8. PACE YOURSELF

Yes, this includes drinking and other altering substances. However, I’d say it’s just as important to include the bodily basics: suntan lotion and water. I know way too many virgins who wander off from camp on Monday morning only to come back burnt on Monday afternoon. Imagine spending the rest of your week trying to hide from the beating burning sun in the fucking desert, or getting heat exhaustion and taking two days to recover. It’s really not a good time.

7. GROUND YOURSELF BY GIVING BACK

Find yourself overwhelmed? Slow down and do something for somebody. Make a friend by carrying ice for a few blocks. Haul something for an artist for an hour or two because they worked their ass off for months
to make it for you. Don’t worry about what you do being sexy — I don’t know one camp on the playa that would object to you doing their dishes, because no one on the playa wants to do their own dishes. A
little service will make you feel good and make friends.

6. BOOK 30 MINUTES A DAY FOR SELF CARE

Do it. Showering, meditating, yoga, vinegar on your feet, whatever. Organizing your tent is a also a good idea. Taking time for self care will help you stay grounded, and notice where you’re at. Check in with yourself, and with your good friends. Being aware of what’s going on and processing as it goes along can make for a much better burn.

5. BEWARE OF BIG GROUPS

So someone in your camp decides all 21 of you should all go out on the town. Don’t do it, at least not for long. The larger your group, the worse the group mind. I have a few really good friends I love to hang with on the playa. If we do start out as a group, our smaller group make it clear that when it takes waaaay too long to get everyone moving, we’re moving on. If you’re with a group, it’s easy to be bored and waiting. Which brings me to my next point…

4. IF YOU’RE BORED, IT’S YOUR FAULT,

Change it up! There are fun things to do at Burning Man, and some really bad boring ones too. Figuring out how to find what really is worth staying for is an art. Don’t think that means it has to be whatever someone else thinks is fun. Sometimes chatting at camp with really cool neighbours is better than big shiny things. After seven burns, I find the burning of the man to be a bit dull, so I don’t always go. If it’s your first year, you’ll probably find it new and exciting. Make up your own mind about where you want to spend your
time.

3. BE READY TO HAVE YOUR BOUNDARIES PUSHED

One of the great and terrible things about Burning Man is that there are fewer social rules. It can be wonderful and honest, and annoying at the same time. For example, someone may bluntly proposition you. Under these social rules, it’s honest more than rude, and may be complimentary if they don’t push it. You can actually address attraction like adults.

However, there is a real line here that you need to keep. if they do push your boundaries with sexuality or anything else that you don’t like, push back. If you want them to stop, tell them. If they keep on doing it, remember there really are no private places on the playa — Use a loud voice to declare: “This person is an asshole who doesn’t respect boundaries!” to the 30 people who just happen to be around you. Believe me, they will back the fuck off.

Be careful getting so fucked up that you can’t keep your own boundaries. Just because it’s Burning Man doesn’t mean you can trust everyone. It’s a big city, meaning there are all kinds of people, including really creepy ones. Yes, there are also fantastic people and good spaces, but that doesn’t mean you can give your critical judgement a week off. If you are playing with substances, use that small group and watch out for each other just like you would in the default world.

2. BURNING MAN IS ANNOYING

There’s always noise. There’s no privacy. People get uptight about dumb things. There’s dust and stupidity and you walk in someone else’s piss spot. There’s couples/campmates fighting about dumb shit. The camp down the road that has nothing by heavy metal karaoke when you’re more a Johnny Cash-type (or vice-versa). Cacophony is a pleasure and a curse. The more you can roll with it, the better your burn will be,
but don’t be surprised if they are not all beautiful shiny surprises. Which brings me to my last and most important point…

1. LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS

You have probably been told that Burning Man is the most amazing mind-blowing fantastic place you’ve ever seen or could see. Please, lower you expectations. Really. Lots of us enjoy it, and keep coming back. Some people hate it, and while I disagree, I can see their point. Going in saying “This will and must be the most amazing life altering experience of my life,” is just setting yourself up for disappointment. Don’t do it. Burning Man is an annoying expedition into community with annoying people who you have to offer radical acceptance with survival camping thrown on in just to make it more complicated. Aren’t you glad you’ve made such a huge sacrifice to go there?

That’s it. Go, be smart, Enjoy!
North

The following survey was released to the BurnT community on the BurnT google group and the Toronto Burning Man announcement list on July 19th, 2010.  The results and responses have been added beside or below the related question.

You’ll see that voters were strongly in favour of supporting The Heart Machine with a five thousand dollar grant, given one hundred percent in advance of the project shipping to Burning Man 2010.  Kim Breland (our community treasurer) and I presented the Heart Machine crew with a cheque for five thousand dollars at their final fund raiser on Thursday August 12th.

Thanks to everyone who took the survey and shared their thoughts!

