Coachella Valley Weekly - March 25 to March 31, 2021 Vol. 10 No. 2

coachellavalleyweekly.com • March 25 to March 31, 2021 Vol.10 No.2

2021 Eggstravaganza

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The Beat Farmers

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“All Together for Animals” Virtual Concert

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CVRep - The Last Act Is A Solo

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March 25 to March 31, 2021

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March 25 to March 31, 2021

BY NOE GUTIERREZ Coachella Valley Weekly (760) 501-6228

publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com coachellavalleyweekly.com facebook.com/cvweekly twitter.com/cvweekly1 Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Kirby Club Crawler Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Head Music Writer Noe Gutierrez Head Feature Writer Crystal Harrell Feature Writers Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmons, Tricia Witkower, Jason Hall, Esther Sanchez Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Eleni P. Austin, Craig Michaels, Janet McAfee, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Sam DiGiovanna, Dale Gribow, Denise Ortuno Neil, Rob Brezny, Dr. Peter Kadile, Dee Jae Cox, Angela Romeo, Aaron Ramson, Lynne Tucker, Aimee Mosco, Michelle Anne Rizzio, Ruth Hill, Madeline Zuckerman Photographers Robert Chance, Laura Hunt Little, Chris Miller, Iris Hall, Esther Sanchez Videographer Kurt Schawacker Website Editor Bobby Taffolla Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

CONTENTS

Yovés - Wrapped In Aeons..................... 3-5 Club Crawler Nightlife.............................. 5 Ohpelia Friends & Fare............................. 6 2021 Eggstravaganza............................... 6 Consider This - The Beat Farmers ......... 8-9 Breaking The 4th Wall - Aphra Behn .... 10

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he Coachella Valley’s ‘Dark Rock’ duo that is Yovés (pronounced ‘Yoh-vez’) features Perishment’s Bobby Taffolla (guitars) and 5th Town’s Chelsea Sugarbritches (vocals). The band’s namesake comes from Taffolla’s great-greatgrandmother Augustina Yoves de Taffolla.

Yovés received their first Coachella Valley Music Award nominations in 2020 for ‘Best Duo’ and ‘Best New Band’. The dense dyad will be releasing their first EP, Wrapped In Aeons, on Friday, April 2, 2021, with a special ‘digipak’ through Bandcamp. The standard release will be available on all major streaming platforms Friday, May 7, 2021.

You can pre-order the physical copy on Bandcamp NOW! Wrapped In Aeons (Eons Edition) EP Digipak + Digital Download includes the original four songs that will appear on the standard EP release plus seven additional tracks, including a live performance track of a Perishment cover, two remixes and instrumental mixes of all four original tracks. Limited to 100 copies.

To celebrate the release, Yovés will be hosting a CD Release/Listening Party on Friday, April 2nd at Coachella Valley Brewing Co. The band will be screening a full EP visual/lyrics video and will be performing a small acoustic set following the screening. The event will also feature live performances by Courtney Chambers and the debut of Slow The Goat (Throw The Goat acoustic)!

Coachella Valley Weekly first got a ‘sneak peek’ at Yovés in September of 2020 in the midst of the pandemic and we loved the sound! Our patience has now finally paid off! Wrapped in Aeons is here! We reconnected with Taffolla and Sugarbritches to learn more about their homecoming.

CVW: If your sigh of relief in completing this piece of art called Wrapped In Aeons could be put into words, what would those words be?

TAFFOLLA: “Well, to complete anything that was birthed from the beast known as

‘2020’ does provide quite the sigh of relief!”

SUGARBRITCHES: “To me, a sigh of relief is like, ‘Oh, thank God that’s done!’ and I don’t really feel that way about this project. I don’t want it to end, even with all the constraints and craziness we had to go through to get it done, we had a genuine, good time doing it.”

CVW: 2020 saw challenges across the board. I imagine recording an EP during a global pandemic might pose a few challenges?

TAFFOLLA: “It certainly did. ‘Zoom’ing was not going to work for us, so utilizing the interwebs and sending files back and forth was crucial. It helped with the pre-production, but naturally there’s no replacing in-person jamming. This EP was created in the height of the pandemic, so the few sessions we could do in-person had to be spread between weeks and sometimes months. Not to mention the day-to-day responsibilities, kids at home ‘Zoom’ing and what-not, but I truly have no reason to complain, I was able to work from home, as was my wife, and having a home studio

really helped me mentally get through this.

