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Call for 2016 Firefly Art Grant Reviewers!
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 06 Jan '16

06 Jan '16

Interested in helping bring art to Firefly? Want to help choose what kind of projects are funded for the event? This is call out to any of you who might be interested in helping to review the proposals for Firefly's Art Grants this year! We are looking for 10-12 folks who are interested in helping to make this aspect of Firefly successful. Requirements: 1. You must have attended at least 1 (one) previous Firefly in order to join and participate in this most august of selection committees. 2. You must not be applying for a 2016 Art Grant. 3. You must be available for both of the meeting discussion dates for each block of meetings you attend, taking place at a to-be-determined location in Somerville. These discussions can be lively at times, and dinner and beverages will be provided : * Lace and Temple Grant Meetings: * Thursday, February 18th, 7 to 9 pm * Thursday , February 25th, 7 to 9 pm * Creativity and Legacy Grant Meetings: * Thursday , March 3rd, 7 to 9 pm * Thursday , March 10th, 7 to 9 pm 4. Commit to reading and recording your thoughts on over 40 applications, which may take 4 - 6 hours of brain time. The Intense Details: The job requires a lot of reading and talking as we typically receive over 35 applications for Creativity Grants and a smaller pool of Lace and Temple Grants. We will have 2 weeks to make our decisions for the 2 sets of grants, with two meetings per grant. That's a total of 4 meetings altogether. We strongly encourage volunteers to come to both blocks of meetings, but if you can only come to one set that's ok too. This is a commitment of about 15-20 hours; 6-8 hours of reading and cogitating and four 2-hour meetings where we hash it all out. Once the application deadline has passed, the committee has about a week to read the applications over and fill out a review sheet to decide how well each application met the criteria. We review the applications for Thoughtfulness, Creativity, and Feasibility. This is followed by the aforementioned meetings where we compare notes and formulate follow-up questions for all applicants. We wait a week to give time for artists to get their replies back to us, then we meet again and make our final decisions. If you would like to participate, please sign up via the Art Grants portal by **January 18th**: http://grants. fireflyartscollective.org/ voters/signup <3, Art Grant Core

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On pondering art projects in 2016
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 24 Nov '15

24 Nov '15

Greetings Fireflies, Just as the year is winding down and memories of an excellent Decompression are still fresh, we in Art Grant Core already have our eyes on next year's Firefly. Last year we gave out over $11,000 to 22 projects, and next year we want to give out MOAR GRANTSES. Whether your art is big or small, solid or ephemeral, we want to hear about it and help make it happen! We haven't locked down any solid dates yet, so don't panic, you still have plenty of time. For now just think about that project you've always wanted to do and keep an eye out for our next informational email. See you in the woods...

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MEDICAL PSA #4: HOW CAN I AVOID FML?
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 26 Jun '15

