Coachella Valley Weekly - January 15 to January 21, 2015 Vol. 3 No. 43

News

Music

Movies

Dining

Community Events

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com • January 15 to January 21, 2015 Vol. 3 No. 43

Make-A-Wish

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Gene Evaro Jr.

pg 12

Andy Cahan

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JT’s Diner

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Desert Distilling

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January 15 to January 21, 2015

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January 15 to January 21, 2015

WOMEN LEADERS FORUM “WOMEN WHO RULE” AWARDS LUNCHEON

Coachella Valley Weekly

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com facebook.com/cvweekly

760.501.6228

Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Alaina Majiros, Raymond Bill, Jorge Gutierrez, Edward L. Prichard III Classified Manager & Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Features Writer Lisa Morgan, Judith Salkin, Denise Ortuno Neil, Heidi Simmons, Kira Golden, Rich Henrich Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Craig Michaels, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Rachel Montoya, Angela Janus, Janet McAfee, Dale Gribow, Raymond Bill, Jack St. Clair, Rob Brezny, Eleni P. Austin, Noe Gutierrez, Sunny Simon, Karen Creasy, Richard Weiss, Dr. Peter Kadile, Dr. Maria Lombardo, Bruce Cathcart, Julie Buehler, Flint Wheeler, Laura Hunt Little, Rebecca Pikus, Monica Morones Photographers Laura Hunt Little, Scott Pam, Lani Garfield, Chris Miller/ Imagine Imagery, La Maniaca Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

Contents

WLF Women Who Rule! Luncheon..........3 PSIFF Wrap up...........................................5 PSIFF Audience Favorites........................5 PSIFF: Grand Street..................................7 PSIFF: The Sound of Redemption...........7 Don’t Be Cluless In The CV.......................8 Art of Conversation: Albert Berger........9 Theatre- “An Ideal Husband”..................9 Make-A-Wish Foundation .....................10 Free HIV Testing at Walgreens ..............11 LMS - Gene Evaro Jr................................12 LMS - Andy Cahan..................................13 Consider This - Psycho SIsters...............14 Art - Cathedral City Cove.......................15 Pet Place..................................................16 The Vino Voice........................................17 Club Crawler Nightlife...........................18 Screeners................................................22 Book Review...........................................23 Art Under The Umbrellas.......................26 Local Business - Desert Distilling.........26 Haddon Libby: It’s All Local...................27 Dale Gribow............................................27 Safety Tips...............................................28 ShareKitchen..........................................28 Sports Scene...........................................29 Sports......................................................29 Health & Fitness.....................................30 Free Will Astrology.................................31 Mind, Body & Spirit................................31 Life & Career Coach................................32 Ask...........................................................32 Comics - Weiss Cracks............................34

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ickets are on sale now for Women Leaders Forum (WLF) of the Coachella Valley’s 3rd Annual “Women Who Rule” Fundraiser. Trina Turk, Peggy Cravens, Selby Dunham and Fern Rudd will be honored for their extraordinary community leadership, public service, commitment to education and visionary entrepreneurship on Friday, January 30th, 2015 at the Agua Caliente Resort Spa (32250 Bob Hope Dr., Rancho Mirage).

“We are pleased to be able to pay tribute to this year’s honorees,” said luncheon chair and past WLF President Amy Blaisdell. “These women serve as tremendous role models and are an inspiration to our WLF members, the young women we mentor and the entire Coachella Valley.”

This spectacular valley-wide celebration pays tribute to women achieving the highest level of success and those making a difference in our community. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. with an elegant champagne reception and spectacular silent auction, followed by a 12 p.m. awards program, live auction and “healthy” luncheon.

All proceeds from the luncheon, and a matching donation of up to $50,000 from Pathways to Success, a division of the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership, will go directly towards college scholarships for the best and brightest members enrolled in WLF’s Young Women Leaders Mentoring Program.

“This luncheon not only pays tribute to these four fabulous women, but also helps our organization raise the much needed funds to provide college scholarships to deserving young women leaders,” said Blaisdell.

Luncheon ticket prices are $65 for WLF members and $85 for non-members. For more information, visit www.wlfdesert.org.

This year’s spectacular “Women Who Rule” include the following recipients:

“WLF Desert Visionary Award” -- Trina Turk, philanthropist, entrepreneur, style icon and community pioneer Famed fashion designer and business visionary Turk is world renowned for putting the iconic Palm Springs style on the international stage. Known for her bold prints and dynamic hues that celebrate the relaxed Palm Springs resort lifestyle, Turk is much respected locally as the pioneer who first took a chance on what is now the flourishing Uptown Design District in the City of Palm Springs. The shopping destination, celebrated around the world by tastemakers and lovers of fashion, furniture, design and all things modern, is now an ultra-cool style mecca due in large part to Turk’s initial investment with her first store, located at 891 N. Palm Canyon Drive. In addition, she recently opened the first Mr. Turk men’s retail store in Uptown and her brand and vision have played a tremendous role in the renaissance currently underway in the city.

A passion for mid-century modern architecture and preservation, Turk spends much of her time

in Palm Springs with her husband, photographer Jonathan Skow, and together they own the midcentury modern estate “Ship of the Desert,” which has become a showpiece for the iconic Trina Turk Palm Springs lifestyle. Turk also recently underwrote the sleek new Trina Turk Gallery inside the Palm Springs Art Museum’s new Architecture and Design Center. A dynamic businesswoman, she runs a multi-million dollar fashion empire inspired by the good life in Palm Springs and is passionate about promoting and celebrating all the wonderful things this uniquely original destination has to offer. When it comes to creative vision and style, Trina Turk rules the landscape and is truly a desert visionary. Her designs can be found at http://trinaturk.com.

“Mary T. Roche Community Leadership Award” -- Peggy Cravens, philanthropist and champion of education Cravens is a former Broadway musical star who today enjoys giving young people a chance to succeed. A current Board member and former President of the College of the Desert Foundation, she generously donated $3.5 million to COD with her late husband, famed photojournalist Donald Cravens, to build the state-of-the-art Peggy and Donald Cravens Student Services Center. She is also a major supporter of the college’s tremendously successful “Step Up for COD” fundraising campaign. Additionally, Cravens is well known in the community for her leadership in helping to revive the internationally renowned Joanna Hodges Piano Competition, an Olympics-styled piano event for pre-teens, teens and young adults -- into what is now the world famous Virginia Waring International Piano Competition. Held every year on the campus of the College of the Desert, the competition brings hundreds of the best student pianists from around the world to compete and is an important economic stimulator for the Coachella Valley. In addition, Cravens is a long-time supporter of the McCallum Theatre and many other local charities supporting education in the Coachella Valley.

“Jackie Lee Houston Heart of Gold Award” -Selby Dunham, Founder BIGHORN BAM, Behind a Miracle Dunham experienced her first irregular mammogram 10 years ago and in 2005 a biopsy revealed that she had Stage III breast cancer.

Eight rounds of chemotherapy followed – and then a mastectomy, during which doctors at Eisenhower Medical Center found cancer in her lymph nodes. Subsequently, Dunham had 33 radiation treatments and believes “the day I was diagnosed was the day I became a survivor!” Nine years later, she is still a survivor.

It is that life-changing experience which led Dunham and her friends to found BIGHORN BAM, standing for Behind a Miracle, supporting cancer patient services at Eisenhower Medical

Center’s Lucy Curci Cancer Center. In seven short years, BIGHORN BAM has raised $4.5 million for diagnostic equipment, treatment, transportation, education and support services.

BIGHORN BAM and Eisenhower Medical Center are committed to serving the 25,000 patients seen annually and through the state-of-theart equipment donated, doctors can now find cancer as small as a seed. In addition, BIGHORN BAM’s donation of $270,000 to the Pendleton Foundation supports local cancer patients undergoing financial struggles and in need of grocery, gas cards, paid rent or utilities to ease their burden. Community partners like The Shops on El Paseo, Leeds & Son, and Saks Fifth Avenue have partnered with BIGHORN BAM to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer services. Dunham attributes the success of BIGHORN BAM to the philanthropic donors, volunteers, and countless sponsors in the Coachella Valley who have stepped up time and time again. She believes cancer was a blessing that gave her the opportunity to put her life into perspective and truly make a tangible difference in the lives of Coachella Valley residents stricken with cancer.

“Helene Galen Excellence in Education Award” -- Fern Rudd A Canadian who moved to the Coachella Valley in 1998 to lead the Work Experience Mentoring Program at Cathedral City High School, Rudd is well known in the community for developing a much celebrated job shadowing program in Palm Springs Unified School District -and she now leads the hugely successful Partners in Education Program at Palm Springs High School. In 2005, Rudd also created the district’s Healthcare Careers Exploration Program, which is still thriving today. A dedicated supporter of Women Leaders Forum for many years, Rudd has partnered with WLF to ensure students are knowledgeable about the Young Women Leaders Mentoring Program and the potential for college scholarships once they complete the program. For her commitment to education, Rudd is a 2009 recipient of the prestigious Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce Athena Award and in 2010 she received the Ruby Award from the Palm Springs Soroptimist International.

Rudd’s passion is developing and maintaining community partnerships to benefit students so that they have the opportunity to explore different careers and find mentors that will help them succeed in their chosen profession and in life.

Founded by Indian Wells City Council member Mary T. Roche, the mission of Women Leaders Forum is to empower and develop women leaders of all ages and backgrounds in our community. Since its inception in 2001, Women Leaders Forum has raised over $500,000 in college scholarships for the best and brightest enrolled in the Young Women Leaders Mentoring Program.

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January 15 to January 21, 2015

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film

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by heidi Simmons

That’s A Wrap!

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he 26th Annual Palm Spring International Film Festival wrapped up this week proving once again that cinema matters. Filmgoers filled every screening at five Palm Spring venues where 196 movies played over ten days.

From a dark seat in Palm Springs, attendees traveled the planet, dropping into exotic locations and colorful cultures like Bali, Kyrgyzstan, Mauritania and Serbia.

Stories from 52 countries filled viewer’s senses, stimulated ideas, provoked thinking and touched hearts. Safe in our desert oasis, filmgoers experienced the human condition from all around the world.

This is part of the mission by the Palm Springs International Film Society, the nonprofit organization behind the Festival. At the PSIFF Awards Brunch, hosted by Spencer’s at the Mountain, Darryl Macdonald, Festival Director, poignantly summed up the PSIFF intent.

“It’s ironic,” Macdonald said after welcoming the crowd. “That while so many stories we’ve watched unfold on screen in this last week have been a source of enlightenment, a story unfolding a half a world away, in France, has been about the attempt to stifle our ability to express ourselves freely.”

Macdonald was referring to the murder of

journalists, cartoonists and others at Charlie Hebdo magazine in Paris.

“It’s only fitting that even as we mourn the death of those who died defending freedom of expression in France, we celebrate the power of film here at home,” Macdonald said. “The power to illuminate our lives and open a window onto other worlds, provoking dialogue rather than division and offering knowledge rather than ignorance and fear.

That’s a power much more potent than any amount of terror or intimidation.”

The audience felt the importance of Macdonald’s words. They got quiet and settled as the implication of what he said suddenly struck uniting everyone in the room.

With all the fun and friendships made during the Festival, the audience was reminded of the essential need for free expression and the significance of filmmaking.

Macdonald continued with his sincere and genuine passion for film. He gave thanks

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for the power of film to entertain as well as illuminate. He acknowledged the joy, as well as the healthy benefits of laughter. Macdonald expressed his love for film saying, “Film provides engrossing forays into the world of art, music, literature and performance, making every art form available to the widest possible audience no matter where you live or what you can afford.”

Including the classic genre films in the Festival like thrillers, horror, romance and drama, Macdonald said these movies round out the riches that Festival attendees enjoyed over the last week and a half. The PSIFF takes great consideration choosing films and making the Festival experience both relevant and fun for the broadest audience demographic.

It is this commitment and deep appreciation for what film can do that makes the PSIFF one of the best film festivals in the world. Besides culling global cinematic treasures, the Film Society takes an interest in nurturing those who make the films by providing seminars and support. Respecting their efforts to make something meaningful, PSIFF is a friend to the filmmakers. And with a significant Palm Springs film community and its close proximity to Hollywood, the PSIFF is a favorite for filmmakers.

Yes, it is always fun to have celebrities come to Palm Springs like this year’s award winners Robert Duvall, Reese Witherspoon, Eddie Redmayne and Julianne Moore. It’s

great to have name directors like Richard Linklater and Peter Bogdanovich attend.

Even James Franco came for his movie Don Quixote: The Ingenious Gentlemen of La Mancha and Tom Hardy came for his wife Charlotte Riley’s film Grand Street.

With over 135,000 in attendance, the PSIFF is a success not only because of those who came but because it celebrates film as an important art form that can make a difference in our world.

Drive down Palm Canyon during the Festival where purple banners spread above the road and flank the village route announcing the PSIFF, and there is a sense of excitement and pride for residence and visitors alike. The film Festival is not just about big stars, but about big ideas.

The 27th Annual PSIFF will be held January 1st through the 11th, 2016. The Festival will host a New Year’s Eve celebration for all attending guests on December 31st at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The festival will begin on Friday, January 1st with all day screenings and the Opening Night screening followed by a reception at the Palm Springs Art Museum. The Awards Gala will be held on Saturday, January 2nd.

by Robin E. simmons

FINAL TALLY: AUDIENCE FAVORITES AT PSIFF

THE SEARCH In this searing Chechyan war drama, Academy Award®-winning director Michel Hazanavicius (THE ARTIST) tackles a loose remake of Fred Zinnemann’s 1948 classic, but tracking the contemporary and parallel stories of a nine-year-old Muslim orphan and a 19-year-old Russian soldier. Hazanavicius boldly examines the brutal impact of war on both victims and aggressors.

TANGERINES Set in the foothills of the Caucasus during the 1992 bloody conflicts between Georgia and the Russia-supported republic of Abkhazia when the majority of Estonians were forced to return to the country of their forefathers, the villages turned into ghost towns. When aging carpenter and tangerine farmer Ivo, who has stayed behind takes in two badly wounded men -- Achmed, the Chechen, and Nika, the Georgian -- he soon discovers that housing deadly enemies has

January 15 to January 21, 2015

few rewards. Zaza Urushadze directs this Estonian war drama with an eye for realism.

KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON Jazz trumpeter as Clark Terry’s greatest gift is as a teacher and mentor. He was12year-old Quincy Jones first teacher. And he later mentored Miles Davis. Now, at the age 93 (and fighting a serious illness) he continues to bestow his great gift on young musicians like his current student, prodigy Justin Kauflin, a 23-year-old blind jazz pianist.

Alan Hicks directs with a compassionate eye for beat and meaning.

DARK VALLEY I couldn’t help but think of Clint Eastwood’s PALE RIDER when I saw this Austrian western in which a stranger with a mysterious agenda rides into town to right decades old wrongs. I loved this bloody, gothic, 19th century western revenge hybrid set in a remote mountain village in a majestic alpine mountainscape.

Andreas Prochaska directs.

FLOWERS Directors Jose Mari Goenaga and Jon Garaño explore the lingering consequences of the simple gesture of giving flowers, and the residual power embedded in something so fragile. Jonathan Holland in the Hollywood Reporter accurately called this film: “Emotionally precise, subtle, and quietly gripping… This is cinema for grown-ups, made for viewers with the life experience making them capable of recognizing its truths - but at the same time accessibly structured, like a thriller.”

THE NIGHTINGALE Philippe Muyl’s ravishing movie is a Chinese road trip through spectacular mountain villages that follows Zhigen’s return to his native village – bringing with him the bird that has been his constant companion for decades. But alas, he has been asked to bring his granddaughter with him. Brought up in the lap of luxury, she is more familiar with iPads than trekking through forests and rice paddies. The trip causes her parents to reevaluate their materialistic lives as well. This film is China’s submission to the Academy Awards®.

WALKING UNDER WATER This real-life adventure story is about Alexan, a Badjao nomad who lives on the edge of the Sulu and Celebes Seas in Borneo.

Getting older, Alexan wants to pass on his skills to young Sari. But compression diving is dangerous and not a reliable source of income. We wonder if Sari will follow in

Alexan’s footsteps or turn to the encroaching tourist industry for employment? Will Alexan be forgotten as the last of the Badjao divers?

Polish filmmaker Eliza Kubarska has created a dreamlike narrative that is poetic, magical and unforgettable.

WILD TALES Writer director Damián Szifron’s dark comedy is a collection of six short revenge stories that left me numb with shock and laughter. Absurd, violent and over-the-top these tales are rooted in relatable human actions that we recognize all too clearly. This dangerous farce was among the best of the films I saw at PSIFF this year.

HOW I GOT OVER Nicole Boxer’s emotional documentary looks at the everyday triumphs and setbacks of a group of 15 formerly homeless women in Washington D.C. as they create an original play, based on their true-life stories, for a single performance at The Kennedy Center. continue to page 6

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This memorable film is about how art can transform a dark experience into something uplifting and even life enhancing. This film celebrates the persistence of the human spirit.

THE BREACH From filmmaker Mark Titus, a true tale of human stupidity and a looming ecological crisis so dire that viewers will be left praying that it’s all just fiction. Titus, a long-time fishing guide, watched the wild salmon populations dwindle until he demanded answers that clearly identified the environmental devastation wreaked by dams, mines and fish farms. This jaw-dropping documentary demands the widest audience.

It reminds that we are one species on a very small planet.

CORN ISLAND The meandering Inguri River forms the border between Georgia from Abkhazia.

Tensions remain strong since the 1992–93 war. This beautiful fable follows the cycle of life as an elderly Abkhaz famer builds a hut and his granddaughter blossoms into womanhood amidst the lingering political tensions. Shot on 35mm film. Directed by George Ovashvili.

MARIE’S STORY

Set in the late 19th century in rural France, this astonishingly beautiful tale of a deaf, nearly feral child and her interaction at a Catholic school for deaf girls allows us to experience textures and colors and light as Sister Margaret leads young Marie into a grander, calmer world. Kindness on the big screen is rare and that fact that this film captures an inspiring true story is miraculous.