Laura

**********************************************************************

The Heart Machine Survey

Hello! The purpose of this survey is to determine how the greater BurnT community feels about using some of the money currently on hand in our bank account to give a grant to The Heart Machine project. Please take the time to share your thoughts with us, we value your input!

In order to leave a prudent reserve in the bank to help with upfront costs for our major annual events, Mooseman and T-comp, we’ve determined that the maximum amount that we could donate at this time would be $5000.00. We would like to know if our community members support the idea of donating funds to this project, and if so what amount you feel is appropriate. If it is decided to go ahead with a grant that is less than the maximum available, the unused funds would remain in the bank for future art grants or projects deemed appropriate by the community, or by the governing council should we go ahead and decide to form a legal entity in the future.

Please answer the questions and let us know how you feel! You’ll be asked to choose an amount that you think is appropriate for a grant (there will be several options from $0 to $5000.00), let us know how you feel about when the money should be given to the project, share your opinions on why you made the choice you did, give us any other information you would like to offer, and provide your name and email address. The only reason we’re asking for your name and email address is to determine that each community member is only voting once. An impartial third party will confirm your name and email address by checking the members list of the BurnT google group and the Toronto Burning Man announcement list, which is where the survey will be published. Survey results and comments will be shared once the survey is closed, but all information will remain anonymous.

Read on for a brief description of The Heart Machine, followed by the survey. The survey will remain open until August 1st, 2010 at 11:59pm. Thanks for your participation!

Laura
___________________

The Heart Machine is the first Burning Man flame effects project, as well as the largest playa art project, to originate in Eastern Canada. It is one of the 36 projects out of 271 applications worldwide to receive an honorarium art grant from Burning Man in 2010. The project is being created by a team of dedicated Toronto area volunteers, led by Christine Irving. Most are very familiar faces within the BurnT community.

The Heart Machine has been a massive amount of work, and requires a great deal of financial support not only to get it to the playa, but to get it back to Toronto after Burning Man so that we can enjoy it here at future events. Much of the expense is on account of complying with Ontario regulations (TSSA), as Ontario’s rules and regulations about propane use are the most strict.

To date, $6,200 has been acquired by fundraising, but that still leaves the project short $17,800 for it’s projected costs. The Heart Machine will definitely be making it to the playa, those on the core team are committed to making sure that this happens by whatever means necessary. The team is hoping for as much help as possible to reach their fundraising goals, and asks ” If you like what we’re doing, support it”.

If you want to know more about The Heart Machine, please visit http://site3.ca/projects/thm/

****************************************************************************

79 people took the survey.  The results and feedback were as follows:

*
1. What is your full name?(this information will not be shared publicly, and is only requested for the purpose of tracking one vote per person)
*
(responses not released)

2. What is your email address? (this information will not be shared publicly, and is only requested for the purpose of tracking one vote per person)
*
(responses not released)

3. The amount I feel is appropriate for the BurnT community to grant to The Heart Machine project is:

$0 – no grant 0.0% 0 votes
$1000 1.3% 1 vote
$2000 6.3% 5 votes
$3000 8.9% 7 votes
$4000 7.6% 6 votes
$5000 75.9% 60 votes

4. Why do you feel that this amount is appropriate? (optional)

Support the arts!!!!

In all seriousness, I feel that the heart machine represents a huge effort of creativity and DIY community organization, and embodies the”get it the fuck done, get it right and make it awesome” spirit of BurningMan

I was going to say $3000, but the next question had me stumped. I’m *REALLY* excited for the project and I’m so proud of everyone involved! It’s going to be great to have Toronto recognized like this on the playa and the project is so wicked. But I also really really really want it to be at events in Toronto. I’m sure it will be, but incentive is always good. Just thinking of the things that could need replacing or whatnot after the burn, it might be nice for the project to have some funds once they come home to ensure it’s a success at Toronto events. So I’m upping my dollar amount to $5000, but splitting it in two. Can’t wait to play with the fire of love!

Maybe I’m out of touch, but it seems like the first significant art piece to come from this part of the country. It provides some stellar recognition for us in the art at the burn.

Because it is OUR community. This is what a community is all about – coming together and having an “output”

Because we can and should share. This is what fundraising is for, to provide for current or future projects. My only wish was that we could have given something to support the other project which was presented to us.. albeit last minute.

I feel the amount is in line and proportionate to the scope of the project, and that it is an amount BurnT can afford to give.
This project is also a high profile and positive representation of the Toronto area Burners, and thus provides excellent value.

I’m not sure of the amount raised, or still required.  Unlike other art projects, the Heart Machine is entirely designed for Burning Man. Therefore, I am not sure it would qualify for other grants such as the Ontario Council of Arts, etc. Also, it is my understanding that the money being raised is to help for the shipping of the project. The artists have already put their own time and their own money into the project.

What else are we always raising money for if not for projects like this?

There are many local events & art projects that can also benefit.  Also having extra money in the bank is always good

not sure what we have in the kitty but four thousand sounds good.