26 Jun '15

Medical PSAs! Now with 94% less day-ruining reality! Let's be honest, the folks at Firefly Medical Legion (FML) are kinda a little bit snarky. We are so jaded by our day jobs that we weave jokes into Public Service Announcements about preventing unnecessary deaths. (We totally care about your splinter though!) But seriously - to take a brief reprieve from the snark - we do actually enjoy helping you. We will gladly assist you with any medical-related problem you may have (yes, even splinters). And when you come to see us, we totally won't make fun of you. Because we at FML care so much about our community, we aim for an attainable ideal: One where every member is prepared for the worst, is educated and capable, and is radically self-reliant; One where we don't accidentally injure each other. To promote these linked goals of community education, preparedness, and independence, we've compiled this list of common and/or concerning potential problems you may confront at Firefly. Firefly Medical Legion - We give a FAQ! **Fire: Bad?** We've already reviewed that fire can be very hot. But some of us (most of us) learn by doing (are too stubborn to listen to good advice). Thus, minor burns can be expected. To treat a minor burn: - Place the area in cool water. Never use ice to treat a burn. - If there is a blister, leave it intact. Opening the blister exposes you to infection. - If the blister has burst accidentally, remove the excess/dead skin, wash the area, and apply bacitracin and a dry bandage. - For mild burns, and sunburns with simple redness of the skin, apply aloe. Never apply oily ointment or vaseline, and never come to see FML. (Ok fine, mayyyybe come to us if you're still worried for some reason.) When to come see FML? - If you have a (non-sunburn) burn to your face or neck - especially if you have difficulty breathing. - If you have a severe burn - especially if there is numbness to the area. - If your burn wraps around a limb or torso. - If your burn seems especially large. - If you want to hear someone say "Fuck your burn." (Not your injury burn - your event burn. This is funny because it's a play on words. That is why you are laughing right now.) **Loss Of Consciousness** To treat a loss of consciousness: - Wake up. When to come see FML? - If you cannot wake up. - If you are not breathing. - If your heart is not beating. - If you felt dizzy and/or lightheaded before you lost consciousness. - If you felt chest pain and/or difficulty breathing before you passed out. - If you shake or thrash while unconscious. - If you pee or poop yourself while thrashingly unconscious. - If your loss of consciousness was preceded by being struck in the head, neck, or chest. - If you lost consciousness after seeing how much blood you just lost. **Sprains, Strains, and Automobiles** To treat simple sprains and strains, use the mnemonic RICE. - Rest your injury. Don't dance on your twisted ankle, don't twerk on your popped booty, and don't do headspins on your fractured neck. - Ice your injury. 4-6 times/day x2-3 days for no more than 20 minutes at a time. This will reduce swelling and injury severity and will encourage faster recovery. - Compress your injury. Bring an ACE Wrap! Wrap snugly (and snuggle-y!), but make sure your foot doesn't turn blue. - Elevate your injury. Elevate it above the level of your heart whenever able. This will reduce swelling and pain. When to come see FML? - If you have a gross deformity. - If you have lost function of your injured body part. - If you are otherwise concerned you may have a broken bone. **Penetration Injuries (the bad kind)** To treat any break in your skin (including cuts, scrapes, gunshot wounds, degloving injuries, or whatever): - Clean the area with soap and water (if you're not going to shower, you may as well use it for something, right?) - Apply Bacitracin. - Cover with a clean and dry bandage. - Keep the bandage CLEAN and DRY. - Change the dressing if it is no longer clean and dry. - Also, change it daily. Don't be gross. When to come see FML? - If the bleeding won't stop after 5 minutes of pressure. - If you have a deep penetration injury (or would like one). - If you no longer have a part of your body attached to you. - If you can see weird things underneath the injury - stringy things, little globules, bone, brain, whatever. - If you otherwise think you may need stitches. - If your wound starts showing signs of infection, including: redness, pain, warmth, swelling, thick opaque pus, or a red streak moving from the wound towards your torso. **Another Fucking Foot Injury? Seriously?** To prevent any injury to your... fuck it, just wear your damn shoes, will you? No one wants to smell your filthy fucking feet anyway, you dirty hippy. (Apologies for the body shaming! FML loves feet! -Ed.) To treat your foot injury, follow the above instructions for skin breaks and sprains/strains. This topic was only included here because it is not only the most common, but also the most preventable complaint seen by FML. When to come see FML? - If you want to be ribbed by some of the biggest assholes this side of Saturn. - If you're worried that you actually injured yourself pretty bad. **Intoxications!** We went over this last year. No one will want to hang out if you are too fucked up. Don't be one of those... How to stay healthy? - Stay hydrated! Alcohol, caffeine, vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating all contribute to dehydration. - Know your limits! No one wants to babysit you, and FML does not have the resources to staff a drunk tank. - Take care of your friends! Be socially responsible. We all make mistakes, and the best of us support our friends through theirs. Help keep your friends safe if they imbibe a little too much and once they're sober tell them what an asshole they were and that they fucking owe you. That's what real friends do. - Take care of your mess! Puke is moop! Pick it up and take it home with you! When to come see FML? - If you or your friend are dying. - If you are concerned you or your friend might be at risk for dying. - If your sober friend is acting more bizarre than what is socially acceptable within the blurry boundaries of behaviour for a radically expressive temporary autonomous zone. **Are you allergic to snark?** Allergies (not the seasonal ones) can cause a life-threatening swelling of the airway. - Don't forget your Epi-Pens! - Last year we reviewed the last resort to fix an airway so swollen with histamines that the person can no longer breathe. If you don't a hole cut in your trachea because it's the only option to keep you alive, then bring your Epi-Pen. When to come see FML? - If you are having an allergic reaction of any type. Don't risk it. Sincerely, Firefly Medical Legion

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ONLINE SALE OF PARKING PASSES ENDS AT NOON ON SUNDAY (6/28)
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 26 Jun '15

