling eye and a heart-felt thank-you! I'm now writing a short screenplay about my experience in the desert but can't do so properly without the help of a few other memories.(THC, y'know?) I'm dying to hear more stories. If you have footage - film/video that you would like to edit/soundtrack/show, let me know. Is anyone organizing a Burning Man Film Festival? Cheers! -- Seth, September 9, 1997 at 3:29p

Lovely folks, I was the big white rabbit with the phat haunches, pardon if i poked you with an ear during the opera. I had such a FANTASTIC time this year, found it the most sensual year yet, and everyone was so remarkably friendly and courteous it was moving. So curious that our favorite city in the world only exists three days a year except in our collective loving minds. My regards to the Aliceum, our neighbors and Bianca's which just went OFF, and everyone who loved, built, created, shared, chatted and organized. See you all next year! and if you find yourself with a good pic of a good bunny, drop me a line. -- Jose Kirkland, September 9, 1997 at 3:25p

Jess wrote: "If you put all the drugs consumed at BM '97 on a gigantic scale, how much would it weigh?" Well, Jess, I think that a gigantic scale would probably weigh several tons. All that metal, you know. -- Howard, September 9, 1997 at 3:10p

Thanks to all of you BUTTFOLIO participants. We will have our 170 butts (and other parts) up soon. Look for yours at www.buttfolio.com -- Dan, September 9, 1997 at 3:04p

Thank you Webmaster for allowing us to share our BM experiences. I've been checking out the site everyday and it makes returning to this daily grind much easy. Already counting down to BM'98!! -- Kay, aka Lola, September 9, 1997 at 2:56p

Hey, Jessica, I'd be glad to send you $20... but, I would expect you to put out if I'm going to shell out that kind of cash to support your heroin habit, you dumb brat. -- Phil Danesker, King of Toledo, September 9, 1997 at 2:50p

ATTENTION: In order to support BM for years to come, I think everyone should just send me, Jess, a check for $20.00. I plan to use the money to jumpstart my political career. As a public servant, I promise I will lobby Congress to make Burning Man a national holiday. How does that sound? SEND YOUR CHECKS TO: Jessica Ryan, President, The Burning Man Fund, 100 Burning Man Boulevard, Burning Man City, Nevada, 83521 LONG LIVE BURNING MAN! -- Anon., September 9, 1997 at 2:44p

-- Anon., September 9, 1997 at 2:27p

Say the 'peace' about you on Night Line the other evening, and know of you plite with the 'money' situation. Would you oblige me by sending an address that i might make a "small" contribution to your effort. I have a 'curious' interest and would someday like to participate and want to help assure that it will be around when I 'decide' to partake. I think it would be a wonderful experience. Best of luck. Harry -- Harold (Harry) C. Kanaga, September 9, 1997 at 2:27p

Anybody tape the Nightline? I'd love to get a copy, all expenses paid, etc... -- David Rattray, September 9, 1997 at 2:25p

i saw last nights niteline and am very interested in burning man. i have been involved with the rainbow family gatherings and have attended several men's festivals. are there any people in the burning man group from missouri? is there any contemplation for regional events? -- mike, September 9, 1997 at 2:21p

Dear Egg (Anon) Head, I wish you were egg enough to post your e-mail address so I don't have to waste space on this bullitin board on an apple-egg-salad head like yourself. Unfortunately I have lowered myself to the level of mindless bullitin board retaliation but only with a solution to this situation. Leave your e-mail address so this bullitin doesn't get polluted. Anyway, enough of this B.S. - P.S. Is Anon short for annoying? Oopps, 1 more mindless retaliation. Incredible, except for the ................................ ..................................... -- Sean, September 9, 1997 at 2:11p

Thanks to all who helped us during our five days in Black Rock City preparing our report for Nightline. You were most gracious to allow us to visit with you and tell the amazing story of BM. Maybe next year we can come back without the camera, and just enjoy it all. Cheers... -- Tom Foreman, September 9, 1997 at 2:09p

beautiful sunsets -- Angela, September 9, 1997 at 2:09p

This year was my first and it was one of the best times I've ever had. Good god. I will be going back next year. The middle of the playa at about 4-5a.m. a most heavenly experience. -- john garner, September 9, 1997 at 1:46p

Support Islands in the Stream. That is what we are. Sail away with me. How can we be wrong? -- island, September 9, 1997 at 1:10p

SELL GOOD FOOD, It can provide for the community income and product. If the profits are focused on supporting the event, I don't think anyone would mind paying for it. Most people buy food, If BM offered quality food at good prices it would sell and help take care of the bill, it might add a couple of smiles too. -- neerah, September 9, 1997 at 1:03p

SELL GOOD FOOD, It can provide for the community income and product. If the profits are focused on supporting the event, I don't think anyone would mind paying for it. Most people buy food, If BM offered quality food at good prices it would sell and help take care of the bill, it might add a couple of smiles too. -- neerah, September 9, 1997 at 1:03p

Did anyone at BM'97 catch and photos or video footage of BOOSHKIE AND THE BEAST (the white showgirl and 12 foot silver monster) at the 1st fashion show, or THE JUICY DANGER SHOW (at Bindlestiff Circus or Circus X after the Burn)??? Tom Comet and Christine Taylor would love to see copies of their work. -- David, September 9, 1997 at 0:47p

I am saddened by the fact that the very people who put this wonderful event together are now stuck with the bill. I think we should all send in some money to take care of this but it still doesn't address the basic inherent problem; and that is the humongous fee that BM pays to hold the event. How about finding another place where the fees aren't that high? Perhaps someplace more remote and hard to get to as long as it's close to a hot spring. This should take care of the day trippers and maybe some media. Sarah from NM or Shelly from Oregon, if you're reading this, call me:415-499-1441 -- ease, September 9, 1997 at 0:42p

DENVER / COLORADO brethern, take thine hand as we gather to commiserate. SHOW & TELL - in "our" neck of the woods. - very soon. Will I get the pleasure of your company? Please write for cacophonist details. -- Kai-kali, September 9, 1997 at 0:32p

BIG JILM -- Bob, September 9, 1997 at 0:17p

Well, no matter how much money is donated or achieved through commerce, those who govern and own where ever we go, will take their best guess at how much they can get from the organizers, then add a factor to ensure they maximize their set p of profits. Suggest that next years event be free, or donation only? No that won't work either. Need to manage solvency through off event sales. -- Reason, September 9, 1997 at 0:03p

JOSHUA, if that IS your real name, can't you see everyone here is mocking you and your burning brothers...frankly, I'm DISAPPOINTED in your being disappointed...isn't BM about being able to speak freely and openly about anything and everything...or is BM just about spinning around in circles acting loopy...by the way I drove through Reno once. -- ZACHARY from Palestine, September 9, 1997 at 11:59a

Just mailed my check for $30 to BM ( P.O. Box 420572 San Francisco, CA 94142-0572 ) -- $10 for myself, and $20 for two other Burning Man '97 folks who may not know of the need or who lack the funds. And I'm "subscribing" to Burning Man's future -- I pledge to send $10/month until next year's Burn. (Plus the proceeds from whatever fundraisers I can manage to organize.) A word to Larry Harvey, Maid Marian, Danger Ranger, Harley, Joegh, Crimson, Will, Flash, and everyone else who put so much on the line this year and every year: Don't Panic. You need $200,000? Well, we'll raise $300,000 by Memorial Day, just to be on the safe side. -- Sheriff Dick Kirkland, Washoe Co., September 9, 1997 at 11:57a

how about everyone that has real good photos let the Larry harvey crew sell them as a fundraiser "burning art a parking lot with a puropse". more later Had a great time and will come and park again. neerah -- Anon., September 9, 1997 at 11:55a

Lane...I'd love to meet and make sweet love to you down by the river...maybe we can meet Sean while we're there and, if he's bathed, maybe he can join us...course Caryn might be mad...but maybe she can watch or something...always willing to share my technique. -- Steve from San Francisco, September 9, 1997 at 11:52a

I am a little dissapointed at some of the posts latley... I for one am not giving up the Ideals nor the personality that I gained from my two years of Burning experiences... I hope that we can keep this board going for the whole of the year, and I would love to meet and work with anybody that needs some assistance.. Wether it be with an after burn burn, or a theme came ...I live near Reno, but contact me if you are anywhere on the west coast... -- Joshua!, September 9, 1997 at 11:50a

Gosh, I wish I was that Steve guy ...could I meet him and get some pointers? -- Lane F. from San Francisco, September 9, 1997 at 11:45a

soooo I guess you don't leave your basement much... -- Anon., September 9, 1997 at 11:43a

Burning man rocked my world...oh wait that was Steve. -- Caryn S. from San Francisco, September 9, 1997 at 11:40a

Burning woman is in my basement if you wanna come by and see her? -- Ricky from Chicago, September 9, 1997 at 11:37a

I think Apple Head (nice name, pal) and Squib Nocket (nicer name, pal) are on to something here...I attended for the second year in a row and I've pretty much decided that BM is nothing but a big arena for lazy, underachieving people to pretend to be interested in this large erected man when all they're really doing is spinning in circles acting loopy while looking out of the corner of their eye to watch others and see if they're spinning around in circles correctly. -- Dutch from Waco, TX, September 9, 1997 at 11:35a

So when is burning Woman anyway, six months the opposite of the man. post any intorest. -- , September 9, 1997 at 11:35a

Jessica. What if you took all the people having sex at BM 97 and put them on a scale? I wonder what they would weigh. The thing is, if they were all having sex as you were weighing them, it would be hard to get a true reading because the scale would be bouncing around so much you¹d have a hard time seeing where the little needle landed. P.S. I agree with Apple Head. Sean should take a bath. -- Anon., September 9, 1997 at 11:32a

I agree with Apple Head...isn't this whole Burning Man thing an excuse to go out in the desert for a few days and spin around in circles and act like a loopy second grader lacking full mental status...only to return to the big cities where we live and return to our jobs at Starbucks complaining about how much life sucks (only because we're just a bunch of lazy sorry-asses)??? -- Squib Nocket from Big Lick, VA, September 9, 1997 at 11:29a

Is it just a coincidence that BM also stands for Bowel Movement? -- Jessica, September 9, 1997 at 11:24a

Hey Sean...why don't you go to the river and take a bath...then put on a suit and tie and get a job and join the working community...this is the 90s...we've got no room for losers like yourself. -- Apple Head, September 9, 1997 at 11:22a

I went to Burning Man and I lit myself on fire and it was real hot man. -- Fred G., September 9, 1997 at 11:20a

Jessica, I think your missing the point about what BM is about. I don't think BM needs this type gossip being talked about it. I think you need to think a little bit. Then again, if you don't already get it, you probably never will. I think you should go to the River for Labor Day next year or something like it. You might relate to the people there a little better (or maybe a frat party!!) -- Sean, September 9, 1997 at 11:18a

Hell stinkin yeah! Burning Man kicks ass. -- Matt, September 9, 1997 at 11:17a

What a wonderful time was had by all!! Thank you to everyone who contributed to Burning Man this year! Thank you to all the people who worked so hard to make it all happen. I orchestrated the two large kinetic painting/sculptures out on the north side of camp. They were 300 feet long and between 10 feet to 3 feet tall and their were two of them. I just was hoping to get a little more feed back from anyone who was there and saw/played with our works of art. I heard them described as the walls, the flapping things, the clothes line or the really, really BIG painting etc.. all comments are welcome. Also if any one got any video or film of them flying in the wind I would gladly pay to get a copy. Thanks you THE ILLUMINATION PROJECT -- Charlie A. Gadeken, September 9, 1997 at 11:15a

I finally found some time in the darkroom last weekend to print a handful of black and white photos. http://www.cea.berkeley.edu/~bboyd/bm/bmpix97.html -- Bill, September 9, 1997 at 11:09a

jessica, answers to your questions: (1) a lot, maybe 65%? (2) 2 tons?. Give me a call if you're in the SF area sometime... (415) 836-1872. -- Bobby Barrett, September 9, 1997 at 10:58a

Burning Man is a profound experience and every year the tapestry of experience grows. We were the existential Soul Chicken Camp, having a theme camp improves the interactive experience and the people I met this year will be cosmically attached to me forever. Thank You Burning Man for the chance ti be alive unrestrained for 5 days in the desert. Next year I am definately helping with the setup of the event... it is very important that Burning Man be supported and allowed to exist. -- Ariana, September 9, 1997 at 10:29a

Will pay a few bucks for some decent hard copy photos of the Daughters of Ishtar show. My photos didn't show up and I want my photo album to be complete. Thanks! It was unforgettable. -- Amy, September 9, 1997 at 9:52a

QUESTION: (1) How much random sex do you think took place at BM '97? What percentage of the BM pop. got laid? (2) If you put all the drugs consumed at BM '97 on a gigantic scale, how much would it weigh? PLEASE POST YOUR ANSWERS... -- Jessica -- Los Angeles, CA, September 9, 1997 at 9:28a

Righteous, brother. -- Pedro Pluto, September 9, 1997 at 9:24a

Our two families who attended (again) had a wonderful time!!! absolutely super. even in spite of the helicopters!!! our kids (from 13 to 17) now are way intoparticipating, not spectating. cool!!! on a more serious note.......I, like others will be sending in an additional contribution to help defray costs. but is there any systematic plan to quantify the economic benefits to the cities, counties, and state involved???? I know that our group spent over $1000 on the event for our "Picasso Camp", food, gas, etc. (And that's gotta be just a tiny fraction of what some other did). Might be useful to have a good estimate next time Larry and others have to talk/negotiate with the local county officials. Maybe even arrange for some of the local suppliers to be there as well. Is there an electronic way to do this?? Something to think about. Bye for now.......... -- jack, September 9, 1997 at 7:45a

Ok...enough with the non commercialism. sell me a t-shirt and pay the damn bills will ya? If you let it die "for principal" I will NOT respect you in the morning. Question: where is the SAVE the Burning Man web site ? anyone?....(long pause) .....anyone? -- Jim Bowers, September 9, 1997 at 2:33a

-- Anon., September 9, 1997 at 1:06a

Hey! Can we start a B-man chat? Or is there such a thing? I just got done watching the ABC Nightline story. I don't really know what to say but I think we were represented ...fairly... WEIRD HUH? Well thats all for now! BURN! BURN! BURN! -- Cyburn, September 9, 1997 at 0:50a

