The Word of Tommy

Burning Man News "911" Service in Black Rock City

2008-06-27T18:54:00.001-07:00

In recent years Burning Man as an event and as a community has grown,

and the Emergency Services Department (ESD) has developed in tandem

with Black Rock City in providing 911 services such as EMS, fire,

mental health, and emergency communications. In 2007 ESD started

offering a remote way for theme camps, art projects, and participants

to get help and in 2008 we plan on building on what we learned from

the first trial year of service.

While all the conventional ways to get help are still available (for

example know your local Ranger or where the nearest Emergency

Services Station is), we wanted to enhance safety by providing an

option for those who might have a specific concern or for those who

just want be helpful to others in their neighborhood. This is

accomplished by ESD and Rangers monitoring the license-free MURS

(Multi User Radio Service) radio band.

MURS is a service similar to FRS (the frequencies that Motorola

Talkabouts and similar radios use). As on-playa radio users can tell

you, FRS is extremely overcrowded and in use by thousands of

participants during the event. FRS radios are also not powerful

enough to effectively communicate throughout Black Rock City. MURS,

in contrast, is currently not in common usage and operates at a

higher power so it can communicate across the entire playa.

We hope that with the intention of reserving this "911" channel

before MURS use becomes widespread at Burning Man will set the

expectation that this channel will be for emergency use only. You

will need to purchase your own MURS radio to contact ESD 911, but the

other four MURS channels can also be just like the FRS channels for

other purposes. Large camps or villages might also choose to make one

part of their group planning efforts and store it in a public place

for emergency use.

Why do I want one of these when my FRS radio works just fine?

* If you're part of a large theme camp it could be a good investment

to have a MURS radio around to call 911 for your group, especially

if you have members who have known health issues or the risk of

injury is of special concern.

* Large art projects working out on the open playa will be able to

get help faster.

* Camps that are on the outer-rings of the city and are far from a

Ranger outpost or Emergency Services station don't have to send

runners for help when an emergency arises.

* The other 4 channels on MURS can be a great alternative to crowded

FRS channels, especially if your camp has an art-car or event-wide

project they want to coordinate.

* Emergency Services Dispatch cannot be reached on an FRS radio.

Calling 911

FOR ALL MURS USERS: we ask that all Burning Man participants respect

that channel 5 will be used as a 911 channel only. While the other

channels are fine for use as an alternative to FRS, we want to stress

that channel 5 on MURS please be kept open for emergencies and not

used for any other purpose.

Set your MURS radio to channel 5, code 11 (154.600 / CTCSS 97.4) to

reach Black Rock City Emergency Services Dispatch. Using any other

"privacy codes" on channel 5 will interfere with 911. Instead limit

your personal use to channels 1-4.

If you have further questions or need help in finding a source for

radios, please email 911@burningman.com for more information.

Reno July Event Chicken Wing Cook Off July 5th-7th Downtown Reno

2008-06-27T14:34:00.001-07:00

Willie Davison also known as "The Chicken Wing King" had a vision to bring the best of the best of Chicken Wing Sauces to Reno, Nevada for an annual competition of the Best Sauce Around. Not only was the first year's sauces Great! It set off an annual event now known as "The Great International Chicken Wing Society Cook-off!" and has been growing ever since. Last year in May of 2006 the Crew went to Las Vegas and had competitors from Colorado, Texas and Southern Nevada. In the same year for the fourth of July weekend they held the Finals in Downtown Reno! The Days where hot and the Chicken wing sauce got hotter. We even had coverage from Fine Living Television Network!

So make your plans now to come to Reno for the Fourth of July and visit us....we are looking forward to seeing you and your friends this year in Downtown Reno for the Great International Chicken Wing Society's 6th Annual Chicken wing Cook-off!