Jean-Pierre Améris directs with a clear eye to the ephemeral.

KURMANJAN DATKA QUEEN OF THE MOUNTAINS This thrilling and exotic epic follows, based on a true story, follows a young woman who, after the death of her ruler husband, unites the warring tribes of her Central Asian nation and leads them into battle against the Russian Empire’s conquering forces. But this is only the start! Space does not allow a detailed recounting of the incredible events that shape her life. What an incredible story and unexpected adventure so stunningly filmed. Directed by Sadyk Sher-Niyaz.

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com MARGARITA WITH A STRAW

This supremely engaging romantic coming of age story follows a fiercely independent young woman with cerebral palsy who departs Delhi University after a break up and eagerly accepts a scholarship at NYU. Her enthusiastic sense of discovery and sexual exploration connects her with a woman who challenges her presupposition about life itself, much to her mother’s dismay. From director Shonali Bose.

PACKED IN A TRUNK: THE LOST ART OF EDITH LAKE WILKINSON When Edith Lake Wilkinson was committed to an insane asylum in 1925, all her possessions were packed into trunks.

Edith was never seen or heard from again.

This film takes a look at Edith’s life and her remarkable art thanks to Edith’s great niece, Emmy Award®-winning writer and director Jane Anderson, grew up surrounded by Edith’s paintings. From director Michelle Boyaner.

THE 100-YEAR-OLD MAN WHO CLIMBED OUT THE WINDOW AND DISAPPEARED

This dark but life-affirming comedy from Sweden is an adaptation of Jonas Jonasson’s international bestseller. Hard to categorize, my first impression is that it’s a little lie FOREST GUMP in tone. The story follows Allan Karlsson (Robert Gustafsson), who, as his 100th birthday approaches, decides that life in his retirement home is less than ideal. So he takes off. His literally fantastic adventure – with flashbacks to his youthful days -- unfolds in the most wonderfully incredible way imaginable. Felix Herngren directs with a sly comic sensibility.

NO ONE’S CHILD Set in the Balkan wars near the end of the last century, this fabulous coming of age war drama is about a feral boy confronting civilization. Based on real events, the big theme here is: What makes us human? From director Vuk Ršumovic.

BEHAVIOR

Directed by former documentarian Ernesto Daranas, this sensational Cuban film tracks the relationship between Chala, a poor 11-year-old boy who lives with his single alcoholic mom and an elderly teacher who sees something in him no one else does.

Chala sells carrier pigeons and trains mutts for a neighbor’s illegal dogfights. The authorities send him off for what is euphemistically referred to as “re-education”. But his teacher fights to get him back in school in this beautifully crafted, poignant gem.

HENRI HENRI Lightweight magical realism from Canada has hints of AMELIE in tone and composition.

When young adult Henri Henri is forced to leave the orphanage he has lived in since a child, his only skill is changing light bulbs. He’s told he has a “gift” of bringing light to people.

His blissful innocence somehow protects him in the scary real world and he finds love with a blind girl who takes tickets at a porno theater with the help of an elderly pickle king. Yes, it’s that kind of feel good movie and strangely enough, it works. From director Martin Talbot.

ACCUSED This deliciously tense thriller is based on the case of Dutch intensive care nurse Lucia de Berk, aka “The Angel of Death.” When ambitious assistant district attorney Judith sees Berk’s case as a golden opportunity to make her career, she aggressively pieces together the case against her as a killer nurse.

But the evidence is circumstantial and in actual fact Berk is innocent. Soon, the case starts troubling Judith, but can she reverse the gears of “justice” already set in motion?

From director Paula Van der Oest.

THEEB

Set in the Arabian Desert, circa 1916, young Theeb -- his name means “wolf” -- lives with his Bedouin tribe in a remote corner of the Ottoman Empire. When he sneaks along with his big brother to escort a British Army officer, he finds himself caught up in a dangerous, adult world of mercenaries, raiders and revolutionaries. This fabulous adventure is set in a visually stunning world where Theeb must find a way to live up to his name. From director Naji Abu Nowar. This was among my top favorites.

THE SOUND OF REDEMPTION: THE FRANK MORGAN STORY Frank Morgan was a prodigal alto sax player was a heroin addict who committed crimes to support his habit. For 30 years he was in and out of prison and became a regular member of the warden’s San Quentin All-Stars band.

This unexpected story of redemption and the transcendent power of music is highlighted with an enthralling cinema vérité San Quentin prison concert. Tightly directed by NC Heikin, it was produced by James Egan and crime novelist Michael Connelly.

LIMITED PARTNERSHIP From director Thomas G. Miller, this film celebrates a 40-year love story about one of the first same-sex marriages in the world that’s still trying to find its “happy ending.”

Heartrending and joyful true story that keeps asking: Does love really conquer all?

PATRICK’S DAY This complex tale enters the life a schizophrenic and two women who tug at his life: his fiercely protective mom and an enigmatic young woman who claims to have his best interests at heart. Or does she?

Absolutely riveting on every level. From writer director Terry McMahon.

24 DAYS Incredibly relevant, this slick, tense and streamlined police procedural is based on true events and captures what some consider a pivotal moment in a wave of anti-Semitic sentiment and violence that swept France in 1986 when the kidnapping of 24-year-old Ilan Halimi by a Parisian gang of thugs became a cause célèbre. Directed by Alexandre Arcady.

THE DARK HORSE

New Zealand legend Genesis Potini is a bipolar Maori who spent time in and out of institutions. When he joined the Eastern Knights chess association, he discovered a path to redemption and used chess to turn around his own life and the lives of some 15,000 Maori kids. Director James Napier Roberston’s ably tracks Potini’s life, but it’s the damaged and innocent kids he helps who carry the humor and drama straight to the gut.

LEVIATHAN

This brave fable captures the Putin era in the form of a Biblical Job story. Lots of corrupt Russians sitting around drinking vodka as a bad situation explodes into a real tragedy.

Directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev This next Palm Springs International Film Festival will start on December 31, 2015.

film

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by heidi simmons

January 15 to January 21, 2015

Local Resident Makes a Sound

PSIFF: The Sound of Redemption: The Frank Morgan Story

A Grand Start

PSIFF: Grand Street

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art of the Palm Spring International Film Festival’s mission is discovering, showing and aiding new talent. The New Voices/New Visions program debuted 10 films from first-time feature length filmmakers whose movie are without U.S. distributors.

One of the films was from writer/ director Lex Sidón whose Grand Street is the story of an unlikely couple, Amory and Camilla, who find solace in the strange dark streets of late-night Manhattan. Filled with beautiful images and provocative music, Grand Street’s gritty landscape impacts the couples’ night and changes their lives.

“I liked the idea of a love story that wasn’t a romance,” said Sidon. “I wanted to make a period piece -- the nostalgic feel of New York in the 80s. But the movie is set today. I think the more things change, the more they the same.”

Born in Los Angeles and raised on the East Coast and Europe, Sidón started his career as a New York investment banker.

But he soon returned to California to pursue screenwriting. He also directed music videos and made a short film.

“Someone once said to me, ‘Just because it happened to you, doesn’t make it interesting,’” said Sidón. This is the paradox that he explores in his film.

The characters in Grand Street first meet when Amory’s screenplay is rejected by Camilla who is an executive at a production company. When their paths cross again, the two discover that the things happening to them over the course of the next 24 hours in the big city indeed make for an interesting story.

Grand Street may reflect Sidon’s own experience trying to get the movie made.

The screenplay was repeatedly rejected by Hollywood for being a small arty script, so Sidón finally decided to make Grand Street himself.

In 2010, he signed on a cast and started shooting in 35mm film. Running out of funds, he raised money on Kickstarter.

When that ran out, he applied for “U.S. In Progress,” a director’s showcase and postproduction competition held in Poland and France. He won $80,000, which was used for the digital scanning of the film, and done in Poland.

Grand Street went through its final sound pass just before the PSIFF. The film had its world premiere at the JeonJu International Film Festival, South Korea, in May. Actor Michael Wincott who plays Reuben in Grand Street, asked Sidón to screen the film at his hometown film festival in Canada. The PSIFF screening was the film’s U.S. premiere.

The PSIFF jurors for the New Voices/ New Vision are in the film distribution business. The winner of the New Voices/ New Vision receives a $60,000 Panavision camera rental package.

Although Grand Street did not win the New Voices/ New Vision prize, Sidón is thrilled to be a part of the PSIFF and is hopeful his film will get attention and distribution.

In the meantime, Sidón is working on his next film. Titled Daggers, he wrote the screenplay and will direct an ensemble cast about a mutiny aboard a commercial scalloping boat. Charlotte Riley, who plays Camilla in Grand Street, is currently set to play the first mate.

“It’s an atmospheric drama like Grand Street but it couldn’t be more different,” said Sidón. “I’m excited about it.”

Sidón is a bright and interesting filmmaker. Just because some of his stories may have happened to him, doesn’t mean they’re not interesting and worthy of the big screen.

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ames Egan has lived in Palm Springs for over a decade. His documentary film The Sound of Redemption: The Frank Morgan Story premiered at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

The documentary centers around a tribute concert at California’s San Quentin State Prison where alto saxophone player, Frank Morgan, was once incarcerated.

The son of Stanley Morgan, The Ink Spots guitarist, young Morgan was inspired to play sax after his father took him to see the great Charlie Parker.

As the prison concert begins, Morgan’s music floats above archival photos and images that create a noir feel for the Los Angeles that Morgan inhabited. Morgan’s life spiraled down as a young man. He became a heroin addict and criminal.

Personal interviews by those who knew him, through the good times and bad, recreate his life.

It was years before Morgan found a new appreciation for his life and music. He died in 2007.

“Palm Springs is a very supportive community when it comes to the arts,” said Egan, the film’s producer. “It’s always great being part of the Festival.” This is Egan’s fifth film accepted into the PSIFF. Egan has been in the film business for many years. “My first film was with director John Waters,” said Egan. “No one would sell him film insurance but me. My father told me I better be on the set to make sure nothing happens and that’s how I learned the business.”

This project came to Egan from his longtime friend NC Heikin, the writer and director of Sounds of Redemption.

Crime novelist Michael Connelly served as executive producer. He was a friend of Morgan and was compelled to share the story of the musician he so admired.

Connelly met Heikin through her husband, a publisher in Paris.

“Connelly’s stories are all about redemption,” said Hiekin. “We had the title of our movie at the very start of our project.”

Egan did not know Morgan or his music.

“At first I wasn’t sure there was anything redeeming about the man,” Egan said. “But the redeeming moment for me was during the concert. I felt it in the room with the prisoners. They were listening and watching transfixed and for the moment they were free.”

The Sound of Redemption took three years to make with a budget less than a half million dollars. It took more than 18 months to get the prison to allow the live concert.

“Art frees us from our concerns and makes us human beings,” Egan said.

“Frank’s life and experience gave them hope. Just because they’re incarcerated, doesn’t mean it’s the end.”

Since the film was made, San Quentin put more money and materials into their prison music program.

Besides being a producer, Egan is the Executive Director of the School of Motion Pictures & Television at Academy of Art University in San Francisco. He commutes Tuesday through Thursday from Palm Springs Airport. “It’s faster than driving to LA,” said Egan. He taught at USC’s famed cinema department for seven years.

Egan also serves on the desert’s ArtOasis Creative Council whose mission is to help grow the Coachella Valley and High Desert’s creative community and economy by focusing on a broad range of creative endeavors.

The Sound of Redemption is a timely and relevant story that celebrates life and the transcendent power of music.

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January 15 to January 21, 2015

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Don’t Be

CLUELESS IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY Heads up! Tis’ The Season!

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o, not the jolly one led by the guy in red and his belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly---read below for a solution, Santa. We’re referring to the approaching onslaught in our sights of The Season of “Doings,” from luncheons to evening galas which require a whole new change of costume after a morning work-out, golf game, or dentist check-up. From now on through Spring Tra-La, there’s something for everyone to enjoy that is not age-, nor gender-specific.

Nor is it ribbon-wrapped to any holiday that sucks the life out of the budget. Some are free, or at least do not require the sale of your firstborn, or renting out his basement bedroom to attend. Whether intimate soirees, important fundraisers, private parties, or big fund-raising blow-outs at the best and brightest gathering spots in the desert., you’ll find new friends and want to wear your best, most appropriate bib and tucker, Most dress codes are in the invitation fine print, from luncheon suit, business attire, “Gala glam,” to Black Tie. (BTW, if the invitation says” Black Tie Optional,” don’t believe it.) Expect a tsunami of air kisses tossed in your direction, power-surge hugs and groupgropes worthy of choruses of sweet kumbayas from those who haven’t seen each other for at least three hours. (Virus-Alert. Be careful out there.) From now on, our “Clueless” calendar will concentrate on the best of the best of The Season. Some require RSVP’s ASAP to get in on the action. Curtain up! Let The Season begin!

It’s showtime!

Saturday, January 17, 2015, 7:30 AM – last event 2:30 PM. “City of Palm Spring’s Mayor’s Race and Wellness Festival, Healthy Planet, Healthy You Event.” Whew, we’re exhausted and the Season is just warming up. Obviously, she wrote between chic sniffling, we’re just saying…figuratively. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, a primer course on wellness is exactly what we need after a pre-season that ran from Fall’s welcome back, to Thanksgiving to Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s, Happy Harvest, or by any other name given to a celebration of food, glorious food, festivity and frolicking from dawn to dusk and beyond, er, way beyond to the next dawn on the schedule, and beyond that… well, you get the drill, Mr. and Mrs. Bacchanalia. In any case, back to the subject at hand. Join fitness experts Scott Cole and Craig Ramsay for the Festival taking

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place with walking, running, swimming events at the Wellness Park at Ruth Hardy Park and the Palm Springs Swim Center. Register for all events easily and quickly online at www. active.com or www.racewire.com or www. healthyplanethealthyyoups.com. There. We feel better already.

Sunday, January 18, 2 PM. European Masters Concert by the Coachella Valley Symphony will be at the symphony’s new home, the Helene Galen Performing Arts Center in the Rancho Mirage High School. This season’s novel theme, “Music By Request,” reflects the repertoire suggestions made by CV Symphony audiences as well as selections suggested and played by the symphony musicians. Featured will be Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 performed by Scott Cuellar, first place winner in the Virginia Waring International Piano Competition. Violinist Alan Busteed, CVSymphony’s guest concert master, will be featured on the Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso by Camille Saint-Saëns.

This concert’s Guest Conductor is Vance Reger, principal oboist for the Coachella Valley Symphony. This afternoon of classical music showcases a menu of favorites, including Mozart’s Divertimento No. 2 in D Major, K.131, and the Polonaise from Tchaikovsky’s opera, Eugene Onegin, with educational snippets interjected by Maestro Reger. The symphony will also perform Polovtsian Dances by Borodin.

Individual ticket prices are $45 (front), $35 (middle), and $25 (rear). Students and active duty military ticket prices are $10. To purchase tickets either go online to www.hgpac.org or call the HGPAC Box Office (760) 202-6482 ext.

3 or the CVSymphony (760) 360-2222.

Friday and Saturday, January 23 and 24, 7 PM. Two great shows. You’ve recognized every move they made, every song they’ve sung… we’re talking Friday night’s Ladies of Rock & Soul: Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Donna Summer and The Supremes. And on Saturday night, The Jersey Girls: Connie Francis, Bette Midler, Whitney Houston and Lesley Gore, who can cry on her birthday if she wants to! Have no doubt, they all are uber-divas of the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, entertaining as only they know how, shaking the rafters with their finest moves, performing vocal calisthenics and answering hot booty-calls on stage from groupies and fanatics of their music

by Diane Marlin-Dirkx in the fan-pit,. They don’t miss a beat in the Celebrity Tribute Concert Series at the Indian Wells Theater, Cal State San B Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus. While you’re rocking your curls off, ask about this musical series that runs through March, 2015, you don’t want to miss a beat either. The Indian Wells Theater is located at 37-500 Cook St., between Gerald Ford and Frank Sinatra drives. To purchase tickets, call the Indian Wells Theater box office at (760) 341-6909 or for more information, visit the Indian Wells Theater website at www.

IWTheater.com.

Saturday, January 24, 8 PM. Jay Leno comes to town. Question: Who else could write an autobiography entitled Leading with My Chin?

Answer: Only Jay Leno, who will appear at the McCallum Theatre for one night only. Just in case you’ve been living on planet Pluto, the just-retired acclaimed TV late night show host Leno has a history of accomplishments as a stand-up comedian, best-selling children’s book author, corporate speaker, TV and movie voice-over artist, car builder and mechanic, and philanthropist. It’s no wonder that he is called “the hardest working man in show business. Prior to becoming host, Jay had been the exclusive guest host on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” since September 1987. He first appeared as a guest on the show March 2, 1977, and he made numerous appearances on the show, as well as NBC’s former program “Late Night with David Letterman.” It was in May of 1992 when Jay followed in the footsteps of legendary NBC late-night hosts Steve Allen, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson as “Tonight Show” host. Jay became the ratings leader of late night and never looked back, establishing leadership in all demographic categories. Wow! And we’ve got him for only one night. We’ll take it. Jay Leno has been touted as one of the nicest people in show business and the hardestworking -- a winning combo for the man who says “Anyone can have a life - careers are hard to come by!” Tickets are priced at $95, $85, $75 and $55 and are available at the Theatre’s web site at www.mccallumtheatre.com, or by calling the McCallum Theatre box office at (760) 340-ARTS. The McCallum Theatre, located at 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert CA 92260, accepts payment by cash,

personal check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015, 11 – 2 PM. The First Annual Fashion Show Luncheon at Melvyn’s Restaurant to benefit SafeHouse of the Desert. Pulling out all the stops, as well as the corks, Mel Haber, will be serving a three-course gourmet luncheon, with complimentary champagne, a silent auction of treasures you won’t be able to live without, and a guest speaker at the legendary Ingleside Inn. The fashion show will feature European designer Oksana, and the Fashion Group International 2014 “Crystal Style Award” recipient, designer Fedor. Entertainment will be provided by Michael Healey and Anna Rose Agno. SafeHouse of the Desert with community support provides Emergency Shelter, Intervention and Outreach Services to Youth in Crisis. Luncheon at Ingleside Inn, 200 Ramon Rd., Palm Springs. Tickets are $65.00. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Battin at 760-567-9421 or Julie Hale at 951351-4418, or register on the website www. operattionsafehouse,ejoinme.org

Wednesday, February 4, 8 PM. The Midtown Men took Broadway by storm in one of the biggest hits of all-time. Now on their fifth national tour, they bring their magic to favorite hits from The Beatles, The Rascals, The Turtles, Motown, The Four Seasons, and more.