26 Jun '15

Hi Fireflies! The online sale of parking passes ENDS AT NOON ON SUNDAY (6/28). All vehicles MUST have a PARKING PASS to park at the event. If you don't purchase your parking pass online it will be $60 CASH AT THE GATE. Get yours today if you haven't already! Parking passes are available through the main ticketing site: tickets.fireflyartscollective.org See you in the woods! Firefly Parking and Transportation

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MEDICAL PSA #3: LASERZ ARE PEW-PEW-PRETTY!
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 25 Jun '15

25 Jun '15

If you're like me, you wouldn't expect that lasers need to come with an instruction manual on how not to be a fucking asshole. After all, we humans are smart, right? And mindful? We would never neglectfully rob someone of their vision by aiming a way-too-fucking-bright laser pointer into the face of a selfless volunteer who was donating her time to help create the very event she got fucking blinded at, right? Well that just shows how blinded by our faith in humanity we both are friend, because that shit actually fucking happened.* (But not like, 'everyday happened' - it just happened once or maybe a few times or something. This isn't the wild west... I mean, there's some similarities maybe, but it's pretty much mostly safe... There's no guns at least. Or horses. Did you know more people are injured by horses each year than by laser pointers? That's probably true, I bet.) Statistical horse tangents aside, the laser-wielding barbarian in question was probably a mile away from the undeserving volunteer and still has no clue he/she injured someone. But this only serves to underline how careful we need to be with this increasingly cheap and powerful technology. Here are some safety tips regarding lasers (the handheld variety of which are now banned at Burning Man because, as it turns out, humans are not the creatures of consideration and caution they were once believed to be): 1) These are not your grandmother's lasers! As the technology has evolved, more powerful lasers have become cheaper and more accessible. This means any jerk with a credit card can buy a weaponized beam of light from their local internet. 2) The increased accessibility means that people with no training and little knowledge of the force have become virtual Sith Lords, accidentally bringing random passerby over to the dark side with a flick of the wrist. 3) "But where CAN I point my over-powered fucking lasers," you ask? 3a) Definitely DO NOT point them: - At people (and an extra DEFINITELY NOT at people wearing glasses) - At or near eye-level in any direction - At a mirror, reflective surface, or disco ball - At a thin fabric or transparent material - At the sky (the dangers of causing a plane to kamikaze into Firefly are real!**) 3b) Definitely DO point your laser: - At a place where no person will pass in front of - At the ground - Aimed at a stationary object from a sturdily mounted position 4) Here's a chart of laser strength classifications for your amusement! - Class I: Basically fine. Probably no one even owns these. - Class II: <1mW laser. Also Basically fine. You will blink before it does damage. Just don't stare into it searching for your soul - it's not in there, man. - Class III: (IIIa and IIIb) <5mW lasers. These are the lasers we are primarily worried about, and particularly the 532nm green pointers. Due to the inefficient energy conversion method that creates the beam, it is difficult to accurately label the strength of these lasers. A "5mW" laser can actually put out far more (both visible AND invisible) light energy than labeled. The more powerful among these can blind a person in <10 milliseconds. Want to guess how fast you can blink? - Class IV: >500mW lasers. You probably shouldn't even own (or operate) one of these if you're not certified. These will blind you and can even burn your skin. Congratulations! You have completed Officer Eyecare's junior laser safety training! You are now certified in nothing at all! Please do not be an asshole with a laser pointer! I know laser pointers are like assholes - everyone's got one - but please try to only wield one at a time. *Like, this really seriously actually fucking happened: http://blog.burningman.com/2015/03/tales-from-the-playa/theres-a-black-dot-… **You could possibly be arrested for this: http://www.laserpointersafety.com/laser-hazards_aircraft/laser-hazards_airc… Learn more here! http://www.laserpointersafety.com/index.html Remember kids, only you can prevent lasers from being banned at Firefly! Firefly Medical Legion

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MEDICAL PSA #2a: LET'S TALK ABOUT IT
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 24 Jun '15