This Just in! “TGICWS” Chicken Wing Cook-Off Receives National Media Attention : The Great international Chicken Wing Society is pleased to announce that its 5th Annual Cook-Off received national media attention when it was featured on “Vacation Best Bets” on Fine Living Television Network in October and November. Nationally Fine Living Television Network is seen in approximately 40 million homes on cable and satellite and is the first network dedicated to inspiring and empowering people to find the most rewarding ways to spend their time and money, allowing them to uncover the greatest value from their experiences. Find more information at www.FineLiving.com.

A Historical Summary

2002

The First cook-off was held at the Reno Hilton back in July of 2002 and over 80,000 wings were cooked and served. The official tally for people in attendance was 12,000 during the two day event.

2003

The Second year cook-off was held in Downtown Reno and over 100,000 wings were cooked and served. People in attendance was 30,000 during the three day event. The event blocked off Virginia Street from First Street to Fourth Street!

2004

This year was held in Downtown Reno and over 112,000 wings were cooked and served!(It just Gets Better every year!) People in attendance was 40,000 during the three day event.

2005

This year like last year the event was held in Downtown Reno and over 115,000 wings were cooked and served! People in attendance was 50,000 during the three day event.

2006

Again it was held in Downtown Reno and over 117,000 wings were cooked and served!(really it does gets Better every year!) People in attendance was 55,000 during the three day event. The event was also held in Las Vegas during May and was a HOT one!

2007

Which leads us to last year! It was held in Downtown Reno and over 10,000 lbs of wings were cooked and served! People in attendance was 45,000 during the three day event.

2008

This year it will be held in Downtown Reno and we are projecting some Big Numbers! 120000 Wings sold, and an estimated 50,000 people will attend the three day event.

The Great International Chicken Wing Society, Chuckie the Chicke Hawk and the Cook-off event is the property of Norther Nevada Special Events.

http://ping.fm/rHatI

Reno Nightlife Bar Fly Best Summer Event Highlighting Reno Bars

2008-06-26T12:50:00.001-07:00

Why crawl when you can Fly to all the Best Reno Bars?

Reno Passport Magazine would like to officially announce that the Bar Fly Reno Bar Event has reached critical levels. The Best Reno Nightlife Event is going Weekly! That’s right, Thursday nights we will be taking you to the Reno bars that you need to know about! These bars are the best of Reno and are what makes Reno nightlife what it is.

You have seen us on TV, your friends are talking about us, and we have a really cool Megaphone. Prizes will be given out to people demonstrating how to “Live Ur City,” Reno Passport style!

Check out the Rumor “Reno Passport is on Fire!” Updated show schedules and invites to the Pre Playa Music Festival setting Reno nightlife on fire @ Nikki Beach and Pearl Nightclub August 22nd!

Tonight the party gets kicked off at Waterfall 8pm. Stops on the Bar Fly include Red Martini, The Polo Lounge, The Underground, Archies Bar and Grill, and Scruples.

Thursday nights are the new Fridays come out and enjoy a night of fun, drinking, laughs, and meeting the best people in Reno bars. Reno Passport Magazine will be hosting the Bar Fly all summer!

For more information check back often www.renopassport.com

LEGENDS RENO-TAHOE OPEN CELEBRATES 10 YEARS IN 2008

2008-06-24T15:29:00.001-07:00

New events and activities help fill PGA tournament’s weeklong schedule

RENO, Nev. (June 18, 2008) – As the benchmark for professional sporting events in northern Nevada, the Legends at Sparks Marina Reno-Tahoe Open is preparing to celebrate its 10th anniversary in style. Welcoming a new tournament director, Michael Stearns, and adding new events and attractions to the weeklong tournament such as 18th Hole Après Golf entertainment, a “Taste of Reno” on Hole 17, the 16th Hole “Fiesta Loco,” the “Kidz Par-Tee Zone” and the “Get Fit Fore Charity” walk, July 28 – Aug. 3, 2008 is set to be a week for the record books. And that’s not all that’s new to northern Nevada’s only PGA TOUR event, featuring its first-ever title sponsor in RED Development’s The Legends at Sparks Marina, everything from the spectator entrance to the tournament’s food and entertainment offerings have been enhanced.