It’s a unique concert experience celebrating the music that defined the ‘60s. Featuring top choreography, vocal performances and onstage chemistry, the production reunites the award-winning original cast of Broadway’s Jersey Boys. In 2012, they released their first radio single, “All Alone on Christmas,” written and produced by rock icon Steven Van Zandt and backed by band mates from Bruce Springsteen›s E Street Band as a fundraiser for the Red Cross after Hurricane Sandy.

This performance is presented through the generosity of Wayne Prim. Tickets are priced at $75, $55, $45 and $35 and are available at the Theatre’s web site at www.mccallumtheatre. com, or by calling the McCallum Theatre box office at (760) 340-ARTS. The McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert CA, accepts payment by cash, personal check, most major credit cards.

“Don’t Be Clueless” wants to remind you that press releases for inclusion should be in to the Coachella Valley Weekly at least two weeks ahead of the scheduled event! Thanks!

By judith salkin events The Art of Conversation: Albert Berger talks storytelling films

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ven with the final screenings of the Palm Springs International Film Festival taking place on the same day, there was still an audience that wanted to watch one more film and hear what the filmmaker had to say about his passion to bring all the elements of great storytelling together on the screen.

That’s what happened on Monday at Palm Springs Art Museum’s Annenberg Theater with the screening of Albert Berger’s breakthrough 1999 film, “Election.”

The screening marked the debut of the Museum Associates Council (MAC) “Art of Conversation” Speakers Series. It was emceed

by MAC president Gloria Scoby, with Teri Schwartz moderating the post-film Q&A session with Berger.

“Election” is a bitingly satirical story of a high school student council election that mirrors the absurdities of national elections. It was directed and written by Alexander Payne (“Sideways,” “The Descendants,” “Nebraska”), along with author Tom Perrotta, who penned the book and Jim Taylor (“Sideway,” “About Schmidt”), a regular writing partner for Payne.

But the story and the idea to bring it to the screen was the brainchild of Berger and his producing partner, Ron Yerxa.

After nearly a decade as screenwriter Berger and Yerxa, a former studio executive, partnered as producers, realizing they could have more of an impact by working to bring these intimate stories to the screen.

It was a desire to find the quirky, characterdriven “(books and screenplays) that fell between the cracks” to life, Berger said.

“After eight or nine years as a screenwriter, I was getting jobs writing comedy but it wasn’t necessarily for projects (I cared about) and the spec scripts weren’t being picked up.”

What he did realize was unlike screenwriters who were hired to write a specific script or got a payday when a passion project was picked up, “Producers work all the time,” he said, and most

often got to bring the stories that held their interest to the screen.

When asked by Schwartz to define the role of producer, Berger called himself a “creative producer.” “I find the material and develop the project to bring it to the screen,” he said. “I find the screenwriter, the director and cast.”

He also became an on-set presence, involved in the day-to-day workings of film, with immediate contact with the cast and crew.

“Election,” from a Perrotta novel, is a prime example of his behind-the-scenes role, and also the character and story-driven films that Berger prefers to produce. He found the story and approached a young Payne to write and direct the piece, allowing Payne to cast the film. Payne’s choices, other than Broderick who was chosen by MTV Productions, were young, mostly unknown actors and people found that he found in Omaha, which gave it the authenticity of place he brings to his films.

It stars a young Reese Witherspoon in a role that foreshadows her eventual growth as an actor, including glimpses of the future Elle Woods her breakout starring role in “Legally Blonde” as the overachieving Monica Lewinskyesque Tracy Flick, alongside veteran Broderick as the teacher who tries to rig the student body election.

Others in the cast include Chris Klein, a reallife jock at the time who was also in Drama Club, as the jock drafted to run against Flick and Phil Reeves, a character actor who has been cast in several of Payne’s other films.

For Berger, the pleasure of producing smaller films – especially when working with a major studio, “unlike the $100 million films, when you’re working with our budgets they tend to give us more freedom,” he said.

“They’re not looking at what we’re doing every day.”

Even after nearly 20 years, watching the film with an audience for Berger can a bit nerve wracking. “On the set and in dailies, you think you have something others want to see,” he said. “It’s always nice to have the audience confirm that.”

Next up for the Art Of Conversation Speaker Series, is the screening of the Michael Childers documentary, “Hollywood In The Desert Sky,” which includes a conversation with writer/ director Mary Silverman and Childers after the film at 3:30 p.m. January 25.

Childers is a world-renowned photographer and film producer (“The Falcon and the Snowman”) who has lived in the Coachella Valley for nearly 20 years. “Hollywood in the Desert Sky” documents his life and work of more than 50 years in the film and photography industries.

Tickets for the Art of Conversation: Michael Childers are $75 and include an after-screening reception in the museum’s sculpture garden.

Tickets: psmuseum.org or (760)325-4490.

theatre

January 15 to January 21, 2015

THEATRE 29! Presents “AN IDEAL HUSBAND” by Oscar Wilde

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heatre 29 kicks off its 16th Year by presenting “An Ideal Husband”

by Oscar Wilde through February 7th, 2015 for a five week run on Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm with Sunday matinees at 2:30 pm on January 18 and February 1, 2015.

The Drawing Room Comedy is codirected by Butch Pelfrey and Tom Highfill and opened Friday, January 9th, to a full house of appreciative Theater Patrons.

Scandal! Blackmail! Corruption! Full of Wilde’s well-known wit, rapid fire repartee and social commentary, “An Ideal Husband” is a scathing satire of the British aristocracy filled to the brim with temptations, betrayals and secret liaisons.

Sir Robert Chiltern, a brilliant politician and perfect gentleman, can do no wrong in the eyes of his charming wife Lady Chiltern.

But when the calculating Mrs. Cheveley appears on the scene, Sir Robert’s marriage, reputation, and promising career are put at risk. With his world about to unravel, Sir Robert turns to his lifelong friend Lord Arthur Goring, the most eligible bachelor in town, to extricate him from the web of lies that seeks to undermine both his public and private honor.

Featured in the cast are Leonard Weber, Janet Peercy, Char Childs, Ben Bees, Lizzie Schmelling, Marv Schmelling, Jasmine Shaffer, Kris Thomas, Cyrus Short, Marcus Highfill, Curtis Mohn, Ken King, Scott Clinkscales, and Earl Childs.

Pelfrey, a Veteran Director for Theatre 29, was assisted by Highfill after an unfortunate injury occurred during a recent vacation. He explained, “Since audition night, I have been walking with a cane or riding in a wheel chair while the cast and crew, especially Tom Highfill, have carried the load. The great thing about community theatre is that someone will always step up to do what needs to be done.”

Pelfrey said trying to capture the nuance and innuendo of a writer like Oscar Wilde

has been a challenge, “Without a doubt this is the most difficult play I have done”, he said, adding, “The cast has worked extremely hard to peel back the multiple layers of the characters created by Wilde.

They have, without any suggestion from me, met on Sundays and holidays to run lines and develop their characters.”

Pelfrey also praised those who assisted with the spectacular and intricate 1895 period setting, saying, “Tom Highfill, Earl Childs , Ken King, and the rest of the cast have done a fantastic job of taking my stick figure drawings and building the set that I could not.

Many special thanks to Rebecca Havely and Shannon McWilliams for dressing the set.” Multi-Award winning Costume Designer Kathryn Ferguson has costumed the players with spectacular period clothing that matches the setting.

Tickets for “An Ideal Husband” are available now at www.theatre29.org, or by calling 760-361-4151. Tickets are $12.00 Regular, $10.00 Seniors and Military, and $8.00 for Students with ID or children under 12.

Season Tickets for all seven 2015 Main Stage productions are available now at www.theatre29.org, by calling the Box office at 760-361-4151, or going to Theatre 29 prior to performances of “Shakespeare in Hollywood” through December 20, 2014.

Season Tickets are $68.00 for General admission, $56.00 for Senior or military, and $46.00 for students with ID or children under 12.

Theatre 29 is an all-volunteer, non-profit 501( c ) 3, Community Theater organization.

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January 15 to January 21, 2015

Community

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Lisa Morgan

Make-A-Wish Foundation: A Wish to Come True for the Coachella Valley

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ake-A-Wish grants the wish of a child diagnosed with a lifethreatening medical condition in the United States and its territories, on average, every 38 minutes. They believe that a wish experience can be a gamechanger. A new office for this institution has been opened in Palm Springs, and the public is invited for a free reception to celebrate.

But this organization has something up its sleeve - a secret that is destined to unfold in a matter of weeks. It is a secret that CV Weekly feels obligated to tell its readers.

First, let’s investigate how Make-A-Wish originated. Interrogating their website (and going through several tissues) we uncovered the true story in their own words: During a long, nighttime stakeout, kneeling in some desert weeds in the spring of 1980, U.S. Customs Agent, Tommy Austin tells Arizona Department of Public Safety Officer Ron Cox his problem. His wife’s friend Linda has a small son named Chris Greicius, who is probably going to die of leukemia. The seven-year-old boy yearns to be a police officer, “to catch bad guys” with Austin. Running into bureaucratic hesitation at Customs, Austin asks Cox if maybe DPS can do something. “I’ll rent a helicopter myself if I have to,” Austin says.

Cox takes the request to DPS spokesman Allan Schmidt, who asks DPS Director Ralph Milstead. He gives Schmidt carte blanche to grant Chris’ wish. Soon Austin receives a call from Chris’ mom saying that she doesn’t think he can hang on much longer.

“None of us had any idea what we were getting into at the time,” Schmidt will recall 30 years later. He draws other people in: Officer Jim Eaves will bring his patrol car, and Officer Frank Shankwitz his motorcycle, to meet the DPS helicopter flying Chris to headquarters. On April 29, Chris comes from Scottsdale Memorial Hospital to the empty lot by DPS at Lewis and 19th Avenue. There he and his parents are given a tour. That’s when Lt. Col. Dick Schaefer gives the boy a “Smokey Bear” hat and one of his own old badges, and Chris becomes Arizona’s first and only honorary DPS officer. It doesn’t end there.

Knowing they had little time, Cox and Eaves, go to John’s Uniforms, the business that makes all DPS uniforms, and order one Chris’ size. Employees work all night to have it ready the next day. A group of officers take the uniform to his house, where Shankwitz sets up cones for Chris to steer his batterypowered motorcycle through to qualify for a motorcycle officer’s wings. But when they return the next day to present the wings to Chris, he’s gone back into the hospital.

With his DPS gifts all around him, clutching his new wings, Chris gives a last smile for the men who have done so much for him in such a short time. He passes May 3. “He was only seven years, 269 days old when he died. But he taught me about being a

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Community

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

January 15 to January 21, 2015

by Marissa Willman

free WALK-IN HIV TESTING NOW AVAILABLE AT SEVEN WALGREENS ACROSS THE COACHELLA VALLEY

Make-A-Wish invites everyone to join them for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to celebrate the grand opening of their new Palm Springs office location! The event will be held on Thursday, January 15th from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at the Hacienda Cantina & Beach Club on 1555 S. Palm Canyon, Palm Springs. Please RSVP to Deborah Weiss at 760-668-2713 or dweiss@wishocie.org Learn more about Make-A-Wish Foundation at wish.org.

man even though he was only a boy. I can tell you that because of meeting Chris, I am an entirely different man.” - Tommy Austin, Make-A-Wish Co-Founder and retired U.S. Customs Agent.

The CEO of Make-A-Wish, Orange County & Inland Empire, Stephanie McCormick had this to say about the organization: “We have just completed the greatest number of wishes by our chapter - 318. However, that’s only about half of the medically eligible wishes that are being recorded in our chapter area. We’ve been granting wishes in the Coachella Valley for over 30 years. In order for the community to wrap their arms around what we do, they need to be part of our community. And for them to be part of our community, we need to be part of theirs.”

And that’s when she dropped the bomb: “This community is very familiar with Desi.

She just got back from New York (a medical trip funded through fundraising efforts of friends, family and musicians here in the Coachella Valley). We will be granting her wish. The wish granters and the family have been interviewed. Desi has been taken through an activity that helps us get to the heart of what she truly wishes for.

She’s given us a couple of ideas. When she decides, we’ll put all the magic touches to it. Then we’ll surprise the family at a Wish Presentation party. I’m excited as heck. It will unfold in the next month or two. It’s a perfect example why we need to have a greater presence here. We would love for the community to embrace this with us!”

There you have it. CV Weekly has uncovered that the new Make-A-Wish office in Palm Springs is definitely a wish come true for the Coachella Valley and most especially, one courageous and deserving little girl.

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hree West Valley Walgreens locations will be added as community test sites for Get Tested Coachella Valley this month.

Beginning this month, free HIV tests will be available at seven Walgreens locations across the Coachella Valley as Get Tested Coachella Valley extends and expands its testing agreement with the leading national drugstore chain.

On a local level, Walgreens is one of the more than 50 community partners driving the Get Tested Coachella Valley public health initiative. Since summer 2014, Get Tested Coachella Valley has offered free HIV tests on a walk-in basis at four Walgreens locations in Indio and Coachella.

The additional three testing locations are in Palm Springs and Palm Desert.

“Walgreens provides a safe and familiar environment where members of the local community can feel just as comfortable requesting an HIV test as they do a flu shot,” says Susan Unger, Project Director of Get Tested Coachella Valley. “The addition of these three new Walgreens locations will make free and confidential HIV testing even more convenient and accessible to everyone throughout the Coachella Valley.”

Get Tested Coachella Valley’s test counselors use an oral swab test that is quick, easy and pain-free, with results in just 20 minutes. Testing and counseling are provided in a private and confidential setting.

Starting this month, HIV testing will be available on an ongoing basis at the following Walgreens locations: • 1700 E. Vista Chino (at Sunrise), Palm Springs: Saturdays, 3pm – 7pm • 2465 E. Palm Canyon Dr. (at Farrell), Palm Springs: Mondays, 4pm – 8pm • 78218 Varner Rd., Palm Desert: First Tuesday of the month, 8am – 12pm

In addition, HIV testing will continue to be offered at the following Walgreens locations: • 80925 Highway 111, Indio: Tuesdays, 2pm – 6pm • 82955 Avenue 48, Indio: Wednesdays, 4pm – 8pm • 50040 Harrison St., Coachella: Fridays, 3pm – 7pm • 82900 Avenue 42, Indio: Saturdays, 3pm – 7pm Get Tested Coachella Valley offers free and confidential HIV testing at locations throughout the Coachella Valley. For a full list of locations, visit gettestedcoachellavalley. org/community-test-sites.

Get Tested Coachella Valley is a threeyear, $5 million public health initiative dedicated to dramatically reducing HIV infections by making voluntary HIV testing a standard and routine medical practice and ensuring linkage to care. The campaign was launched in 2014 under the leadership of Desert AIDS Project and is driven by a coalition of more than 50 Community Partners including the Riverside County Department of Public Health; the region’s major hospitals; elected officials; and leaders of community- and faith-based organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and foundations.

Additional information and resources are offered in both English and Spanish at www.gettestedcoachellavalley.org and www.haztelapruebavalledecoachella.org.

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January 15 to January 21, 2015

events

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Local Music Spotlight

by Lisa Morgan

G

ene Evaro Jr. was born into music.

The Evaro family has been blazing a musical trail from the desert for a few generations now. At only 25, Gene Jr. is the founder of Roaming Sounds Recording Studio, has had songs placed in television and movies, and fronts and writes songs for Gene Jr. & The Family, a band that is highly respected by music peers and fans alike.

The band was featured in last year’s AMFM Festival, and will now be performing at the NAMM Show 2015, Jan. 24, after winning a national competition sponsored by the John Lennon Songwriting Contest.

“I found the competition on Sonic Bids (www.sonicbids.com, a website that connects bands, music promoters and major brands through their online platform),” shared Evaro Jr. “I thought it looked like a cool gig, so I sent an EPK (electronic press kit) and submitted two songs with the last $60 bucks I had. I was either going to spend it on food or this. We went on our intuitive instincts and it paid off. Two days later, they contacted us and said, ‘You have some new fans!’ We’ll get to hang on the Lennon Bus which is like a mobile studio. They do recording, editing and everything on there.

What’s really rad is it’s a non-profit that goes around teaching kids the music business.

That’s something we always thought about doing. So it’s going to be very cool to hang with some likeminded, creative people.

The whole process is really about breaking down boundaries and insecurities. It’s so comfortable to say no. There’s nothing to do after that. When you say yes, it takes more work. You start pushing down barriers and opening doors that are right in front of you really. It came down to, do we want the money or the opportunity.”

Photo by Mike Smalley/ mikeysphotoart.com

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The NAMM Show competition was open to bands in a wide range of genres including rock, country, jazz, pop, world, R&B, gospel/inspiration, and more. In addition to performing a 40-minute set on the GoPro Stage in the Grand Plaza at the Anaheim Convention Center, the extensive prize package includes a professional video produced by the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, and a music gear package valued at over $9,000.

Founded in 1901, the NAMM Show attracts over 95,000 attendees annually and is dedicated to expanding the market and giving people of all ages the opportunity to experience the proven benefits of making music. If you cannot attend the NAMM Show, Gene Jr. & The Family will be performing their music, free to the public, January 30th at Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown.