MAY THE BURNING MAN RISE AND BURN, OVER AND OVER AGAIN! GREAT TO SEE OTHERS LIKE US, WITH SUCH A CRAVING TO BREAK MOLDS AND LET OUT THE REALS SELVES! KEEP IT UP! -- The Wonder Twins, drag queen divas from the star planet, station in L.A., September 9, 1997 at 0:21a

Anyone out there living in Austin, we'd like to meet you, make friends, chat about fire,& cook up some shrimp creole. We were the "Friendly Mehndi Camp". -- Rebecca, September 8, 1997 at 11:29p

i'm still interested in talking to chris of camera obscura fame. sure was an incredible display. want to speak about the lense that was supposed to come to point arena. any hints? -- kat, September 8, 1997 at 11:18p

Just saw the media spin about The Celebration on ABC's NIGHTLINE. All I have to say is that may The Great Spirit be with all of you wonderful folks who made Burning Man possible. And I pray those with the Dead Presidents send a bundle your way so this Experience may continue. With all of you In Spirit, Jimmy in Kansas City -- Jimmy Botee Meyer, September 8, 1997 at 11:18p

i just want to thank everybody that made it possiable WHAT A TRIP!!!ill be there next year for sure oh and people LAY OFF THE CAMRA THING i mean get a life people like to rember things and record them its not a fault its good so chill i like looking at my pics and so do my buddies dont try to limit it that would be sad well enough said see everybody next year and stay happy everybody love dtsdave! -- dtsdave, September 8, 1997 at 11:05p

Please please check out - http://www.fray.com/ - The Fray's Book of Burning Man is a storytelling site where you can write about your burningman experiences. We also have some photos and some writings from the playa itself. See you there. -- Christian, September 8, 1997 at 11:05p

a great event. thank god there are others like me. it was such an open and sharing forum. the desert makes a great living room. thank you. -- eric goldstein, September 8, 1997 at 10:54p

So glad to see the guy who came from Nightline GOT IT, if only on the edges. A very fair, even piece: you know he's coming back. The story said it well, though-- Larry, Marian, and the other folks are in a BIG hole. PLEASE send in another $10. Skip two microbrews and instead read these posts and remember how much joy BMAN brought you--then send in a faith offering for next year. We are a community-- let's work to protect our future. Love to you all, and eternal thanks for all you shared. sign me still feeling the glow..-Tom -- Tom, September 8, 1997 at 10:49p

Thanks to all who trekked out those nasty last 200 yards in the heat to visit laughing scorpion puppet theater. Special thanks to all the brilliant artists who made a puppet at make a puppet. They burned like torches on the last night. If anyone has pictures or stories to share please send them on. -- Chris W, September 8, 1997 at 10:16p

Impressions... Androids and humanoids, beast and machines of all dimension both prehistoric and future recently arrived, coming in on starships, time machines, transporters, passing through vortexes and wormholes, touching down and poised with frozen expressions.... some of intimidating terror, some of curiosity , some of perplexity, some blank and barren starring out on the pilgrims of the desert and the pilgrims starring back... And ...The Man. Sunday night.Wild procession of lights, fire twirlers, drummers.... Dance of fire. The frenzy builds.....A human figure aflame from head to toe does a wild happy dance at the crotch of the Man, igniting him... Naplam blast billows up through its skeletal innards, igniting pyro-packed wicket bundles that are The Man's veins, arteries heart, lungs and faith. Man cracks and shrieks like a pine tree that has been super heated and has reached flashpoint in the midst of a million acre forest fire. The man does NOT burn. It Nova's . Super Nova.... The morning after. Smoldering piles of black ash, remnants of twisted plastic and metal. I see a young girl dressed in formal black, gloves and a veiled hat bending over the cinders. She is looking for remnants, for souvenirs. Something to take back, something to prove it happened. Something to hold on to, because after it ends, one goes away mourning when faced with the prospect of going back to real life..............( This newbies impression...Edited and condensed...for complete text e-mail me. Thanks all for being there!) -- Just me., September 8, 1997 at 9:57p

This was the best all around event that I've ever been a participant in. I enjoyed the simple, yet very meaningful joys of life with some very close long time buddies, as well as new friends that I met during the event. I was amazed to see so many smiles and such happy folk. Highlights include playing frisbee on the playa at sunset with my friends and passerbys. I also really got a kick out of plopping down in the desert grass and shooting the breeze and drinking the swill with our friendly neighbors (Joe, Fred, Zeebu (sp?). I live in DC (well, Bethesda, MD) and am tired of seeing all of the pissy looking people walking around the city streets. Everyone that I came across at BM was so positive and kind, it was really refreshing. If there are DC/MD/VA people that made it to the burn and are interested in hangin', grabbing a brew, or sharing some laughs/smiles, drop me a note. My only complaints/suggestions are these: Don't burn plastic and trash that wasn't meant to burn. Use more solar power for those outrageous contraptions (after all, there's no shortage of sunlight in the desert). Thanks to everyone who contributed (knowingly or unknowingly) to the overall positive experience that I enjoyed. See y'all next year, I'll be the one with the big grin on my face - how about you? -- Seth Gordon, September 8, 1997 at 7:38p

Hey Sean...keep making those statements man. -- Dark Angel, September 8, 1997 at 7:29p

HEY ALL WHATS UP TO MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF BM97. MY FREIND AND I WERE PLAYING AROUND FIRES AND IN DRUM CIRCLES U MIGHT OF SEEN U MY FREIND WAS PLAYING THE COWBELLS AND I WAS PLAYING THE DUMBEK OEKE AS IT IS REFFERED EVERYWHERE ELSE THE WORLD. MY BROTHERS FREINDS HAD MADE THE GILLIGAN STYLE HUT AND WE HAD A LOUOUT SO IF ANY OF THESE SOUND FAMILIAR I WOULD LOVE TEAR FROM U. PEACE, LOE, AND SEE U AT BM98!!!!!!!! -- ARAMIG, September 8, 1997 at 7:20p

To the denizens of Used Soul camp: I have to say, I like my new soul so much I decided not to burn it, but keep it indefinitely. Thanks! Love, -- Rasputin, September 8, 1997 at 7:08p

To Chris Maytag: I didn't think there was any such thing as a "official, on-the-promenade theme camp". In fact, there were lots of really cool theme camps throughout the city, so I hope you didn't miss them thinking that the ones up front were the only ones. I'm no expert, nor am I part of the organizing group, but I was under the impression that the 'inner circle' camps were simply people with themes that were on the ball enough to get requests in early (as opposed to my group, which planned to go long before but didn't even get tickets until we got there). I seem to remember the call going out about 6 months ago in the electronic newsletter for camps. And no, I don't think it would be good to qualify anyone. One man's boring crap is another man's great art - so I hope we keep it random (or 1st come 1st serve, as it was this year). BTW, I loved the Piss Clear paper. -- Jim, September 8, 1997 at 6:47p

We three road the playa, balloon tires expanding with mud, and hay and glow stick juice. Burning man intervenusly gave me the vital creative electrolites I have been starving for. I felt at home way out on there, when I returned home I was lost.Maybe you are right SCOOTER, this could grow towards a more perminant society( but that would mean you would assume the roll of a cop!) thankyou everyone who made it happen, all the people who played rangers, sky divers, divas, flame throwers, urban legands, the credits are long. Vitrious Humor '98? -- KIRSTEN & BORRIS & LOOMIS, September 8, 1997 at 6:40p

Hey Kangaroo boys...we got some fun shots of you in your kangaroo costumes...e me or if anyone knows how to contact.....(i neglected to include e address earlier posting) Speaking of which.... my apologies to those that thought i was asking for camera censorship...i wasn't. Just the use of respect and consideration.. DOn't get how those things interfere with self expression....... -- Jen, September 8, 1997 at 6:18p

-- pkaiser@prodigy.com, September 8, 1997 at 6:16p

-- KIRSTEN & BORRIS & LOOMIS, September 8, 1997 at 6:10p

cameras and tapeing, etc. well, at my first year at BM (four years ago) I recorded a bunch of audio, 'cause I thought it would be a cool thing to do and didn't know what to expect (you don't really get the no spectators meme until you really get there...) anyway some of the wicked cocaphony ended up in a bed for a movie riot and other things ended up as drum loops that have be used for musical improvs out at subsequent BM's. The year after I took some photos that I have been quite proud of and have become gifts to their subjects...I guess what I am saying is get over it; the act of documenting is also a creative act.... not one of us who stumble upon images/ sounds/footage our ourselves in the desert, does not feel kinship and joy and rememberence and in the dark hours later this year trying to remenber what all the fuss was about, our documents remind us that BM lives in our hearts and souls and also in real time as we try to communicate 'what it was like...' -- vordo, September 8, 1997 at 5:57p

This was my first burn...all I can say is OH MY GOD!...My life was forever changed that weekend. I know you've heard this before, but it's best way of explaining everything. lots of people...big burning man..beautiful nakedness..sharing (everything).... If we had had hours of conversation or only a quick smile let me know what you thought! tell me your stories..show me pictures of you! Thank you to everyone there! I wish I could have done more (is that humanly possible?) I can't wait to see all of you again next year! my camp was the big green bus with the huge disco ball on top of it and the strobe lights. Check out our photos at "www.theflash.com" enternal thanks to maid marian, mistress of comminication - I wish we could have shared more with each other - I lost your e-mail address! Everytime my friends & I get together and remember that weekend, it brings laughter and smile to all! Thank you again, don't forget to send pictures (no matter how insane they are) and e-mail me. see ya mike -- Mike Garner, September 8, 1997 at 5:43p

$100,000 in debt? That means that if everyone who went donated a paltry ten bucks, everything would be fine again. -- Linda, September 8, 1997 at 5:41p

a quick note of thanks to all the folks who have been putting their BM photos on their web sites ... they have been great fun to check out ... lots of things i saw but didn't record, other things i meant to see but never got around to ... thanks for taking the time to share! -- pandorra, September 8, 1997 at 5:25p

Two more thoughts, and I'll shut up... 1) Burning man may happen in a desert, but it still happens in the midst of a larger community. Day Passes are a means of affirming that. Gerlach, in particular, and Nevada in general is integral to the BM experiance - otherwise this would be just one more San Franciscan event: Haight Street Fair in the desert. We are, after all, guests of the locals - and culture clash can be enlightening. 2) Maybe its time to think about spawning other Burning Men. Why a single event? Why not multiple events happening simultaneously around the country - or around the world? Imagine the Man Burning in Nevada, and on the same day on Salsbury Plain, and in the Outback, and in Goa, and in Chaipas, etc. etc. creating, for one day at least, a global anarchistic community based on a powerful shared experience. What say you? -- Erich, September 8, 1997 at 4:16p

burning man ruled! see http://burning.detritus.net for stories and photos documenting the experiences there of some of us from Safety Camp and Bianca's Smut Shack. -- steev hise, September 8, 1997 at 4:07p

HELP THE DEBT: For those who didn't get Maid Marian's post, BM is $100k in debt. Help keep BM alive! Send donations to: P.O. Box 420572 San Francisco, CA 94142-0572 BM is in jeopardy for next year without more cash. -- Roy Feague, September 8, 1997 at 3:40p

I am so happy to have this year in my head, I have been walking around NYC with a big shit eating grin on my face...and surprisingly people have been returning my smile<burning man is quite infectious> I am so looking forward to next year... To the beautiful couple I met at the opera...you mentioned marrage and taking your time about it...the guy was definitly way beyond collge age<even though he is> and my boyfriend and I wish you the best...wedding bells under the man at dawn sunday next year perhaps? -- Cory, September 8, 1997 at 3:08p

Came to BM 97 (and 96) from Atlanta. Will be in the Bay area first weekend in October. Are there any fundraisers/events/etc that anyone can turn me on to?? -- Hugh D'Man, September 8, 1997 at 2:39p

CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE read this<br> i saw you at the smut shack, you smiled and stuff. you're beautiful, want to play? was that your boyfriend, does he want to play too? -- shy boy, September 8, 1997 at 2:10p

does anyone have any photos of a girl getting bodypainted at bianca's on sun afternoon (me)? i have long skinny brown braids. pls email me if you do.. thanks! -- impish, September 8, 1997 at 2:03p

look let's not over react to the camera thing - I love to pose for people in my outfit or at my theme camp, as long as it's not some rude person who has other intentions. I enjoy taking pictures of Burning man because I want to keep the memory (I regret not taking pictures last year and a friend how has joined me said she loves looking back at her pictures). Also I didn't think much to the comment made about certain theme camps not deserving certain camp areas and they mentioned "piss clear". I couldn't believe it! "Piss Clear" have been involved in Buring Man for ages and I shall never forget the guy on his bike last year going around and making deliverys. They put a lot of effort into that paper so hold off on the critisism. I don't think it is nice to start demanding who is "arty" enough to camp where. -- Kate, September 8, 1997 at 1:11p

I am somewhat surprised that Buzz Webster assumes that just because life appears to imitate art (or is it art imitating art?) that the basis of the Burning *MUST* somehow be grounded in another's idea or vision. It seems that implicit in the post is the suggestion that L. Harvey's inspiration and, ultimately, realization of the Burning perhaps somehow lacks originality or legitimacy. It seems that iconoclasts abound - especially after the playa dust settles. Just because an obscure B-film involving a large burning effigy is mimmicked several decades later on a desolate Pleistocene lake bed may appear to be based on such a movie does not necessarily make it so. Even if such happens to be the case, I personally believe that that's as far as any similarity goes. To suggest anything to the contrary serves no real purpose as so far explaining the popularity of the event or the resonance with which it seems to have struck with so many participants. If I build and burn a 'Man' in Australia next year will it be less valid - less legitimate - for having its basis in Harvey's event? -- Dr. Monkeylove, September 8, 1997 at 0:27p

I dumped my pictures, love to see others...http://theflash.com/burningman.html -- Trevor Henthorn, September 8, 1997 at 0:15p

Who was responsable for the green led lights arranged in the playa. It was set up near the Smut Shack side out on the playa in the shape of a star or asterisk. If anyone has info please email me. Thanks to ALL the beautiful people who made Bman happen -- John Warno, September 8, 1997 at 0:13p

hello to everyone at 1200 and gate for everything. we're back in texas now, finaaly. hi to honeymooners josh and rach, upstates, the z bros.,chico dead guys,and our portland children. -- derek and robert, September 8, 1997 at 0:11p

Come on people!!! Get over the whole camera thing!! Don't you have a camera that you use whenever you want to to take pictures of what ever? What harm is done, really? HOw can you be the type of person who woould be synchronicits with such an anything goes event, while begrudging someone simply taking pictures? Focus your energies in more productive areas, for God's sake! The Burning Man is about freedom of expressin, the imagination manifested, tolerance,etc etc etc. A week after the event, I'll bet your life hasn't been adversely impacted one iota by a singly snapshot!! So deal with it and have fun! -- Matt Riecken, September 8, 1997 at 0:03p