“This is a very pivotal time for the Legends Reno-Tahoe Open,” said Michael Stearns, Legends Reno-Tahoe Open tournament director. “With all the upgrades we have planned, and now, moving into our 10th year, we’re really well positioned to take a step up and start shooting for that unencumbered date on the PGA TOUR. We’re doing more than ever to attract and retain visitors to the tournament who aren’t necessarily golf fans, as well as to showcase the area and all that it has to offer guests when they come to visit the tournament. We already know that the players love coming here – now we just need to augment the spectator experience.”

New additions to the 2008 Legends Reno-Tahoe Open start on the16th hole with “Fiesta Loco,” a fiesta-themed hospitality area featuring margaritas, a taco bar and even a Mariachi Band. Move along to the 17th green to experience a “Taste of Reno,” serving appetizing offerings from local restaurants and upscale eateries, and introducing the tournament’s new signature kabob, the “Niblick,” named for wooden-shafted irons used in the early 20th century. Each evening, audiences are entertained on No. 18 with live “Après Golf” musical entertainment, and the “Kidz Par-Tee Zone” provides youngsters with a playful putting green, bounce houses, face painting and much more.

The Legends Reno-Tahoe Open also encourages fans to walk the course this year with two activities that provide great incentives. First, the tournament invites guests to “Get Fit for Charity” by participating in the first-ever, course-long pedometer walk. Proceeds from the sale of all “Get Fit for Charity” pedometers benefits local non-profit organizations, helping to achieve the Reno-Tahoe Open Foundation’s mission of giving back to the northern Nevada community. Second, tournament-goers can enjoy the PGA action while participating in the Vino 100 Wine Walk, returning for its third go-round along the fairways at Montrêux. Beginning each morning at 9 a.m. with mimosas on the putting green, walkers can sip samples from wineries around the world while strolling along the Sierra foothills and enjoying all that the Legends Reno-Tahoe has to offer.

“We really want to enhance the spectator experience this year,” said Rich Green, Legends Reno-Tahoe Open tournament manager. “By adding additional programming and activities for our guests we’re hoping to demonstrate to people that there is more than just golf at the Legends Reno-Tahoe Open. It’s something you can bring the whole family to because we offer a little something for everyone. “

All supplementary activities at the 2008 Legends at Sparks Marina Reno-Tahoe Open take place Thursday, July 31 – Sunday, Aug. 3. For more complete schedule information, visit www.LegendsRenoTahoeOpen.com.

For more information on this year’s Legends at Sparks Marina Reno-Tahoe Open, including ticket sales, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, contact The Legends at Sparks Marina Reno-Tahoe Open office at 775-322-3900 or visit its Web site.

Pre Playa Music Festival DJ Preview: Aaron Jae, Best Reno Summer Nightlife Event

2008-06-19T11:55:00.001-07:00

Check out this preview video on Aaron Jae, an established dj in San Francisco. He spins with the Evil Breaks and Space Cowboy Crews in San Fransisco and at Burning Man respectively. We are honored to have Aaron Jae performing at the Reno Passport Pre-Playa Music Festival on August 22 at Nikki Beach and Pearl Reno Nevada.

Find out more at http://ping.fm/kmolZ

Reno 911 TV Show Idea, Yelper in Washoe County Jail!