I feel as though it’s important to support our community art projects, especially when it’s the product of some of our most creative community members. The amount of work, organization, and dedication put into this project has been incredible. How often does Burning Man see art installations coming from as far as Canada, let alone Ontario? This represents us.

The toronto community’s funds should support this project, but not be totall obliterated in doing so

Big Toronto based initiative + leaves money in the bank for other projects.

I’m surprised the amount started so high! I choose the lowest amount I could. There should have been a lower option, but hey. My answer here totally depends on how much BurnT has in the bank and how much we need for our 2 yearly events. If I had to randomly choose an amount without knowing that information, I’d say to donate $500

I love this project and wish all involved well. Personally I’m generally against all art grants. The project could have been scaled back as costs rose. Though I feel for those who have overreached their comfort zone I think all artists should take personal responsibility for their efforts. There are already means for each member to donate as they personally wish. Since majority vote unfortunately consistently agrees on funding art I’d grudgingly say this is the best example yet of something that should be funded but let’s not spend every spare penny. If after this I hear about us not having funds to pay for a venue I’ll bail from this community.

it’s art & it burns

There are a lot of things going on in this community. While this is a great project our community has funds and should spread them around.
There is another project that has also started as a grass roots asked for no funding and running short if we support one its only fair to support others.
I won’t mention the other project in this forum though I will post on the burnt list.
Good luck.
Any amount voted on gets my support.

This is the first ever large scale piece of fire art to come out of Toronto & possibly Canada as a whole. This is real art with real fire & is made to last more than one burn or other event (hopefully)!

It is really expensive to get something like this to Burning Man. There are always cost overruns. I’d like the money I gave the community from drinking over-priced beer at our events to help this art project.

Because (1) it’s the first big art project going to the playa from this part of the world and (2) because a whole bunch of local burners have worked their ass off for free to cover it and (3) the Heart Machine team has already worked hard on their own fundraising efforts — there is no slacking and (4) this will only go to saving some people (mostly Christine Irving) from spending even more on it. This will get us closer to breaking even.

It is really a Toronto Burning man project, the most international of its kind, and something we can ALL be proud of, for BM and beyond. The project is running over 20k so far (we’ve done a lot of work fundraising and had some financially dedicated members for sure), and this would be great for the little push right when we need it the most.

I’m voting for 5K in conjunction with 50% on coming to a local BurnT event because I think it would be a win for everyone to have THM at a local event but I estimate that it would cost almost $2000 in transportation and propane to do so. $5000 at 50/50 allows for that cost, while providing effectively a $3000 grant to the creation costs.

They have taken on a huge undertaking for not only their personal satisfaction, but for the pure enjoyment of everyone on the playa this year. We should support this as much as we can.

the funds are available to be granted, and earmarked for art, and the heard machine is a project for installation in ontario as well if i am correct?

Because art is central to BM. Also, it’s awesome

when the community shines we all do

the project is not only a breakthrough in terms of scale and complexity for our local community, but it also will have a tremendous impact both on upcomming art projects and our standing as an art-proditcion community on the burning man world at large.

a large scale project like this doesn’t come from toronto often enough. the group creating the project is a hugely dedicated bunch who completely deserve the support of the local community.

I have been volunteering my time to work on the Heart Machine since it began; I’ve seen firsthand the hundreds of hours of work and the thousands of dollars already committed to the project by the team members. The project is a large scale, original, awe-inspiring work of collaborative art created by members of the BM community FOR the BM community, and that is exactly the kind of project that deserves to be supported by the community.

THM rocks… exactly the art we should support

Toronto should make as big a splash as possible

I am confident, given the high caliber of organization that I have seen over the past year at other BurnT events that there will be enough funds for the Toronto major events. As a 6th year burner, I feel that participation in the BRC event itself is a key piece of both bringing the amazing creativity and energy of the Toronto crew to the Playa and also bringing a bit of that cosmic essence back from BRC to the city we all love. It is all about participation and sharing and the heart machine is an amazing example of collaborative magic. This example of sharing will benefit everyone and I am all for helping those who have dedicated themselves to this purpose making it a reality. Excited to see the Toronto Heart Machine and you all on the playa. The fact that it is a heart says it all! Hug.

i fully support this project!

I think this amount is appropriate taking into consideration the overall cost of the project, that the funds are available, and that the project is awesome (I’m not biased lol) and engages a large number of burners from Toronto!

At the “heart” of the Burning Man experience are the art installations – it would be fantastic to contribute to that.

I think some money should be left in the reserve for future projects. The heart machine is very exciting, but I hope it is just the beginning. As well small projects need support as well. This also needs to be advertised well in advance of our events so people can plan projects and see if financial aid is available for their work.

What better way to support art from a Burning Man group than to support art that is going to Burning Man. I think in the future, any art funding should be split between the local and to art going to the Burn. It is much more difficult to get large scale art to the playa, and this funding goes a long way to support our local artists at the Burn.

