Raven Jake Dawes

Basin-Wide Spirit Magazine Fall 2008

I'd like to give a special shout out to Kelly O'Sullivan of the Hi-Desert Star in Yucca Valley. Her "What's in a Name?" project turned her to the very odd name of New Dixie Mine Road and eventually that made its way into Basin-Wide Spirit, their seasonal magazine. Kurt Schauppner was the reporter for this project, and we're also pleased as can be that our friend Tony Soares, an awesome traditional potter, is also included for his work with the Desert Institute in Joshua Tree. Check out the new Basin-Wide Spirit for Fall 2008 online: http://www.hidesertstar.com/special_section/69/

Page 15 of the Hi-Desert Star

Damien Hirst's Bling Skull

Diamond skull

From Reuters: “British artist Damien Hirst revealed his latest work of art at the White Cube Gallery in London, June 1, 2007. “For the Love of God” is a life-size cast of a human skull in platinum and covered by 8,601 pave-set diamonds weighing 1,106.18 carats. The single large diamond in the middle of the forehead is reportedly worth $4.2 million alone. Hirst financed the project himself, and estimates it cost between 10 and 15 million. Of course, it will cost someone a pretty penny to own the work: It’s priced at $99 million. But given the cult-like following for Hirst’s previous works — and corresponding financial takings — some hedge fund manager, and closet Hirst fan, may shell out the cash for the diamond-crusted skull.”

For those of you unfamiliar with Damien Hirst, he's the guy who does large animals in formaldehyde - sharks and cows, mostly. Apparently this gnarly item sold on Aug. 31, 2007 for $100 million to a private investment company for cash, leaving no paper trail. Yeah, I believe that too. Happy Halloween.

The Coachella Valley Preseve

 

Coachella_preserve_1

The Coachella Valley Preserve, better known as the 1000 Palms Oasis, is one of the better kept secrets of the Coachella Valley. Ostensibly created as the last habitat for the fringe-toed lizard, Uma inornata, a cute little guy who is sadly endangered, the preserve is just that - preserving the desert before developers get to it.

The history of the oasis is just fascinatin' - the Cahuilla had the place for at least 600 years, then they were run off by the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1876. In 1900 it was homesteaded by Albert "Alkali" Thornburg and in 1905 he sold it to Luis Wilhelm for a wagon and two mules. Wilhem made some improvements, but most of them  - including the cabin which is now the visitor's center - were made by his 12th child, Paul (1909-1994), who built some vacation cabins there. Paul was the one who got together with other property owner in the area to create the preserve. It's a great place to spend the day and features lots of hiking trails. There's no camping.

The Coachella Valley Preserve Website

 

 

Coachella_Preserve_2

 

Palm Tree Totem

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visitor Center

 

Fringe Toed Lizard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1000 Palms Oasis