I accidentally posted the same message twice cause I done fucked up, partner. adios. -- Doug Wright, September 8, 1997 at 11:53a

Manager of the Soul Emporium here. Had a fantastic time this year! Does anyone have info on the upcoming seemen show? I saw a flyer taped on the counter at Big Daddy Love's but I didn't write down the info. Also, on Monday I heard a hotline # on Radio Free Burning Man for "defenestration, cacophony and such". All I remember is that it ended with 6666. If anyone could email me info on the above it would be very much appreciated! -- Ethan, September 8, 1997 at 11:45a

Did anyone out there videotape the 1st fashion show? BOOSHKIE AND THE BEAST (the showgirl and the 12 foot silver monster with the 3 foot cock) aka Christine Taylor and Tom Comet would like to see footage of their presence on the catwalk. Gimme a buzz. And long live the BM! -- Vaisbord, September 8, 1997 at 11:43a

AHhhhh people and cameras.... we have seen heard and read a lot about that this week huh.....i guess the people i found most intrusive and rather sad... were the people in camps like Bianca's and the Temple of atonement... taking pics of participants without permission.... THese people ( the participants) have the right to pursue their interests...and they pursue them in these venues realizing there will be voyeurism... however i am entirely sure, none of them meant to be camera fodder for those who were shooting for cheap thrills.... i know, i stopped a college age looking guy gaping at a scene in Bianca's raising his camerea.... and i looked at him and said... i don't even think you have their permission... he smiled sheepishly and took the fucking pic anyway... what a slime.... perhaps in coming BM cameras could be limited or something in these more graphic areas...... Hey Kangaroo Boys from back East....got some great pics of you in yoru costumes... E me Jen -- Jen, September 8, 1997 at 11:35a

A remarkable, non-commercial, *Human* experience...I'm hooked, and converted. And next year...I won't be "spectating"..! ------ A few suggestions on how the community could improve itself: 1. Get the sherriff to voluntarily limit its use of the helicopter to when it's NEEDED. I saw the copter cut kite strings, buzz groups of participants unnecessarily, etc. ENOUGH! 2. Cameras/Video/Audio recording needs to be dealt with. I don't know how, specifically, but it was simply too invasive. I went to "be a part of", not to "be an actor in". Maybe a single day when cameras are allowed? Or something? Yes, it's another rule to deal with, but I think we can find rules that *contribute* to community, rather than *legislate* community. Let's make all the camera people PARTICIPANTS! 3. Too many theme camps set up just to get a nifty spot - Piss Clear comes to mind. Let's see that people who set up official, on-the-promenade theme camps actually *do* something for people to engage in and play with, rather than just sit around looking theme-campish. Otherwise, thanks, everyone, for helping to create something excellent and sublime, however transitory. --chris -- Chris Maytag, September 8, 1997 at 10:45a

I am very surprised that no where on your Burning Man Web site do you give credit to the movie and folk lore which obviously inspired your festival. Yes, I’m talking about the 1973 movie, The Wicker Man, staring Edward Woodward and Christopher Lee - A murder mystery about a Scottish police Sgt. who receives an anonymous letter from the offshore community of Summerisle (a neo-pagan society), asking him to investigate the disappearance of a young girl. Your readers can find more information on this movie at the Internet Movie Database (http://us.imdb.com/search). In addition, you might point out that the idea behind the movie goes back even further - into Celtic lore which Sir James G. Frazer writes about in his work The Golden Bough. -- Buzz Webster, September 8, 1997 at 10:39a

I had the most incredible time at the man! Can't begin to explain to people what they missed. Next year I must take off work the week following the burn cause I'm still there!! Sorry to Rhett about the physics lesson I taught him in relation to big guy sitting in small lawn chair,(X2). Also the 5 gallon water can we lost in the middle of Black Rock, (I keep thinking some guy crawling on his belly inches away from dehydration finding it).The man himself was too much! Anybody know the story of the woman who dove off just as explosions blew around the feet of the man. She landed on a guy below. Anyone else see that?-Doug Wright -- Doug Wright, September 8, 1997 at 10:38a

Had a really cool time, Complaints: too many cops and other authority figures, Way too little fire (for my taste (I wouldn't be satisfied with the burning of all the forrests in canada) Other than that no complaints... It was a really awesome experience... next year I will be sure to carry enough lamp oil for the whole trip (usefull tip for the day-- DON"T use CITRONELLA TIKITORCH OIL FOR FIREBREATHING!!!) Hope there is a BM next year! I will be there if there is! -- J.R., September 8, 1997 at 3:20a

-- Anon., September 8, 1997 at 0:05a

all i can say is fuck what a good time. one week ago today i was wandering the playa already nostalgic about what i was leaving and looking forward to what was to come. thanks to all who worked the scene you were inital and very necessary i love BM and all who attended. that is, all who contributed to its power. peace loovjood eddy -- eddy, September 7, 1997 at 11:45p

peace and love to everyone, see ya next year -- joseph, September 7, 1997 at 11:25p

Hey! Hey! Hey! It's me again SEATTLE lets get together kids! If you are in the area RESPOND! If you already have then you have mail from me, if you havent......GET ON IT! Seattle Post-burn party and Rave type fundraisers in the worx! BURN! BURN! BURN! Cyburn -- Cyburn, September 7, 1997 at 10:43p

-- miick, September 7, 1997 at 9:54p

Burning man is Blackrock City that forms in the Nevada desert once a year, then dissappears like a dream. You walk the streets and avenues lined with camps, many that have the most bizare themes or beutiful colors at night.. The main boulevarde was a curve along the Playa, just like a beach, and the ocean is a vast space of white.The Playa. On the streets and Playa the people decorate themselves and build art in sculpture and desert living spaces, The Man stands out on the playa 4 stories tall, on a platform of straw bales. He has neon lines that change colors. His arms are down until the night of the burn. Saturday night we went to an opera, Ishtar, set in a large circle with a huge phallic sculpture with horns on the top in the middle of the circle. This was on the other side of town out on the playa, and I walked across the dark landscape, passing by the man and seeing the lights of Blackrock City, which always seem so far away when taking the shortcut. The audience stood or sat around the circle and the processions of dancers began to go around the circle counterclockwise. The lighting was 3 big bonfires in the circle. Solo dancers preceded the main procession. One held a mirror to the audience as she passed. The first of the procesions were women who swarmed around the chariot of Ishtar, pulled by three naked slave men as a hypnotic song of praise was performed from the musicians stage at the entrance to the circle.. The women flowed around and behind the chariot, all of them looking and dancing like goddeses themselves. (We had seen the rehersal earlier in the day, when the coriographer was telling the dancers to swarm, but not clump, touch each other, but don't touch. The effect was a gliding swooping movement by the dancers as they followed the chariot.) Then came the men in military column, chanting and holding standards and torches. They represented the desructive men, encroching on the spirit of woman. They marched into place and beat their drums as the ceremony for Ishtar began on the platform of the obilisk. Thus begins a long Opera about the story of Ishtar, and how she became the goddes she is, and about the Man that loved her. But I couldnt understand all the words. Mostly watched the dancers. The men suddenly appeared as neanderthals, jumping and groping around. Then they saw Ishtar and all her dancers, and attacked the women. The women easliy fending them off with kicks and daggers. And so Ishtar was chosen as a goddess. Then begins the story of how her husband fell in love with her, but she dies,. so he decides to burn the temple. And they light this huge pile of wood under the clay and wire sculpture and it burns. All night. But it didn't fall. So many of the guys in the audience were mad that it didn't fall and they threw things at it. A friend of mine from my camp said she chased them away, and defended the burning sculpture from the stupid destructive guys. She was wearing a belly dancers costume, and the men thought she was one of the dancers, or the real thing... So difficult to tell what is real there. It makes no sense that all these people are out in the desert, and that they do all this only for these few days. And this is the most beutiful thing. It is a city. It is a community that meets and survives and multiplies. Everyone adapts to the climate. there is some interesting clothing, or no clothing on many people. Many are from San Francisco, where it is cool most of the time. It's good to rest during the hot times of the day. And you make a shelter where people can sit in the shade, and tell stories about their day. There is alot of story telling. Im in love with burning man, the community. Im a shy person who mostly observed. I know that this next year I need to dance more, and yell more, and play more. And find some better skirts. And make a shelter where people can sit and tell stories during the hot times of the day, and at night. Our camp had 11 people, all freinds of Phil. Some of us would go out in the morning on bikes or on foot, and walk through the streets filled with art camps and art people. We would go out on the playa to look at the man or the other sculptures and displays set far apart on the desert plain. Then we had to rest for several hours. And tell stories about what we'd seen. At sunset the clouds would be orange and purple all the way around. Someone would yell "everybody look at the sky!" and the whole camp of 12,000 people would cheer. They would do that at 6 in the morning for sunrise too. (the people who had been up all night to see it.) And it was loud. There were raves and parties going on all night that I didn't go to. Next year, when I have the costumes. On the last day I went to the hotsprings to bathe. We took a bus from the center of town out to the ranch that had the pools and the geyser shooting hot water. There were many couples there. I was with three friends, two of which were a couple so they went off by themselves. The other was a woman I work with, who had never been naked in front of lots of people. She is big and slightly overwieght so she was self concious. But after swimming and covering herslef with mud and standing under a sculpture that was also a shower she felt very confident of herself. Later that night she went wild during the burning man, opening her blouse and running into the crowd to dance. The man was in a large circle and the procession of dancers and moving sculpture started the ceremony to drums and flames of other burning sculpture in the circle. Burning man had his arms up with his neon lights changing colors. A man in a flame suit ran up to the platform, burning, the Fire Man, and then ran down and was extinguished with a blanket. Then came the torch barers who started the flames below. And the man started in his legs with fireworks and started to burn, then up to his torso, shooting more fireworks, then his head shot out fireworks and he was completely on fire, as a giant magnesium glow in his burning heart burned too bright to see. When he was completely afire he shook side to side a few times, dropped one arm, and fell. The crowd flowed into the circle, dancing around the fire as a mob, drums beating, people throwing their own things into the fire. "It was a good burn," said many people, comparing it to last years. "Beutifully correographed," said the english guy I helped to get home after he collapsed. I had a quiet night after that while the rest of the town went crazy. I didn't want to dance with the mob after the burning man fell. I did, but a freind of mine had passed out and I stayed with him and his girlfriend to help him get back to our camp. Then my campmates came home and we all told stories some more. Everyone figures out what to wear and you drink lots of water and eat enough, but not necessarily sleep enough. It's a magic city that appears, then dissappears like a mirage in the desert. All the colorful lights along the playa, all the music pumping into the empty sky, all the painted and costumed people, and art poised on the bottom of the ancient dry lake, and the midnight conversations of interesting and intelligent people under their canopies, and the dancers at dawn who had danced all night, and the camps of friends waking up, shaking the dust off and greeting the day, painfully and sleeplessly. In a city that stays awake for days, until it is time for the exodus on Monday. A large crew stays behind to clean everything up. They have to leave only tire marks and roads. -- Thayer Walker, September 7, 1997 at 8:22p

GATE GUY ... IS THIS TRUE THAT THE SHERIFF'S DEPT. WAS THE LEAST EXPENSIVE OF THE FIRE,COUNTY,POLICE EFFORTS? I was under the impression that they and the county were the BIG REAMERS, truly the ones wielding the gizmos and gadgets at the S & M booth. But you're saying they were NOT? Maybe Burning Man should become a corporation and have an IPO to raise money. By limiting the # of shares any one person could hold (no shell companies, no roundabout ways for mass ownership), we could ensure that Burning Man stays owned by the masses who love it so much. And we could USE THE VERY SYSTEM THAT WE HATE SO MUCH TO KEEP THE CORPORATE MUCKY-MUCKS OUT OF IT!!! I, for one, would be more than happy to fork over a hundred bucks for a few shares in such an enterprise in return for a divident payment in the form of entry in 1998. -- Doug Greene, September 7, 1997 at 7:05p

-- Anon., September 7, 1997 at 6:11p

Kick butt party but I have a few tips on dealing with the media. Next year put a big dick on the Man and everything else to make it less palatible to the major news sources. All press should prevented from shooting any performance without explicitly asking first. Anyone caught shooting nude people without asking should be surrounded and chastised with a chants of "Bad! Bad! Bad! Bad! Bad!" More later. www.pobox.com/~brooklyncacophony -- mike connor, September 7, 1997 at 5:52p

'97--My first BM, and I'm playing percussion on a stage in the middle of this playa that feels like walking on top of a huge pan of freshly baked brownies, crunchy on top, chewy inside. There are thousands of naked painted ecstatic revelers, and there's a huge tower going up in flames. I will be back next year, hopefully with 30 friends in a Balinese marching band. Thank you to all the organizers who facilitated the creation of a fantastic community, and set a tone of love and care along with freedom and creativity. -- susanna, September 7, 1997 at 4:51p

-- Anon., September 7, 1997 at 4:24p

Four newbies, a strange, but perfect mix of personalities, all came away with a powerful experience unique to each individual. Kishwaukee felt lsafe naked by herself in the desert with 15,000 strange strangers. Horseboy burned his burden and walked like a warrior. Maker found himself again and smiled. I looked for a drum circle to no avail, until I stopped looking, one came to me and I enterred the burn circle to beat the flames of the man higher. When the man came down, the desert was transformed into fire and blackness, our point of origin was gone and we were brought back to a very primitve reality with no cyber neon to light our way through the rave. That was the reason, I realized, why we had come. We came to be reminded that we were human. -- Jim Connor, September 7, 1997 at 1:32p

BM in 97 once again caused me to experience a panorama of emotions. part of it is an ordeal...hell, just getting there is an ordeal but then one has to deal with the heat and the nearly fatal lack of rest. my most elating moments were spent alone, on the playa with the man, in the wee hours. the community this year was warmer and fuzzier which was a big releif as there were some REAL dickhead tourists last year. i was fortunate to work with some really wonderful people at the gate. they made a task that has been handled haphazzardly in the past run like a swiis watch. kudos to virgin mary,mr freeze/flesh, little joe,crazy 8,angel, screwtape, st. peter, gateguy,ben gunn,mahatma, ilma, and all rest. it might of felt like we were working in a prison save for the neighborly attitudes of the washoe co. sherriffs deputies. they really werent the enemies guys!!! if only we would of had about four thousand more participants... then i could have kept my bargin the volunteers. there was no conspiricy just a budget shortfall guys. I also want to take a minute to thank all the managers that i got to work with...Swordfish,Mr Clean, Maid Marion, Crimson,Rusty, Danger, Harley, Flinn, Chiken,Gateguy, John Hell,Miss P, and of course, the BM computer guru,Scout. i hope that when everyone wieghs the pluses with the minuses they come to the same conclusion as i have... when can i buy my BM98 ticket? thanks everyone -- SpaceGhost, September 7, 1997 at 0:24p