As a small group of burners around the year 2000 we started out with no money and we have grown into a great community with cash to support arts and community projects. I think it’s time to give and to give generously – we can do it. Personally at this time I cannot support the project by any other means except of this vote – therefore I vote to give the maximum amount to this project. And finally, people who are my friends, who have become my family and who i love dearly are working on this – how would I not support my family – (without even expecting anything in return).

i have no clue what is in the burnT coffers but, given the amount of work going into the project combined with the amount of love/joy/life THM creators add to the local burnT community + the super awesome canadian representation on the playa that comes with the project is worth as much as can be spared.

It`is wonderful project to be enjoyed by all.

BurnT has been throwing parties for many years now and we have been slowly building our bank reserves and have never had a real opportunity to support a large scale art project with so much popularity around it. Even if we give $5000 to THM we still have $$ available to run our 2 events.

This is a fully burningman sanctioned project. It’s the largest and most inclusive project ever undertaken by the burningman community in Toronto and will significantly increase the profile of the burningman community in the GTA which is currently largely seen as a closed community.

it’s an amazing project – love the love theme – perfect for our city – the gathering place – with support and exposure, this can become a symbol of toronto – let’s get it out there!

I don’t know how much the project will cost, but transport alone will probably be close to $3000.

One of the purposes of BurnT raising funds was originally to support art projects through grants. The Heart Machine is not only an art project that is intended for BM but is also instigated and largely created by Toronto area burners. While this first large scale project of this sort to head to the playa may not be a BurnT project it definitely reflects greatly on burners within the region. Furthermore this project is responsible for a tremendous amount of burner community outreach and has already inspired many individuals to become involved with BM.

I may be bieased being part of the team, but I really feel this is a worthwhile project, and will put Toronto art on the map for the first time at BM….

large scale art is expensive

Just as the skills of these burners have been building up over the years, in order to finally make such a large art project, so have the funds been growing within our community – many of which have been raised by heart machine builders.

Because bearing the cost really hurts right now and I want to share this at future events

it’s not doing us any good sitting in the bank.

It’s the largest of the current projects our community has attempted. Nearly all of the 25 or so of the participants are burners. The final piece will be available at future Burner events.

BurnT has no reason to keep large amounts of money on hand. We generally need to cover ourselves in case an event costs more than projected, but the money we have on hand now will only cause strife in future.  On the positive side, what an amazing statement about Toronto’s committment to BurningMan to have a great piece as part of our community there.

I feel the Heart Machine project is of the community, by the community and ultimately building the community.

To encourage more large scale art in the future

I would have voted for $5000 but feel its good to leave a little surplus in the account as a safety measure

I am very excited by this effort and think it will make Burning Man and future local events better.

I don’t, necessarily, but the survey doesn’t allow “none of the above”. Impossible to say. Please see comment 6 below.

It has been decided at previous town hall meetings that burnT funds are for ONTARIO art projects, not PLAYA art projects, however, this is a fantastic art piece that I feel confident will be shared with us at Ontario events. Also, as THM team has many members who have consistantly put in a great, GREAT deal of volunteering efforts towards our regional events that raised the money we now have, I think it is only fair to share the profits with them despite previous town hall decisions.

as a pARTicipant of both events mentioned in the e-mail, t-comp and m00seman, I would be very happy to see the money that was raised go back into the community like this. if this is not what this community is for, then what?

It is unlikely that similar amounts will be coming from other sources

we should support the Heart Machine as much as we can. Enough of the BS

The art will become a fixture within the local community as it’s trip to the playa is only a temporary one.

This is a massive and very important project for the Ontario burn art community, we’ve seen the reception that FLG got with their art piece and this will be only that much more important to the local art community.

I think the project deserves as much support as the BurnT community can offer!

*
5. I feel that the grant should be given:

100% in advance of the project shipping to Burning Man 2010 81.0% 64 votes
50% in advance, and 50% when the project returns to Toronto after Burning Man 3.8% 3 votes
50% in advance, and 50% when the project participates in a local BurnT event 15.2% 12 votes

6. Anything else you’d like to share on the subject? (optional)

Support ALL ART!!!

Balls to the wall, go big or go home. Hearts of FIRE! and I wish I could be there..

<3 Machine!

I’m thrown between saying 50%adv/50% in local BurnT event, vs. 100% in advance. I think art should get funding, and all up front if possible, but it’s important to expose the art to the community at our events so they get appreciation for what their money is being used for. It also makes events Much Happier, or happy++ if that lingo is better.

Just fuck’n do it. <insert smiley face>

I don’t think there is any advantage to waiting to disperse the funds… hopefully no one else does either!