24 Jun '15

Dear Fireflies, We realize that not everyone had context about the PSA that went out yesterday. We'd like to provide you with that context and some additional information. On Burn Night last year at Element 11 (a Utah regional burn), a participant willingly avoided Rangers and Perimeter and ran into the burn to deliberately end his life. The rest of the participants had no recourse to stop him. As all burners do, we collectively feel the sorrow for his loss and for the loss to his family, friends, and extended burner family as if it were our own. We also recognize and share the pain of the event organizers and volunteers who were unable to help this man. This rarely happens at burns, and has never happened at Firefly, but because it so rarely happens and is such a tragedy, it is a difficult topic for all to discuss. If you feel overwhelmed *for any reason* and think that hurting yourself, or ending your life, is the best answer, please know that people are here for you. We want you to stay and be our community, our family. The loss of one of us is a loss to all of us. Let us help you. Rangers, Medical, and Sanctuary are among the different types of volunteers who can assist you in obtaining the resources you need. We realize it can be difficult to believe that a whole community cares about you. This is why we maintain that a community-wide approach is best. So bear with us as we bring this subject to light. Reach out to your friends and have this conversation with them. Start a thread on the Firefly Blink list and share your thoughts and feelings with the community. The Firefly Safety Teams are volunteers. We have no authority to restrain anyone. The most significant number of injuries in tackling runners comes from would-be rescuers. And the size of the fire limits our ability to get too close. In the event that someone is committed to running into a fire we simply cannot put our own lives at risk. We are effective most when we have a relationship with you, fellow participants. We have no authority other than what you give us, and we take that responsibility seriously. Though we all joke about "safety third" and, as a culture, like to push our own boundaries, the Firefly community remains committed to preventing the loss of any participants for any reason. We need to be aware that not everyone feels as we do. We need to take our neighbors, our friends, our strangers into our fold. We need to protect ourselves, and those around us. If you would like to discuss this further, contact -Medical at medical(a)fireflyartscollective.org -Sanctuary at sanctuary(a)fireflyartscollective.org -Rangers at rangers(a)fireflyartscollective.org -Fire Art Safety Team at fast(a)fireflyartscollective.org On behalf of the Firefly Safety Teams, Firefly Medical Legion

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MEDICAL PSA #2: FIRE IS HOT AND WILL FUCKING KILL YOU
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 23 Jun '15

23 Jun '15

Trigger warning: This is heavy stuff, discussed in frank, and occasionally graphic language. Rater R for: Reader discretion is advised. People die and it sucks. Occasionally, people die while hundreds of others watch. Such a death is pretty much guaranteed to suck. Preventing deaths that suck is one of Firefly Medical Legion's number one goals. And to address this particular number one goal, we would like to involve the community, open this topic for discussion, and let you know that we are uncharacteristically serious about it. Real talk. In some ways, it's obvious why people die. Leaping into the base of a three story blaze has some obvious consequences which are not compatible with life. In other ways, the cause can be less obvious. Why would someone dive into a hellishly hot fire while hundreds look on? Some people call it selfish to inflict that emotional scar on others. Other people call it ill, and other others call it misunderstood. Whatever the case may be, Firefly Medical Legion wants you to know that we are here for you. If you ever develop a plan (or feel an impulse) to hurt yourself, please talk to someone first. I promise the conversation will be far less painful than asphyxiating while your skin melts (which just sounds awful, doesn't it?) *Feelings of wanting to hurt yourself are always fleeting, but the results of such decisions are not.* I believe I speak for everyone at Firefly when I say that we would rather you did not kill yourself in an effigy while the entire event looks on in horror. However, it does need to be said: It is extremely unlikely that anyone is going to chase you, tackle you, or pull you from that fire. Firefly is a small event, the safety teams are all volunteers, and our customer service is simply not that good. Please talk to someone before that happens. I am sure you will find open ears and open arms eager to assist you in your time of need. Also, if someone opens up to you about this topic and you feel uncertain about your ability to keep them safe, please get in touch with Firefly Medical Legion. We will do our best to allocate the appropriate resources (either on-site or off) to maintain safety for your friend. Warmly, Firefly Medical Legion

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MEDICAL PSA #1: REVIEW!
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 22 Jun '15

