LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
- Elderberry
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LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
WOW I thought this was over and done with, but it seems like it's just getting started.
LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
If you've been around for a while, you probably remember La Contessa, the magnificent Spanish Galleon that used to famously roam the playa, blowing minds wherever she went ... well, here's an update on the impending court case since she was maliciously set on fire. Katy Bell writes:
"friends,
for those of you who remember the La Contessa, below is an update of the case involving her demise. the trial is set for july 30.
though our steadfast legal superhero, paul quade, is working pro-bono on the case, there are still some costs to cover (relocating greg and simon to reno for a month, costs for transporting and sheltering/feeding witnesses, covering the lawyer's expenses to subpoena witnesses and other small expenses). we had a benefit, but didn't raise quite enough.
we have a paypal account: LaContessaLegalFund@gmail.com . if you are moved, we are humbly accepting donations in any amount. we need about $4000. if you donate, please make a note to us with your mailing address and you will receive a special gift with our kind regards.
please take a minute to read the press release below. join our facebook page, friends of la contessa. share your stories, feel free to post pictures. we are looking to re-enliven the magic this ship inspired in the people who saw her, rode her, and loved her. feel free to share this post with any friends or relevant lists.
i kindly thank you for your time and attention,
katy bell
For further information and updates please visit the Friends of La
Contessa on Facebook (http://on.fb.me/Kf5PR2)."
LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
If you've been around for a while, you probably remember La Contessa, the magnificent Spanish Galleon that used to famously roam the playa, blowing minds wherever she went ... well, here's an update on the impending court case since she was maliciously set on fire. Katy Bell writes:
"friends,
for those of you who remember the La Contessa, below is an update of the case involving her demise. the trial is set for july 30.
though our steadfast legal superhero, paul quade, is working pro-bono on the case, there are still some costs to cover (relocating greg and simon to reno for a month, costs for transporting and sheltering/feeding witnesses, covering the lawyer's expenses to subpoena witnesses and other small expenses). we had a benefit, but didn't raise quite enough.
we have a paypal account: LaContessaLegalFund@gmail.com . if you are moved, we are humbly accepting donations in any amount. we need about $4000. if you donate, please make a note to us with your mailing address and you will receive a special gift with our kind regards.
please take a minute to read the press release below. join our facebook page, friends of la contessa. share your stories, feel free to post pictures. we are looking to re-enliven the magic this ship inspired in the people who saw her, rode her, and loved her. feel free to share this post with any friends or relevant lists.
i kindly thank you for your time and attention,
katy bell
For further information and updates please visit the Friends of La
Contessa on Facebook (http://on.fb.me/Kf5PR2)."
JK

http://www.mudskippercafe.com
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle.
Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me

http://www.mudskippercafe.com
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle.
Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me
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Re: LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
"Like us on Facebook!" Actually I did. I hope they win.
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- Elderberry
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Re: LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
Me too!
JK

http://www.mudskippercafe.com
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle.
Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me

http://www.mudskippercafe.com
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle.
Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me
- Box Burner
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Re: LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT



Dance in the heart of chaos. . . . .
ὁ δὲ ἀνεξέταστος βίος οὐ βιωτὸς ἀνθρώπῳ
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --- Σωκράτης
.
ὁ δὲ ἀνεξέταστος βίος οὐ βιωτὸς ἀνθρώπῳ
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --- Σωκράτης
.
- Elderberry
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Re: LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
There's also some side story about the mast head, something like her being stolen before the boat was burned. Maybe somebody in the know can add some history to the mystery. I believe there's even a good side story about how she came to be.
JK

http://www.mudskippercafe.com
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle.
Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me

http://www.mudskippercafe.com
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle.
Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me
- theCryptofishist
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Re: LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
I've forgotten the details, but yes the figurehead was stolen, and thereby missed being burned. And I guess they got it back as well.
What I remember about the Contessa was when she was broken--driving too fast over a playa snake? I don't really remember the details, except that she was going too fast. Apparently, that was often the case...
What I remember about the Contessa was when she was broken--driving too fast over a playa snake? I don't really remember the details, except that she was going too fast. Apparently, that was often the case...
The Lady with a Lamprey
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
Re: LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
here is the side of the story from danger ranger:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10111/64247595/
They were running out on the open playa at night. The pilot left the bridge for a few minutes and the helmsman below deck couldn't see the approaching shoreline in the darkness. The starboard hull was ripped out as LaContessa shuddered to a stop, pitching everyone on board several feet. It was sheer luck that the few injuries were minor. As the ticket says; you assume the risk...
an image showing the broken bus undercarriage:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10111/6348504227/
La Contess runs aground 9 miles northwest of Black Rock City on August 31, 2005.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10111/64247595/
They were running out on the open playa at night. The pilot left the bridge for a few minutes and the helmsman below deck couldn't see the approaching shoreline in the darkness. The starboard hull was ripped out as LaContessa shuddered to a stop, pitching everyone on board several feet. It was sheer luck that the few injuries were minor. As the ticket says; you assume the risk...
an image showing the broken bus undercarriage:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10111/6348504227/
La Contess runs aground 9 miles northwest of Black Rock City on August 31, 2005.
Don't link to anything here!
- Elderberry
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Re: LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
Ya, I think I remember reading that she was actually banned from the event because of reckless driving and racing.
JK

http://www.mudskippercafe.com
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle.
Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me