In early February, the band will be going into Unit A Recording and Arts Studio (www. unit-a-.com), owned and operated by Robbie Waldman, to record their second album.

“We’re stoked!” said Evaro Jr. “I have been hoping to get in that studio for a few years.

Finally, the timing and the project are both coming together.”

Once the album is recorded, they’ll head out for their spring tour which will include Nashville, Austin, New Orleans, Denver, and many stops along the way. “We’ll be heading through South by Southwest about the time of the festival. We don’t have a date booked yet, but we learned a lot during our last tour.

If you just play good music, people will like it, and you can do your thing. It’s simple really. But it can be very humbling going from playing to a ton of people, to playing for just a few people. It’s definitely a lesson, and there’s a lot of work involved - we do

everything ourselves. But I’m just sick of NOT doing it. I’m 25 now, and I’m getting older every day. I feel like we gotta do this like, yesterday. It’s just one foot, in front of the other. That is what has lead us this far.”

Gene Evaro Jr. will also be a featured speaker at the inaugural meeting of the Southern California Desert Musicians Alliance. The group is making an effort to network experienced musicians with newer musicians and hopefuls, to share knowledge, information, encouragement and support.

Among other music industry specialists, Evaro Jr. will speak on what he knows best the DIY (Do It Yourself) music business. “I’m more educated on the DIY business end of things - the independent promoter, wearing multiple hats. I’ll be sharing that for one, this isn’t going to be easy. And two, you’re going to have to know how to do EVERYTHING!” As to why he’s volunteering his time to speak, he shares, “I have been blessed with roots in music. I’m surrounded by a lot of music and art. I think when you give a kid, or anybody, the place to discover what they’re good at they’re going to get it together. My parents never forced anything on me I just happened

by Lisa Morgan

Andy Cahan: MUSICIAN FOR HIRE, 50 Years of Experience

Gene Evaro Jr. - His Musical Roots and Wheels to know exactly what I wanted to do. And I don’t like doing anything else,” he laughed, “other than making food, and hanging out with the people I love.” Even with all that, he shares, “If I had this kind of support system and information - something that helped turn things into a network and less of a competition - I definitely wouldn’t have wasted so much time.”

The more you talk with Gene Evaro Jr., the more you question if you aren’t speaking to an older soul - a gentle, smart, enthusiastic positive soul, but way beyond his years when it comes to his vision of life and how it works.

“Growing up with all the super rad people I was born with, you learn a lot. There are a lot of facets that are extremely contemplative in this business. You’re in a playing field of complete reflection. I think that’s why it’s really easy to get drunk and high all the time. It can be overwhelming. Luckily, I’ve tamed that down a lot. I don’t do that so much anymore. It’s easy to grab something to make you more comfortable with it all, especially when you’re naturally introverted.

It’s kind of crazy for you to find yourself on a stage in front of 100 people. I don’t even like going down to frickin subway,” he laughed.

“It’s weird to say, but in spite of that, I feel the most comfortable on stage - no doubt.”

As far as any words of advice based on what he’s learned so far, Evaro Jr. offered this: “Keep adding new colors to your palette.

Keep looking at things differently. Keep creating. Sticking to the same 10 songs and really plugging those may make sense from a marketing standpoint. But if you’re going to play those same 10 songs for a year straight, you’re going to get really sick of them. I have the most fun when I’m experimenting and showing people new songs. I definitely love it when people are singing along; that’s the best. But there’s a healthy balance between the past and the present.” Then he added with a smile, “We at least want to keep it exciting so everybody comes to these rehearsals that nobody’s getting paid for.”

For more info, visit their website at genejrandthefamily.com and facebook.com/ RoamingSounds.

See Gene Evaro Jr. and The Family at Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneer Town, January 30th @ 8pm pappyandharriets.com

References: Jimi Hendrix, Harry Nilsson, Ringo Starr, Clint Eastwood, The Turtles and More

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his valley is full of human gems disguised as ordinary people.

When I sat at my table at the Hogs Breath restaurant in Old Town, La Quinta, I looked at the man with his back to me as he skillfully played a beautiful old upright piano. There were no music pages in front of him as he played song after song after song. I thought to myself, ‘Wait a minute - I know that one! That’s the Beatles’, “A Day in the Life”. Isn’t that Dusty Springfield’s “Wishing and Hoping” he’s playing now?

(Next song) Oh man, I know this one too.... it’s on the tip of my tongue....got it! “Last Date!” Floyd Cramer!’ The man tested my inner musical encyclopedia. His repertoire ran deep, reminding me of songs and the memories attached to them that would have otherwise been lost to me. As I refocused my attention on my company and my meal, the music played on: songs from The Kinks, The Turtles, Animals, Dionne Warwick, Elvis, Fats Domino, Righteous Brothers, Traffic... I never saw his face or learned his name, but his music stayed in my head long afterward.

I vowed to go back but before I could, the Hogs Breath restaurant had closed its doors in La Quinta forever.

The piano man was Andy Cahan, a musician whose incredible musical past was tucked underneath his humble and endearing nature. Two years later, on assignment from my publisher, he was on the other end of my phone.

CVW: How did you get started playing piano? Did your parents make you take lessons?

Cahan: I was making monster movies with my friends. It was the first time Kodak came out with a sound projector. My sister told me I should watch the Ed Sullivan show because they were going to have this really cool band on. That’s when I saw the Beatles for the first time. I thought, ‘Wow! I’m sure not going to get any screaming girls making monster movies. So I decided to become a musician. The Beatles influenced me so

strongly in their songwriting, and their use of chord progressions, their use of flatted fifths and minor thirds. I started writing songs like a maniac. I started on drums at the age of 10, then piano, then guitar and bass.

I moved to LA from New York in 1968.

My mom was friends with the son of Pulsar Records, a subsidiary of Mercury Records. I had my Baldwin harpsichord going through a Leslie speaker, and I was doing a lot of jamming. Graham Bond (who had worked with Ginger Baker before Cream) asked me to come down to DTG Studios in Hollywood and said, ‘Bring your harpsichord’. So I did.

I walked in and Jack Cassidy from Jefferson Airplane was there. Lowell George from Little Feat was on the flute, and Graham was on the Hammond B3. All of a sudden, Jimi Hendrix walks in with these two girls, one holding his guitar and one holding his hand.

He set up right next to me. We jammed for about 3 hours - the blues in the key of A. It was hilarious, it was amazing, and I had such a wonderful time. I was 20 at the time.

I remember we were standing in the corner of the room after we finished, Jimi, me and a roadie - I can’t remember his name. We were singing musical instruments with our mouths. I was the drummer, the roadie was

January 15 to January 21, 2015

the bass, and Jimi was the guitar. We jammed like that as we passed a joint around. It was so cool. Jimi was the nicest guy ever - zero ego and real down to earth. That was my first week in LA. My second week in California, I was invited to fill in for one of Buddy Miles’ drummers who was sick. I hooked up with Dr. John, The Night Tripper through Pulsar.

I ended up doing concerts with Dr. John throughout the country. He took me to a guy named Skoobie at the musicians union, and pinned a note to the lapel of my shirt that read, ‘Help this guy! He’s a good musician!’

That got me working with Seals and Crofts. I worked with them in a top 40 project called the Dawn Breakers. In between sets, they’d do an acoustic guitar, mandolin set. They were strong believers in Baha’i and were trying to come up with names for the duo that reflected that. I finally suggested, ‘Why don’t you just call yourselves, Seals and Crofts?’ They went with it.

The connections continued and ultimately I ended up playing keys for Little Richard. I became the music director for both Little Richard and Chuck Berry for the Grammy’s in ‘73. But it was in a recording studio in Box Canyon called Cherokee Studio (writer’s note: Beatles producer, George Martin dubbed the independent studio as the “best studio in America”) where I met Flo and Eddie from the Turtles. I’ve been with The Turtles since ‘73. Through that, I met everybody in the business I could ever want to meet: Harry Nilsson, Ringo Starr, and so many others. They’d come to the recording studio I had in the 90’s called the Demo Dr. It was on CNN and a TV show called The Site. I had a thing called ‘Cyber Demos’ where people could send me their tracks and I’d put a broadcast ready demo together for them. I recorded 30 songs with Harry Nilsson, 20 songs with Eric Carmen.

I recorded with Jimmy Webb for a dozen years, and others.

My mom passed away about 10 years ago and I moved out here to the desert to her double wide mobile home. I was looking

for some sort of job. I was at Hogs Breath for lunch one day, and I saw the piano and asked if they needed a piano player. I auditioned and got the job. I played piano there for 9 years. Now I’m looking for a gig, strangely enough, after such a giant career of wonderment, I’m back to square one again.

CVW: (stunned silence) There is no bitterness when Cahan speaks of starting over, only longing to get back to the craft he loves - the craft perfected by experiences like Little Richard showing him how to do the signature rock and roll triplets and the skills good enough that he would tradeoff piano parts with Dr. John, The Night Tripper, where he says he really got his chops. After playing and recording with a long list of greats: Bobby Hatfield, Clarence Clemmons, Eddie Money, Eric Burdon, Frank Zappa, Grace Slick, Jackson Browne, Jeff Beck, John Bonham, John Belushi, Lou Reed, Stephen Stills, Taj Mahal and more, he’d graciously, happily and ever so skillfully play for you. His following from the Hogs Breath filled the Tack Room last week with almost 50 loyal fans. I’m no Dr. John, but I hereby pin this note to the lapel of Andy Cahan’s shirt: ‘Hire this guy! He’s AMAZING!’ More about Andy Cahan at www. allentertainment.net

Photo by BlackOwlMedia.com

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January 15 to January 21, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Eleni P. Austin

THE PSYCHO SISTERS

“Get Up On The Chair, Beatrice” (RockBeat Records)

Consider This

WESTFIELD MALL 72840 Hwy 111 #171 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760-341-2017 www.recordalley.com

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with enormous tax bills, for dough they earned but never spent.

Vicki Peterson’s brush with stardom arrived almost 20 years later as the lead guitarist and vocalist for the Bangles, which included Susannah Hoffs (vocals, guitar) Michael Steele (bass and vocals) and Vicki’s sister, Debbi, (drums).

The L.A. band formed in the early 80s and along with Rain Parade, Dream Syndicate and the Three O’Clock were an integral part of the Paisley Underground scene. One of the most successful female bands ever, they released three albums through Columbia.

The label managed to sand away the quartet’s rough edges, turning them into reluctant sex symbols. Prince took notice and gave the band their first Top 10 hit, “Manic Monday” in 1986. Chafing at their restrictive image, and the media’s myopic focus on Hoffs, the Bangles came apart at the seams by the early ‘90s.

Peterson sought refuge in the Continental Drifters, a band that included Mark Walton from Dream Syndicate, Peter Holsapple from the db’s, and Susan Cowsill.

(Holsapple and Cowsill were married at the time). The Drifters relocated from L.A. to New Orleans and released several critically acclaimed albums but never broke through commercially. Holsapple and Cowsill eventually divorced and she married drummer, Russ Broussard.

It was during the early years of Continental Drifters that Susan and Vicki began performing as The Psycho Sisters.

They played live, opening for the Go Go’s on their 1994 reunion tour. They kinda sorta became “celebrity” back-up vocalists for

everyone from Giant Sand to Steve Wynn to Hootie & The Blowfish.

By the turn of the 21st century, Susan was fronting her own band with Russ, and Vicki had reunited with the Bangles and married Susan’s brother, John (who is a singing drummer for Mike Love’s touring version of the Beach Boys).

It wasn’t until 2012 that they carved out time to finally record a proper Psycho Sisters album. They turned to Kickstarter for funding, and the result is Up On The Chair, Beatrice.

The album opens with the Sisters’ version of the Cowsills’ song “Heather Says.” Cloaked in a slightly Elizabethan roundelay, the lyrics offer sharp observations of playground politics. The titular Heather is a tyrannical tween despot! “Heather does bad things in class, but she never no-never gets blamed/ And I’ll wager already this week about 15 more kids have been framed.” The words completely resonate in today’s climate of cyber bullies.

A trio of songs, “Gone Fishin’,” “Fun To Lie” and “Never Never Boys” tackle the (always fertile) topic of immature men.

“Gone Fishin’” weds crystalline, Sunshine Pop harmonies to a woozy Country Western melody. The lyrics paint an acrid portrait of a Big Easy Lothario caught in his own intricate web of lies. Rather than come clean, he abdicates all responsibility and metaphorically goes fishin’.

“Fun To Lie” blends ringing, Byrdsy guitar, sweet organ colors and a propulsive beat.

Soaring harmonies belie a tale of betrayal and infidelity. Confronting a series of shifty Casanovas the Sisters conclude “So it seems everyone plays this game, no one means what they say/So it seems I should do the same, I should play, I should learn to lie.”

“Never Never Boys” feels like the distaff version of “September Gurls,” the wistful Big Star track the Bangles covered back in 1986. As Alex Chilton and the Big Star boys pined for shallow gurls who broke their hearts, Vicki and Susan bemoan the surfeit of callow Peter Pans that left them lovesick.

Co-written by Vicki and Bob Cowsill, the melody walks a fine line between alt.

country and jangle pop, with searing lead guitar, thrumming bass lines and a rock steady beat. The trenchant lyrics offer this hard won wisdom: “I know he needs me, and I know he’ll never change/And I can understand why that’s not so strange/’Cause if you don’t grow up you don’t have to be intimate, responsible or free.”

Although “Numb” and “This Painting” are solo compositions from Vicki, both are bathed in the Crescent City rhythms of Susan’s adopted home town. The former blends sawing violin notes that swirl and stutter with blistering guitar riffs and seesaw percussion. The lyrics detail an allconsuming, toxic relationship.

On the latter, stop-start rhythms, fractious guitar chords and swooping violin frame this bitter break-up yarn. What is supposed to be a surprise assignation becomes a spiteful kiss-off, complete with parting gift.

“I thought I’d come up and surprise you in bed, but I found this canvas lying there instead/A fat blonde lady in an easy chair, with flowers and creatures growing out of her hair/I never liked it, you knew that, didn’t you?”

Other interesting tracks include the stripped down psychedelia of “Wish You” and the frothy farewell of “What Do You Want From Me” (written by Peter Holsapple). The slinky “Timberine” was inspired by a stay in a Big Bear cabin that included a Ouija board session.

The album closes with a cover of the Monkees’ “Cuddly Toy.” The Sisters began recording this album in 2012, both slightly grief-stricken by the sudden death of Davy Jones. (He had been a first crush for both women.)

The jaunty tune is equal parts Ragtime and British Music Hall. It’s a sweet homage to Jones, as well as the song’s composer, the late Harry Nilsson.

The Psycho Sisters were ably assisted

by Derrick Anderson on bass, Jack Craft on Cello, Sam Craft on violin, Tony Daigle percussion and Janson Lohmeyer on piano, organ and accordion. Drum duties were traded between the husbands, Russ Broussard and John Cowsill.

These songs aren’t new but they feel fresh. Up On The Chair, Beatrice is a labor of love, 22 years in the making. It was definitely worth the wait.

January 15 to January 21, 2015

By rebecca pikus

CATHEDRAL CITY COVE’S 2015 TOUR OF HISTORIC & ARTISTS HOMES

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N

ot many bands form and wait more than 20 years to release their debut record, but that’s exactly what The Psycho Sisters did.

Both Susan Cowsill and Vicki Peterson had experienced the astonishing highs and devastating lows associated with the music industry by the time they began making music together in the early 90s.

Susan was the youngest member of the Cowsills, the singing family that inspired television’s “Partridge Family.” Galvanized by the Beatles, brothers Bill, Bob and Barry began harmonizing and playing guitars, younger brother John joined in on drums.

By the time they were signed to MGM Records in 1967, their mother, Barbara, had joined the band on vocals.

They had a massive hit single, with “The Rain, The Park And Other Things.”

The song reached #2 on the charts. Soon after youngest siblings, Paul and Susan completed the Cowsills line-up. Their last substantive hit, “Indian Lake” hit the Top 10 in 1968. It also made Susan, at only nine years old, the youngest person in history to perform on a Top 10 record.

Of course the Cowsills split apart.

The acrimony the siblings feel is mostly directed at their father/manager, Bud. An oppressive, abusive autocrat, he took his execrable managerial cues from the Beach Boys’(father/manager) Murry Wilson. He squandered their money, leaving the kids

art

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he incredible teamwork of artists Peter Palladino & Simeon Den has once again enabled them to top themselves! The line-up for this year’s Art Tour embodies more art, history, & excitement than can be found in any one event almost anywhere else in this country! Peter & Simeon are the founders of The Agnes Pelton Society, which is sponsoring the 4th Annual Tour of Historic & Artists Homes in Cathedral City Cove, on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015.

Four Historic homes will be open and ten working Artists will open their home studios to display their art and share their art-making processes: Jessica Schiffman (painter); Bill Anson (sculptor); Socrates Painter (mixed media); Gary Borstadt (photographer); Jeff Palmer (photographer); David Travis (mixed media); Robert Reeves (sculptor); Jeffrey Spakes (sculptor); Ray Lanowy (painter); & Sofia Enriques (mixed media).

Various home sites will feature an outdoor Children’s Garden Art Making Party, an opportunity to visit and observe a live Dance performance, and live acoustic Mexican, Contemporary and Classical music. Also participating will be 3 Cathedral City galleries: the Coachella Valley Arts Scene, Leslie Jean Porter Gallery, and Incredible Artist.com. Docents will provide information on the Historic homes and art will be for sale.