DOES ANYONE KNOW THAT WEB ADDRESS THAT A GUY NAMED MIKE WAS GIVING OUT? I'm not sure if it's down or if I'm typing it in wrong, but I remember that it was tricky. Also:LOOKING FOR DALE FROM ISHTAR Thanks: TO THE GIRL WHO WAS TEACHING ME ME TAI CHI, I can not for the life of me remember your name but I will never forget you. -- Dominic, Dark Angel of Black Rock, September 7, 1997 at 0:01p

Post Burn Party in Santa Cruz!!! If anyone has tried to email me at Madame@ledungeon.com, including my own Temple Brethren :) That email is down for the moment. Please use the above email address. All else applies! Madame At the Temple Of Atonement -- Madame at the Temple of Atonement, September 7, 1997 at 11:03a

John with the capped lips, the 20 foot man and gometry from portland are you online? Girl who sent the carmex. -- Anon., September 7, 1997 at 10:31a

I just wanted to give a BIG thanks to the owners of the yellow orb. It was due to the yellow orb of christmas lights mounted atop a motor home that we did not get so completely lost that we may have had to sleep out on the playa (bbbrrrr.) This was our beacon leading us to our camp. Let me tell you, Saturday night was confusing and hallucinatory. The yellow orb was our savior. Other than that, BM was an incredibly spiritual and communial experience. Thanks again yellow orb. Knusper, Rick, Tim, Carver, and Naked Guy (hey, Naked Guy, what time is it?) -- Knusper, September 7, 1997 at 10:23a

Thanks to everyone who helped the event by paying the entry fee. The support of the participants who did not whine, argue, bargin, cry and name-drop was great. The stories and excuses that were offered by others were creative---. " I just lost $9,000 putting on a rave so you should let me and my friends in for free". "My producer won't pay entry fees and I will give you good press" " I know Larry Harvey" " I have a medical condition". I must admit that I used the Sheriff's department as a good reason not to admit anyone with out the fee. I told dozens of wanna-be participants to go talk to them to see if they would let them in. The county charged us a LOT of money. The Sheriff's Dept. was just there to collect it.-- It was nice not to have to count all that money-- They did their job well, with as little impact on us as they could manage. They were fair, honest, supportive and good neighbors for us at the gate. They were not the county supervisors or the fire department. The Sheriff's Dept. cost us very little. and provided us service. The fire dept. on the other hand-- Well- Ya know - -- GATE GUY, September 7, 1997 at 8:43a

Hey, I hate to keep posting on here (well, actually, I love posting on here) but if you're from Dallas or willing to travel, I want to have a gathering of the tribe to watch my edited-down video. I'm editing it right now so it could be sometime next week, here at my tiny apartment or maybe at my mom's house in Austin - I miss her, too. Hey, I just had an idea...I could do two showings. So, e-mail me and let me know if you're interested so I'll know how many porta-potties, helicopters, and DJ's we'll need. -- Hugh Downs, September 7, 1997 at 7:55a

<<Hey- Does anyone from the DC area want to set up a camp neXt year?>> -- Exis, September 7, 1997 at 7:43a

Why shouldn't it be equally as likely that the man should 'channel' the spirit of a thousand people rather than the opposite? Give me a fucking break! Let's chuck the fucking bullshit, paperback, New-Fucking-Age-Whatever busllshit and see this as what it really is (and has always been)...namely, an accretion of hearts that finally gives a collective voice to the whispers of each one of our precious little hearts. Our own little gyrocompass ...spinning to its own little point....guiding us back to the same little place we've always longed for. You know, sort of a...parking lot of the heart. Still, having said all of that, I really fucking got off on the exploding shit. Once a boy, always a boy I guess. -- ray, September 7, 1997 at 2:44a

peace and love to everyone who made my first BURN so special -- joseph, September 7, 1997 at 0:58a

Oh!! I've started putting my BM journal online on my homepage. I'll include the poetry I wrote while I was there. If the pictures I took turn out I'll try to get some of them scanned and include them too. I'm the Black guy with the floppy camouflage hat , camera and notebook. You probably heard some of my drumming, but not at night. Drop by and visit: http://mindstation.com/burn/burning.html -- Rigged, September 7, 1997 at 0:55a

Just have to say the combo of BEYOND RACE and the woman with the flaming batons was totally mesmerizing! We camped next to HELIVATOR (sp?), they rocked when they played next to us, we could have stood to hear more! God bless the water trucks. -- grunthos, September 6, 1997 at 11:37p

SEATTLE-FOLK!!!! Anyone in the Seattle Area interested in making a them camp for '98 please e-mail me. This was my first year but I will NEVER miss another one. Also anyone interested in planning fundraiser type parties, shows, spoken word whatever let me no PLEASE! Have club and equitment connections etc. Burn! Burb! Burn! Cyburn -- Cyburn, September 6, 1997 at 10:29p

My... That was a truely awesome experiance indeed. Not much can be said to express my sense of Joy, Freedom, openess and sheer exhilaration (don't judge to harshly on my spelling please, I'm not quite normal yet) that I feel ovwer this "turning point" in my life. I just wanted to say "thank you to all" even the dreaded sheriffs and media.. who for the most part were polite and sincere in their caring. Those that wer'nt I hope were told so immedeatly. as for the looky-loos, just get in their way next time. make them pay for the space there taking up. a spaecial greeting to Sue (Genevieve)especially Sweet Sue, Hawk, Rob (Miles), Angus. And Heather from Bianca's on Friday Night, Sue and I are still looking for you, Plaes get in touch with us? We miss and cherish are very short time together. (hint) it was I that tied you.. Pease and love to all. Black Rock Rangers rule!!! Goddess bless and the great spirit guide your steps. bryon -- Elim Tevir, September 6, 1997 at 9:49p

Did anyone see those guys in military garb shooting a potato gun at the news helicopter? I hung with them for a while. What a wild bunch of guys! --- Oh, did any of you play naked croquet? I wanna know who won the game. --- Oh!! I almost forgot! Who were the jokers who were up by the camps trying to burn down their art with a napalm cannon? They missed and almost blew up somebody's 4X4 (and a small group of bystanders, including me). *tsk* --- The driver of the water truck should be elevated to sainthood. --- The gorgeous Asian woman wearing nothing but silver bodypaint was from the Green Tortoise camp. *G* --- The burn was incredible. Who was the guy dancing under The Man? You know, the one who was completely engulfed in flames... wow... seems like that would hurt. --- I'm amazed at the number of people that were there. There was so much going on that I'm sure I didn't see half of it. --- Did it change me? Yes and no. I came back to myself after years of timid conformity. --- I miss my Green Tortoise people. Next year -- same time -- same place -- same bus? --- It still seems odd not to be carrying water around everywhere. -- Rigged, September 6, 1997 at 9:25p

Hey, for all the people who are just finding this bulletin board, I have 6 hours of Hi-8 video (not including the burn itself, unfortunately) that I'm dubbing down to 2 hours of VHS if anyone wants a copy. Since there seems to be a lot of interest and since I'm not rich, I'm sending these out for the cost of postage and a blank VHS tape (sorry). E-mail me if you're interested and I'll get back to you when the tape's ready (sometime at the end of this week). And thanks for paying your taxes, which makes it possible for me to edit it at my local cable access station. Later. -- Hugh Jass, September 6, 1997 at 9:21p

"We will assimilate your culture into our collective. Resistance is futile. You will become one with the man." Well this was our second BM and the best so far! We had so much car trouble getting there from Santa Cruz last year it was a relief just to arrive. (Didn't follow rule #1, Bring a RELIABLE vehicle!) Everyone was awesome this year. We somehow avoided most of the frat packs. Thanks to Ned from Australia and Jessica, Erin, and Spike from Portland who watched our bikes while we took some pix of the BM. Hey, you still owe me a copy of the video and some CHOCOLATE!! We tried to find your camp but couldn't. We were probably right on top of you as we found the big W and the rave, but oh well, there's always next year! Hope you enjoyed your "barter"... We need to come up with something different next time. I think we really got screwed by the county fee-wise. Let's at least threaten to take it out of NV, maybe they'll lower their requirements, but probably not. Hey, wait a minute, we've got a farm... (BM Aid?? Nah..) OK, So next year how about this: You can't come unless you have a theme camp of *some* type. What do you think? Maybe you would have to submit a "proposal" to the "BM committee" on your theme camp idea and then you would receive approval. The "committee" could toss the proposals in file 13 if they like, the point is that someone went to the trouble to do it and may be "one of us" rather than an outside observer. This might weed out some of the weekenders. The other idea we had is to leave a few vacant campsites (next to the sherrif's camp?) for when the frat boys get there on Saturday night. Don't let anyone camp there until Saturday. Keep 'em corraled, ya know? However, this would probably not work as nobody would camp anywhere *near* the vacant spots!! Yea, with their big vans why can't the media stay back around central camp rather than drive up to the man for their pictures? They got, like, nice long telephoto camera lenses, don't they? And another thing--how about we all fashion some kind of BM logo on our cars so we can know each other, eh? Would you pull over to help a fellow BM participant change a flat tire? Of course you would! We're also mulling over if we should have an ART CAR next year!! Jeez....I'll never learn. That's all!! See you next year!      --Donivan and Rosetta in Santa Cruz -- Donivan Fox, September 6, 1997 at 8:39p

My favorite part was when that big fat dude turned to Gary Coleman and just squashed that little guy flat. I mean FLAT! -- Darell Tibbles, September 6, 1997 at 8:28p

Note: The following is not me, but the channeling of the spirit that occupied the Burning Man last week. It is both a collective of the people in the Burning Man Community, and its own free spirit. The channling begins.....Greetings from cyberspace. I would have been more happy to chat with you in voice, so that I did not have to get this person to type, but better late than never. The man thanks you for your participation. THERE WERE NO SPECTATORS. everyone was there for their own purpose. Even Max Poux had his reason for being there, and has become better for being there. Everyone has their own movie... some are disruptive to others. but everyone is entitled to their own movie, and everyone has their own choice if they are going to be bothered by someone elses movie or not. I was created by you, the community. I am the community. I exist because the community exists. Burning Man will live. Festivals my become impossible, but Burning Man can and will live on in people's hearts. Each one of you has the symbol of the Man in your self. Keep the fire alive. do not let it go out. The burn was an amazing event, a ceremony to help you become you. do not worship burning man. burning man is inside your self. Many of you are feeling "empty" from the end of last weekend. Please remember, but move forward, and bring the Man to society. Thank you for creating me. -The Man.----------------Channeler's note: Do no be suprised if when you channel the Man, the words appear to be your own. 1000 people channeling the man will get 1000 different responses, each true. This IS because the MAN IS PART YOU! But you will be channeling the man. I am suprised, but will send anyway, as it is true (The man laughs hystericly). Please channel the man.. center yourself, and call him into your throat chakra. The presence you feel will be the Man (note: do not do this on drugs.. you cannot regulate your energy properly.... this is important). Thank you! Sam I Am PS: Helen from Boston.. this isn't bullshit. Drop me a line. I'd still like to chat. -- Sam Channeling the Man, September 6, 1997 at 8:26p

any stories from the big tent? -- was there, September 6, 1997 at 8:09p

Hi! I have just spent 2 hours reading all the posts, and only have gotten through 1/2! I am really amazed at all that I DIDN'T see at BM. I must have a bike next year! Burning man was so amazing! I knew it was going to be a very spiritual event for me, and I was going to be changed forever. This did happen. Unfortunately, I spent most of the time incredibly sexualy fustrated, and seeing all the beautiful naked people did not help.. Many nights I just had visions of tits and more tits. All this up to the night of the burn. The burn was amazing! I donated 2 roman candles that were fitted into the man's crotch. I really enjoyed seeing the Man ejaculate with multi colored "sperm" towards the crowd. So much energy was released while the man burned, and while I later danced in drum circles around him. I took off my clothes, and let all that energy escape into the fire! It was amazing. Unfortunately, my backpack (w/wallet & camera) was stolen at the burn... at first I thought someone picked it up accidently, but when my backpack showed up at the ranger's station w/out my wallet and camera (I anyone would like to share with me their pictures of the burn, I would be really appreciative. I value this loss more than anything else). But this completed my "loss of identity". I am a new person... I got my head shaved while I was there (my god! where did my hair go???), and have emerged a new person. I am still sexually fustrated, but all this time I have always felt sorry myself, and have been weak. I have been wimpering and complaining (whine... I can't get laid... no one loves me..), and not doing anything about this. This has changed. My only regret is that all weekend I wanted to channel the spirit of the man, and did not. I was afraid of what people would think. My next post will be channeling the man. Sorry if it is too long... it will not be me talking. I am tuning in now, and there is a massive presence that wants to speak... Thank You --Sam I Am -- Sam I Am, September 6, 1997 at 7:35p

Hey all. I had such a great time with you guys! I hope we keep the community alive...I'll be around San Francisco...sorry I don't stand out...but if you see that glow on my face and the smile on my soul, then you'll know. I plan on posting my pics of B-Man soon. I'll let you know when my page is ready to check out. Love, Ryan... -- M Ryan Hess, September 6, 1997 at 7:29p

-- Anon., September 6, 1997 at 7:09p

Did anyone out there get any photos or video of BOOSHKIE AND THE BEAST (the silver monster with the 2 foot dick) at the First fashion show on Saturday? Please contact me asap. They are friends, and would like to get some record of the event. -- D.Vaisbord, September 6, 1997 at 6:57p

My clothes still smell like smoke, and I have decided that I will never get tired of answering the question "how was it?" Share the wealth, share the beauty, even after you go home. If there is going to be a huge crowd at BM98, lets make sure it's a fantastic one full of happy, friendly people who pick up their own trash. No day passes!! That's my little bit. Thank you to everyone who came and was cool. Thanks to all who just smiled at the short girl in the trenchcoat carrying a Lightsaber and tripping my brains out, happier than I have ever been in my life. Thank you Noah and Will, you are the greatest traveling companions I could wish for, thanks to Drake and Eric. Next year we bring a candle that won't burn out! -- Tristan, September 6, 1997 at 6:38p