I feel extremely fortunate and hey, we still completed the EP!” SUGARBRITCHES: “It was difficult at times, but Bobby is pretty damn good at production and made everything accessible to me on the interwebs so even when we couldn’t get together in-person we were constantly working on things apart. Making this EP the past year was really my saving grace for getting through this pandemic.”

CVW: Was Wrapped In Aeons created as an EP in mind? Did you ever consider recording a full-length album?

TAFFOLLA: “Yes! Originally, we totally wanted to do at least an 8-track album. In fact, I sent Chelsea eight guitar demos in 2019 of songs I had written for a full-length, four of which ended up being Wrapped In Aeons. Once March 2020 hit, we knew we had to take the path of least resistance, and that was an EP.” SUGARBRITCHES: “Yeah, there’s a lot more to come we just decided to make a solid EP and then go from there.” continue to page 5

4th Annual Golf Tournament - Benefitting Boys & Girls Club ................................. 10 Screeners ................................................. 12 The Vino Voice ........................................ 13 Plant-Based Palate ................................. 14 “All Together for Animals” Virtual Concert Benefitting The Living Desert ........... 14 Pet Place ............................................. 16-17 Haddon Libby ......................................... 18 Safety Tips............................................... 18 Dale Gribow ............................................ 19 Travel Tips 4 U ......................................... 19 Theatre - CVRep ....................................... 21 Cannabis Corner ..................................... 22 Free Will Astrology ................................ 22

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9 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

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March 25 to March 31, 2021

continued from page 3

CVW: Why was it important to create a physical “special edition” CD version of the Wrapped In Aeons?

TAFFOLLA: “It was really Chelsea’s idea.

As much as I love the physical media, I was kinda ready to throw in the towel to streaming only. She mentioned that if we do the physical edition, we should give more bang for the buck; extra tracks and six panels with lyrics! A CD is gonna cost the same amount to manufacture regardless of the number of songs, so let’s give people the best value.”

SUGARBRITCHES: “I’m old school I guess and I just love having a physical copy and I feel like a lot of people out there still appreciate that too. I love having a fullspectrum vibe with music and that includes visual art and lyrics!”

CVW: Of the four songs on Wrapped In Aeons, which track means the most to you and why?

TAFFOLLA: “I definitely have to go with the title track, Wrapped In Aeons. To me, it is the climax of the EP. When I sent Chelsea this damn near 7-minute track I really didn’t know how she would take to it, especially since the demo version had my whack-ass drumming and cringy vocals, ha-ha! But I think she saw the potential and took it a level beyond what I could have hoped for. It is a very proud moment for me.”

SUGARBRITCHES: “Honestly, when Bobby sent me Aeons I was speechless. I knew it was a special song right from the get go. It is definitely my favorite as well.”

CVW: Bobby, your PERISHMENT bandmates Aaron Ramson and Tommy

Winters help round out the full band on bass and drums for the EP, did you both have them in mind?

TAFFOLLA: “We did! Once the pandemic hit, we knew trying to get musicians together to jam and learn these songs would be a challenge. Aaron and Tommy have shared the stage with Chelsea and I multiple times over the years, they understand my songwriting, and have recorded in my studio, so it was a no-brainer. We had total trust they would deliver, and they did! They are world-class players and both knocked out their sessions in one afternoon.”

CVW: Any final thoughts for your fan base?

TAFFOLLA: “Although this past year has been less than ideal to create any art that requires collaboration, I do truly feel lucky.

I feel like Wrapped In Aeons is a snapshot of our lives at a crazy time. Our handful of sessions in creating this EP were beyond therapeutic for the both of us. I feel grateful.

I am grateful to Chelsea for her friendship and trust. We look forward to what 2021 has in store; most definitely another release later this year! Yovés is a DIY duo that play songs in the key of 805 and Jameson!”