The centerpiece of the Tour this year is the Historic home of Val Samuelson, a noted Cathedral City Cove mid-century illustrator and painter. The home was recently purchased and renovated by photographer, Jeff Palmer, who grew up in the house across the street. Samuelson is known for his realistic desert scenes and freewheeling abstracts. He was also a staff

artist in the early days of the Palm Springs Art Museum and was art director of the stylish Villager Magazine, a precursor to Palm Springs Life. Samuelson is also a local folk hero who helped build Dunn Road. It was a road which he bulldozed, with the help of Mike Dunn, out of wilderness in the 1960s. It descends 15 miles from Highway 74 and into the Cathedral City Cove. For a time it boasted jeep tours into the Santa Rosa foothills.

The multi-talented work of Peter Palladino & Simeon Den can be viewed at: PalladinoDenPhotography.com or simeonden.podomatic.com Tickets are $15 (Children free) & can be purchased online at AgnesPeltonSociety. com or on the day of the event at the Farmer’s Market booth in front of City Hall.

Cathedral City Cove 2015 Tour of Historic & Artists Home Studios, Sunday, February 8, 2015 from 11:00am-3:00pm.

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January 15 to January 21, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

PET PLACE “ASK YOUR VET” WITH LILLIAN ROBERTS, DVM A

fter more than 25 years of practice, Dr. Lillian Roberts DVM, still loves what she does for living - - keeping our Coachella Valley pets healthy and happy.

She operates Country Club Animal Clinic in Palm Desert. Dr. Roberts explains why she loves being a veterinarian, “Whether it’s a wellness visit or a challenging medical or surgical case, I take pleasure in making every client experience a positive one. I look forward to interacting with my patients and consider many of their owners to be personal friends.”

Dr. Roberts authored four books, including the Andi Pauling veterinarian mystery series. She supports numerous animal related charities, and serves on the board of Loving All Animals.

Dr. Roberts is pictured here with her cat, Torchie Pooh Bear. Torchie was her patient from the time he was a kitten. Over the years, the cat lost a leg to cancer, and later lost his vision due to retinal disease. When Torchie’s human was dying from cancer, he asked Dr. Roberts to take him. This special needs kitty doesn’t let anything hold him back, climbing up on Dr. Roberts’ desk and sleeping on the printer. Dr. Roberts has the following advice to

help keep your pet healthy: Q: WHEN SHOULD I TAKE MY PET TO THE VET? A: For the typical young, healthy adult pet, most vets recommend yearly wellness visits, in addition to those times when you seek care because you notice something wrong with your cat or dog. This should include a thorough physical exam, discussion of findings, and a plan to address any abnormalities.

Q: WHAT CONSTITUTES A THOROUGH PHYSICAL EXAM? A: The animal is weighed, temperament and heart rate taken, and a brief medical history recorded by the vet’s assistant. The doctor observes the animal from the moment they enter the room, assessing the overall body condition score, skin and coat, attitude, demeanor, and gait before the official exam begins. I like to sit down and watch the pet move about the room if appropriate, while asking the owner questions about how they perceive their pet’s health.

Next, I run my hands over the animal. This soothes their anxiety and tells me about the condition of their skin and coat, presence of

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by Janet McAfee

Meet Victory

lumps, and if the fur is long or bushy. It tells me about their weight and condition beyond what a visual check can. Speaking calmly to the pet and the owner, I look at the eyes, the face, the nose, then I lift the lips on each side to check the teeth, gums, and other oral structures. I peek into each ear, then gently feel the glands of the throat. I feel under the front legs, over the ribs, and then gently palpate the abdomen for signs of pain, tenderness, masses, or enlarged organs. I peer under the tail, run my hands over the limbs, before listening to the heart and lungs. If anything unusual is found, additional attention is given to that area.

Q: I CAN GET MY PET’S SHOTS AT A WALKIN CLINIC. WHY SPEND MONEY ON A VET? It’s amazing how often I find dental disease, heart murmurs, weight issues, even tumors the owner was unaware of. In most cases, pets the owners considered healthy have no urgent medical problems. But just as in humans, early detection is key.

Q: HOW DO I KNOW MY PET IS SICK ENOUGH TO GO TO THE VET? WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY? Every pet is different when it comes to signs of illness. Cats often hide their symptoms. Seek vet help IMMEDIATELY in the case of difficulty in breathing, sudden collapse, bleeding anywhere that doesn’t stop within a few minutes, persistent coughing or

heaven

geronimo

Heaven is a petite “fur angel” who loves sitting on your lap. This middle age girl is perky, playful and waits for her purr-fect family at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter.

Located at 4575 E.Mesquite, Palm Springs (760) 416-5718.

This 2-yr-old boy has two strikes against him. He’s black and he’s a Pit Bull Terrier Mix. Meet Geronimo and his shelter buddies at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, 4575 E. Mesquite Rd, Palm Springs and experience their wonderful personalities. www.psanimalshelter.org (760) 416-5719.

This fabulous Boxer mix girl promises to be your new loving best buddy in 2015!

Victory is 5 yrs old and weighs 65 lbs. Meet her at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, 4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, (760) 416-5718

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coughing that interferes with normal activity, or a seizure that lasts for more than a few minutes. Immediate treatment should also be sought when you know your pet ingested a toxic substance, has a sudden change in the appearance of an eye, persistent gagging or retching without vomiting, sudden lameness (limping), or obvious distress even without specific symptoms.

Request a same-day appointment for vomiting (not continuously) for more than a day, diarrhea lasting 3 days or more, severely decreased appetite for longer than a day, or sudden onset of restlessness or unusual vocalization.

Schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience in case of head shaking, scratching, or scooting that goes on more than a short while. Other reasons for a future appointment include bad breath, pawing at the mouth, noticeable weight gain or loss, swollen abdomen, hair loss, skin lumps, change in gait, unfamiliar odor, or any unusual new behavior.

FINAL TIPS FROM DR. ROBERTS None of these lists of symptoms is meant to be complete. If you have a question, call your vet. You are in the best position to know when something is wrong with you pet. Call ahead to let your vet know you are coming in.

Keep your vet’s phone number, number to the 24-hour vet clinic, and the Pet Poison Hotline (800-213-6680) in your cell phone’s speed dial.

YOUR’RE INVITED! COUNTRY CLUB ANIMAL CLINIC OPEN HOUSE EVENT, JANUARY 22 Come meet Dr. Roberts and her staff at their open house event to benefit Loving All Animals, 4:00pm to 6:00pm, Thursday, January 22. Country Club Animal Clinic is located at 36869 Cook St, Palm Desert, in the business park near Gerald Ford. Food, drinks, prizes, tours and adoptable rescue dogs will be featured. A $20 donation to Loving All Animals will support their work for homeless animals.

Contact Country Club Vet Clinic at (760)7767555.

January 15 to January 21, 2015

by Rick Riozza

Tasting the Top 100 wines of 2014

I

t surely is the longest day. But it’s best to make a game of it: trying to commandeer as many top rated world class wine and then take each bottle down to Chinatown—to eat, drink, take notes, and think (and of course, the thinking part also includes drinking again).

The good news is that we “winebusters” don’t really have to assemble a rating list; such as, “The latest & greatest best wines in the world at this moment!” Actually, I’m very comfortable with God having absolute knowledge about that stuff. What we wine analysts often do, is simply reach over for the Wine Spectator magazine’s end-of-theyear edition that lists “100 of the most exciting wines of the past year”.

Having to choose 100 wines from some 18,000 releases, is what Spectator does best since 1988. And generally, I prefer their wine ratings over all others. They do well to select all wines across the board, from expensive to extremely reasonable, and with the best criteria being: 1. the wine is excellent (90+ scores), 2. a good value overall, 3. exciting (I use the term “sexy” for the same point in my reviews), and 4. that there’s enough wine produced for many to enjoy. The inevitable problem is that after the release of the list, many wines quickly sell out and/or increase in price.

Lately, the “number one wine” – also referred to as the “wine of the year”, has been one of the usual suspects such as a Bordeaux, Burgundy, or California Cab. This year, it’s a wine from the past: Vintage Port—from Dow 2011.

Vintage Port was somewhat of a craze in the late 80s when a new wave of wine enthusiasts in America was up and about learning and experiencing the great wines around the world. And there was so much older Vintage Port around, from wonderful years as 1945, ‘63, ‘70, and ‘77, and it sold so cheap. I remember around 1987, purchasing a case of ‘63 Quarles Harris

Vintage Port at an auction house for a hundred bucks. It was stellar from a stellar vintage. In England it would have sold for a lot more; in San Francisco, no one had ever heard of it—so I made out!

Yes—I know, Vintage Port was the stuff stuffy old men drank in their private clubs.

And when one passed the bottle around the table at dinner, it traditionally had to move to the right—or was it the left? A fun tradition is the purchasing of the latest bottling of Vintage Port at the birth of a child and storing it for them so that it may be enjoyed with they turn 21 years of age.

Now that a Vintage Port has made it back to numero uno, we should indeed consider it and enjoy a few glasses.

All Port starts fermentation like any red wine. The difference is that Port’s fermentation is stopped by the addition of neutral grape brandy after only a portion of the grapes’ sugar has been converted to alcohol. The result is a fortified wine that contains about 20% alcohol, yet retains some sweetness.

It’s always referred to as a “dessert wine”, but these days with the explosion of food flavor experiences, this “sweet wine” can easily be ordered up at the wine bar, and, certainly appear before, during, and after dinner. Vintage Port always continues its sweet flavor profile, but modernly, it’s not overly sweet, with winemakers producing powerful and muscular fruity wines along with firm tannins.

The winning tasting note for the 2011 Dow, which sells for around $82, states: “Powerful, refined and luscious, with a surplus of dark plum, kirsch and cassis flavors that are unctuous and long. Shows plenty of grip, presenting a long, full finish, filled with Asian spice and raspberry tart accents. Rich and chocolaty. One for the ages. Best from 2030 through 2060.” It sells for around $85.

I have some all-time favorites in this year’s Top 10: The 2012 Clos Des Papes, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, is a mouthful as to both its pronunciation and abundant flavor

profile. Actually, it’s one of the easiest French words to speak; like the French—just say it all at once: “Sha-toe-nuf-doo-pop!”

Meaning “the Newcastle of the Pope”— that’s when the Pope in Rome took off to the south of France to run the papacy, and, to make some good wine! Planting the best of the area such as Grenach, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, the area can actually include 13 varieties into the mix. As it ages, it’s one of the most delicious wines on earth.

The 2011 Bordeaux from Chateau Léoville Las Cases, is always one of the best Bordeaux and one of the cheapest. Prestige aside, why pay $1500 a bottle when you can enjoy classic Bordeaux from Léoville at $175?

And a wonderful shout-out to our

friends Greg Brewer and Steve Clifton for their 2012 Brewer-Clifton Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills. My son Paolo was one of their first wine club members back at the Wine Ghetto in Santa Barbara. Their wine, with notes of snappy wild berry, pomegranate, lavender, black tea, mint, forest floor, licorice and black & dried cherries, dried wild mushroom and baker’s cocoa, is a great example that achieves Santa Rita Hills as one of the world’s best regions for producing Pinot Noir. In the Top 10! Congrats and well-deserved!

Cheers to all!

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January 15 to January 21, 2015

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January 15 to January 21, 2015

Club Crawler Nightlife

Scan the QR Code to get the Club Crawler Nightlife on your Mobile Device via the Smartphone Phone Book!

­­THUR JANUARY 15

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29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Reunion w/ DJ Day Amigo Room 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Paul Elia 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 John Bolivar 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm DESERT FOX; PS; 760-325-9555 Thirsty Thursdays 7pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760992-0002 Courtney Chambers 5pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 7:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke w/ Roberto 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Country Night w/ River Road 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Jazz and Supper Club Night w/ Barry Baughn 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Ryan Webster 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Intimate Acoustics w/ Morgan James 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Kal David Unplugged 8pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 J Dean Starlite Lounge 6pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8-12am THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Tony DiGerlando 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Rodeo Drive’s Happy Hour Cabaret 3:30-5:30pm, Stan Watkins Latin Swing 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am

WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-3285955 Michael Keeth 6-10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Powerman 5000, Hed Pe and Knee High Fox 8pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Rob Martinez and Todd Ashley 7pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Bill Saitta 6pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Tropicana Nights 9pm

FRI JANUARY 16 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Bob Garcia Band 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Desert Daze Presents: Good Shit w/ The Buttertones 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Mikey Reye’s Acoustic Movement 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Noches Azul Latin Night 8pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 T.B.A. 10pm BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 Live Music 6-10pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-5010620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760775-5566 DJ PWee 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760325-2600 The Hive Minds 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-3422333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 TBA 6:30pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 House Band 8:45pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Jump Off” DJ 9pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 The English Beat, The California Celts and Machin’ 8pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Michael D’Angelo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Live DJ 8:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 T.B.A. 7:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 New Breed 9pm

THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 DJ 9pm MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 TBA 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345-0222 John Waybrant 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 KCRW and Club Mercy presents: Hanni El Khatib w/ Korey Dane 7:30pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Jimmy James/ Divas Are Forever 6:30pm, Garage Rock Weekend 8:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 T.B.A. 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Mike Annuzzi Starlite Lounge 7pm, Stoney “B” Blues Band Sidebar Lounge 10pm ROC’S FIREHOUSE; PD; 760-340-3222 T.B.A. 6:30pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 CVxHC Metal/Punk/Art Show w/ Braineater, Destroyer, Aggressive N Rude, Panzram, State of Rage and Moribund 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-7771601 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Demetrious and Co. TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 The Woodys 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Ron & Peggy “Heart to Heart” 6:30pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 T.B.A. TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951755-5391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Trish Harley & Barney McClure Duo 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 T.B.A. 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Slim Man Solo Show 5:30pm

WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 T.B.A. 9pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Rob & jb 7:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallett 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Girl’s Night Out w/ The Men on the Hollywood Strip 9pm

SAT JANUARY 17 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev & Bill 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Desert Dazw Presents: Good Shit w/ Desert Daze DJs Phil ( JJUUJJUU ) and Rusun Willis noon and 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Cabaret on the Green Open Mic w/ Les Michaels and Wayne Abravanel 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Chix Mix-LAW 7pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 T.B.A. 9pm BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 Music 6-10pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-5010620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760775-5566 DJ PWee BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Live Music 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6:30-9:30pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760325-2600 Karaoke 8pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-3422333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 T.B.A. 9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 8:30pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Solid” Guest DJs, 11am poolside, 9pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 VM Management and The Hood Present: Westfield Massacre, Remnants of Man, Galaxy Crusher and Ekavohs 8pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Rich Bono & Poupee Boccaccio 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 T.B.A. 8pm continue to page 24

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January 15 to January 21, 2015

The Pampered Palate

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

January 15 to January 21, 2015

By tracy dietlin

JT’s Diner: Enjoy An AMerican Tradition

Y

ou don’t always have to go to a fine dining restaurant to pamper your palate. Sometimes a family diner with quality service and delicious food at affordable prices will tickle your taste buds just as well.

That’s what happened recently when my husband and I stopped in to JT’s Diner for breakfast. I personally am not a big fan of eating breakfast at a restaurant as I am rarely pleased with the outcome. My husband on the other hand loves to eat breakfast at any time of the day and is quite the breakfast connoisseur. Let’s just say that JT’s was up for the challenge and we both walked out satisfied customers.

First let me talk about the friendly atmosphere where not only do all of the servers take good care of the patrons but the owners walk around and talk to all of the customers to make sure they are enjoying their meal. Many of the diners seemed like regulars by the way the owners were talking to them, only to find out that it was one of the other couples first time there too.

I decided to try the “build your own omelette” which is made with 3 eggs and includes your choice of 3 items. I chose mushrooms, avocado and white cheddar cheese. Absolutely the best omelette I have ever had in a restaurant. All of the ingredients

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melted together perfectly and I was in heaven. Mine was accompanied by fresh fruit and sourdough toast, although you can choose other sides such as country potatoes and more.

My husband selected the “Country Breakfast” with 2 eggs any style and choice of double-smoked bacon, Hawaiian Portuguese sausage or turkey jalapeno sausage. He chose the bacon. He was equally impressed with his meal and was nice enough to share a bite of his bacon which was amazing. We are both very particular about our bacon and it was a winner, prepared just right.

But wait…I haven’t gotten to the best part yet - the “Jack’s Famous Croissant French Toast” which will make it difficult for you to ever eat French toast anywhere else. The consistency of this heavenly culinary delight was perfect; firm, moist and scrumptious without needing a ton of syrup.

I must also add that we enjoyed a couple glasses of champagne with our meal. I wasn’t

expecting a diner to serve champagne or mimosas (they also serve beer and wine) but again this is no ordinary diner. It is clean, bright, friendly, and under the ownership of Todd Flood and Jack Srebnik, who also bring you Maracas and The Slice restaurants.

I must also share that JT’s serves up a bevy of other menu items including, soups, salads, appetizers, burgers, dogs, sandwiches and good old home-made comfort dishes like mac & cheese, meatloaf, beef stew, country fried chicken, fish & chips and baby back ribs.

Personally I’m looking forward to going back for lunch so I can try the “rare roast beef and

creamy horseradish sandwich”. As a matter of fact I think I will head there for lunch right now. With my first experience at JT’s being such a pleasurable one, I’m sure I won’t be disappointed.

JT’s is located at 37011 Cook St. #101 in Palm Desert. Open daily from 6am to 3pm.

Breakfast served ALL day. Lunch items from 11am. Call 760-674-7600 or visit www. jtsdinerpalmdesert.com.

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January 15 to January 21, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Movie Reviews with Robin E. Simmons

TAKEN AGAIN!

Screeners No.147

NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER: THE PALM BEACH STORY

Rudy Vallee and Mary Astor as siblings sucked into the crazy scheme that drives the plot. What makes this film so watchable is not juts the heartfelt love and emotion that that’s on screen, but also behind it. It’s a perfect movie that is truly timeless. How rare is that. The new 4K restoration is pristine.

Generous extras include new interviews with writer and film historian James Harvey, and also with actor and comedian Bill Hader about director Sturges. A fascinating bonus featurette is Safeguarding Military Information, a 1941 propaganda short written by Sturges. Criterion. Blu-ray.