Wasn't thaere, but wish I could have been. If Woasho county gives you to much crap next year come to Humboldt county. -- Dan, September 6, 1997 at 6:31p

There's a QuickTime VR panorama from BM '97 at http://www.thatguy.com/burn/. Get the plug-in and enjoy... -- Mike Wooldridge, September 6, 1997 at 6:31p

First, thank you Jack Daniels. Coke + Jack = a good burn! My first Man was an experience I will never forget. See all of you next year. Sorry to my buddy Rhett for the two lawn chairs I destroyed ( I'm gonna diet bro), and the five gallon water can I lost in the desert ( I keep thinking some guy crawling on his belly inches away from death stumbling across it). Thanks to the three babes from Portland right next to us. BURNING MAN RULES!!!! -- Doug Wright, September 6, 1997 at 4:28p

I'm still having trouble sleeping without the din...I really miss that bulletproof cinematic feeling out there. Running into kin in town (SF) has been a consolation (someone who understands what the hell I'm talking about!) Is anybody having a hoedown somewhere in the Bay Area? ~~~ALSO~~~ I am in need of housing. While I was away, my roommates decided to get in a lather, and decree no massage at the house, not because of any specific problems, but because they just don't liiiike the ideeeeea! (whiny voice here) WHAAAAT!? I've been nothing but super considerate, non-invasive and low impact, no special demands placed...Sigh! SO would anybody like a working, non-flaky MASSAGE THERAPIST as a ROOMMATE who comes complete with a functioning brain, kind passionate heart, cleaning hands, joyous soul, dancing feet, and a life? I can afford $475+/- and/or trade, and am looking for October or so. Please Email at floe@cafenet.net -- paul, September 6, 1997 at 4:25p

-- -- Anon., September 6, 1997 at 4:13p

Kickin time BM people. Could have been more fire! Yuk Yuk! Did anyone remember to Dig Ken up. I think we all forgot, he hasn't come home yet! By the way I saw the Burning Elvis Show and I just want to say that it was awesome, the guy next to me with the camera was on fire, he didn't seem to mind it though, do it again next year! -The burning bunch -- Mikey from San Francisky, September 6, 1997 at 4:09p

A week ago I was enjoying my experience at BurningMan 97. I hadn't known what to expect from my 1st journey or if I whould take any earth-shattering experiences back to my everyday world....From my journey I have found a determination to travel furthur into my being in search a more secure and stronger self. I feel the thought in itself has brought me closer to a greater happiness with my life. -- Laura Crosta, September 6, 1997 at 4:06p

What to say?...I'm still integrating and digesting my first BMan experience. By the time we finished breaking camp on monday- all I could do was cry- I felt like i was finally home. My heart and soul and energy is with everyone at bman- in every way. I'm now on a mission from god to help bman get the moola it needs to continue on it's evolution. Thank you all for helping me remember what it mean means to be alive and what life could be like on this planet. The man is burning in my heart everywhere I go. Until next year- Loving my heart out--- -- Lansing the Dancing Bear, September 6, 1997 at 3:55p

was that a cresent moon that eclipsed the head of the man at sun rise? was that rex the dog crossing the playa? was the head of jerry garcia in the same cloud as darth vader? sweetie the jaguar on signal mountain 1/24/30/367 380.e tea tanks much love and roses -- pal dodge, September 6, 1997 at 3:50p

Me Again (Sorry) Some pictures of BM at my site -> www.geocities.com/SoHo/Gallery/3464 -- Todd. Sringett, September 6, 1997 at 3:17p

If you came by fray camp and contributed to the storytelling project we were working on, it's online now at: http://www.fray.com/hope/bm97/. Thanks to everyone who participated! -- Derek M. Powazek, September 6, 1997 at 3:06p

Pictures and Links, availible at Vortexia.Com it you have photos or a link you would like to add drop me a line. I miss the desert, Black Rock City felt more like home than anywhere else I have lived. -- Jason, September 6, 1997 at 3:03p

I would like to hear your tales of sexual exploration. I missed the Grrrrl masterbation space. What was it like? Was there touching of othrs or was it an energy exchange? Did anyone sleep with their friend? Did anyone discover a part of themselves that had been sheltered all these years? How has your sexuality liberated you? pics or stories. -- Share with me, September 6, 1997 at 2:58p

I had the most amazing time at BM and the Temple of Atonement...what a blast!!! I cant wait until next year! Many thanks to Madame who took me this year and all our friends at the TOA. Carson you are a cutie!!! Tjanna you are the best... and my lil buddy at the smut shack, well we will have to meet again wont we? ::wicked grin::: Also to the Man from Tenn. who took the photos of the scenes i did with your wife... i lost your email address... please email me soon I would still love copies of the pictures... Peace to all... -- Deja..., September 6, 1997 at 2:51p

Thank you to everyone who helped create this community we call Burning Man. Everyone of you made it happen. Every art, costume, theme camps, fire statement, all the energy & life you brought made this community happen. Your messages of support are so dear to those of us that have been working nonstop for months. You all carry the flame of The Man in your hearts.Don't let go of the fire. Carry it with you until we meet in the desert next year. -- Crimson Rose, September 6, 1997 at 2:31p

Hey! as a side note, where was the donation takers, as I was driving out I had my money in hand and did not find a place to "give". I hope that this years debt doesn't screw all of us for next year, I would hate to think that Microsoft my have to bail the burningman out of debt and then take over the function. Remember Bill G is the devil (Disclaimer; Mr Gates, please don't kill me I mean the other Bill G) Anyway.. This year was a blast, I was worried that it might lose somethin with all the media Hype, but it didn't I had just as much fun this year, can't wait til next year! PS just curious if anyone saw our show Elvis: Back from Hell Tour. Like to hear some comments, see if you might have been the lucky ones to burn with Elvis. -Bye PS2 Bill G will Burn! -- Todd springett, September 6, 1997 at 1:26p

I'm 49 and the week I spent with you was one of the best in my life. My thanks and congratulaions to all -- Harry, September 6, 1997 at 0:54p

I'm 49 and the week I spent with you was one of the best in my life. My thanks and congratulaions to all -- Harry, September 6, 1997 at 0:54p

DENVER - COLORADO If you hail from either or the above please write. I would like to gather our resources and show & tell. -- Kai-Kali, September 6, 1997 at 0:43p

Things I lost at burning man: http://tom-tom.com/travel/BurningMan.html A Bike The Vodka bottle Myself The contact from my left eye My Tent Myself again Miguel The new Gibson book The on call duty pages Ravioli (Although no one would want it now that I 'lost' it) -- Tom, September 6, 1997 at 0:33p

Dear Michael, Larry, Harley, Fada, Shibumi,Baker 18, Seth, All Rangers, the ambient musicians of Spiral Camp and all the "heavies" I haven't met yet: THANKYOU. I Love you all and I don't mean that in a sappy, hippy-dippy, rainbowy way at all but OUR WAY: clear, strong, glorious and free. I have alot to say to all of you. Larry, will you sign my copy of THE (abridged) GOLDEN BOUGH? Michael, I'm in this for the duration now. I specialize in devotion: USE ME. A return to Hualapi would be ideal, but if Washoe County continues to be dumb there a many playas that would have potential throuhgout the Basin and Range Province from Oregon to Texas. I could be very useful in the event that a scouting party is organized and would very much want to be involved in such.I'm going to make a small bequest to The Project commensurate with my means within the next 2-3 weeks. I will always be a Black Rock Ranger and volunteer energy and Love; which I suspect will be increasing geometrically every year from now on. I'm about to loose the E-mail address above (I've dropped out of UNR). I want everyone to know that my snail-mail address is P.O.Box 13395, Reno, NV 89507. My physical address is c/o CHISM'S TRAILER PARK, 1300 W. 2nd St.#122, Reno. Any Project Members or personnel passing through Reno are very welcome to sleep in my yard. As soon as I get a new E-mail address I'll let you all know. I am thoroughly relieved to inform you that a deepening involvement with The Project should in no way negatively impact my propects for future employment as a Botanist with the U.S.Forest Service (at least for now). Let the cards fall where they may: its time for me to stand up and be counted WITH YOU. Here's One for The Ages! Please: USE ME like ALOT? Always free. Also: is there a Lost and Found Online? Saturday night I lost a black beret on the playa with two embroidered Celtic beasts flanking a harp pin. The hat was dedicated to Orpheus: perhaps Ishtar wanted it because that lyre-master owed so much to her. But if she'd like to lend it back to this keeper it would make me happy. Finally, and I'm not sure how these bulletin boards work, really: country boy, you know but the last day (Monday) I worked up at the hot springs doing Ranger duty. I met a very lovely woman up there named Denise LaBelle from New York. Denise if you are out there, please get in touch: I want to be your penpal and friend. If you don't I'll search every face in the crowed next year like a lost soul until I'm cross eyed; or try to work the gate in 24 hour shifts or something. Searching, searching. Just another one of the Mysteries of Burning Man I guess.God Bless and Keep you All. Hot Love, TIPIDAN. -- Daniel Clifford Henklein ("TIPIDAN"), September 6, 1997 at 0:21p

Thanks again to all those that helped with my life casting playa project, send me your e-mail address if you have not done so, so that I can send you your casting back. All those that spent money in Washoe county while here for this years burn, please e-mail me on where and how much. This will be used to help with next years event. -- Garth T. Elliott, September 6, 1997 at 11:23a

More fun that I thought was humanly possible!!! Indeed, more fun than humans are allowed to have. So great to freely express yourself and experience others doing the same--a truly warming experience. Already counting the days until the next burn. Until then, memories and pictures will have to suffice. These are shared on my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~dead7878/ Keep the fire alive, Rob (Odeo) -- Rob (Odeo) Harrison, September 6, 1997 at 10:56a

I came Wednesday and was dazzled by the mutating City, each time I returned home the landmarks had changed, projects springing from the earth like mushrooms. Thanks to the Church of Bob and the people with the electric pink streamer flag for rising above it all and showing me the way home.... I listened as a participant tried to explain his beautiful creation to the press and realized that they wouldn't get it, couldn't get it, they ask all the wrong questions..... I feared I would not sleep for all the noise. Instead I was lulled by the drumbeat in the early hours, human-made and electronic, and felt bereft when the drumming stopped on Monday night, and I fell asleep to the silence. The creative energy compressed into that small piece of desert is immeasurable. -- Princess Pat, September 6, 1997 at 10:45a

Coming to you from the remnants of E.V.E's Playground and Erotic Poetry Palette campground. In addition to the games, we had posters for folks to share their erotic poetry. Passing it on to y'all. Thanks to those who shared their erotic thoughts. ------------ I want to make love to you. No, not necessarily fuck, but touch, Share, breathe together -- to admire Each other's bodies and nurture Ourselves. Drink Water Together. Silently Understand. And then fuck like crazed weasels! Can't help it. I, too, am only human. ---------- The most simple pleasures can be the most complicated. A hard cock in your mouth The salty taste. The silky texture. The feel of a testicle rolling on your toungue. Simple pleasures. If it could always stay simple. ------------ It's the vibrating hum coming from your friend's sister's bedroom, breath high and heavy, my face pressed hard against the door, living. -------------- We come now to the spot which is girl-shaped. It has always been there, filled or unfilled Let me ride w/you on the back of your motorcycle... --Ann Darr --------------- Neither bunny nor mother -- take my breasts into your palms and rock me like the woman I feel in me. Kissing me till the lips are raw I'll take you home and bring you back again. Come Play with me and remind me Who I am. --------------- If the sun refused to shine, I would still be loving you. When mountains crash into the sea, there will still be you and me. --six different hesher couples in my high school yearbook ------------- Fuck Me. --Scott ------------- I am in need of Having my lips sealed with kisses --Kafka ------------- There's a lover on every playa from L.A. to Brooklyn, waiting for you until the day you die... with a lace gown and a sigh of why does he haftaworktoday? and a six pack in the beer cooler ordered from Sharper Image. -- Harry Scott Boggs ---------------- The priestess stands before me, long grey locks flowing through the canyon of her sculpted back the torch above her head held high. Her energy erotic It's power felt by those who gaze upon this embodied goddess she turns and locks her gaze upon my eyes. And in that sacred moment, the other world of constraint and rules is cast aside I rejoin all of nature and I am truly I. The heartbeat of the drums resounding the surging of our blood, feet pounding snakelike we pulsate toward our purpose across the desert clay. Burn the Burning Man renew my life today, tonight, for always, discard my haunted hallways, touch me, breath on me, it's not too much, just be with me, squirt your water, slither, sweat, hold me closer, make me wet, dance, prance, feel, fuck, merge with nature, run amok, come together, upon the playa under the stars I know what I'm doing here. Oh look -- there's Mars! or is that Jupiter? maybe Venus at one with the skies skin to skin I touch your penis the burning begins. --Vanessa -- Vanessa, September 6, 1997 at 9:22a

-- Anon., September 6, 1997 at 9:07a

It's a place were people of all kind's, can come and live together for awhile. I hope that it will go on next year. -- Anon., September 6, 1997 at 8:47a

The Man has burned and my spirit has been set free. Thanks to everyone in our community. We all came together from around the globe and became one for a very unique and wonderful experience. This is my third Burning Man and the experiences keep on getting better. To all my friends in San Francisco who thought this years Burning Man was going to lose its edge, YOU WERE WRONG! The event may have changed physically and logistically, but the energy level was higher than ever. Long Live Burning Man. See you all next year. Peace. -- Wayne, September 6, 1997 at 3:21a

I feel like my spirit has returned to my body...what a truly magical expereince it is. People building and creating, running around naked, enjoying the experience of being alive- hey it's the chance of a lifetime these days, in this world. A week later and I'm trying to loose my post BM depression, returning to the GRIND is rather anti-climatic. I'm trying to hold onto that incredible feeling of being alive that I have experienced in the desert. Are we really sleeping under the same stars? Can't wait to see everyone next year. I'm for a STRICT pack it in- pack it out policy. All that trash was UGLY. And what about that bar?? -- JILL, September 6, 1997 at 1:57a

Hugh Mungus: You are absolut right about this with earplugs. We used them since our first time, and they really worked. We who used them in our camp didnt complain. Great idea with that themecamp for next year. And to quote Hugh downbelow here:And, and, and...stop talking about Burning Man like it's something outside of you. Burning Man IS you. -- one-sperm, September 6, 1997 at 1:34a

i wasn't there, what did i miss? -- midas, September 6, 1997 at 0:57a

Our planets ultimate destiny has been revealed to us on a barren lake bed. Humankind is just a few steps behind Burning Man in the short timeline of the human race. -- Jim, September 6, 1997 at 0:01a

