Today marks the first day of Burning Man 2004. I won't be going to Black Rock City this year, but to all my friends who are, I wish you a good burn. Those of us sitting it out this year can amuse ourselves with tales of the playa's past.

1996: Burning the Man
"At Burning Man there are no observers ... only participants."

1997: The Book of Burning Man
"This year we took the posting to the playa."