22 Jun '15

(for immediate release. subject: MEDICAL PSA #1: REVIEW!) Last year, Firefly Medical Legion (FML) provided heartfelt and insightful educational material to gently guide you through the potential hazards of surviving a weekend in the New England woods surrounded by half-mad, fully-naked hippies worshiping glowing obelisks, and fully-mad, but half-naked, apocalypse fetishists juggling flaming spheres on chains. This year will be no different. First, we will take time to review the threats to past generations of Firefly, so that we may avoid such grisly fates as "death by falling tree." (Remember that shit?* That was fucking crazy...) Among the most important information distributed last year were instructions on what the fuck to fucking do if someone you fucking know (or don't even fucking know) is fucking dying all over the fucking place. For ease of use, we've simplified this down to two easy steps: Step 1: Calm the fuck down. Step 2: Radio for Medical! Radios can be found in the following locations: - On a Ranger! - At Ranger HQ! (Conveniently located next to the FML station!) - Probably at Sanctuary maybe! - On a Medical Volunteer! If you think you need 911, COME SEE MEDICAL FIRST! This is because: - We know all kinds of tricks to help keep you alive while you wait 30+ minutes for an ambulance to arrive. - Maybe you don't even need 911 after all! Maybe FML might stock a perfectly sized band-aid for your knife wound! - No one wants a surprise visit from emergency response (potentially including ambulance services, firefighters, police, etc...) *No one has died (yet) from a tree falling on them at Firefly. Trees are big and heavy, though! I bet you'd die if one landed on you. Just sayin'. Another topical PSA from last year focused on ticks and Lyme, wherein we discussed prevention and vigilance: 1. Dress prudent like a Puritan! Less exposed skin means you will attract less blood-sucking flesh eaters. (Note: this technique may work for humans as well!) 2. Check for ticks daily! It generally takes about 36-48 hours for a Lyme-infested tick to transmit disease. 3. Get rid of the creepy fuckers! The CDC instructs us on how to properly remove clingy life-draining creepers. (Note: this technique may not work for humans as well.) http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/removing_a_tick.html 4. Watch for symptoms of Lyme! Initial symptoms develop anywhere from 3 to 30 days after a bite. Initial symptoms can include: fatigue, chills, fever, headache, muscle and/or joint aches, swollen glands, and the classic more-or-less delineated bull's eye rash: http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/signs_symptoms/rashes.html 5. If the thought of removing a six (or eight!) legged mini-monster who has its hungry head burrowed deep into your flesh makes you queasy, the volunteers at FML will probably help you with the minor excision. Probably! If you like information, go here! http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/index.html With the synthetically concentrated loving concern of ten thousand overbearingly affectionate mothers, Firefly Medial Legion (FML)

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Firefly Transport Reminders! Buses, Ridesharing and Parking Passes
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 21 Jun '15

21 Jun '15

Hello Lovely Fireflies! Parking is limited at Firefly. You must have a bus ticket or be in a car with a parking pass to attend the event. To help the community, we ask that everyone rideshare or take the bus as much as possible. The buses are steadily getting fuller. At this point there are about 15 seats left on the Tuesday bus, so buy today to avoid disappointment! Taking the bus will be convenient, fast and fun. The bus will stop for last-minute shopping en route, and Gate/Greeter volunteers will check you in on the way so there will be no waiting in line when you arrive! Our official ridesharing service is www.rickyrides.com/firefly. The ride-matching works by email relay, and there's no obligation. Register your car or need for a ride today, and search for matches. Parking passes cost $30 in advance or $60 cash at the gate. Parking passes and bus tickets are available through the main ticketing site: tickets.fireflyartscollective.org All details: http://fireflyartscollective.org/firefly/transportation-and-event-parking-3/ See You In The Woods! Firefly Parking and Transportation

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Conduct Committee on Hiatus until July 13th
by The Firefly Official Announcement List 17 Jun '15

17 Jun '15

The Firefly Arts Collective Conduct Committee <http://fireflyartscollective.org/conduct-committee/> is on Hiatus until July 13th, 2015, at noon Eastern time. During the hiatus, please address all conduct-related reports, concerns, and complaints directly to the Firefly Arts Collective Board of Directors: board (at) fireflyartscollective (dot) org <mailto:+board+[at]+fireflyartscollective+%7Bdot%7D+org> At the Firefly 2015 event, from June 30th to July 5th, please bring any reports, concerns, or complaints to the Rangers or other Safety volunteers, or ask a Ranger to help you speak to a Board Member. This Firefly Incident Report Form <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1rzyHM680TyT13j6WwMZnnKXbsKQQYesRUkJsD9GscZ…> will still record reports, but those reports will not be investigated until after July 13th, 2015. Ike Feitler on behalf of the Conduct Committee

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