-- Anon., September 5, 1997 at 11:17p

Sarah from Santa Fe, New Mexico; you were with Shelly(?) from Portland, Oregon. We had a mango together, it was the best dang mango I've ever had. I tried looking next morning, well, late morning (jack daniels sucker punched me the night before) but couldn't find you guys. Anyway, let's continue our friendship. Call me at 415-499-1441 or email me at: ease@pacbell.net -- Ease, September 5, 1997 at 10:26p

I would like to thank the powers that Burning Man for honoring me with the rubber, squeak Buddah toy that holds a cup of coffee and a cellular phone. I am told that this means my application was accepted to be the Technopagan's chosen Messiah. With far more than a dozen applications submitted, I never, EVER (well, o'kay, maybe once) thought they'd pick me. When I squeaked that little Buddah in front of the slot machines I even won thirty dollars in quarters. Who would have thought? The Messiah, Me!      Let me fill you in on where I've been since the festival, which basically rocked my world for five days. Since THE BURN I have manifested in a place of power as the divine serpent muse, Poetry, sitting atop her coiled tail. When I incarnated back in my temporal body (by slipping tail first through my pineal gland) I felt myself reborn as a Technopagan. Afterwards, I cried like a baby and accidently pissed my friend's futon. Sorry Kevin.      Then I spat this verse off my tongue, the tip of which still stings like venom:      "I am not Brahma or Shiva or Vishnu, I am the psychedelic rebirth of my namesake, John Muir.      I am the incarnation of the divine serpent, Poetry and I'm not going to rhyme these lines, cause I don't fuckin' feel like it. O'kay, fine, just to prove myself, here:      Poetry, I am your Master and Slave      And if you'll but Love me      I'll be your gentle knave."      Now, ya happy? Ha-Ha-Habaenero! Look for an hour long spoken word tape of Burning Man's Technopagan Octopus Messiah as read on 90.7, The Voice of the Dark Side, Pirate Radio, San Luis Obispo. In it is the story of my rise as Messiah from Slo-Town to Burning Man to Great Cosmic Chicken. Be aware, followers. The address of this broadcast will be posted here soon. Be ready to break, and burn, and plant seeds.                Namaste.                B.G. -- Beezle Gus on the Beezlebus, September 5, 1997 at 9:56p

Did anyone find a funball airdropped by plane on Friday? Colored ping pong balls redeemable at the Black Rock Travel Agency Camp. Would have loved to land but complicated ya know? Sorry about the kite we almost hit. Was really looking for it but didn't see it till upon it. Noticed that the kite flyer was reeling it in after that. Sorry again. It's great as a 4-time veteran of the BMan who "missed" this years' event reading all the comments on the BBS. Thanks for the vicarious attendance - I feel almost like I went. I'd have to agree with "Erich, September 5, 1997 at 3:30p" that it's changed but in such a great way I'm really looking forward to next year. As far as helicopters, yeah balloons and lights. Is this hypocritical? Not really. I was always at least 500 ft above the camps (had some low fun on the playa though) and only for a few minutes and only during the day. Motors should be tolerated only at certain times I think and we all used them to get there unless you walked. Hope all your lives and the day-to-day can be infused with the incredibly positive energy realized on the playa. See you there next year! -- Eric, September 5, 1997 at 9:46p

-- Anon., September 5, 1997 at 8:34p

Thanks Kat for posting on the behalf of Head Waters. I will be there with our burning man crew. We will be hosting a free food camp for those that need it. If you are interested, want to help or donate feel free to join. Help us to help Burning man BURN ON, we will be hosting a couple of fund raisers in the bay area and will post more as we have it. Anyone that has ideas, comments or help e-mail me. Every one that was at burning man, Thank you for giving. When we live in a world of taking, it is nice to look forward to a place where people come toghter to share. Burn on. -- Anira, September 5, 1997 at 8:27p

I miss you all, fellow citizens of Black Rock. I look forward to seeing you all next year. Thank you Camp Sunscreen. I learned that it's as much about giving as receiving....Rave on, little boys and girls....For the cool desert morning I yearn.... -- Randi, September 5, 1997 at 8:06p

Burning Man was one of the best events I ever participated in. Thanks to you all. My pictures can be found at http://Boole.Stanford.EDU/~rvg/pictures/BurningMan/. I also added links to other peoples picture sites. -- Rob van Glabbeek, September 5, 1997 at 7:57p

what a blast eh? not as much fire as i expected, very much electric boogieland....but fun fun fun....i found myself wanting MORE FIRE and less frenzy---pyro that i am...anybody catch the ritualistic burning of the tikis? now that is my idea of a good time....hotsprings stole my heart..... -- suz (the fire goddess), September 5, 1997 at 7:53p

think tribal vibe -- kat, September 5, 1997 at 7:11p

headwaters. carlotta, ca. september 14. this is the last chance to save the last stand of privately owned old growth redwood forests. there are not many left. *hello* 2000 year old trees were here with the dinosaurs. we cannot afford to cut them down so that c. hurlshits can pay off his junk bonds and bad investments. large groups of people can make a difference. there are not many old growth trees left. i live on the rural mendo coast, and there are mere remnants of old growth here...only stumps. nowhere near as magical as a 2000 year old tree. think about it. then go to headwaters. it'll be fun. we owe it to ourselves and our planet that sustains us. hope to see y'all there! peace -- kat, September 5, 1997 at 7:09p

And, and, and...stop talking about Burning Man like it's something outside of you. Burning Man IS you. If you want to go to a festival that someone else is responsible for, go to the state fair and eat a corn dog that someone else made and drink a Coke from a plastic-coated paper cup. Thank you. -- Hugh G. Rection, September 5, 1997 at 6:53p

I'd like to cast my vote for NO DAY PASSES. You're either IN all the way, or you're NOT. The scariest, most uncomfortable thing on Saturday night was the abundance of gawking tourists, and I truly resent them leaving their liquor bottles all over the beautiful playa. -- Amy, September 5, 1997 at 10:19a Can I second that? I thought there was a slightly different vibe Saturday night and I guess that it was people who just came to look. And to William Coburn: How many people died or are still in a coma because there was NOT one controlled access point last year? I felt more free becauses I DIDN'T have to worry about getting run over. I guess some people won't go more than 100 yards unless they can drive there. We have enough un-pedestrian-friendly places on earth, already (like Dallas). So, let's see...I vote for no day passes, and same place next year. And for all of you who are complaining about the music. Earplugs. They work. Check 'em out. Or you could just stay up all night like we did. Also, could we just IGNORE the police instead of complaining about them? Puleeze. So a helicopter flew over your tent. Oh no. How will I ever enjoy burning man again? Boo hoo. Earplugs! So they stirred up some dust. So did the wind and I don't see you complaining about that. You sure won't mind that police helicopter when it takes your run-over-by-a-day-pass-tourist body to the hospital. That's it. Next year I'm having Camp Earplug. Free earplugs for everyone. See what you're making me do? -- Hugh Mungus, September 5, 1997 at 6:45p

Another message - if anyone got pictures of "White Trash Camp" at the fashion show, PLEASE contact me. That was our camp and no one has pictures of it. We consisted of 7 people (three women, four men) and one little boy (if you were there, you sang happy birthday to him, and thanks for that, by the way). Costumes consisted of: red fishnets and a red white and blue shirt (male); pink dress with blue polka dots and a red hat(female); purple tank top, purple pants, green fuzzy coat, floppy purple and yellow hat (male), white fuzzy coat with orange pants (male), animal print dress (female), and purple prom-looking dress (female). PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE contact me if you have some. My entire camp thanks you. -- L. Tabitha Wenger, September 5, 1997 at 6:36p

Here I write this four days after Burningman– shaved head. I speak of letting go and a manifesto for 2012. Predictions Manifesto I call it. I reopen the doors of my new year. It’s a birthday week now, the gates are wide with energy. Tribal art communities, self sufficiency and pure individuality are my mind. Manifest of predictions? Maybe. For, now is the time to realize I am human and must act as such. A community. A family. A new life force. I burnt death, my loved ones past and a dark side. I shed my shell so the larva will become what it is destined for. Nine years I had that hair. Now, a mohawk like Travis the taxi driver. People are afraid until I speak. I think. I smell. So much to taste. I see. I hear. There’s so much to make. -I.E.IG -- Nairb Arotrot, September 5, 1997 at 6:33p

for all those who loved BM....check www.eezeecope.demon.co.uk/festivaleye/ There's a lot of crazy people out there doing a lot of crazy things! U must know that BM doesn't hold the copyright on that! Love to all -- invisible cola, September 5, 1997 at 6:02p

Well, what can be said about this festival...anything you want to! That is the best thing about burning man. It is a place where no normal rules apply and the law is only governed by those who live in it, only judged by those who can percieve. It is a world made up entirely by artist for artist. This was my first year and It definitely not be my last. As a member of the "Earthbound Medical Team, I hope to come to burning man until it no longer, or I no longer exists. I was so impressed with this festival that it will be the first tattoo I will ever get. Maybe even the last....... Thanks alot Larry, for keeping the dream alive...... Sincerely, Joshua M. Sosbee -- Joshua M. Sosbee, September 5, 1997 at 5:44p

I had the time of my life yet again! This was only my second burning man, but I plan to be a lifetime participant. To sum it all up, let me just say that I feel right at home with all you freaks on the searing and surreal playas of the Black Rock Desert. I'm a third year law student from Davis, California and after spending the year in the oppressive confines of a rigorous brain-washing, soul-crushing enterprise like law school, Burning Man brings me back to myself. I remember what it feels like to laugh until I cry! ...to dance until I fall down...to make friends with people I have no immediate reason to distrust... to walk around naked and love it, never feeling ashamed of my body, but rather being fully present in it. For those of you smirking because you're reading the thoughts of a future (hisss!) attorney, remember you need your own kind in that profession. You never know when you may need a playa seasoned defender. And you should know that our celebration in the desert is one of the main ways I keep the fire of freedom burning bright in my heart. You need that sort of inspiration when you stand up to the (other) Man for a living, you know. Much Love and until next year - Keep the faith. For, oh yes, there *will* be a next year...fight the hype! -- Julie, September 5, 1997 at 5:34p

I had the time of my life yet again! This was only my second burning man, but I plan to be a lifetime participant. To sum it all up, let me just say that I feel right at home with all you freaks on the searing and surreal playas of the Black Rock Desert. I'm a third year law student from Davis, California and after spending the year in the oppressive confines of a rigorous brain-washing, soul-crushing enterprise like law school, Burning Man brings me back to myself. I remember what it feels like to laugh until I cry! ...to dance until I fall down...to make friends with people I have no immediate reason to distrust... to walk around naked and love it, never feeling ashamed of my body, but rather being fully present in it. For those of you smirking because you're reading the thoughts of a future (hisss!) attorney, remember you need your own kind in that profession. You never know when you may need a playa seasoned defender. And you should know that our celebration in the desert is one of the main ways I keep the fire of freedom burning bright in my heart. You need that sort of inspiration when you stand up to the (other) Man for a living, you know. Much Love and until next year - Keep the faith. For, oh yes, there *will* be a next year...fight the hype! -- Julie, September 5, 1997 at 5:27p

On Saturday night after the fashion show (won by dazzling little queerboy Rodrigo and his pals), Robert and I headed off across the playa on what would become an intense and beautiful magical journey. We were tripping beneath the Milky Way, which perfectly bisected the circular sky, so that when we looked upward and twirled, everything revolved with sparkling trailers, the Milky Way itself rotating like a Christmas-light-studded propeller, whizzing around faster and faster, making us dizzy and drunk and causing us to laugh uncontrollably. We traveled across the playa toward whatever mysterious light drew our attention, be it the lamp on a bicycle or the bonfire in the center of the drum/spirit circle. We came across structures that loomed abrubtly in the dark. Some would call them art installation. Robert, a shaman, a diviner, preferred to call them spells, or ritual spaces. Each was powerful, sacred, and mysterious. Our goal was to respect the power of each place, to respect it, explore it cautiously, trying to learn its meaning. In some cases we made slight alterations to the piece, subtly changing its power. On structure, within a large stone circle on the play, resembled an abacus made of wire and ribbons. The knotted ribbons were arrayed on the horizontal, parallel wires like beads, in a particular arrangement, presumably of the artist's doing. I was drawn to the large central ribbon on the uppermost wire, which clearly harbored special significance, the meaning of which escaped me. I wanted to slide it to one side or another, to destroy the symmetry it created. But Robert warned me that each ribbon was a spell, and that the large ribbon was by far the most powerful spell. By moving it, I could significantly change the power vibrations of the whole piece, thereby bringing possible harm to the structure, or bad luck upon myself. Only if I were a very powerful shaman, indeed, said Robert, would I be able to tamper with the large ribbon and not anger the powerful entities that inhabited it. If I wanted to toy with the arrangement of the work, he said, I should content myself with moving a lesser ribbon, one toward the bottom of the structure. So I carefully slid one of the ribbons on the third wire down, moving it two or three inches to my right. I could feel the power shift in that direction, pointing us to our next destination across the plain. Robert, naked but for a gossamer skirt and a flowing cape, his long black braids flowing behind him to the center of his back, twirled and danced on the playa. I shined my flashlight on him, so that his graceful, erotic, ghostlike pirouettes would be witnessed by startled souls who happened to cross our path. We came upon the crowd at the main stage, where Idiot Flesh played stunningly, as if possessed (as indeed they were, by the multitude of spirits flowing back and forth across the playa) and fire dancers atop towers swayed, brushed their flesh with flames, hypnotized the acid-tripping worshippers below them. Back across the playa, beyond the blue lights buried in the earth, to the drum/spirit circle. Only two people were there when we arrived. We entered respectfully, ritually, as demanded by the spirit of the place. We crossed the bridge over the bone-laden River of Death (or Life?) and the followed the circular pathway to the back of the structure, which was the only way to properly enter the circle without breaking its spell. The two men in the circle had brought fruit with them from their orchard in Oregon, and they shared their fresh apples, pears, and plums with us. We, in turn, played our flutes, magic melodies to enchant the night and respect the Goddess. At dawn we were still in the circle. Others had joined us. Two young women were asleep beside the dying fire. We had talked for hours about magic, the meaning of spells, and the importance of respecting rituals. Never have I encountered a place filled with such powerful magic, all of it good, pure, healing, and beautiful. -- Mark Mardon , September 5, 1997 at 5:09p

did everyone who found their way because of the neon W pay the woodpussy tax? and shame on all of you who did not return your weasle balls. -- woodengrrl, September 5, 1997 at 5:04p