Other venues for raising the funds can be explored.  One of these was the film project ‘Son, we’re taking Grandpa to Burning Man’. Instead, it seemed to be in competition with the Heart Machine project for funds.  Another…and I feel I am approaching shaky ground here…is merchandising.  I am certainly not saying that we should commodify Burning Man OR the heart machine. What I am saying is that instead of asking for more money, T-shirts could be made and sold, along with a multitude of other products specific to Burning Man, such as blinkie lights, etc. In this way, you actually get SOMETHING in return for your donation. A t-shirt for $20, a blinky light that has ‘Heart Machine’ on it, etc. It’s not a commercial product that is being advertised. I do have very specific ideas as to what products could be marketed to help support the Heart Machine.

Kudos to those with the energy and initiative to get this ambitious project going.

it s awesome!! our community rocks!

Rationale for 100% is that this is a grant and not a piecemeal contribution.

For an “art” community I’ve very rarely seen anyone make art. Why do we have to dwell on the grandiose? I wish I saw more projects made for cheap or found materials.

Even if I wasn’t a volunteer helping to build this thing I’d still think it’s the coolest bit of art I’ve seen come out of the TO community ever!

This is a good way to get rid of the money that is causing problems with organizing our community. We never intended to generate that much profit and we had no guidance in place on what to do with it.

Please help us. We’ve worked hard, and we’d love to come out of this project feeling like its a success and that the TO burn community is ready to take on more, instead of exhausted its resources. Thank you!

I love you guys. Seriously, you’re all such beautiful souls. xox

Wonderful to see this survey happening. Thank you for the work to make it happen.

thanks!

This is opur (Toronto /Ontario /Canada) chance to actually DO what we allways said we are capable of. The community support goes a long way to not only make this a reality but also to take part in the pride behind it.

I love you

I love you guys.

horray for large canadian art making it to the playa!

I just want to note that shipping this thing to the playa is part of what will make it cost so much and that is why it would be better to have a grant to put towards this beforehand…

Is there any additional help needed on the playa?

100% should go to them now, they need it, but with a written promise that the Heart Machine will participate in a local BurnT event. If it breaks on playa, that is something else that would need to be discussed.

good luck with the project

pay the money in advance! the project is obviously happening and the largest cost is finishing it and getting it there. help them! down with bureacracy!

A written argreement should be drafted and signed by Kim, out BurnT treasurer and Christine of THM to ensure that the project will be completed and set-up at a future burnT event. This agreement would be similar to the one with Burning Man.

Let’s DO this already!

please name all the people involved!

Burning Man should be more about art and less about drugs and sex. If more people in the “community” participated in projects like this I would be more likely to spend more time in that community.

I would like to point out that a grant is a grant. If BurnT wishes to support projects such as these then it should do so with no strings attached. If, however, BurnT mandates something in return or feels it would have some sort of ownership in the project then BurnT should keep it’s funds as this would not be a grant. Of course THM would love to come to a regional BM event but I do not feel BurnT should barter for that with supposed grant money. THM requires grants to get to the Playa and any such support is support for local burner based interactive art.

Money is obviously tight for the project, and it would really help to have the money up front. There are very responsible people involved who will ensure that it is not wasted…

thanks for the discussions and considerations on this – we should all be proud of this project, as much of the core team are also BurnT participants – this project represents us all.  thank you.

Nope

100% in advance only due to large investment by community members (time and money) demonstrates that this is “for real.”

I would normally require that the project go to MooseMan, or some other Toronto Burner event. However, because the question of this grant has come so late, so close to MM, it’s just not possible to arrange transportation now. Plus, from my understanding, the land chosen for MM has some transportation issues (there is a 40-50m hike in) which makes the transport of even a portion of the HM a problem.  A part of the HM can be brought to Decomp.

Do it !

I respect how you are asking the community for input on this topic.

Burn On!

I would just want to see an open grant process which divided available funds fairly among peer-adjudicated projects, or through another survey. If only the Heart Machine requests support, then sure, give them the full amount available.

I don’t like the bickering and drama that has been going on regarding this. I thought we were adults?

these guys and girls are working very very hard and I think their efforts deserve as much help as possible. I wish *i* had more to offer than just my services.

I won’t be making Burning Man but I’d love to see The Heart Machine locally.

BACON!!!

Glad to see great things being created in Toronto!

Ever wonder what to pack for a desert vacation with 50,000 crazy burners? And what the hell is a ranger anyway? You’ll have your chance to find out all those things at the burnT Newbie Night on Tuesday August 10, 2010 from 7pm-10pm in Trinity Bellwoods Park! (Meet by the green house near the front entrance and community center)

Join us as we discuss the very important packing list, rangers, The Heart Machine and Art Support on the playa. Please bring some goodies to share as it’s a potluck style party!

Rain Venue is at 91 Brandon Ave (aka. The Cube)

~Schedule of Events~

7pm-8pm: Potluck

8pm-9pm: Packing lists, what to bring, what to leave at home, resources on playa for help (medical, playa info, ice, rangers, etc.)