2008-06-19T02:37:00.001-07:00

"This place is a slam! Complimentary transportation was provided in a convenient shuffle that will arive to your current location. Upon entering the transportation shuttle a nice greeting welcomes you reading something very similar to Thank you for choosing Reno Police Department for your Transportation Needs. You have several gentleman who all in all, were courteous enough to open doors and even assist me in buckling my seat-belt's, two for extra safety. Upon entering the venue a self service buffet style station was available, highlighting the finest creation to come from two pieces of bread. A mystery non-allergenic peanut butter substance filled the center. Desert included an economic anti-green tub filled with what resembled an orange at first. It can only be described as containing a flavor and texture resembling the pussy discharge of a light medical grade sterilization alcohol. The beverage was a water full of radiating tones of metallic proportions. This was only the beginning of my epicurean adventure, for I had three more meals to come! Breakfast was an unimpressive mixture of what I believe was an attempt at oatmeal. Failed attempt at oatmeal, really don't need to go much further with that aspect, and powdered milk to rinse the slime down. Lunch was something that had been mentioned by other patrons as a highlight and a solid reputation as cat food sandwiches. As a side note pertaining to this name, I went and purchased some wet cat food, and tried a small portion, cat food would be a compliment. No I didn't eat more then a small taste, and the rest was donated to the alley cats. Dinner, oh there were vegetables that flavored like water, that melted on the spork. Yes the spork was the fine dining utensil, of bright orange plastic! The rest I can't truly explain what it was, I offered it to my dining partner, in which he accepted graciously. For it was time for me to end my tour, as a result of a moped."

2008-06-19T02:35:00.001-07:00

http://ping.fm/3zRhe Hillarious Yelp of Washoe County Jail!

2008-06-15T12:48:00.001-07:00

Just so you don't miss the next huge Reno Party August 22 Nikki Beach: Details -->http://ping.fm/4Z9fC

Pre-Playa Music Festival, August 22, 2008

2008-06-15T12:46:00.001-07:00

Pre-Playa Music Festival, Aug 22

Don't arrive all tired to Burning Man this year. Stop in Reno for Reno Passport Magazine's Pre-Playa Music Festival featuring djs from the west coast. The event will be held the Friday before Burning Man at Nikki Beach (an outdoor venue) and Pearl Champagne Lounge in the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV. There will be 8 DJ acts which will run from 8pm to 6am. We are planning a mix of local Reno, Seattle, and San Francisco based DJs. Fire performances by Controlled Burn.

Confirmed acts include:
AnaSia (3WS/SF)
GT (Champagne & Bacon/Reno)
Robb Green (Shameless/SF)
Jen Woolfe (Qool Seattle/Dreemworld)
Mozaic (Nexus/SF)
Coop da Loop (Surly/Reno)
Aaron Jae (Evil Breaks/Space Cowboys/SF)

Call the Grand Sierra Resort today for your $49 rooms 800-501-2651. Tell them that you are attending the Aug 22 Event at Nikki Beach. All burners get $49 rooms before and after Burning Man. There will be a designated mutant vehicle exposition area in the lot. This event is being produced by Reno Passport Magazine, a free grassroots entertainment guide serving the Reno Area. We are excited to provide a fun staging area in Reno before the gates at Burning Man open on Sunday Aug 24. Check out our website www.renopassport.com for additional info on our magazine.

contact steve@renopassport.com if you would like to get involved in the event. Artisan vendor booths are available.

www.renopassport.blogspot.com

Oliver X Model Piece

2008-06-09T18:52:00.001-07:00

Check out the latest by Oliver X on renopassport.blogspot.com an interesting book being released this summer!

2008-06-09T18:51:00.001-07:00

Check out the latest by Oliver X on renopassport.blogspot.com an interesting book being released this summer!