THE SWORD OF DOOM

TAK3N As I write this, TAK3N is opening to a predicted $40 million weekend. That’s amazing for such a lame, lackluster, talky, clichéd and hackneyed film. That said, Liam Neeson somehow retains the audience’s good will throughout the often-incoherent direction by Olivier Megaton -- that’s some name -- who returns from the disappointing but profitable TAKEN 2.

The formulaic, predictable and preposterous plot has Neeson returning as ex black-ops expert Bryan Mills, whose reconciliation with his ex wife -- nice to finally meet her -- is cut short when she is brutally murdered. So off Mills goes on a rage filled quest to get the bad guys, avoid the authorities that think he’s the killer, and protect his daughter (a very fine Maggie Grace).

Does any of this sound familiar? No? Well, we can always look forward to T4KEN. I’m sure it’s in the pipeline. If all the expository dialogue were cut from this unnecessary film (Luc Besson was a co-

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Writer director Preston Sturges was at the top of his considerable comic powers during the war years (that would be World War II) when his masterpiece of marital mayhem was unleashed to instant acclaim.

Joel McCrae and Claudette Colbert are Tom and Gerry, a New York couple with kids, confronting financial embarrassment and romantic malaise. Gerry high-tails it to Florida to find a fix for their money troubles and Tom follows.

What unfolds is a non-stop merry goround of brilliant word play and physical comedy that delivers on all cylinders. This all-time classic of screwball antics is as good as the genre gets. It’s pure Sturges.

Top-notch performances from the leads are matched by the supporting cast, including writer!), it would be a fast passed thriller, but only about 20 minutes long. This is a far cry from the original 1988 film that never let up in its tight 88 minutes. Now playing.

This indelible samurai film from 1966 is set in the fading days of shogun rule and stars the great Toshiro Mifune and Tatsuya Nakadai. The story is about a wandering samurai, a superbly gifted swordsman (Nakadai) who exists in a vortex of violence.

He is merciless and kills with a swift blade in a way of life that ultimately leads to madness.

The classic swordplay is thrilling and chilling thanks to Kihachi Okamoto’s magnificent direction. This extraordinarily moral film is -- ironically -- also a viscerally exciting tale of a damaged man who chooses to devote his life to evil. Recently, someone suggested the film has strong parallels to AMERICAN SNIPER “hero” Chris Kyle. Criterion. Blu-ray. robinesimons@aol.com

Book Review

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

January 15 to January 21, 2015

By Heidi Simmons

Success For New PSIFF Symposium, The Power of Words: Books to Screen

S

usan Rosser and Barbara Keller had an idea over a dinner conversation: “How interesting would it be to have a dialogue between authors of books and filmmakers to learn more about the artistic process of adaptations of books to screen?”

As Keller says, “One enthusiasm led to another.” The dynamic duo approached planners of the PSIFF, and the symposium was given the go-ahead. At the 26th Annual Palm Spring International Film Festival that dialogue indeed took place to wonderful success.

Held at the Hilton Hotel’s Horizon Ballroom, the event drew a crowd throughout the day. The symposium began at 9:00 am and continued until 7:00 pm with authors and film industry professionals talking about the creative process and challenges to get books to the screen. The program included film screenings of the scheduled adaptions and a Barnes & Noble pop-up bookstore.

“We were so fortunate to have people running the film festival who agreed with our vision and let us develop it,” said Rosser.

“Our overall vision was to recognize the power of story as written by book authors and the underpinning of many of our most powerful films.”

Rosser is a member of the non-profit

Palm Spring International Film Society, which organizes the PSIFF. She is also a member of the Author’s Guild headquartered in New York. Rosser was responsible for bringing the Rancho Mirage Writers Festival to fruition.

Now in its second year, that event begins next week January 21st and goes through the 24th. It will be held at the Rancho Mirage Library.

Both Rosser and Keller had a wish list when they began the process of finding authors whose work had made it to the big screen. “I spent most of the spring and summer talking to literary agents and to people who work for publishing houses about our budding project,” said Rosser. “All of them loved our idea and wanted to help us make it a success.”

With a passion for books and movies, Rosser and Keller put together a wish list.

“Black Hawk Down, Low Down and The Hundred-Foot Journey were on the original list,” said Keller. “We were thrilled when author Lisa Genova was available to come for Still Alice.”

Actor Sal Mineo was Keller’s favorite when she was a teenager. So she was very excited to hear all about the journey of making a film from Michael Gregg Michaud’s book Sal. Michaud along with actor Val

Lauren, who portrayed Sal, participated in the discussion moderated by Andy Lewis, book editor of the Hollywood Reporter. Eva, Lauren’s beautiful wife, a model and actress, sat in the audience.

Other attending writers were The Descendants’ author Kaui Hart Hemmings who was part of a discussion with Richard C. Morais author of The Hundred-Foot Journey. Although both appreciated the movie versions of their books, each had a different experience in the adaptation process. Hemmings was very involved with the director, while Morais was not.

Chaz Ebert was the first keynote speaker.

She charmed the audience talking about the documentary Life Itself written by her late husband, beloved film critic Roger Ebert.

The moderators, Variety’s Peter Bart, UCLA film professor Barbara Boyle, Screen International’s Jeremy Kay and magazine contributor Anne Thompson, all brought

their own experience and wisdom to the discussion.

The glossy program include the mission statement: “The Power of Words: Book to Screen was founded to celebrate the authors of books and those involved in the creative process of adapting these works for the screen. Our further goal is to entertain and educate the general public about this process at a symposium featuring sessions led by critics who will moderate discussions about the books and the films with authors, screenwriters, producers, directors and actors.”

Kudos to the team of Rosser and Keller and the visionaries at the PSIFF for putting together not only an entertaining event, but a significant program that high-lights the importance of story.

Hopefully, The Power of Words: Books to Screen symposium will be a part of the Festival for years to come.

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January 15 to January 21, 2015 continued from page 19

KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 T.B.A. 6pm, Karaoke w/ Roberto 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760345-2450 New Breed 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Basics 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Lucky Tongue 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345-0222 Agave Blues Masters 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-3655956 Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, Cal King 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Robotic Humans, In the Name of the Dead and Elektric Lucie 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext230 Comedy Night 5:30pm, Garage Rock Weekend 8:30pm RENAISSANCE PALM; PS; 760-3226100 Art of Sax featuring Sax Man Will Donato & Eddie Reddick 7-10pm RED BARN;PD;760-346-0191T.B.A.9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Gino & Jade Starlite Lounge 7pm, Stoney “B” Blues Band Sidebar Lounge 10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Mikaelpalooza 12pm, Castle, Atala and Dali’s Llama 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-7771601 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-3297929 Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 The Mighty Delta-Tones 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Darci Daniels 6:30pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 T.B.A. 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951755-5391 DJ Hektik 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Pat Rizzo & All That Jazz Band 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & JB 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am

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VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 8pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Salsa Night, Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Scott Carter 7:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Stanley Butler Trio 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm

SUN JANUARY 18 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Bob & Allison 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Slacker Sunday w/ Dave Frey 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Jazz Brinch w/ Francesca Amari 11:30am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Steve Madaio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888-999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 Eat Play Sleep Repeat w/ Von Petersen 8pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-3296787 Karaoke 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-3422333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-3259676 “Fusion” Pool Party 11am poolside THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 GRMLN, Tribesmen and Safety Net 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pm THE NEW YORK COMPANY RESTAURANT; PS; 760-778-7789 Lili Rose 7pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Longest Running Jam Session in the valley. Hosted by JB, Sign up 6pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-3655956 The Sunday Band 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 The Jam Session/ Morgan James B-day PARTY 5-9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 The Judy Show 5:30pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3274080 Art of Sax Sidebar Patio 5pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Smooth Brothers THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Michael Bolivar 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Jazz Time Band 2-5pm, John Stanley King 6-9pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Scott

Carter 1:30-4:30pm, Rob & JB 4:30-9pm, DJ Idol Eyez 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Tony DiJerlando 6pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Line Dancing w/ Tina 5:30-9pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Michael Keeth & Martin Barrera 7pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 The Smooth Brothers 5:30pm

MON JANUARY 19 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Bonny Jean 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760325-2794 Hot Rox NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Spencer Day 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 T.B.A. 6pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Michael James & 3sum 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Tony Grandberry 6:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Trish Hatley & Barney McClure 6pm

TUE JANUARY 20 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Paul & Jo 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 Vinyl Sessions 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760992-0002 Jesse Sweitzer 5pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm INDIAN CANYONS GOLF RESORT; PS; 760-833-8700 DJ Randy Johnson 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Dana Larson 6:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45 PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Acoustic & Electric Guitar Challenge sign up at 7pm, Show at 8pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Rose Mallett

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com 6:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Open Mic 8pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3274080 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Caxton 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Demetrious and Co. VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 T.B.A. 4pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Live entertainment VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 John Bolivar & Barney McClure 6pm

WED JANUARY 21 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Dan Horn 6pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Jazz Jam 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Paula Prince 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 T.B.A. 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760992-0002 Jesse Sweitzer 5pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Live Music KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke w/ Roberto 7pm

January 15 to January 21, 2015

LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760325-2794 Hot Rox MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Michael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm NYPD; PS; 760-778-6973 Live DJ 9pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2881199 Karaoke w/ KJ Ginger 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke NYE Party 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 The Michael Holmes Trio 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Straight Ahead Jazz TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 NYE Party 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Lizann Warner 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Nite Fixx 9-2am WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760328-5955 T.B.A. 7-10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Karaoke THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Rob & jb 7:30pm WOLFGANG PUCK’S; PD; 760-5682700 WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Deanna Bogart 6pm

S and G

PUMPING SERVICE

Septic Tank & Grease Trap Pumping Sewer & Drain Cleaning Odor Control

760-404-6325

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Open Daily 10 am - 6 pm Sunday 12 - 5pm 44841 San Pablo (West Side of Street), Palm Desert, CA 92260

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January 15 to January 21, 2015

events

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

La Quinta Arts Foundation Presents Another Great Day of Art Under the Umbrellas

In Old Town La Quinta on Saturday, January 17th

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s seen on the pages of Coachella Valley Weekly, there is no shortage of things to do in the Valley this week. So consider your options wisely, and then head over to Old Town La Quinta for Art Under the Umbrellas on Saturday, January 17th from 10 am to 4 pm where over 80 talented Southern California artists will converge to exhibit their original works of art in every media category. The host band, Steve Madaio & Friends, will offer patrons lively entertainment as they explore the artist booths, shop the Old Town shops, and dine at one of the great restaurants on site.

Saturday’s show will spotlight an amazing textile artist, Virginia Louise Akin from Joshua Tree. A longtime veteran of both Art Under the Umbrellas and La Quinta Arts Festival, Virginia Akin’s “Dali Mama” delicate silk designs are created only with dyes that are imported from France and are considered to be the most beautiful, intense and expensive colors in the world. They are only used by artists and they are still used in couture.

Virginia Louise has been a textile artist and designer for more than three decades, having worked in fashion before the world became computerized and learning from skilled people to do everything by hand. To this day, Akin personally creates all of the color and design in her luxurious wearable art collection.

Also featured is Burbank based Contemporary Artist Stephen Schubert.

Once famed for his 3-D wall sculpture realism, Schubert is now an abstract painter.

He says he was drawn to the genre because it “allows people to express themselves in very personal and often revealing ways.” Schubert specializes in large scale commission pieces, and loves collaborating with designers. He is always trying new things with textures and paint effects in his colorful contemporary abstracts.

Before establishing himself as a serious artist, Stephen’s varied and storied career paths ranged from working as a bartender in a caboose, and designing windows for FAO Schwartz on 5th Avenue. He was once a DJ, spinning records during the height of the disco craze, then later became a copywriter at a new radio station. Landing the lead role

26

Local Business

by kira golden

DESERT DISTILLING the valley’s first and only distillery

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in a local production of Count Dracula started his acting career which ultimately led to becoming the national spokesman for both Macy’s and Lincoln Mercury … which led him to studying acting seriously and a role on a West Coast soap series. He once guest anchored on the E! Channel and even got to razz the character Elaine on a classic episode of “Seinfeld.”

Admission and parking at Art Under the Umbrellas are both free. Old Town La Quinta is located in the Village of La Quinta. Take Washington Street south, go west on Calle Tampico two blocks; Old Town La Quinta will be on the left.

Art Under the Umbrellas is presented by La Quinta Arts Foundation, celebrating its 33rd season in service to its non-profit mission of “Promoting and Cultivating the Arts” through which over $1.1 million has been awarded in visual arts scholarships. Info: www.LQAF.com / 760-564-1244

esert Distilling, located in Palm Desert, is an up and coming microdistillery, producing small batch, hand-crafted spirits and liqueurs. Their logo, the hummingbird, symbolizes enjoyment of life and lightness of being—and what better way to celebrate joyful living than with fine spirits? Brothers Neil and John Lotz have been distilling as a hobby since 2010. Neil, the Head Distiller, explained that he had been around quite a few micro-breweries in the San Diego area and helped those businesses get started.

Since distilling was already a passion of his, he and John recognized that the micro-distillery boom was just beginning—much like microbreweries began to be popular and successful back in ’96—and they decided that now was the time to give it a go. “We wanted to do it out here in Palm Springs, just because it’s a worldclass destination, and has its own charm and lure and romance of the desert—we thought it would be something the Valley would like.

As the new breweries and stuff were coming in, we thought a distillery would make it full circle here.” That was back in September of 2013, and after a lot of hard work—building the whole plant in Palm Desert by themselves, not to mention the long process of obtaining federal licensing to produce and sell liquor— the Brothers Lotz have opened a tasting room.

“What we have to offer now is our original Vodka and our White Rum—these are the two bottles we have approved for distribution and sale,” Neil said. “Those were our flagship, our launch—something we could produce now and get out to the consumers. Whiskey you

have to age for at least two, up to twenty-five years if you wanted to. So we do have some whiskeys and bourbons that we’re working on. We also have a gin—that will probably be our next release.” He went on to explain that if you go to the Tasting Room, you get six samples—and not just of their vodka and white rum. “We have tastings of our barrelstrength bourbon, we’ve got a spiced rum, a limoncello. So if you come to a tasting one weekend and come back the next, you’re not just going to taste our vodka, rum, and gin. We switch it up and have different concoctions available there that you may never see on the market.” Apparently, one of their most popular is a vanilla latte liqueur that tastes like a Starbucks drink but is definitely spiked!

The distillery is truly small-batch, producing only about 1000-2000 liters with each run, hand-crafted by Neil himself, and everything is done right at the plant in Palm Desert.

When asked what he believes the difference is between his hand-crafted products versus the mass-produced spirits you can find in most grocery stores, he said, “You have to taste it.” He went on to explain, “A lot of the big manufacturers put adjuncts in there— they put sugar, glycerin—they add a lot of stuff to make it attractable to the common consumer. When most people think spirits they think, ‘It’s alcohol, it’s rough, it burns when it goes down.’ And that’s really not what spirits are about. Real spirits are actually just naturally really smooth. Everyone tastes our vodka, which is just 100 percent red wheat, and when you drink it, it has light notes of caramel, and then it’s just as smooth as can be. People say they normally mix vodka, but they’d drink ours straight. We’re trying to bring the real flavors out, instead of trying to mask it and just get alcohol out of it. It makes a superior spirit. Micro-brewing enlightened people to what beers could be. We’re trying to enlighten people to what spirits can be.”

Right now, the Brothers Lotz are still working on expanding. Their long-term goals for the distillery include finding a distributor and getting their product in stores all over Southern California. For now, their Tasting Room is the only place to find these handcrafted, desert-born spirits. They’re open Fridays and Saturdays from 2pm-8pm and Sunday from 10am-2pm. $15 gets you six tastings and one of their hand-made shot glasses to take home.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Haddon Libby:It’s alllocal

Ignorance and Conscientious Stupidity

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artin Luther King Jr. best summarized the challenges faced in ending racism when he said, “Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.”

As the terrorist attacks against Jews in Paris proved yet again, racism remains strong throughout the world.

Racism is as old as humankind. Aristotle acknowledges this in his book “Politics” where he states, “Some men are by nature free, and others slaves…slavery is both expedient and right.” It may be hard for us to understand but Roman and Greek slave owners did not think of themselves as racists - they simply believed that slavery was a natural with Africans being the unfortunate sub-race.

Charles Darwin perpetrated this belief in his theories on evolution when he postulated that some races were more “civilized” than others. As such, he believed that there must be a biological reason.

Here in the United States, blacks were originally fairly equal to whites. In Virginia in the 1600s, blacks could file lawsuits, bear arms and own property, including slaves.

Originally, slavery in America included whites under indentured servitude, Native Americans and blacks. Slavery was an

economic necessity that was not built on racism. Over time, this evolved into the political strategy of “divide and rule.” The fear of the time was that slaves would rise up, revolt and kill their owners.

Capitalism created the racism that we know today as it was easier to rule by dividing people based on race. Ignorance has allowed racism to continue whether based on skin color, sexual preference, religious belief, national heritage or some other arbitrary difference.

The terrorist attacks in France this month were born from a basic racism against people with Middle Eastern heritage in that country. This racism manifested itself in a group of young people of Middle Eastern descent feeling more aligned with ISIS than their birth country. As such, they seized on a radical belief of a segment of their ancestry based in hatred against Jews. Racism by the French in ostracizing a segment of their own society caused terrorism against another minority group based solely on religious beliefs.

In Russia, blacks who visit the country are advised to stay in city centers like Moscow as there is the real risk of violence against them in many of Russia’s smaller towns.

Additionally, Putin has squads of statesanctioned hoods seeking out gay people

who they ridicule and physically beat. Only recently, the country banned transgender people from driving based on their belief that transgenders have “mental disorders.”

If all of this is not enough, “neo-Nazism” is on the rise in the country.

