My main contribution was a small art installation for our camp, the N:OW Clock. The clock was 4 by 8 foot digital timeless-piece, illuminated by green LEDs that attempted to tell us everything but the time. Most often it just said N:OW.
Each clock digit is made from seven "bits" that are powered by a 12v car battery charger and actuated via an Arduino MEGA 2560 Board
. The clock requires 28 outputs of the controller to automate the entirety of the clock, each output actuating a TIP-120 transistor ( these act like a relay ) and sending power to the individual bits. I am able to write all the numbers and most letters of the alphabet.Power consumption was the main issue, but was solved by running the entire piece off of a small Colman generator.
It all seemed so important at the time. Although I had a great time, there is a thorn stuck somewhere in these kings robes. Friends were made and lost. Tempers tested and characters cultivated culminated only in an all purveying disdain for the burner community.
Last year I was the most jaded virgin, this year the crustiest customer. Looking around all I saw were sparkle ponies and frat boys. There was MOOP everywhere. A wise friend told me that if we spent half the time and money improving our communities that we spend on Burning Man we wouldn't need Burning Man. How true that is.
Burning Man is dead, it has become The Man, cloaked in a phony shell of the idealism that it once was. Burning things away does not "leave no trace", we learned that long ago. Don't get me wrong, I love fire as much as the next guy, I just see through the bullshit that is Burning Man. It has gone from a community outpost to corporate entity. From a gathering to a frat party.
Good by Black Rock city. Good by dust induced chemical pneumonia. Good by and good riddance.
Though don't be too surprised if you find me back on the Playa one day ;)