http://www.mudskippercafe.com
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle.
Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me
Re: LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
Article on the trial starting next week:
http://www.sfbg.com/politics/2012/07/24/burning-man-challenged-la-contessa-arson-trial-begins
http://www.sfbg.com/politics/2012/07/24/burning-man-challenged-la-contessa-arson-trial-begins
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Re: LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
Meh.
Amazing desert structures & stuff: http://sites.google.com/site/potatotrap/
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- Bless
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Re: LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
lemur wrote:La Contess runs aground 9 miles northwest of Black Rock City on August 31, 2005.
How did they get her so far north of BRC?
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Re: LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
Bless wrote:lemur wrote:La Contess runs aground 9 miles northwest of Black Rock City on August 31, 2005.
How did they get her so far north of BRC?
Danger Ranger wrote:They were running out on the open playa at night.
They took her outside of the city, but I don't know how they got the okay to leave the city. Honestly not sure if it was a problem back in '05.
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- theCryptofishist
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Re: LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
I think it was. There was a certain amount of anti-Contessa feeling in some of the volunteers I camped with that year. I don't really remember details, but they had a reputation for not being respectful of the rules.
The Lady with a Lamprey
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
- Bless
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Re: LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
I thought I read somewhere about them circling Center Camp in contravention of the rules and cruising at night without a permit.
FUCK YOU, I'M A WIZARD. FUCK YOU, I'M A SHARK.
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Re: LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
So is there any new news or is this just internet necrophilia? 

"Burning Man ruined my life as I knew it, and I have never been happier." -mgb327
"BTW I'm not your wife so don't lie to me." -Ratty
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- Bless
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Re: LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
MyDearFriend wrote:So is there any new news or is this just internet necrophilia?
the latter
FUCK YOU, I'M A WIZARD. FUCK YOU, I'M A SHARK.
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Re: LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
Bless wrote:MyDearFriend wrote:So is there any new news or is this just internet necrophilia?
the latter
*smooch*
Worth revisiting, for the lost love. Thank you.
"Burning Man ruined my life as I knew it, and I have never been happier." -mgb327
"BTW I'm not your wife so don't lie to me." -Ratty
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Re: LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
Elderberry wrote:WOW I thought this was over and done with, but it seems like it's just getting started.
Settled. And, the creators of La Contessa have to pay attorney fees to the guy who burned it.
So fkked!
https://news.artnet.com/people/nevada-court-burning-man-ship-not-art-515081?utm_campaign=artnetnews&utm_source=061216daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=artnet%20News%20Daily%20Newsletter
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Re: LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
It was appalling when it happened (and the vehicle was beautiful but all kinds of unsafe) The story and case probably underscores the need to be careful where you store art & equipment of value, get things in writing and insured, etc.
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Re: LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
A sad ending to an adventurous and amazing art piece. My La Contessa story...Night...2005...The only time I've been kidnapped on playa was after I offered to bring my welder out to help the guys working on La Contessa.... Once they turned me down the crew of the Freudian Ship who were standing by in the shadows kidnapped me back to my camp via Toyota Land Cruiser and I helped repair and install a steering component on their ship. I rode with them for hours and hours that night, thought I'd lost my bike, found it and then had a moment at the temple. I ended up watching the sun rise from the temple steps after a group of us pushed a stalled 4 wheeler out of the view. Glad I got to see La Contessa. That's for sure.
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Re: LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
Mine is less glamorous. The ship was clearly speeding and nearly hit me in 2005 as I was pedaling my bike in broad daylight as I was crossing the open playa (I was going straight, it suddenly turned in towards me). When I got clear and circled back to shout towards the driver, he or she or someone else on board shouted back an apology "sorry, can't see a thing!" I really wanted to like it, before my first trip to the playa in 2004 it was the first piece of "holy shit that's cool" art I saw in any of my friends' pictures.
I saw it a few more times that week, always parked. Each time I was either aboard our own vehicle, or in a rush to get someplace on bike/foot. I wish I'd taken the time to go over and come aboard if I could.
I saw it a few more times that week, always parked. Each time I was either aboard our own vehicle, or in a rush to get someplace on bike/foot. I wish I'd taken the time to go over and come aboard if I could.
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Re: LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
Yes it was amazing
and yes also dangerous
thank you again and always for your clarity Trilo
and yes also dangerous
thank you again and always for your clarity Trilo
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Re: LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
The pictures are gorgeous, but somehow don't do it justice.
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Re: LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
trilobyte wrote:The pictures are gorgeous, but somehow don't do it justice.
Quite true.
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Re: LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
From what little I have known about the case, I have been thinking that Mr. Stewart may have been in the wrong to some degree or other. But this new information (from the article liked-to above) changes things:
Again, this is based on what little I know, which may very well be incomplete. But if the original owner, the friend of the artists, abandoned the land, that -- seems to me -- would have been the time for her and the artists to deal with the new situation.
Leaving an item of value on land that will be auctioned off by the county for unpaid property taxes (or similarly/otherwise offered up for new ownership), is surely an unwise choice.
Following La Contessa's use at the festival, Cheffins and Jones had stored it on land owned by their friend with her permission. When the property owner's home burned down, she abandoned the land and Stewart eventually acquired the rights to it, disposing of the piece.
Again, this is based on what little I know, which may very well be incomplete. But if the original owner, the friend of the artists, abandoned the land, that -- seems to me -- would have been the time for her and the artists to deal with the new situation.
Leaving an item of value on land that will be auctioned off by the county for unpaid property taxes (or similarly/otherwise offered up for new ownership), is surely an unwise choice.
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Re: LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
A practical legal update for those interested.
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Re: LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT
Elliot wrote:Again, this is based on what little I know, which may very well be incomplete. But if the original owner, the friend of the artists, abandoned the land, that -- seems to me -- would have been the time for her and the artists to deal with the new situation.
Leaving an item of value on land that will be auctioned off by the county for unpaid property taxes (or similarly/otherwise offered up for new ownership), is surely an unwise choice.
I agree.
FUCK YOU, I'M A WIZARD. FUCK YOU, I'M A SHARK.
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