Not limited to Russia, neo-Nazism continues to have significant support in Germany and Austria. When it comes to blacks, Uwe-Karsten Heye, a retired government spokesman, has issued a warning to avoid Eastern parts of his country including East Berlin, Marzahn and Hellersdorf.

When Hitler was defeated seventy years ago, the world thought that his defeat brought an end to ethnic cleansings - yet this practice continues. At present, ISIS and African dictators purge their regions of what they deem to be undesirables via mass killings.

January 15 to January 21, 2015

A more common form of racism experienced worldwide is based on economics and xenophobia and occurs against migrant workers. In Italy, migrant workers from Tunisia are often subjected to taunting and physical harm. In Greece, vigilante groups armed with metal bars, brass knuckles, knifes and other weapons troll the streets of immigrant-filled neighborhoods in Athens looking to beat immigrants whom they feel are stealing their jobs.

As we commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, think about the sacrifices made

by King and countless others seeking to advance the rights of all people. As Patrick Henry once said, “United we stand, divided we fall.”

Dale Gribow On The Law Scammed? What to know and do about 2015 scams

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received many requests to write this month’s article on SCAMS. There is good chance if you got through the 2014 holidays that you or a friend were exposed to a scam…and did not know it.

Crooks have smartened up and now use clever schemes to defraud millions of people every year. The bad guys often combine sophisticated technology with age-old tricks to get people to send money or give out personal information.

New twists to old schemes are added to pressure people, especially seniors, to make important decisions on the spot. The one thing that is a certainty is that they follow the headlines — and the money.

We must all remain diligent and stay a step ahead with the latest info and practical tips from the nation’s consumer protection agency. We should all browse the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) scam alerts by topic or by most recent scams to keep up to date on current scams.

The Desert Sun discussed many scams but failed to address these unlucky 13 scams in their year ending article.

1. Computer scams where fraudsters trick consumers into believing their computers are riddled with malware and then charge to fix the problems.

2. The Grandparents scam occurs when

con artists pretend to be a family member, often a grandchild that is in urgent need of money to cover medical care in a foreign country or fix a legal problem such as money for bail.

3. The health related scams, especially the medical alert device schemes, that occur when scammers attempt to collect personal information or convince seniors to pay for a device or service they never ordered.

4. Lottery scams are used to gather info and or money. This includes the Jamaican lottery scam, in which fraudsters lead victims to believe they have won a lottery but must pay an upfront fee or taxes before their winnings can be released. They get the victim to go to their bank to take out money “temporarily” as they will be receiving a windfall from the lottery winnings.

5. Social security scams take place when benefits are re-routed from the accounts of rightful recipients to fraudulently created bank and debit card accounts. All these scams try to gather your personal information to either steal your identity or your money………..or both.

6. The IRS scam is when the caller claims to be a preferred enforcement officer acting on behalf of the IRS, or they say they are with the Palm Springs Police or Riverside County Sheriff. Sometimes the caller ID may

even confirm the police or Sheriff…I know because I received such a call. Fortunately I am friends with the Sheriff of Riverside County who ran my name through their computer to advise me of the scam attempt.

You should note that the IRS does not call you, they send letters. If this happens to you, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 or forward their emails to phishing@IRS.gov.

7. If you get a call claiming to be a City Official or with the Sheriff’s Department they may allege you missed Jury Duty and you ask for a money order to correct this.

They may ask you to call back with the information on the back of the suggested money order that you are requested to purchase, or ask you for a prepaid debit card.

8. Sometimes the caller may even threaten you with Arrest (as was the case with my caller), Deportation or the Suspension of your Business License or Driver’s License.

9. Callers may claim you won the lottery and that they need your bank account information to wire you money.

10. Other SCAMS in the greater Palm Springs neighborhood involve Rental Properties. Be wary of listings on Craigslist for rentals by owner or vacation rentals as there have been many such scams. A red flag should be raised when no phone number or email address is listed. In addition, prospective renters may be asked to send money for a home rental during a major city event, such as Coachella. It is highly possible that the home may not even exist, may already be rented to someone else, or may not even be for rent. Do your due diligence!

11. When looking for a rental or looking to rent your home, look carefully at the spelling and language in the advertisement as they are often prepared by people from outside of the area. You may want to check Google Maps to be sure the address exists.

Also, be wary if the renter asks for money up front or asks for $40 to run a background check.

12. Sometimes the scammer moves into the home and then complains that continue to page 28

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January 15 to January 21, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

safety tips

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Natural Gas - Heater Safety

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ool weather is upon us and that means more home heating use says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. This time of year, firefighters respond to an increase call load of “odor of gas in a structure” says Chief DiGiovanna. You likely haven’t used your heating unit in several months. It’s a good idea to have them checked before firing them up this winter says Chief DiGiovanna. Heating appliances should be serviced annually to keep them operating safely and efficiently.

“A licensed heating contractor or Southern California Gas Co. Representative can provide this service for you.”

By not having an annual maintenance inspection on gas appliances could result in exposure to carbon monoxide, which can cause nausea, drowsiness, flu-like symptoms, and even death. Does your residence have a carbon monoxide detector installed? Check with your local fire department for advice on installing one says DiGiovanna.

Here are a few tips for a safe, warm, and energy-efficient winter: • Have natural gas furnaces checked at least once a year by a licensed heating contractor or Southern California Gas Co rep.

• Vacuum and clean regularly in and around the furnace, particularly around the burner compartment to prevent a build-up of continued from page 27

everything is not working, ultimately refusing to pay any rent. The scammer then extorts money from the homeowner for the poorly maintained home and asks for $25-$50,000 to vacate in lieu of filing a lawsuit. Others say they want to just rent for 1 month and then will not leave.

13. Loan Scams were reported by KMIR last year. This occurs when the victim receives a call saying it is understood that the victim is looking for a loan, and ‘voila’ they have been pre-approved for an installment loan. The caller may ask for your bank routing information to send the money to you. Then, in order to secure the loan, the borrower may be asked to purchase items such as gift cards in an amount that will be reimbursed when the loan takes place. Fraud alert!

IF you are a victim, contact the fraud alert hotline toll free 855 303 9470 or visit website aging.senate.gov/fraud-hotline.

Report FRAUD and potential ID thefts by contacting: • Federal Trade Commission ID Theft Hotline 877 IDTheft/ consumer.gov/idtheft • Social Security hotline 800 269 0271/ www.ssa.gov/oig • Equifax: 800 525 6285/ equifax.com • Experian: 888 397 3742/ experian.com •Transunion: 8006807289/transunion.com Keep the above numbers in a safe place just in case! Remember the bottom line is that everything is not always as it seems so be careful and check before giving out any private information.

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dust and lint.

• Never store items in, on or around the appliance that can obstruct airflow.

• Most forced-air units have a filter that cleans the air before heating and circulating it throughout the home. Check furnace filters every month during the heating season and clean or replace the filter when necessary.

• When installing a new or cleaned furnace filter, be sure to re-install the front panel door of the furnace properly so it fits snugly; never operate the furnace without the front-panel door properly in place because doing so may create the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Check the appearance of the flame. If the flame is yellow, large and unsteady, the furnace needs to be inspected immediately by a licensed heating contractor or Southern California Gas Co rep to have the condition corrected.

• Using an unvented gas heater in your home is dangerous and a violation of the California Health and Safety Code.

• Never use your oven, range or outdoor barbecue to heat your home because these appliances are not designed for this purpose.

For additional safety info visit: nfpa.org/ safety-information/for-consumers/causes/ heating/heating-safety-tips Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

If you have ideas for future columns please contact Dale Gribow, Attorney at Law at his NEW number 760 837-7500 and or his new email: dale@dalegribowlaw.com Dale Gribow 1) TOP LAWYER rating by Palm Springs Life every year.

2) Perfect AVVO 10.0 Peer Review Rating by fellow attorneys 3) Preeminent Rating by Martindale Hubbell legal directory.

4) Selected for Best Attorneys of America (Limited to Top 100 Attorneys in each state.

sharekitchen

ShareKitchen is ‘Growing Local’

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ast year ShareKitchen began to explore the idea of an expanded facility that would offer our local small businesses a larger, more extensive operating space with room to grow from micro-enterprises into SME’s (Small to Medium Enterprises). We worked for a year on a feasibility study in conjunction with Food Spectrum and the founder of the Rutgers Food Innovation Center, a mid-scale food processing and incubation program in Camden, New Jersey. Over the course of the year we evaluated the needs of local and regional small food businesses, farmers, our community and our available resources and discovered that the Food Innovation Center model at Rutgers University would be a great value to the Coachella Valley and would allow us to offer a wider scope of opportunities than we had ever imagined.

Tricia Gehrlein of the Clinton Foundation’s Health Matters Initiative saw the great impact this project will have on the health of our community in the Coachella Valley and introduced ShareKitchen to the Urban Land Institute’s Young Leaders Group. The Urban Land Institute (ULI) was founded in 1936 as a nonprofit institute to conduct research and provide information

on all aspects of real estate development and land use policy. The ULI YLG chose our project from a collection of projects across the region for their annual probono Technical Assistance Program support grant. A diverse group of Young Leaders from the ULI’s Orange County and Inland Empire Chapter presented their findings on Friday, January 9th at Coachella’s City Hall to a stand-up only group of community members and civic leaders.

ShareKitchen will be devoting the next several weeks to sharing more information and details about this exciting project, our progress and its great benefits to the wellness of our community – “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ ShareKitchen to stay connected and join the conversation!

sports scene

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Julie Buehler

How To Ruin A Franchise In 5 Easy Steps

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inda bored of retirement from your Hall-of-Fame playing career?

Looking to get back in action?

Looking to make your presence felt by a fan base that thinks you can do no wrong?

Turns out, perhaps the biggest challenge for a living legend is showing a fan base that thinks he can do no wrong that THEY were wrong.

It’s time to ruin an NFL franchise.

And John Elway has done so brilliantly.

He just followed the How To Ruin A Franchise In 5 Easy Steps manual.

Step 1: Experience doesn’t matter. Be the guy with no experience in charge of EVERYTHING. It’s awesome. And for good measure, make sure if people question you or offer reasonable analysis to augment the conversation or create alternative views, that they are immediately silenced. Under no circumstance can you ruin a franchise if people question your illegitimate authority, so you have to have a powerful name but no experience.

John Elway’s resume boasted experience in the Arena Football League as a co-owner of the Denver Crush and as a consultant in marketing for the Broncos.

Great. He knows how to catapult his incredibly successful playing career into being one of a billion owners of a defunct AFL franchise and getting people’s attention. How does that qualify him to know which under-theradar players would be perfect additions to a team that just needs a few tweaks to be great?

It didn’t, which is why it was so easy for him to venture into the next step.

Step 2: Plan on building the team in free agency, but avoid drafting well. If anything happens to Peyton Manning, Brock Osweiler is the Denver Broncos quarterback. That fact have you sleeping well at night, Denver fan?? Congrats to the Broncos front office on executing this step brilliantly. And, this one is fun, because it not only ruins a franchise in real time, but also sets one up for a solid 5-10 years of futility! And that’s when a true franchise wrecker knows they’ve done their best work. You can see it too, because the best players on the team all have more history with other teams and get more playing time than franchise-developed talent. But it might also be because the next step was perfectly executed.

Step 3: Go out and get BIG names to play on a team regardless of system fit. If Lombardis were handed out for the off-season, the Elwayled Broncos would have 3 new trophies. Before the 2012 season, they landed Peyton Manning.

Backed up the Brinks truck for him, which was risky as his neck had not been proven, but they structured the contract well so they had an out if he didn’t hold up. Win-win there. And then 13 wins and an improbable loss to Baltimore later, looked like Elway was right. And in the 2013 offseason, they won again, adding coveted free agent Wes Welker and made it to the Super Bowl. Team still not good enough to win it all?

Just win in the offseason one more time… Elway

sports

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picked up almost every important free agent in DeMarcus Ware, Aquib Talib, TJ Ward AND Emmanual Sanders.

Only problem is football is a unique sport in that the sum of the whole is NOT equal to the sum of the parts. Just watch the ProBowl for proof. The key to a great football team is communication, cohesion and trust and when a bunch of high-priced, alpha-male stars collide on one team, that cohesion and communication requires time to iron out. And that becomes really tough as you apply the 4th step in this How To. Step 4: Maintain unrealistic expectations.

The bigger the better. The more unrealistic, the faster you can demolish your franchise. So, you must declare your season an abject failure if you can’t be the ONE team to hoist the Lombardi.

You must decide wholesale changes are needed because your 4th consecutive division title isn’t good enough. And you must certainly conclude 38 wins in 3 seasons to be meaningless because the playoff chase ended the same way 10 other franchises saw their playoff chase end. And the more public these ridiculous expectations are, the more the fan base will believe they can be achieved and the more you’ll upset them when they are disappointed. Perfect way to get support for your final key in ruining a franchise.

Step 5: Punish the wrong guys for franchise mistakes. Start firing the wrong guys and keep the wrong guys.

This takes real talent because if you fire the actual people who are making mistakes, you can save a franchise (see Kansas City Chiefs

rebound from 2-14 under Romeo Crennel and Scott Pioli to revitalized under Andy Reid and John Dorsey), but to ruin one, you have to get rid of steady-handed, commonsense-wielding types.

So you have to know who’s doing well and who’s not. ALWAYS fire the guy with the most experience and stability. I.E. the head coach who’s known in the NFL as being one of the most consistent and reliable minds in the game. Get rid of him and let some young, inexperienced head coach take over. He’ll make sure your plan is never questioned and your hodge-podge group of over-priced, high-egoed talent never plays to its capabilities.

Rise, repeat.

It’s really that simple.

Just a little knee-jerk, reactionary decision making and short-sighted, tunnel vision, and you too can ruin a perfectly functioning NFL franchise.

Welcome to 4-12 again Broncos fans.

Julie Buehler hosts the Coachella Valley’s most popular sports talk radio show, “Buehler’s Day Off” every day from 3-6 on 1010 KXPS, the valley’s all sports station. She can also be seen every morning between 6-7am on KMIR sharing the coolest stories in sports. Tune in M-F 3-6 pst at www.team1010.com or watch “Buehler’s Day Off” on Ustream and KMIR.com for her sports reports.

by Flint Wheeler

Dear Peyton Manning: “Time to hang ‘em up” t some point during Sunday’s divisional playoff game between the Broncos and the Colts, I began to wonder if Denver’s receivers were running bad routes, or if they were being held, or if Colorado’s marijuana laws really were as lax as advertised.

Because there was no way that all of those terrible passes were Peyton Manning’s fault.

But by the time Denver was in desperation mode in the fourth quarter – down by two scores with four minutes left – and Manning could not throw a pass further than five yards downfield, it became obvious that this was probably Manning’s fault. And now it’s apparent that maybe the last month of the season was too.

Manning looked as “Manning” as usual through 12 games, but then December brought an icy chill to his game that may finally signal a reason to retire to that Papa John’s in the sky.

Sure, the Broncos went 3-1 in the month, but they weren’t humming along with the same effortless precision, thanks mostly to Manning, who posted a passer rating of 76.8 in the final four games, which ranked 26th in the league over that period of time. That’s worse than Jay Cutler, Charlie Whitehurst and a guy who’s six years younger and recently called it a career himself: Kyle Orton.

January 15 to January 21, 2015

He was 26-of-46 for 211 yards, just 4.6 yards per attempt, and just 6-of-21 on any pass further than five yards downfield. For as much as C.J. Anderson, Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas tried to will the Broncos to victory, it would have taken a massive mistake for the Colts to lose this game.

For 17 seasons, Manning has been the best football player on any field he steps onto, but on Sunday he didn’t crack the top 10.

What’s left to prove next year, when he will be 39 and may see unfamiliar faces on the coaching staff and in the locker room? Despite saying in December he had no plans to retire, Manning has pumped the brakes on those comments, saying “things have changed” since then.

And that was before Denver lost to Indianapolis at home, 24-13, bringing a promising season to a disappointing end and casting serious doubt on the future of a team built to win now.

After putting together one of the league’s best rosters over the last few years, Denver GM John Elway must now figure out to do with impending free agents like Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas, Wes Welker, Terrance Knighton, Rahim Moore and Orlando Franklin. And then there’s the matter of who will coach the team: On Monday, Denver “parted ways” with

head coach John Fox, and it’s been known for months that offensive coordinator Adam Gase was likely going to get his own head-coaching gig somewhere else next season. Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio may be following him out of Denver, too.

In short, it’s not so much a question of whether or not Manning should return to the Broncos, but a matter of knowing what Broncos team he’s actually coming back to.

And again, Manning will be 39 next year, and the fates of NFL quarterbacks that have played past the age of 38 are mixed: Brett Favre had one of his best statistical seasons at 40, and Warren Moon threw for 33 TDs and more than 4,200 yards at 39, but Joe Montana and Steve Young both retired at 38, and so did Elway, Manning’s boss and the ultimate “go out on top” QB. If Manning has played his final NFL game, it’s somewhat fitting that he went out against Andrew Luck, his heir apparent and the prodigy that pushed him out of Indianapolis.

While the Colts’ young leader didn’t put up his usual big numbers on Sunday, he did provide a stark reminder of what Manning used to be able to do. Luck looked strong, confident and undoubtedly proved why he could one day have more career Pro Bowl nods and Super Bowl wins than Manning.

If Luck can avenge his team’s pitiful performance against the Patriots in the playoffs last season, he’ll finally receive the credit he deserves for willing an otherwise mediocre football team to the Super Bowl. It’s the same thing we used to say about Manning, who was reduced to two-yard checkdowns and inaccurate downfield throws on Sunday.

Consider the torch passed.

Having become the NFL’s all-time passing TD leader earlier this season, he’s less than 3,000 yards away from setting a new mark in career passing yardage, too...does his legacy mean enough for him to lace ‘em up for a final season? We know his will remains strong, but perhaps his body has finally betrayed him.

Mannings time has come, it’s over. It’s time for him to walk away from the game while he can still walk. After all, it’s just a short stroll to Canton, Ohio.