Spare Change

2008-05-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

As many of you have come to find out, I really detest people always asking for change. Well today it hit a new low, I met a gentleman at Earth Day and he said he was running, and will be the next Mayor of Reno. He calls me at the shop today asking for a hundred dollars so he won't get evicted. I mean I thought this guy was laughable at earth day for his claim, but I have yet to have someone I hardly know call me up and expect money. I kind of do hope that he does become the mayor of Reno, just so I can remind him of our earlier conversation. Over the last couple months I have been strategical gluing coins and full dollars to sidewalks. I realize I'm going to hell for this, there isn't the slightest doubt in my mind about this fact either. Its wrong but funny, and gets me through many days. I have even ventured out to getting people to do push ups, jumping jacks, fetching a stick, and picking up garbage for spare change. I work hard for what I have, and I think other people should too. Its that simple, and with everything happening with economy the onset of a recession, get a job fools its not getting any easier. During the coffee shop gig I can count at least 50 people a day walking by that if I were in or near there path they would be asking me for change, and then come the motivated ones who wait on the outskirts of our parking lot and rush in when someone pulls in. I will chase you off with a flyswatter, and post about it on twitter and its an electric flyswatter at that! Ive started coming up with all these unique phrases or way to deal with team spare change, the most effective way is ask them for change first. Your met by a look of utter shock, followed by damn I was going to ask you the same thing. You may also here the famous my car ran out of gas line, and following it up with oh what kind of car, where is the car, or now lets be honest there is no car, creates quality reactions. Now if it is a kid asking for change I cave and give in, that's just sad, and I hate seeing it. Which this really gets me the other day I was handing out passports at the Rush show and a security guard working for the RSCVA told me it was illegal to be handing out Reno Passports but was allowing people to ask for spare change! Honestly what was that about I wish I would of taken a picture of this guy, I want to make shirts. I make his official title Defender of Spare Change Parasites. The best thing is the first thing he does is whips out his badge. Side idea of the moment I'm going to get my own Reno Passport Badge! It will make my Penis grow 2 inches, ego swell two fold, and no one fucks with a man with a badge. What would he do if I pulled out a badge too? Do they cancel each other out? Honestly neither of them mean anything anyways so that's it I'm determined to find myself my own badge to flash, because as previously stated badges equals a larger penis. Which the best part of the whole day was the fact that the RSCVA security guard had a stunning resemblance to the Austrian Horror Dungeon man. They could of been twins, I swear it, even better shirt idea in the works. Yes from this day on so carrying my camera with me where ever I go, and going to buy a charger and cable for the thing. This is going to be trouble, I think I have been spending too much time reading Mr Jerz's blog, just got sucked in again! OK enough of my own blogging and time to read others cheers.