9pm-9:30pm: Speeches about on playa art support, The Heart Machine, Rangers and how to get more involved.

9:30pm-10pm: Questions and hang out time!

See you all there next Tuesday night.

1. mOOseman is completely sold out. There will be absolutely no extra admission sales at the Gate.

2. Can’t make it to mOOseman now? Remember you only have until midnight Tuesday July 27th to transfer your admission. The new buyer’s full legal name and email address need to be added to the will-call list. Email these details to burntmooseman2010+admissions@gmail.com.

**If you show up to the event and your name is not on the will-call list, you will not be allowed in. No exceptions.**

(If you’ve been receiving direct emails from the PODdle regarding mOOseman, then you’re on the list but if you haven’t been receiving emails, you should definitely check to make sure your name is there.)

3. You’ll need your government issued photo ID to get in and the name on your ID must match what’s on our will-call list.

4. You will receive an email on Thursday with an event waiver that you MUST read, print, sign, and bring with you to mOOseman. You will need your completed waiver to get in.

5. The Gate will be open during these times ONLY:

* Friday, July 30th from 4pm until 2am
* Saturday, July 31st from 10am until 8pm

The Gate will be closed and locked at all other times. Need to arrive outside of these Gate times? Email burntmooseman2010+gate@gmail.com PRIOR TO Friday July 30th to make arrangements to be let in. Once at the event, if you need to leave for some reason when the gate is closed, you’ll need to contact a member of the PODdle to let you out.

6. The ground at the event site is made up of coarse hay and is prickly. Don’t count on wearing sandals or other open-toed/heeled footwear. Bring and wear sturdy footwear with tough soles to avoid injury.

7. Plan to be radically self-reliant. Bring everything you need to survive a weekend of camping. This includes enough water, food, warm clothing, bug spray, and sunscreen to last you the entire weekend.

8. You’ll receive one final email from us on Thursday which will contain directions to the event, the waiver mentioned above, and the “mOOsemanual” event guide. The guide will be jam packed full of useful info including listings of all the great workshops, performances, and other fun stuff you won’t want to miss out on! We recommend printing it out and bringing it with you for reference throughout the weekend.

9. Still need a ride? The mOOsemobile chartered school bus might be an option for you. We need about another 8 – 10 people to make this happen. Roundtrip would be less than $50. Send a message to burntmooseman2010+bus@gmail.com by Wednesday, July 28th if you’re interested.

10. Be sure to check the main mOOseman 2010 event page for any event updates you might have missed.

Please read this entire section as it contains important information regarding mOOseman 2010: Spark Adventure, Inspire Community!

:: Event and Gate Times ::
mOOseman takes place from Friday July 30th at 4pm until Monday August 2nd at 4pm. The Gate at mOOseman will be open on Friday July 30th from 4pm until 2am. The Gate will re-open Saturday July 31st at 10am and will remain open until 8pm Saturday night. After that, the Gate will be closed for the remainder of the event. There will be no entrance allowed to the event outside of these Gate times unless you make arrangements with the PODdle prior to the start of the event. Please email burntmooseman2010+volunteers@gmail.com if you need to make special arrangements to have the Gate unlocked outside of the regular times listed.

:: Admissions/Will-Call ::

There will be ABSOLUTELY NO ADMISSIONS SOLD AT THE GATE. If you show up and your name is not on our will-call list, you will not be allowed entry—no exceptions. If you can no longer attend mOOseman and want to transfer your admission to someone else, you only have until July 27th to do this. No transfers will be accepted after July 27th. You must also provide the PODdle with the full legal name of the person you’re transferring your admission to (as it appears on their photo ID) and their email address. If their name does not get on the will-call list, they will not be allowed into the event—no exceptions. We cannot emphasize this enough! Also, if you’ve purchased admissions for other people on-line but have not provided us with their full legal names, they will not be allowed in. You MUST send an email to the PODdle (burntmooseman2010+volunteers@gmail.com) and provide us with the full names and emails of everyone you purchased admissions for if you haven’t already done so.

:: ID/Waivers ::

You must show photo ID upon arrival at the event. The name on your ID will be matched against the names on our will-call list and these must match. If you haven’t provided us with your full legal name, please send an email to the PODdle with this information. We will also be emailing out event waivers that need to be read and signed in advance of the event. We ask that you print and complete your waivers in advance and bring them with you to the event as you’ll need to hand in your signed waiver at the Gate.