I feel like a big dum-dum head for not getting a photo of the magnificent, incredible, awe inspiring bone arch. Could someone please point me to a web site that has one? Also, re Max Pogue -- maybe next year we all could collaborate on a pie throwing camp -- my friends and I could stand in the center of a ring or makeshift cage, ranting at the top of our lungs about how burning man isn't as good as it used to be, how it's too expensive, blah, blah, blah, and other negative rants that you hear around, and you could throw mud pies at us. What do you think, sirs? -- Leeeeennndddaaaaaahhhh (say it soft), September 5, 1997 at 4:34p

hey! Unable to focus on work last few yours of Friday and checking on BM sites. I just nearly vomited. Want to c how the media could end up de-ritualizing the fantasy that is BM? Check out http://www.msnbc.com/news/BMAN_Front.asp (keep your circular file handy) -- Adam, September 5, 1997 at 4:27p

Everyone is asking How Was It and in my mind and feelings all this stuff happens and it is impossible to make sentences so I tell little stories of stuff I saw or heard or did and its such a tiny slice a pancake and I really just want to sleep for a long time or maybe many long times with bits of juice and melons and sun between them. A good portion of my emotional state still out on the playa, where charred remains smolder and whisps of ashes drift over the dry mudcracks crisscrossed by bicycle tracks, chased by dust devils. How do I bring that freedom, that vastness of possibility and insanity and fun and celebration of the human spirit back to the Bay, to my apartment, to friends and coworkers? I feel that I can do this, I am doing this, we are all doing this. Thank you tribe of 15,000 for bringing me there, for going there with me, for being there together. Thank you Camp Callipygos the butt-print-camp for wholesome fun, and all our visitors! ****************** Are we taking votes on how to proceed? Regarding items voiced below: 1) Choppers: Balast Baloons. 2) Media: Participate. Documentation is great, but you've got a loaded gun. 3) Day Passes: None. The playa was clean until Sunday, and suddenly bottles and plastic was underfoot everywhere; rude shouting and negative aggression laced the air. We don't need that money, that vibe. I and others felt exploited. 4) Location: Move it. The City appears and disappears - like a mirage, let it move. There are many playas in Nevada and the West, and canyons. 5) Money: a) Fundraise with other functions throughout the year, movies, performance gigs, how about a mid-winter Ball in a Bay Area warehouse? b) Don't allow us to get into a extortion position with officials. Develop several options. See 4) 6) Volunteering: Do it. ****************** Another picture website soon... -- MJL, September 5, 1997 at 4:11p

I covered the Burning Man for the televsion show Strange Universe and wanted to alert those of you I interviewed that it will air this Monday night 9-8 with a follow up story on Friday. Also trying to track down a group know as the Pyro Maniacs. Please contact me via e-mail. -- esquire, September 5, 1997 at 4:02p

Hey there... I know alot of people were taking pictures of me over the weekend and I would love to see them. I was dressed as a Deaths Head Moth. If you are gonna post any of them could you send me the URL. I wish you all dreams of La Playa. :) -- Kelly, September 5, 1997 at 3:54p

ATTENTION MAX POGUE HATERS:First things first. We must undue the evil that Max Poe has bestowed upon us. His negative energy is spawning more negative energy, and this simply cannot be...for negativity can easily transform into evil itself. And that my dear will surely be the fall of Black Rock. So I, personally am making out a check to BURNINGMAN for an undisclosed amount in the name of THE LEGION OF MAX POGUE HATERS in the hopes that we can redirect our anger it into something GOOD. I ask that if you think that you were WRONGED personaly by Max Pogue than ask my brothers and sisters to all make out a check for a measly $5.00 in the name of THE LEGION OF MAX POGUE HATERS. That's only a dollar more than they were asking for those shitty burgers in center camp! So let us exorcise this hatred for our fallen brother Max Pogue by saving the Burningman. To NOT donate would mean that the Max Pogues of the World have won. Let them not destroy our beloved Black Rock. Once we know that our financial situation is in the clear...then perhaps we can hold a mass MAX POGUE burning in which EVERYONE brings a Max Pogue to burn, complete with crucifixes and barbed wire, this would truly put to rest our demon and leave a warning to all those who would be a Max Pogue...BUT THAT'S NEXT YEAR...if there is one. SAVE OUR BELOVED BURNINGMAN!...for it will be a sad day in Black Rock without him. -- LEGION OF THE MAX POGUE HATERS, September 5, 1997 at 3:41p

This was my first annual Burning Man. I spent Thursday 6am - Monday 10am making myself toxic. I feel like I missed so much, and at the same time, my senses were maxed out. Next year, I'd like to plan my daze a li'l better around the killer shows to really get the most fun out of the Man, if I can handle it. Definitely a Top Three experience. Cya'll next year ----Bob -- Bob, September 5, 1997 at 3:33p

Interesting. I dug the Seemen's burger stand - their presence provided a counterpoint to the, at times refreshing, but often overbearing "alternative"-ness of the event. The spiral birth canal was very cool. The Man was definately cool. The best pyrotechnics I've seen. Negatives are probably uncontrollable in a crowd this large, hence the stolen bikes; the overbearing music at 3 in the morning; the out-of-control cyclists (some asshole rode me down with his mountain bike on the playa)... Still, I didnt see any fights or altercations and people seemed genuinely concerned with staying in the spirit of the event - which is incredible considering how many people there were. Its changed though, in the 6 years since I last did a Burning Man. Not to say that it lacks integrity, but this was not the same event that it used to be. The Man himself used to be the focal point of the camp. He now shares the playa with a plethora of entities, and seems dimunitive in contrast. Whether intended or not, Burning Man - the Event - is becoming entertainment. This was brought home to me during the actual burning itself, a spectacular and moving moment which was marred by the insistant cries of "Down in Front"! The theme camps on the edge of the playa seemed a surreal and, at times, demented midway, complete with barkers. Burning Man obviously is deeply neccesary - it would be wrong to let it disappear. But Burning Man no longer is Ritual, in the way that it was 6 years ago - drawing on the pre-Christian traditions of death and renewal. We're evolving instead a post-Christian Carnival - a Feast of the Flesh - prior to returning to the relative dreariness of our routine lives. In our increasingly spirit-deadening culture, this is a positive service! However, as a result, something deep and personal seems to have gone out of the event. -- Erich, September 5, 1997 at 3:30p

[once again - since last time did't work very well] you can find my pictures from burning man 1997 at 'http://www.tks.fh-sbg.ac.at/~brandolf/burningman'. check it out and tell me about other pictures. peace, Br1 -- Br1, September 5, 1997 at 3:26p

Burning Man...A trip of a life time.. A change in the way we think of one another. A new found energy... e-mail me if we talked...92.5 the flash -- jay, September 5, 1997 at 3:20p

This is a very special message to ASIA, EARL, AND JENS...!!!! Is all I can think about are the beautiful times we shared, the food, the dancing the wind, the infinate laughter.......La Playa.......WATER, FRIENDSHIP, TRUTH, Gees...probably once a year do we make friends, and have fun like we did. Not only do I concider you all my close friends, I concider you my famliy. So if anything fucking happens to you people, I want to know!!! So, Happy Birthday, Merry X-mas, and all that JAZZZ!!!! I LOVE YA !!! THANK-YOU....TRA...LA...LA...LA PLAYA!!! Oh yea, HAPPY DAY!!! -- LOVE, LAUGHTER,-N-LIGHT, ADORA, September 5, 1997 at 3:19p

Back for five days and still trying to make sense of my first B-man experience (probably a pointless endeavor if there ever was one!). I've cried hysterically at least once a day since coming back. I went to B-man to liberate myself from my shyness and self-consciousness and guess what? - they fought back with all their might! Still fighting back, in fact; I've been doing the equivalent of curling up in a hole since I got back. Seeing here and on the Burn-man list how other people really immersed themselves in the experience makes me realize how much I missed in my four days there. Even so, I have great memories: looking playa-ward at sunset and joining in the roar rising end-to-end from the camp to greet each new fireball; getting my nails painted (for the first time ever! gold sparkle on the right, plum on the left) by my new friend Scott at Bianca's on Sat. night while Sabine painted his back and Jonboy painted _hers_; hearing my neighbor's alarm go off signaling the arrival of the water truck and dashing madly into the road behind it; the grateful looks on any number of passers-by's faces as we sprayed them with water/rubbing alcohol mix; broadcasting the Jefferson Airplane's "Streetmasse" suite and other well-loved music over 95.1, and to center camp in general; serving red beans and rice on Fri. evening to people who hours earlier I had only known as an email sig or a dimly-lit camp 50 yards away; standing in awe in front of "Modern Primitive" and being glad I didn't first encounter it tripping at night; too many more to mention here. Yes, I had a great time, inhibited as I was. I'm grateful to B-man for existing, and for giving me the opportunity to confront, and work at eroding, the stuff that holds me back in my life. Love, Abbycat (aka Abby Normal) -- Abbycat, September 5, 1997 at 3:19p

DEATH TO THOSE FUCKING NAZI PIGS WITH THE BULLET-PROOF VESTS. THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AT BMAN WAS A JOKE. IT SEEMED TO ME THAT THEY WERE LOOKING TO INCITE TROUBLE, NOT TO PREVENT IT. THEY WERE ALL RETARDS. -- fabio, September 5, 1997 at 3:15p

-- Anon., September 5, 1997 at 3:14p

I guess I am obsessed about solving this helicopter problem, but it seems to me we can put a very quick halt to the night flights by everybody bringing the brightest lights they have and the entire camp training their lights on the copter everywhere it flies at night. Can you imagine how this would look thru your night-vision goggles as a pilot or spotter onboard the chopper? Especially if everyone in camp has those $20 spotlights that plug into your car cigarette lighter, you know, the 75 million candlepower units. Now if we can just discourage the daytime flights somehow... -- Mudman, September 5, 1997 at 3:11p

I would really like the man (JERRY S.) with the camera, from NATIONAL ENQUIRER to CONTACT ME!!! Do you remember taking a bunch of photos, of a lady in a skirt the night of the BURN ?!?!? THAT WAS ME. I must admit I did enjoy the energy exchange,UNTIL someone pulled me out of the fire and informed me of your intentions to exploite my experiance (an experiance of which was not only mine but yours, and everyone elses too...). If in fact this is true FUCK YOU. I went to B/M TO GET AWAY from being part of your world!! With all do respects, FUCK YOU AGAIN!!! In any case, if this message finds its way to you, I must say I would be most grateful if you could e-mail me, and possibly send me copies of the photos. I am sure that they came out beautiful. I know, you know the truth I saw it in your eyes. Anyhow, everyone else, HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY, I LOVE AND THANK-YOU ALL SO MUCH...MAY PEACE AND SERENITY CONTINUE TO FOLLOW IN ALL OF OUR FOOTSTEPS.... -- LOVE, LAUGHTER,-N-LIGHT, ADORA, September 5, 1997 at 2:47p

Hey, ya'll...The e-mail address connected to my first post is wrong. So sorry. Anyone who wishes to reach me can try the one at the end of this post.THIS ONE IS THE REAL McCOY. -- Gax (The Whiskey Pixie), September 5, 1997 at 2:37p

As I sit in my cube in NYC I can't help but look at the neon god that is the THE BUINING MAN. Thanks to Bear, Kent, The Clauskateers, The Olive Boys and all the others who let me know that I was still alive. I came thinking I was a freek and left knowing that I had a long way to go. Thanks to all for meeting me half way. Weston -- Weston Lorenz, September 5, 1997 at 2:10p

Had a fantastic time!!! One of the many things I will not forget will be the strange ruby red light moving accross the sky Sat. night. It looked like a laser burning in the night. I don't know what it was but man, it took my mind into outerspace. Anyone else see the silent ruby red laser beam like light high in the sky Sat. night? Very strange. And silent... odd Loved it all. p -- BongoHead Hovanes, September 5, 1997 at 1:35p

This was our third and I would say that bm97 had far more art energy invested in it than 95 and 96. The sheer magnitude of the beach front, glittering, flashing, and thumping into the night was wonder inspiring. I think the energy focused on this event is likely to have deep ripple effects on our culture. In the last few years, BM has gone from sub-counter culture to pop-counter culture and yet, I think, it has retained and developed a beauty that is unrivaled as the millenium approaches. From my perspective, BM started as an intimate, personal event and (as all things do) has evolved towards something that has been in danger of self-destructing due to size. I think bm97 proved that the organizers could pull off an event of 10K+ safely and still cultivate the kind of free expression of art that made the original so amazing. For all the flaws of mankind, our culture, and us freaks, there is much to be joyous about. Thanks for all your energy, marvelous weirdos ! earth of the Temporary Astonishment Zone -- earth, September 5, 1997 at 1:02p

i blew me stack at b.m.97 -- derek, September 5, 1997 at 0:59p

Delightful. Next year how about a camera-free Burning Man? Go, Blue Bunny, go! -- cheryl, September 5, 1997 at 0:51p

does anyone know how to contact either the daughters of ishtar or pepe ozan?? i am very curious/fascinated/enticed by the whole project and with the performances for the last 2 years and would positively cream to be a part of it-- i twirl fire/dance among other things... where are you?? -- Tina Lester, September 5, 1997 at 0:41p

Another positive energy event is happening. Sunday, the 14th. Come help protest the Headwaters forest being cut. Need more info? -- a human for earth, September 5, 1997 at 0:34p

To the message just below (re: Max Pogue) You are right. And with his experience this year we won't see him next year. Lets just forget him. If he dwells in our minds he lives. -- Anon., September 5, 1997 at 0:20p

