The Integratron is a building – or a ‘device’ – built entirely without nails in Landers, California, near Joshua Tree. It was designed by aeronautic engineer George van Tassel, who finished the main structure in 1959, but left the building unfinished at the time of his death in 1978.
The story of the building of the structure and it’s funding makes for interesting reading, as does the history of its dilapidation until it was finally purchased by the Karl sisters – Joanne, Nancy, and Patty – and restored, with the upper structure finally completed in the early 21st century. They now promote the Integratron as an “acoustically perfect structure” and state that the building is “currently being explored in the areas of Science, Architecture, Neuroacoustics, Music, Energy healing, Alternative health and Spirituality.” Continue reading

KSEE is reporting that the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument have already implemented early fire restrictions, starting back on May 1, 2013.
The paving project at he Donner Memorial State Park appears to be moving forward on schedule. Unfortunately, they’re repaving the main entrance to the park starting on May 1st and continuing through May 15th. The GOOD news is that the park hasn’t opened for the season yet – that happens on May 24th – so camping won’t be affected. The bad news is that the main entrance and museum are closed. If you’re a pedestrian or a bicyclist, you can still use the alternative entrances to get into the park.
When the United States Department of Agriculture released its Visual Standards Guide back in January, it contained the ominous phrase ‘agency logos are being phased out and replaced with a standardized signature model to be adopted by all USDA agencies.’