:: What to Bring/Pack ::

In order to make your mOOseman experience that much better, you should plan on being 100% self-sufficient. This means bringing everything you need to survive the 4 days in an outdoor, rough-terrained environment. This includes water—there is no water available at the event so you must bring enough drinking water with you to stay hydrated for the entire event. Also, the ground at the site is covered in coarse, rough, cut hay so we highly recommend wearing closed-toe shoes or boots with socks the entire time to avoid injury. Here are some items that you should pack to ensure your radical self-reliance and overall happiness:
- Tent
- Shade structure
- Sleeping bag
- Air mattress
- Propane camp stove or BBQ (no open flames will be permitted)
- Cooking utensils/cutlery
- Dishes
- Drinking cup
- Food
- **Lots of water ** (a minimum of 4 litres per person per day is recommended)
- Snacks
- Cooler
- Ice
- Head lamp/flashlight
- LED or other lights for your camp area
- Bug repellant
- Sunscreen
- Rain gear
- Warm clothing for night
- Sturdy footwear
- Camp chair
- Camp table
- Sunglasses
- Hat or bandana
- Costumes
- ID
- Waiver
- Garbage bags
- Extra toilet paper/tissue

:: What Not to Bring ::

There can be no unauthorized open flames at mOOseman so do not bring or use candles or tiki torches. Fireworks and firearms are also prohibited. For safety reasons, it is recommended to bring cans, rather than glass bottles to the event. If you have to bring glass, please do not walk around the site with it but rather pour what you need into an unbreakable cup.

:: Port-o-Potties ::

Portable toilets will be available on site. Please remember that these do not serve as a garbage can – if it didn’t come out of your body, it doesn’t go in the potty!! Please help us maintain clean and comfortable facilities for the duration of the event. Thanks for your help!

:: Volunteering ::

mOOseman is a 100% volunteer run event. While by virtue of attending mOOseman you are a pARTicipant, we strongly encourage everyone to volunteer in some capacity in order to make the event run smoothly and to get more out of the overall experience. If you haven’t already done so, please consider volunteering in some way by signing up to one of the various areas requesting assistance below.

:: Security, First Aid, & “Ranglers” ::

We have arranged to have professional security services at this event in addition to volunteer First Aid and “Ranglers” (similar to “Rangers” at Burning Man). For those that don’t know, Rangers are non confrontational mediation facilitators that try to help you solve your own problems. There will be a Ranger training session held at the event on Saturday from 10am-5pm. If you wish to sign up for this, and then perhaps volunteer to take on a Rangler shift sometime during the remainder event, please email Martin at burntmooseman2010+ranglers@gmail.com. If you’d like to volunteer for a First Aid shift, please email Maria at burntmooseman2010+healthandsafety@gmail.com.

:: Art ::

)’( )’( )’( Call out for Art Installations!! )’( )’( )’(
We welcome and encourage interactive and collaborative community Art!!! Please think of mOOseman like an open canvas –a blank slate–come and create and help inspire community!!! Please contact RAwhide (Chloe) at burntmooseman2010+art@gmail.com to coordinate any large installations or if you require any assistance with your piece. Remember—Radical Self Sufficiency is one of our important principles, but we also want to create an inviting and supportive atmosphere for wonderful, creative work and experiences to happen! (Deadline:  Friday, July 23, 2010.)

)’( )’( )’( Important Announcement for all Flame Effects Art )’( )’( )’(
If you are bringing any flame effects/ propane fire art to mOOseman please contact RAwhide (Chloe) at burntmooseman2010+art@gmail.com. We love all fire art and want to make sure we are safe and well prepared!

:: Sound ::

Friday night will be an un-amplified sound night. This means no DJs will perform Friday night, and instead people can chill around the fire, chat, play guitar, and generally hang out and meet other fun-tastic mOOsemaniacs On Saturday and Sunday nights the amplified sound needs to be reduced at 2am. DJs may still perform after 2am but the sound levels MUST be reduced to a level that will be specified by the PODdle or its delegate.

In order to make the weekend come together we are soliciting the community for bits of gear Specifically, we’re looking for equipment to help build one of the music/stage areas. We’re currently looking for these components:
- Two CD decks (with pitch control/push/drag)
- A DJ mixer with 4 inputs (2 record/2 CDs), as well as a microphone input if possible
- Speakers (including smallish ones to be used as DJ monitors in the booth)
- Subwoofers
- Amplifiers
- A microphone or two with a cable (XLR or 1/4″ connector)
- Audio enhancement and control gear like compressors, limiters, expanders, broadband EQ, etc
- Speaker cables
- Long 3-prong power extension cords (like ones for lawnmowers or outdoor equipment)
- Tarps
- Anything else you think might be worthwhile?

We plan to have the gear shielded from the elements. If you have any gear that would help make the weekend that much cooler please get in touch with Andrew McCallum (Mental Floss) at burntmooseman2010+djs@gmail.com. Even if you have a piece of gear but not the whole thing (a mic without a cable, or speakers without an amplifier) let us know it’s available and we may be able to match it up with its missing pieces

:: Fire Performance ::

Please note that in keeping with our contract with the venue owner, all fire performance at any time during the weekend must be limited to approved areas and times. Further information on this will be sent out prior to the event.

