Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha . . .

The Pataphysical Studios was busting with laughter while trying to record sound ambiance to accompany Dr.Skids and Priscilla’s wonderbox conveying the sentiments of Alfred Jarry, father of ‘Pataphysics.

Dr. Skids Expounding about Garuda

Dr. Skids is a remarkable Pataphysician whose background in Anthropological Astronomy with the Mind Shaft Society has lead Dr. Skids to explore the essence of the Garuda in relation to ‘Pataphisics. In this video, Dr. Skids explains his research to colleagues at the Pataphysical Studios.

Pataphysically Priscilla

Priscilla ~ Queen of the Desert, is an astutely keen researcher who studies the details of adventurous historical odysseys. Priscilla has embarked upon the study of Alfred Jarry and ‘Pataphysics at the Pataphysical Studios. The intro of the top video is by the Magnificent Dr. Fabio, Pataphysician and Renowned French Anthropologist. In the bottom video, Priscilla reads about the Pataphyscial Calendar as her esteemed colleagues prepare art for the Pataphysical Slot Machine.

Playa Time: Dust to Dust

Dust to Dust further illustrates the ethereal nature of Burning Man. this time lapse directed by Matthew Goodman adroitly paints the picture of Burning Man.

Steve Jobs

Returning from Burning Man this year, I was delayed due to the brakes failing on the truck I had recently purchased. That led to an encounter far more interesting than driving with no brakes 87 miles from Black Rock City to Fernley, Nevada fully loaded, towing a 4,500 pound mutant vehicle.

During my sojourn, I stopped near Reno to rest for the night before driving over the Sierra. The hostess, who I’ve known for ten years, of the fine restaurant where I ate that night, introduced me to the Vice President/General Manager of the hotel/casino, John Jandali. Mr Jandali is an 81 year old who immigrated from Syria in the 1950s. He is responsible for the dramatic turn around and success of the hotel/casino where we met. More remarkable is the story behind this man. Before I divulge that, I spent an hour talking with him about Burning Man. He had the impression many people have that Burning Man is all debauchery and weirdness. He was astounded and delighted to learn that Burning Man is managed as non-profit corporations. He was fascinated and intrigued with how it is produced and the culture it has spawned.

Here is what I learned about Mr. Jandali. He fell in love with a woman in Wisconsin where he worked at the time. She became pregnant with his child. Her father would not allow them to marry because he did not want his daughter to marry an Arab Muslim. She was forced to give up the baby for adoption. Years later, after the woman’s parents passed away, she married John Janaldi and she eventually died. The baby they gave up for adoption, was Steve Jobs.

Apparently, Steve Jobs never acknowledged his biological father, saying that his adoptive father was his father.

Every computing device I have used since 1984, has been an Apple. Hail Steve Jobs! Thank you John Janaldi.

Temple of Transition 2011

This video exemplifies the beauty and power of the Temples created at Burning Man.

Home…

This video by KJ and Stephen Spins sums up Burning Man’s 2011 spirit very nicely.

Dr. Really? Tutorial at the Mind Shaft Society at Burning Man 2011

Dr. Really? provides a tutorial at the Mind Shaft Society camp at Burning Man 2011. This tutorial was inspired by Camp Narc next door who had been busted by the BLM Rangers. Following the bust and legal advice Mind Shaft Society members provided, Camp Narc put up a sign pointing to the Mind Shaft Society indicating that Free Cake was available. Whenever a Burning Newbie entered the Mind Shaft Society looking for Cake, Dr. Really? sat them down to watch this one minute tutuorial, then asked them to record their Write of Passage in the large Mind Shaft book. They were then given Creative License from the Bureua of Artistic development. Then they were redirected back to Camp Narc to inquire about the Free Bacon and Ice Cream.

The Mind Shaft Society on 7/31/2011

The Mind Shaft Society, a collaboration of artistic scientists, prepares the exhibit for the Bureau of Artistic Development where you can delve deep into the Mind Shaft and come back with Creative License.

The Devil Drives by Funki Porcini

Amon Tobin is among my favorite DJs. Funki Porcini, aka James Braddell is from England, and has been making amazing music and film too since the mid 90’s and according to some sources, was a major influence on Amon Tobin. This video appeared on Amon Tobin’s web page recently and it is really so good that I want to share it here. Make sure you turn up your sound and “if you ain’t got riddum, you can’t dance widdum”.