2008-05-03T13:25:00.001-07:00

My first blog; I have had a million ideas of what to do after this point but its first one must set the standard! I'm very privileged in this world. I came to realize this last night after sharing a beer with a man that I have an enormous amount of respect for and the value I place on his friendship and advise grows with each encounter. I'm finding that I'm discovering more and more of these valued friendships. We can be honest there are a lot of people we all know but few people that make us eager and excited to be around. Some may call it positive energy i just think of them as people who make me want to be a better person by being in their presence. I have found that these people all share common traits of energy, honesty, genuine, intelligent, and collaboration. All though I may call myself an expert on words, words could never capture the true value of these people. I've had a life full of challenges, each one making me stronger and really making me the person I have become. The very first breath I took was too big and popped my right lung, I also had a kinked pulmonary vein, and by the time I hit 12 days old I had experienced open heart surgery, and a popped lung. I pulled through all right and had a good life growing up with a sturdy family, and just because you love them doesn't mean you like them. As I grew up I always was the kid the nerds picked on, which I could of very well been a kid who brought a gun to school. I was mistreated in many ways which I don't think I will ever be comfortable describing, but truly wish for a day that no other person has to experience the things I did. I had friends I did stuff in high school, then college came and was really just a glorified babysitting environment. I started out as a Biochemistry student, and I was wicked good at it but never liked the social aspect. You were forced to be around other bio chem people because they were the only ones who knew what the hell you were talking about, and biochemistry people suck for friends. I was always getting the look in class and in the lab because of colour jokes, they made me laugh. Which at this point I was a DJ on Mix 95.5 now known as Magic 95.5 as the very humble TJ Fallon. Yes very humble is quite sarcastic, I was 20 years old and had a popular night time radio gig, was making a good name, and that was the first time experiencing a drive and understanding my own potential. I knew nothing about radio and with-in 6 months I had people emailing me for advise. Part of the radio gig was an all Reno Radio Blood Drive, and I fucking hate needles. Let me say that again I fucking hate needles and was told my job depended on me giving blood. I caved and needless to say a week before the 21st birthday a letter came from United Blood Service that literally said "You have been discovered to have Hepatitis C, this is a terminal illness, have a nice day, and don't ever donate blood again." I felt the right thing to do was notify my employer Citadel Communication of the situation and was awarded on my birthday with a nice pink slip, didn't want to pay for the insurance. That was also the first day I started Chemo Therapy. Little background Hepatitis C has three different Genotypes American = Bad, European = Not as bad, but still bad, and Asian Pacific = can be cured with chemo. Well talk about winning the jackpot, then the mystery of how in the hell did I get this came up. Most people contract Hep C from Cocaine blood on the end of the straw, never touched the stuff, injection drugs, hate fucking needles, very bloody sex usual of the anal reference, well wasn't getting any so the mystery continued. Ended up being the blood transfusion from my heart surgery totally tainted. Which then came with a crucial decision to sue or not to sue well I just called the hospital and told them what was going on and they ended up flipping the bill, and in all honesty they didn't have a test for Hep C till 91 surgery in 82. I think that was the best decision I ever made. Chemo sucks, if I ever have to do it again not a fucking chance in hell, would rather die, and if you know anyone suffering from Chemo its very lonely and the best medication was a loving hand on the shoulder. I just realized its almost been 2 years to the day I have been done with that stuff. Finished an English degree of language and linguistics from a bed with only being able to move two fingers at time. Learned origami to get the movement back in my hands, and got a new perspective on who I could be. Started riding a bike, went back to school for a communications degree, and got involved in Collegiate 4-H. I'm going to warn you this next aspect is a tear jerker. I had grown up raising pigs, and did all sorts of leadership shit in 4-H, which was nothing more then working for adults who were going for the volunteer of the year award. Anyhow I had developed a lot of relationships with different people in the world of 4-H and since I was over 21 I could be a chaperon at a summer camp. Told them was on chemo can't do much, but they just need the male adult. As it turned out me going up to 4-H camp turned out to be the best experience of my life. Many of teens I had grown up with in some fashion usually them looking up to me and always knew me as fun and rowdy, always the guy with a lot of energy. Then they saw me in a wheelchair and wasn't the person they all knew. The first day I was left on the sidelines and I had gone to bed early and that night the teens got together with the other adults and asked if it would be OK to change the 4-H camp so it could involve me. The next day I woke up with the entire camp waiting for me and to applause, and the rest of the week I had kids and teenagers take the time to make me feel better. This wasn't an idea of an adult but of a collection of 14-17 year old's, and the most awarding aspect of the whole thing was them coming together as a group which is what 4-H teaches. They didn't have to and they did, in the darkest time of my life came the brightest happiest part ever. That experience lead me to going to New Jersey for two years, writing my thesis on communicating leadership aspects to teenage youth, and that storey has yet to be told with out tears from me or the ears it falls on. 4-H make a difference, make the best better all their catchy catch phrases but it was the perfect inlet for showing teens what the effect of reaching out to one person had. I wasn't doing what I did in 4-H because I wanted to help people but to give back for what others had done for me. I finished school Last Friday defending that very thesis, which ended up being used as the national 4-H youth leadership model for summer camps across the nation. I have met so many good people through out the last several years and even with all the challenges I have faced I value them all for molding me into what I am. I'm very fortunate because it has never ended and I'm discovering new outstanding people every day. I have hope for this world, that one day we all look out for each other, and the only thing better then the day we are living, is how it leads into the next. Thank you for taking the time to let me share all this with you. Man blogging is amazing!