If you are a fire performer and wish to pARTicipate in the 2010 mOOseman effigy burn pre-show and/or want to perform with fire at any other point during the event, you need to contact Fire Lead, Dyslexia at burntmooseman2010+fire@gmail.com — deadline is Monday, July 19th. A few notes about this year’s Sunday Burn Night show:

- All performers must take a turn on fire safety during the show!
- There will probably be a rehearsal in Toronto before the event. (For you non-Toronto performers, we can and will work you into the set. Please do shoot over an email; we will get that worked out.)
- Performers & safety crew are required to honour sobriety during any rehearsals and the performance.

:: Calling all Drummers and Musicians! ::

The mOOseman must burn and we need *you* to make some joyful noise for the procession and fire show before the effigy lights up. If you’d like to take part, please email Dyslexia at burntmooseman2010+fire@gmail.com — it is a fun and awesome way to pARTicipate on Burn Night!

:: Performances ::

Calling all Performers, Talent Monkeys, Extroverts and Show-Offs!!! Be a part of the first ever Annual mOOseman Cabaret plus an Afternoon Delight Showcase! Do you have a special talent? Are you an extrovert at heart and would love to showcase your beautiful self? On Saturday evening from 8pm-10pm, the stage is yours for the first ever Annual mOOseman Cabaret! Feel a more relaxed, organic vibe for your act? Then Sunday from 4pm-6pm the forest floor is set for you to perform at the Afternoon Delight Showcase! Email Scarlet at burntmooseman2010+performance@gmail.com to sign up and fill out a performance form. The dead line for performer form submission is July 23rd at 4pm. Don’t be shy! Come celebrate by doing what you love

:: Workshops ::

Do you have a unique skill, hidden talent, or special knowledge you’d like to impart to others? If so, you should consider hosting a mOOseman workshop! Workshops can be anything you think others might enjoy learning about. If you would like to provide a workshop of some kind during the event, please email burntmooseman2010+workshops@gmail.com@gmail.com and indicate what type of workshop it is, when you’d like to hold it, and how long it would last.

:: Come Greet With Us! ::

Paddling and hugging new arrivals is fun! Greeters are great paddlers. Greeters are great huggers! You, too, can be a great paddling, hugging, greeter volunteer! Greeter shifts are 2hours long and run the same time as the Gate is open (4pm-2am Friday/10am-8pm Saturday). Please email burntmooseman2010+greeters@gmail.com and sign up for a fun shift!

:: Parking ::

Are you a glam rock superstar with super human powers of orientation? Do you have an inverse need for speed to the point of stopping? Then come and VOLUNTEER WITH PARKING! Yes, we here at parking will be required to ensure that all the cars are parked properly and ensure that everyone can get in and out of the parking lot properly. For only a two hour shift, you too can be a parking guru! BONUS: parking volunteering operates on a tiered hug-per-shift reimbursement system:

- One hug per two hour shift
- Two hugs per two hour shift if you are really foxy
- Three hugs per two hour shift if you are naked
- Four hugs per two hour shift if you are Paul Fegan (and yes, seven hugs per shift if you are Paul Fegan and you are naked!)

So, if you are up for the challenge of parking, and possibly want to flirt with the smoking hot boys and girls from the Greeter’s Gate, then email Oren/Awesome at burntmooseman2010+parking@gmail.com.

:: Leave No Trace ::

Want to help make sure mOOseman is one of the best Leave No Trace events in Ontario? Well you can help by volunteering for a LNT shift on Monday Aug 2nd. Shifts run from 10am-4pm and each volunteer should do a 2 hour shift. A LNT shift involves visiting people’s camps and reminding them to pick up after themselves and also picking up garbage and recycling from the land. Extra garbage and recycling bags will be available at the effigy (or at the ashes of it) on Monday Aug 2nd but all mOOseman pARTicipants are encouraged to bring their own garbage bags to the event to clean up after themselves and their camping area. Three LNT volunteers are needed to help make this one damn clean event! Costumes welcomed! If interested please contact Lil’Jen at burntmooseman2010+LNT@gmail.com@gmail.com.

:: Ride Shares/Car Pooling ::

A ride share list is available that will allow ride offerers and ride seekers to come together easily. Please make use of this awesome easy to use tool at http://burnon.ca/rideshares. Also, as parking space is limited, and it’s generally better for the environment, please do your best to carpool as much as possible.

:: Check Your eMail! More Important Info Is Coming! ::

Keep an eye out for a couple more communiqués from the PODdle. We will be mailing out, in advance of the event, the “mOOsemanual” (a What, Where, When guide for mOOseman 2010) which will contain information regarding workshops, performances, theme camps, DJs, and other important event information, including directions to the site. We’ll also send one or two more messages before then with important updates and answers to any questions we receive.

We look forward to sparking adventure and inspiring community with you all!

Love and fire,
your mOOseman 2010 planning PODdle (auBrey, Chloe, Lara, & Laura)

http://burnon.ca/toronto/mooseman2010