This is for the people of the playa... This past week was tremendous! Very hard to leave and return to "reality," as it is typically and so-horrifyingly defined, here in NYC. I've tried very hard to describe to my friends the people, places, things I have seen and experienced. But it is clear that the whole week was something that you carry with you... something that everyone has to experience and understand for themselves. There are so many things i will remember: chicken fights and the Mud Steward, naked Jason on the playa, Chris and the evil spacecakes, tribal dinner dances, Goldschlagger: the nectar of the playa, death-by-burger cuisine, bank one off the rim for me, MRE love, scud missile jams, the machine of the apocalypse, chai baby!, that first bite of Taco Bell, Nikki the Wayward 17-year old, Charlemagne (what made you think that piercing THAT was a good idea, girl?), THE naked mud guy, terrorist, the prophet on the riverbank, cherrypicker toasts, are you a good leader?, terrible driver... nice tits, "your hummus got in my spaghetti!" "your spaghetti got in my hummus!," taking the living room out for a cruise, death to the mobile sofa, I am okay to go!, skipped a cycle... i'm good for another week, how'd that guy in the cowsuit join the parade?, and all the crew at Bianca's. Sorry to make this sound like so many yearbook memories. I had too much of a great time. Thank you all for helping this yuppie scum from New York learn how to live free again. Thank you especially to the Tahoe wrecking crew: Viv the Mad Cow, Ivan of the Broken Heart, Kev (i have no idea how to describe you -- you psychopath), and of course, the beautiful Sara. As my dear friend says, "My home is the playa... I am only staying here until i can get back." -- Tim, September 5, 1997 at 0:18p

Hey, Max Pogue does suck, but let's keep this community positive. Strong communities can usually keep the ones who 'don't get it' out. Weak communities tend to get overwhelmed by vibe-deviators. Positive communities are stronger than negative ones, so let's all do the math. Hmmm... somewhat of a self-ironic posting, I know, but you all know what I mean... Solidarity in good vibes! -- cantwealljustgetalong, September 5, 1997 at 0:12p

A place to add links to websites about this years event - http://www.greenspun.com/boohoo/related.tcl?page_id=burn97 - From the burning man archive - http://www.zpub.com/burn/ Also list of media coverage of the event. -- Richard, September 5, 1997 at 11:58a

It is ALL about Idiot Flesh. And for a second record-breaking year, I managed to forget to stop by their camp to pick up a CD. Anyone have a contact address? [Extra-special thanks to the Temple of Atonement, for reunion with long-lost friend and subsequent flogging.] -- byrne, September 5, 1997 at 11:55a

Great event! I had no idea! First time, Many lessons learned.      I heard of this festival on Wednesday just before the event,from a friend. Very little was known, as he had only heard about it the day before. The burning man echoed in my mind, and I knew I must go. Arrangements were made. We arrived Saturday and stayed for forty hours.      Upon my arrival, I did a drumming and traveled upon the sound of the drum to see what was here, and what this event was all about. I share my journey with you. There's more info if you want. http://www.reif.com/burngman.htm - - - THE BURNING MAN 1997 - - - Into the Land I go. Deep into these cracks of clay, Into this Land and Time I go. To inquire about this Gathering, Here, in this present time. To know the Spirit of the Burning Man, Into the earth I go. A flight of ancient cranes takes flight, Rising from this ancient lake. I see them circling over this camp. They have gathered here to assist. Many reach up to touch this bird, Upon their winged feathers to soar. Around and around the fire’s light. They rise to the heavens, to Heaven’s door. A great opening I see, And a great One standing ready, “To step across all space and time.” “This is the time of the Great Awakening.” The opening widens, And is kept open For this time of gathering. I call to the Lady of the Lake, “Send forth your golden waters to heal, To all upon this gathering here.” Angels begin to descend a spiral stair Wide around this portal new. Up and down, many now assist A flow of movement I now sense. Anxious and many, the spirits come Ancestors and friends, many come. I see many gathered at this door. Connection to be woven here, Between those below and those above. Connection with Self to be renewed With teachers, loved ones, and Source. The voice of elders to be heard. My attention is drawn to the “Burning Man” His spirit to find and know. “ I burn all that is not needed, This my simple message be.” I looked deeper into the flames. The Keeper of the Flames was there. I have spoken to this one before. I called him forth to assist, “Are you willing and able to return, All lost soul parts to those that are here.” “Yes!” How anxious his reply, “At the time of the Great Burning,” “If they but ask,” my Wisdom spoke. The Drum thundered at his response. “Welcomed are your words. I Hold wide the open door, Many to be made whole!” Thundering, the Drum did speak. A portal made from earth to sky. “Make all things ready, For the time of Burning. Many lessons here to learn. Let all things be made ready.” With thanks to Spirit And the many who assist, For knowledge gained, returned. I would walk to see what was here now. To see beyond the present, The more present I can be. Knowing what could be, I could honor what is now, And allow all to be revealed, To those that wished to know and ask My story and journey to tell. -- Reif Erickson, September 5, 1997 at 11:47a

Very positive. Already looking forward to next year! -- Lee Lanier, September 5, 1997 at 11:43a

Where else can you play "Naked Twister"? With color body dots (so you can grab those as well as the dots on the ground) -- Paul, September 5, 1997 at 11:32a

Back from my sixth "Man". Thought I would add a few thoughts from a native Nevadan. Sheriff Kirkland and the Washoe county commissioners do not represent me (or anyone I know) in their opposition to this event. Neither do the 21 police cars I counted between Fernley and Gerlach Friday night. It's embarrasing to think of how that backwater attitude portrays us. On the other hand, I found the police and fire crews who did attend were pleasant likable people wielding cameras like nerdy tourists. My apologies to the rest of the world from (the real)Nevada. Personally, as far as the new site; nothing will ever match the playa for it's surreal beauty, but it was sure nice not dodging all the vehicles barreling in and out. Scariest thing I've ever done. I also enjoyed the fact that a greater percentage of the camps and people were part of the scene, rather than just watching.Having a single controllable gate seemed to help that. Thanks to all the friendly people who stopped by the "Exit" camp and climbed the scaffold to enjoy the view. EVERYONE was nice. The first year I watched nervously from the hills. The following six you couldn't keep me from it. I may never have that euphoric "first time" feeling again, but I welcome the change and evolution that take place. This is truly a phenomenon that has been created. I'm thinking of printing out all of the e-mail postings that say much the same thing and sending them to our County Commissioners. See you next year, even if it's NOT in Nevada. -- Docjohnson, September 5, 1997 at 11:30a

Unusual lights in the sky near Burning Man Posted on Wed Sep 3 13:20:36 PDT 1997 email: charlesd@bcm.tmc.edu While sitting on the Black Rock Desert directly east of the Burning Man festival on Saturday night (August 30th), two friends and I noticed several unusual lights moving across the sky at low altitude in an eastward direction (away from Burning Man). One was a brilliant red point, as bright as any of the stars that night. another appeared as a "tower" of red and yellow-green lights which were not as bright as the single red light. These lights moved very slowly across the sky and were unlike anything I had ever seen. These were definitely not fireworks or "conventional" aircraft and I don't know if they had anything to do with the festival, military activities, etc. If anybody else saw these most unusual objects or knows what they could have been I would greatly appreciate a response. We would guess that the lights appeared around 11:00 PM to 1:00 AM. Perplexed, Charlie charlesd@bcm.tmc.edu -- Junebug Charlie, September 5, 1997 at 11:27a

Hi! I met some really kewl people at BM through my friend Erin. I would love to meet up with them again. Their names were Eddie, Sam and Craig and they all lived in the same apartment building in Hayes Valley in SF. They were part of the camp which gave free Mr. T haircuts. Please direct them my way if you know who they are. Also, I met an incredible man named Ryan from Calgary, Alberta while I was taking down my tent. I would like to stay in touch with him, too. Hope all your dreams, desires and wishes will be fulfilled! Keep the spirit of the playa alive! THE MAN MUST BURN!! --chris (from "Mind the Camp" and the Fandango Stumble-in Theater camp site) -- --chris, September 5, 1997 at 11:20a

Post Burn Gathering in Santa Cruz, Sat the 13th of Sept. Share..photos, food, memories, ideas for next year~ BBQ, bonfire drum circle, hot tubbing, etc... email us here for details, directions, et all. Black Rock Citizens, unite~ The Temple Of Atonement Brethren.... ~ May our souls ever be cleansed by Playa Dust~ -- Atonement@ledungeon.com, September 5, 1997 at 11:15a

I'm not sure how to put my own experience into words. I could try to describe my own actions, as a mud-covered lifegaurd at the hot springs, later in tuxedo and mud, or dancing around the fire of the man and rubbing his ashes on my body, but I can't explain why I did these things or how they felt. I went to the burn with my father, driving down with him in his motorhome. Perhaps his words best describe something about my experience. He said afterword "Now I'd consider getting a tattoo." -- Dale L. Larson, September 5, 1997 at 11:05a

Perhaps a "Lost and Found" board is in order...Mr. Overworked Webmaster? Lost: Blue mini-maglite, Leatherman (no scissors, no case). If found, please email me. Found: Leatherman (scissors, no case, distinctive flaws). If lost, describe in email and I'll return it. -=Be=- -- Bill, September 5, 1997 at 11:04a

Death to max pogue!!!!!!!!!!!You slime bag. -- Andy, September 5, 1997 at 10:55a

for a brief time, the desert became my home, and all within it my family. i came back from burningman with visions of wonder and renewed hope - for myself and for everyone else who shared the week with me. now i understand the ecstacy of religious revelations that take the saints - as the man burned, so did i - epihiny overtook me and i was forever transformed. already i am making plans for my second visit to black rock city. -- rachel, September 5, 1997 at 10:54a

Burningman was as exciting, stimulating, and evocative as ever, but the mood was clearly different this year. I didn't enjoy it in the way I did last year. (But of course experiences evolve.) I believe this was due largely to the strong sense of external control that was blanketed over the entire event (i.e., police and fire personnel presence). This was disappointing and certainly unnecessary, at least in theory (I suppose not it you are dealing with insurance premiums, etc.), if you examine the success of last year's community (and "safety" level) without all the external controls. For me, what made burningman so unique and special last year, unlike this year, was the development of a seemingly spontaneous community and its self-regulating capacities without the nonsense of the authorities (did we need the helicopters every hour or so...paleeeeeeeze!). Personally I hate rock concerts for that very reason, and personally I love burningman for its openness, freedom, and self-regulating experiences. I understand fiscal concerns, but I hate being shuttled "through a gate" or waiting two hours on Monday morning to "leave through the gate" in order to participate in an albeit costly but open creation of art and community. Also, why was there a PEPSI booth? So there are some thoughts. My friends and I look forward to attending next year if it were back out on the playa (I mean, really OUT ON THE PLAYA) and the control of the burningman community was returned to the hands of the participants. ...Otherwise, this year was a really great event. It was great to see Rusty (this is Spark talking) and I only regret that you again did not get your scotch. Some other time! Thanks to all. -- William Coburn, September 5, 1997 at 10:47a

One more mention, Gax (The whiskey pixie)Thanks for the email, but can't reply to your specified address. So..... Dia Duit mo chairde Gax (Hello my Friend Gax), To bad you didn't make it to our Camp, a shot of Glenlivet would have cleared the playa dust out of the sinuses ! But sure by the very nature of BM its impossible to see everything. The MOST inportant thing is to have a blast and to enjoy the glow of friendship that emminates from all true BM'ers ! ! Maybe we might bump into each other at BM Decompression Party in Cell in SOMA ! Peace and keep the BM spirit alive ! ! Slan BrianBoru -- BrianBoru, September 5, 1997 at 10:41a

danceprancedance,rvmadenss, justtakethatthingoff!letmetouch!findingastarintheplaya,mr.traythespacecowboywhereareyou? -- hhoop, September 5, 1997 at 10:21a

I'd like to cast my vote for NO DAY PASSES. You're either IN all the way, or you're NOT. The scariest, most uncomfortable thing on Saturday night was the abundance of gawking tourists, and I truly resent them leaving their liquor bottles all over the beautiful playa. -- Amy, September 5, 1997 at 10:19a

such an amazing experience ... better than last year ... i really enjoyed not having auto traffic to worry about, it made wandering around the playa at night such a pleasure ... loved the chair with binoculars ... and the flying bird was magical! thanks to everyone at the magic hand camp ... you're the best! check my website for pix! www.sirius.com/~sumiller -- pandorra, September 5, 1997 at 9:45a

Q: Who is the man? A: The man must burn. Q: Why must he burn? A: The man must burn. Please enjoy photographs of objects and people at http://www.best.com/~rictus/bman-97/. To the artists who created the Bone Gate, the Future Primitive, the fertility totems, and the prayer circle--I was awed and enriched by your creations. Kudos also to the amazing djembe drummer (Steve?) near the Mad Max car at the burn; I hope we have a chance to play together again next year. Thank you all. Oh yeah--you can stop drinking all that water now. -- nj, September 5, 1997 at 9:40a

Ciaran: Doesn't your browser have a search/find function? If you have Netscape, pull "edit" menu and click on "Find in Page". -- Cliff Raker, September 5, 1997 at 9:13a

What an incredible time. Let me say thanks to the Band Camp, for letting me share my Glenlivet and singing Johhny Mercer songs with them, and for all their wonderful music. In the vein of music, let me also thank Lucio at the Church of the Slide Guitar for giving me the most mystical experience I had at Burning Man by playing some of the best slide guitar I've ever heard in my life against the backdrop of the most amazing dawn I have ever seen. Uncle Leon, the Strongman, sorry I never got to hook up with you again. I tried! Honest! And to the Monk de la Funk, you have no idea how good it was that you loved me for my body. I only hope I gave you as much as you gave me in that brief, sweet encounter. Maha, thanks so much. It was so cool that we were on the same wavelength for the entire trip. I couldn't have asked for a better traveling companion.To everyone else,it was a most exquisite burn. See you next year. Gax, the Whiskey Pixie. -- Gax (The Whiskey Pixie), September 5, 1997 at 9:03a

Truly an enlightening event! It is so wierd to back in the land of clothes and no nipple rings. I too am planning for next year. I have a theme camp and a vehicle in mind already! Howdy to Kat, Phillip, and Neal. See you next year! (for Ciaran below - NS Comm. has a find in page on the edit pulldown) -- Jonathan M. Chattin (JoMoCo), September 5, 1997 at 6:26a

Did you find my flashlight? It was a snakelight-type thing, black, two C size batteries, long bendable handle. Lost in on the playa Sunday. If you packed out your trash, bless you... if you left it behind, fuck you. Thanks for the memories. -- Linda (silver grass skirt!?!) -- Linda (silver grass skirt, love letter burn), September 5, 1997 at 6:08a

Max -- Thanks for giving us somewhere to aim all of our unfocused anger. You just bought yourself a truck load of negative energy. It's one thing to be a slimy freeloader. It's quite another to brag about it and then slam the event. Wouldn't want to be you. ZAP -- THE MAX POGUE LYNCH SQUAD, September 5, 1997 at 1:59a

Blessing fellow webmaster. Just having the ability to share here is worth my praise -- Tikigod, September 5, 1997 at 1:17a

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