Oh, the Burning Questions

So what happens when the counterculture gets a counterculture? Apparently the counterculture becomes the Man (Burning Man). The story of the early burning of the Burning Man is ironic on so many wonderful levels. First off, it raises an interesting philosophical question: Is it really arson to burn something that was created to burn? My thought is no. Apparently the police and event organizers think otherwise.

Paul Addis, an actor and writer, was arrested for the deed. Which I find wickedly funny considering that the project's Web site says explicitly that there are "no rules about how one must behave or express oneself at this event" (granted, there is some caveat about rules protecting health, safety and the experience). So, really, didn't this guy (or whoever tossed the match stick) just beat everyone to the punch? Wasn't he channeling the spirit of the event in the first place when he sent those yellow flames billowing out into the desert air? There is a lesson here: apparently, you play with matches and, even if the parents have thrown out the rule book, you're gonna feel heat.

The good news is that apparently spirits are "still high," spokeswoman Andie Grace said. Whew.

Engineering (gasp) fun?

Add this to the list of merits of the Texas Tech College of Engineering: Apparently, it's fun. Popular Mechanics this month featured the college in a list of five fun university engineering programs as part of its "Educated Destruction 101" article. There isn't a direct link to this story (that I can find) but take my word there is a great photo of a 2x4 exploding against bricks (so buy the paper version). Ah, the enchanting power of the wind cannon. Cited was the ability for students to create their own hurricanes and track down tornados. That's education.
Of course, the folks that run the cannon are used to blowing bricks and boards up for media cameras.

Buzzing Like a Bee Hive

I got invited for the first time ever to enter a group show and it's in downtown L.A., of all places, so the nerves are definitely a bit frazzled as I wait to hear what the reaction is to the piece I sent. Hopefully the reviews are positive. The curator found me through my Myspace page and asked me to enter. If you happen to be in Los Angeles (wish I was) Aug. 4, check it out.

This isn't the piece I sent, but the style is similar: