Elaine Stewart, Palm Springs Real Estate

Nestled in the awe inspiring foothills of the San Jacinto and San Gorgonio mountains, lies the Morongo Indian Reservation. As one of nine reservations set in 1865 by President Grant, the Morongo Indians have since built their homes, and their fathers, after them. Generation after generation has passed through those 32,000 acres and have lived, loved, breathed, and died culture, freedom, and a determination to make a better way of life for each new generation.

September 28, 29, and 30 were prime examples of some of this culture and heritage we know so little about. The 17th annual pow wow of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians involving some of the most amazing displays of courage, beauty, sportsmanship and a willingness to allow us a view of their private world.

What is a pow wow, you may ask? These pow wows as we have mistakenly defined as something involving a meeting of Indians, no matter concerning the issues. We could not be more wrong. Just as non-Indians have simple meetings, family picnics, traditions, and reunions, the same is relevant with Indians. Pow wows are celebrations, sometimes of simply their heritage, and the pride they hold for it. Others are held for religious reasons, or honoring and naming ceremonies. Be it a new or old reason, their 17th annual pow wow included dancing, fellowship and ceremonies alike.

Some of the categories that offered contests were bird singing, peon games, drum categories, and dance categories. Showing not only skill and beauty, but also creativity and function. Here you are able to observe and learn a way of life that encourages a closeness with the Earth, and a general kindness to all of those around you. They have opened their doors, giving a glimpse to us of a world that is steeped in history, culture and tradition.

Imagine a beautiful moon, a cool evening, and a raging bonfire. Solemnly, the dances are laid out for all to see as the drums pound out their monotonous beat to keep time for the intricate steps that are part of a dance. These dances tell stories, some sad, some lovely and others are simply a way of showing the beauty of the Morongo Indian dances. Here is a chance for you to immerse yourself in a completely different culture, experience first hand some of the fascinating culture our country almost lost when the East coast Indians were being relocated further and further West. See up close the beauty of their personal designs in both crafts and clothing and in their arts and creations.

If you are looking for culture and heritage, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians 17th Annual Pow Wow is an excellent choice to see things a little differently, see the world through their eyes. Envision a land that was once so very different from the land as we know it, and you will see the homes of their fore fathers, and their fathers before them. Take a mini trip back in time with the Morongo Indians, and experience one of the most beautiful and tradition ruled cultures. Thank you to the Morongo Band of Mission Indians for giving us a glimpse of your wonderful culture and tradition.

Imagine the noise, the crowd is going wild, the smell of fresh cooked hot dogs, roasted peanuts, and popcorn is everywhere! Where are you? Palm Springs Stadium is where you should be, completely losing yourself in the joy of one of America's favorite past times -- baseball.

Palm Springs Power Baseball has formed teams annually, with returning players helping to earn the love of fans all over. They play baseball and collect toys among many other things. Most recently was their "Christmas in July" game that requested the help of fans to gather loads of toys to be sent to Toys for Tots for Christmas. With the help of their mascot, Rocky the Ram, and all the "power fans", dozens of toys were gathered to give. The Palm Springs Power compete in the Southern California Collegiate Baseball Association, which consists of six teams - East L.A. Dodgers, So Cal Bears (Fontana), California Glory (Ontario), Fire (Orange County), and Saints (Dominguez Hills).

This power baseball reaches out to the community at large, and offers an activity involving good family fun and enjoyment for everyone. Here you are able to see some terrific baseball players and some great baseball action! They are often found raising money, planning toy drives, or donating to the community. The power baseball players want to their community to be strong, happy and taken care of. The doors are open to everyone, young, old, single, married, kids or not -- they just want more power fans to rock the stadium and raise the cheers!

Last season was a fabulous year for them, and they ended the season on a good note with a great finish of 37-11. This improved their 4 year overall record to 137 wins and only 59 losses giving them an awesome percentage of .700. For those of you that love and enjoy one of America's favorite sports, here at Palm Springs Power Baseball there is fun, food, and entertainment to be had for all. You get to see new players in a new season, giving some of their best to the sport as well as returning players that have become favorites of the power fans over the years. With the help of the fans, power baseball has rapidly become a popular way to enjoy the baseball season with an emphasis on community and fun.

With returning manager, Estevan Valencia having signed on for the 2008 season, a familiar face will be there to ensure a great season including new and old players as well as the most important factor of new and old power fans. The fans here are encouraged to participate in the games by giving support for their home team and by enjoying themselves for the duration of the season.

The new season in 2008 holds hopes for an even better time, higher averages, more fun, and new power fans. For a full schedule plan, general information, or any other Power Baseball facts you would like to know, you can find them at: http://www.palmspringspowerbaseball.com/ where the real fans know the right stuff!

Whether you are a local resident or a traveling visitor to Palm Springs, you are welcome at the Palm Springs Stadium. You, your family, your friends, and neighbors. Come out and show your support for Palm Springs Power Baseball and for the men and women trying to build a community sport, community togetherness, and community fun! Join the fun and proudly carry your title of power fan in the 2008 season. Tell me about your local team!

Are you searching for a new way to liven up your life? Maybe experience something you have never done before? Desert Adventures' Red jeep tours is waiting to take you on a truly amazing journey, located mainly within 15 minutes from most Palm Springs resorts. Whether you are the company CEO, and looking for a way to build your employees' team work rating, or you are on holiday at one of the fabulous resorts located around Palm Springs, Indian Wells, or La Quinta, to name a few, Desert Adventures' Ranch has something to keep everyone content.

The desert may seem plain and somber to an outsider looking in, but here at Desert Adventures, you will have a chance to view the desert through a new set of eyes. Explore the beauty and might of the beautiful desert, journeying with us on a red jeep tour through some of the most beautiful areas of the desert, located on our 1000 acre private desert preserve.

Desert Adventures' Team-building programs offer a great opportunity for companies trying to encourage team work within their employee ranks. By endeavoring to give them challenges they are forced to handle as a team and yet allowing them to enjoy the beauty of nature and one another's company in a relaxed atmosphere. It will definitely build physical and mental strength in those that visit the ranch.

Hosting a company Desert Discovery party here is also welcome, using the perfected programs that are tailored to meet the individual needs of each and every group that comes. The proof of perfection lies in the 80+% of repeat customers that pass through those doors each year and the variety shown for each planned activity only serves to show the insistence of Desert Adventures to make their ranch your first choice for a red jeep tour, team-building event, a planned party, or a simple desert get-away weekend. They hold the needs and desires of the client as the top order of business, and in doing so have served many satisfied clients in the 20 years they have been open for business.

What you want and what you are looking for determines what you will find at Desert Adventures. They boast mind boggling tours that give you an up close first class look at the unbelievable Joshua Tree National Park and the San Andreas fault, two of the most amazing geological wonders.

Boasting as recipients of numerous local, regional, and national awards in excellence of operation, business, and customer satisfaction, Desert Adventures would like to add you to their list of clientèle. Nowhere else can you expect to find such spacious surroundings as well as the delight in finding something amazing and breathtaking to pass your time each day you spend there. The journey is well worth it, and the location alone will have you mesmerized at the beauty of the surrounding desert while you enjoy the ambiance of it all. Come experience the awe inspiring desert by hiking or indulging in a red jeep tour -- experience Desert Adventures' Ranch where the desert comes alive. Call Mary now at (760) 494-0416. Get More Information at: http://www.red-jeep.com/

To receive up to a $20.00 pp discount go to http://www.red-jeep.com/jeep_tours.html

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Article by: Elaine Stewart - Your Palm Springs Real Estate Expert: http://www.investdesert.com/

The Modernism of Palm Springs' Renowned Architect, Albert Frey

Palm Spring's own Albert Frey (1903-1998), an internationally-renowned architect, left his signature throughout the desert during his career. Many of his projects, whether they were schools, public buildings, commercial sites or ranch style combined his ideas of modernism and commercialism. As he often stated, he could not have practiced his lifetime devotion to his profession without keeping his business's door open.

He lived in Palm Springs from 1934 to his death, from a time when there were 1500 residents in the bustling city it is today. He became involved in the city through a partner. When he arrived, he fell in love with the area, especially the Santa Rosa Mountains. He never left Palm Springs. He married a local belle, Marianne Cook. Naturally, one of his first projects was building a home for the two of them.

Frey combined the two threads of modernism and realism in his architectural style. He designed for people who wanted ranch style homes or city officials who wanted a Mediterranean style building. But, as he worked, he always tried to incorporate modernism in his design.

His design process began in his mind. He then sketched his thoughts on paper. Finally and frequently, he made models. One of these models was for the Tramway Gas Station. City officials could not visualize what he had in mind. He wanted to design an impressive and unique entry building for Palm Springs, not just another Spanish colonial building.

When controversies regarding the gas station erupted years later, Frey entered the discussion. He believed it should be turned into the Palm Springs Visitor Center

Frey used new materials such as glass, corrugated materials and aluminum. The use of these new materials would probably not be approved by Palm Springs building materials today. His contributions to the city were great nonetheless. He was, in his time and place, one of the giants of local, national and international architecture even though he never attempted to rise to the level of fame he ultimately achieved.

In fact, it was because he stayed here and worked in Palm Springs that some of the city architecture was recognized as being at the forefront of the modernism of its times. Many came to study with Frey as he had done earlier before his arrival in the City.

When one speaks of architecture in the Desert, the first name mentioned is Albert Frey.

Photos courtesy of R. Christian Anderson Photography and Design

So many people visit Palm Springs each year that it is hard to go anywhere in the world without people knowing about the city. Most of the people that come to Palm Springs to live or buy a second home or vacation home are merely tourists who visited and fell in love with it here. Who wouldn't fall in love with Palm Springs, as there is so many activities here, but you probably already know that.

What you may not know is that the Palm Springs Air Museum, next door to the Palm Spring's Corporate Jet Center and across the runway from the main completely remodeled air terminal is a flying museum. Nearly all the antique and WWII vintage aircraft fly. These aircraft fly often and there are frequent events going on all the time. The Air Museum also hosts traveling exhibits like the Leonardo DaVinci working model museum.

The Air Museum is staffed with volunteers, all local and they know their airplanes. There is an Aviation Library up stairs, as well as a working simulator for "friends of the museum" club members. The gift shop has every type of museum gift imaginable for the aviation, military and space enthusiast in your family. And don't forget, everything still flys here.

Palm Springs Airport sits on a special Trade Zone designation, as it is an International Airport with connection daily flights to just about anywhere on Planet Earth. Whether you are flying in on one of the many daily non-stop flights, a connecting flight or in your own private aircraft or private fractional jet, Palm Springs Airport has it all.

The Air Museum is a class-act and how befitting it is to have them right here in our own backyard.

Do you like to shop, watch movies, golf, fly, eat at the finest restaurants; then come visit us soon. If you love aviation and golf or just one of those two, then let it be known Palm Springs is the place for you? When was the last time you visited Palm Springs? Do you have a second home here or a vacation home?