Founder of Silex Strategies L.L.C. providing sales and consulting in Insurance, Retirement, Real Estate and Taxes through A.I.G./Valic. PGA Class A Member and T.P.I. Certified Golf Trainer.

Host of “The Tilted Sports Radio Show” on Fox Sports 1270 from 3-7pm on Thursdays, Live from The Kilt. Contact at 760-409-4612 www. flintwheeler.com

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January 15 to January 21, 2015

Health&Fitness

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Personal Trainer Karen Creasey

Workout Boredom

I

frequently have swimmers tell me they get bored swimming back and forth in a pool. If you are a swimmer (or any exerciser actually), bored with your workout routine and wondering how to improve, consider adding equipment. Here is a short list of a few must haves for swimmers: 1. A good pair of goggles. Goggles function as eye protection, increase visibility, and disrupt boredom by enhancing enjoyment of the water both recreationally and competitively.

Correct fitting goggles are important. Choose from flat lenses or rounded ones. It is best to select goggles that feel comfortable against your face and don’t place too much pressure against your eyes.

2. A swim Cap is an important tool because it keeps hair out of your face, protects your hair from chemical damage, and keeps you warm when swimming if the air is chilled.

3. Using hand paddles helps you utilize swim-specific muscles more effectively and helps remove boredom from your workout.

They build upper-body strength for a more powerful underwater catch, pull, and finish.

When you have a technically proficient stroke, a hand paddle with a surface area larger than your hand will provide an increase in resistance through the water.

4. The buoyancy of a kick board allows you to swim with your face out of the water

providing added confidence as you practice your kick technique. They are a helpful tool to use as part of your complete cardiovascular workout. They bring additional challenge back into the swim drills and help combat boredom when used to isolate specific movements within a stroke.

5. Swim fins come in all shapes and sizes and are used to improve many parts of swimming strokes. Fins increase ankle flexibility thus resulting in a more efficient flutter kick. Using fins enhance body position allowing you to break boredom by focusing on additional parts of the swim technique, such as body roll or timing. They strengthen the kick and increase your workout pace.

For more ideas on ways to spice up your swim workout and overcome boredom call Karen at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center. 760565-7467.

Health&Fitness

LIFESTREAM COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE

Give Hope – Give Life – Give Blood • Where: Mayfield College 35325 Date Palm Dr, Cathedral City • Date: Tuesday, Jan. 20 • Time: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Donors receive, while supplies last, a coupon for four free tacos and a milkshake, courtesy of Jack in the Box and, courtesy of Gamble Chiropractic, a coupon for a free, 1-hour massage. Donors also receive free cholesterol screening and Gift of Life Donor Loyalty points that may be redeemed in the online donor store at www.LStream.org.

• Where: Indio Juvenile Hall 47665 Oasis St. Indio • Date: Wednesday, Jan. 21 • Time: 12 to 4 p.m.

• Donors receive, while supplies last, a coupon for four free tacos and a milkshake, courtesy of Jack in the Box. Donors also receive free cholesterol screening and Gift of Life Donor Loyalty points that may be redeemed in the online donor store at www.

LStream.org.

• Where: Larson Justice Center 46200 Oasis St, Indio • Date: Thursday, Jan. 22 • Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Donors receive, while supplies last, coupons for four free tacos and a milkshake, courtesy of Jack in the Box. Donors also receive free cholesterol screening and Gift of Life Donor Loyalty points that may be redeemed in the online donor store at www.

LStream.org.

• Where: Cal State San Bernardino 37500 Cook St, Palm Desert

• Date: Thursday, Jan. 22 • Time: 12 to 5 p.m.

• Donors receive free cholesterol screening and Gift of Life Donor Loyalty points that may be redeemed in the online donor store at www.LStream.org.

• Where: Walgreens 14001 Palm Dr, Desert Hot Springs.

• Date: Thursday, Jan. 22 • Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Donors receive, while supplies last, coupons for four free tacos and a milkshake, courtesy of Jack in the Box, and, courtesy of Gamble Chiropractic, a coupon for a free, 1-hour massage. Donors also receive free cholesterol screening and Gift of Life Donor Loyalty points that may be redeemed in the online donor store at www.LStream.org.

Healthy individuals at least 15 years of age may donate blood. Fifteen- and 16-yearolds must provide LifeStream with written parental consent. Parent consent forms are available at any donor center, community blood drive or at LStream.org. All prospective donors should be free of infections or illness, weigh at least 110 pounds, and not be at risk for AIDS or hepatitis. Donors receive a free mini-physical as part of the donation process. Those aged 18-44 years may register for Be The Match bone marrow screening at all donor locations free of charge. Donating blood takes about an hour, yet gives someone a lifetime. For more information, please call 1-800-TRYGIVING. Join the LifeStream volunteer team and make a lifesaving difference! For information, call 1.800.879.4484, ext. 458.

BECOME ONE OF OUR SALES TEAM info@coachellavalleyweekly.com

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Week of January 15

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You will never make anything that lasts forever. Nor will I or anyone else.

I suppose it’s possible that human beings will still be listening to Beethoven’s music or watching The Simpsons TV show 10,000 years from today, but even that stuff will probably be gone in five billion years, when the sun expands into a red giant star.

Having acknowledged that hard truth, I’m happy to announce that in the next five weeks you could begin work in earnest on a creation that will endure for a very long time. What will it be? Choose wisely!

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): What does your soul need on a regular basis? The love and attention of some special person? The intoxication provided by a certain drink or drug? Stimulating social interaction with people you like? Music that drives you out of your mind in all the best ways? The English poet Gerard Manley Hopkins said that the rapture his soul needed more than anything else was inspiration -- the “sweet fire,” he called it, “the strong spur, live and lancing like the blowpipe flame.” So the experience his soul craved didn’t come from an outside stimulus. It was a feeling that rose up inside him. What about you, Taurus? According to my analysis of the astrological omens, your soul needs much more than usual of its special nourishment.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In 1987, California condors were almost extinct. Less than 30 of the birds remained. Then the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service launched an effort to capture them all and take emergency measures to save the species.

Almost 28 years later, there are more than 400 condors, half of them living in the wild. If you act now, Gemini, you could launch a comparable recovery program for a different resource that is becoming scarce in your world. Act with urgency, but also be prepared to practice patience.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Daniel Webster (17821852) was an American statesman who served in both houses of Congress. He dearly wanted to be President of the United States, but his political party never nominated him to run for that office. Here’s the twist in his fate: Two different candidates who were ultimately elected President asked him to be their Vice-President, but he declined, dismissing the job as unimportant. Both those Presidents, Harrison and Taylor, died after a short time on the job. Had Webster agreed to be their Vice-President, he would have taken their place and fulfilled his dream. In the coming weeks, Cancerian, I advise you not to make a mistake comparable to Webster’s.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In one of his poems, Rumi writes about being alone with a wise elder. “Please,” he says to the sage, “do not hold back from telling me any secrets about this universe.” In the coming weeks, Leo, I suggest you make a similar request of many people, and not just those you regard as wise.

You’re in a phase when pretty much everyone is a potential teacher who has a valuable clue to offer you. Treat the whole world as your classroom.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Have you been tapping into your proper share of smart love, interesting beauty, and creative mojo? Are you enjoying the succulent rewards you deserve for all the good deeds and hard work you’ve done in the past eight months? If not, I am very upset. In fact, I would be livid and mournful if I found out that you have not been soaking up a steady flow of useful bliss, sweet revelations, and fun surprises. Therefore, to ensure my happiness and well-being, I COMMAND you to experience these goodies in abundance.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Libran engineer Robert Goddard was the original rocket scientist. His revolutionary theories and pioneering technologies laid the foundations for space flight. Decades before the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, he and his American team began shooting rockets aloft.

Members of the press were not impressed with his unusual ideas, however. They thought he was a misinformed crank. In 1920, The New York Times sneered that he was deficient in “the knowledge

© Copyright 2012 Rob Brezsny

ladled out daily in our high schools.” Forty-nine years later, after his work had led to spectacular results, the Times issued an apology. I foresee a more satisfying progression toward vindication for you, Libra. Sometime soon, your unsung work or unheralded efforts will be recognized.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In the plot of the TV science-fiction show Ascension, the U.S. government has conducted an elaborate covert experiment for 50 years. An outside investigator named Samantha Krueger discovers the diabolical contours of the project and decides to reveal the truth to the public. “We’re going full Snowden,” she tells a seemingly sympathetic conspiracy theorist.

She’s invoking the name of Edward Snowden, the renegade computer administrator who in the real world leaked classified information that the U.S. government wanted to keep hidden. It might be time for you to go at least mini-Snowden yourself, Scorpio -- not by spilling state secrets, but rather by unmasking any surreptitious or deceptive behavior that’s happening in your sphere. Bring everything out into the open -- gently if possible. But do whatever it takes.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In 1939, author Ernest Vincent Wright finished Gadsby, a 50,000word novel. It was unlike any book ever published because the letter “e” didn’t appear once in the text.

Can you imagine the constraint he had to muster to accomplish such an odd feat? In accordance with the astrological omens, I invite you to summon an equally impressive expression of discipline and self-control, Sagittarius. But devote your efforts to accomplishing a more useful and interesting task, please. For example, you could excise one of your bad habits or avoid activities that waste your time or forbid yourself to indulge in fearful thoughts.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Most plants move upwards as they grow. Their seeds fall to the ground, are blown off by the wind, or are carried away by pollinators. But the peanut plant has a different approach to reproduction. It burrows its seeds down into the soil. They ripen underground, where they are protected and more likely to get the moisture they need to germinate. The peanut plant’s approach to fertility might be a good metaphor for you Capricorns to adopt for your own use. It makes sense for you to safeguard the new possibilities you’re incubating. Keep them private, maybe even secret. Don’t expose them to scrutiny or criticism.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In his poem “The Garden,” Jack Gilbert says, “We are like Marco Polo who came back / with jewels hidden in the seams of his ragged clothes.” Isn’t that true about you right now, Aquarius? If I were going to tell your recent history as a fairy tale, I’d highlight the contrast between your outer disorder and your inner riches.

I’d also borrow another fragment from Gilbert’s poem and use it to describe your current emotional state: “a sweet sadness, a tough happiness.” So what comes next for you? I suggest you treat yourself to a time out. Take a break to integrate the intensity you’ve weathered. And retrieve the jewels you hid in the seams of your ragged clothes.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “All the colors I am inside have not been invented yet,” wrote Shel Silverstein, in his children’s book Where the Sidewalk Ends. It’s especially important for you to focus on that truth in the coming weeks. I say this for two reasons. First, it’s imperative that you identify and celebrate a certain unique aspect of yourself that no one else has ever fully acknowledged. If you don’t start making it more conscious, it may start to wither away. Second, you need to learn how to express that unique aspect with such clarity and steadiness that no one can miss it or ignore it.

Homework: What part of the past are you still enslaved to? What can you do to free yourself?

Testify at FreeWillAstrology.com.

Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

January 15 to January 21, 2015

Mind, body & Spirit

by Bronwyn Ison

SMILE AND THE WHOLE WORLD SMILES WITH YOU

S

miling is contagious and is triggered without much thought. We smile when we hear the giggle of a child or when a friend shares a funny joke. Smiling is a natural reflex. When we smile it radiates happiness with others. There is also a mindbody connection. The right frontal cortex of your brain is engaged and this is the area of your brain that registers happiness.

Smiling as often as possible will render you a happier person. You will also become a magnet and others will want to be near you.

How often do you smile per day? Do you notice you are happier when you smile? We have 44 muscles in our face and this allows you to realize 5,000 different expressions, many of which are smiles. Consider all the reasons you have to smile each day.

When you are feeling sad or upset, consider smiling. Your entire attitude will shift to something more positive. When you are happy, your feel good endorphins are pumped into the body. Research tells us frowning makes us feel less happy. Those who were told to smile and laugh felt great happiness.

Lois Armstrong composed the song “Smile And The Whole World Smiles With You,” famous. He was absolutely correct.

Surrounding yourself with happy people and positioning yourself in positive environments will also encourage more smiles. Keep in

mind those who exude negative energy and share frowns are likely to bring you down.

A smile is worth a thousand words.

We all desire an attractive smile. Why do you think Cosmetic Dentists have been so successful? People desire a healthy, bright and beautiful smile. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 96 percent of American adults believe an attractive smile renders a person more appealing to members of the opposite sex.

Smiling will reduce your stress. When our stress is reduced our overall health improves. When we are anxious we may frown or scowl. Keep in mind that whatever you are experiencing is temporary. Do your best to smile during your journey. This will lessen the pain and negative feelings.

Seeking to land that job you’ve always wanted? Take control of the interview with your beautiful smile. Do you recall the line in the move Annie? “You’re never fully dressed without a smile.” You can dress to impress but without a smile you could miss a great opportunity. Take your smile to your next interview, meeting or party.

Smiling feels good. Begin your day with a smile on your face. Look at yourself in the mirror and say, “Today will be rewarding!”

Never leave home without your smile.

Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga. e-volveyoga.com (760)564-YOGA

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January 15 to January 21, 2015

Life & career Coach

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Sunny Simon

The Three C’s of Nailing a Job Interview

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he voice on the other end of the line was brimming with excitement. It was the type of call I love receiving.

Amanda, a client recently relegated to the unemployment rolls due to a company downsizing, scored an interview with a company on her target list. She peppered me almost non-stop with questions on how to prepare for the meeting. Amanda knew preparation was imperative and echoed back my cardinal rule: never wing an interview.

We spent considerable time rehearsing until she indicated she was ready. Before signing off she asked an insightful question.

Amanda wanted my opinion on what it really takes to nail an interview. Good question.

Having spent over 20 years interviewing candidates in my corporate human resources role, I’ve put considerable thought into why a candidate is chosen over their competition. My theory boils down to three C’s: competence, confidence and chemistry.

If you have been invited to interview, you probably clinched the first “C.” Your well written resume pre-loaded with key words matching the job description of the position you are vying for convinced the recruiter you have the chops to join the roster of candidates. No doubt your initial contact with the company was a phone screen. You passed, so eliminate any plaguing negative self doubts.

Review all the reasons why you can step into this role and begin adding immediate value which should prime you for the second very weighty “C.” The minute you reach across the desk with a smile and give a firm handshake to the hiring manager, you should be exuding confidence. In the book, “The Confidence Code,” authors Kay and Shipman agree a bit of overconfidence in life is better than a bit of under confidence because it propels us to try new things and take action. Let’s face it, a job interview is basically a sales call and the product is YOU. To accomplish your objective, an offer of employment, you must confidently market the many reasons why you are the ideal candidate for the job.

The third “C,” chemistry, is the most elusive. Be aware that interviewers have biases. They may not immediately warm to your personality type. Or perhaps you remind them of a rival or look like an ex-spouse. Do not let any negative vibes deflate your confidence.

Prepare to dig deeper. Remain confident and find a way to connect with your interviewer. A bit of humor helps.

Work on the three C’s, practice and prepare and you will make the short list. Good luck!

Sunny Simon is the owner of Raise the Bar High Life and Career Coaching. More about Sunny at www.raisethebarhigh.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Ask The Doctor

January 15 to January 21, 2015

by dr peter kadile

Dr. Peter M. Kadile is Board Certified in Family Medicine. He has an integrative, osteopathic medical practice and is also known as the local, house call doctor; Desert House Call Physician. He is on staff at Eisenhower Medical Center and medical director for Serenity Hospice. His office is located in beautiful Old Town La Quinta, 78-100 Main Street, Suite 207, La Quinta, CA 92253. (760) 777-7439. DesertHouseCalls@aol.com. www.deserthousecalldoc.com.

Get a clue about the flu

W

ell it’s cold and flu season again. I have seen a lot more flu this season in my patients, family and friends. Symptoms can range in severity from fatigue, body aches, nausea, vomiting, cough, sore throat and fevers.

I would like to mention a few things about the flu.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: ANTIBIOTICS DO NOT WORK AGAINST THE FLU! It never ceases to amaze me, despite education from healthcare professionals and even from the media that people will still ask me for antibiotics for the flu or a cold. Again, antibiotics work against bacterial infections, NOT viral infections, such as a cold or flu. Complications from the flu, such as pneumonia, would need antibiotic treatment.

Rest, fluids, over the counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen for body aches and fevers are helpful. Your physician may need to prescribe anti-nausea medication if vomiting occurs.

The flu may last a few days to 1-2 weeks.

If symptoms worsen, then you should see your doctor.

Dear Dr. Kadile, I know antibiotics do not work for the common cold or flu, but what about when my mucus turns green?

-Carol, La Quinta Carol, this subject regarding the color of one’s mucus or phlegm determining the need for antibiotics is another one of the most frustrating medical myths primary care physicians encounter in their practices.

Since we are now into cold and flu season, I deal with this type of question quite frequently in my own practice.

When you have cold symptoms and blow your nose or cough up phlegm that is green, this does not mean you have a bacterial

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infection which would need antibiotics.

The green color comes from enzymes released by your white blood cells used to fight off the infection. When your sinuses are clogged during a cold, the mucus in the sinuses will stagnate and appear green when you sneeze or blow your nose.

The bottom line is that green mucus or phlegm does not mean you need antibiotics.

Doc, a friend of mine recommended taking an antiviral if I get the flu, what is that? -Oscar, Indio Oscar, antiviral medications such as, Tamiflu, Relenza and Rapivab, are indicated for treatment of the flu. These medications need to be taken within the first 48 hours of developing the flu to be effective. If they are effective, they have only been shown to decrease the duration of the flu by 1-2 days.

They typically cost @ $100 for treatment and are generally not covered by insurance.

They are not without possible side effects; severe skin rashes, blistering, changes in behavior and more commonly nausea and vomiting.

Antivirals are indicated for people who are sick enough to be hospitalized with the flu, those with severe health problems such as asthma, pulmonary disease or heart disease, adults age 65 or older, morbidly obese and residents of nursing homes.

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