SUGARBRITCHES: “It’s pronounced ‘YO-veS’ haha! It’s amazing to be able to work on a project with someone who just gets you and we’re, pretty much, always on the same page about everything. That makes everything easier and fun…even in a pandemic! Bobby is my brother from another mother and I appreciate our friendship and our music and big ups to our spouses for putting up with us!”

Wrapped In Aeons CREDITS: Chelsea Sugarbritches - Vocals Bobby Taffolla – Guitars, keys and percussion Recorded at Saturnine Studios, Indio, CA Produced by Yovés Engineered and mixed by Bobby Taffolla Bass on all four tracks are performed

by Aaron Ramson (Perishment, Cakes & Snakes, Mighty Jack) Drums on three of the tracks are by Tommy Winters (Perishment) Artwork, design and layouts by Bobby Taffolla.

Follow Yovés at: IG: @yovesmusic facebook.com/yovesmusic yoves.bandcamp.com

Monday, March 29

Tuesday, March 30

Thursday, March 25

Sunday, March 28

Friday, March 26

Wednesday, March 31

Saturday, March 27

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SIX WEEK FUNDRAISER PARTNERING WITH LOCAL RESTAURANTS,

“OPHELIA FRIENDS & FARE”

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FK Memorial Foundation’s, Ophelia Project, has partnered with some of the Valley’s most popular restaurants

EVENTS

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to safely raise funds for their mentoring program supporting teen girls in 19 schools, across 3 valley school districts.

Each week, from March 22rd through April 29th, one restaurant will be featured.

Each attendee will have a choice of two different seatings at each restaurant.

The participating restaurants will enjoy a specially designed menu with delicious options for Ophelia Project supporters. For those unable to join us at the restaurant, the meal will be available for pick up during the seating time of choice.

The Ophelia Project’s mission of “Empowering young teens to increase their sense of self-worth and maximize their potential contribution to society,” has had a tangible impact on our community. One hundred percent of the girls in Ophelia Project graduate high school, most of them moving on to higher education at colleges

COMMUNITY

and universities across the nation.

Schedule of restaurants is as follows: Mitch’s on El Paseo - 73951 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260 March 23 & 25 at 11:30 AM ROC’s Firehouse Grille - 36891 Cook Street, Suite 10, Palm Desert, CA 92211 March 30 & April 1 at 11:30 AM The Nest - 75188 Hwy 111, Indian Wells, CA April 6 & 8 at 4:00 PM Le Paon - 73399 El Paseo, Palm Desert April 13 & 15 at 5:00 PM Casuelas Cafe - 73703 Hwy. 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 April 20 & 22 at 11:30 AM Cork Tree Restaurant - 74950 Country Club Dr, Palm Desert, California 92260 April 27 & 29 at 4:30 PM

OLD TOWN ARTISAN STUDIOS HOLDS 2021 EGGSTRAVAGANZA the gallery, but only to be viewed as small numbers of people come by and with gallery volunteers to help monitor capacity protocol and explain how to register online to bid in the auction. The collection of eggs has been a year in the making, however, as the Artisan Studio volunteers started reaching out to local artists immediately when the pandemic started, creating a domino effect when other local artists asked to participate. They knew the mission was to provide free Art2Go kits and free art classes for children, seniors, and the non-profits the Artisan Studios serve.

Many participating artists have also expressed how it helped them through the restless time period of the shutdown last March.

The Old Town Artisan Studios plans to hold an annual Eggstravaganza every spring. In the winter, they will be able to once again hold the annual Gingerbread Lane, which had close to 5,000 guests over four Saturdays in December and featured Santa Claus in the Santa Cottage.

Next year’s Eggstravaganza is scheduled to have Grandma Bunny make her debut helping kids paint eggs in the courtyard at the campus.

“The egg signifies ‘new beginnings’ and we felt by March 2021, we would have ‘new beginnings’. Our staff knows that we see art as a means of healing depression and pain. We see every day what art can express in ways that

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

the auction for that individual egg. By placing a bid, participants are agreeing to purchase the item if they are the winning bidder. The winning bidder is named if the bid is the highest bid when the auction closes or if you are the first bidder to place a bid of 100 dollars or more on a general (non-VIP) egg. All eggs won or purchased will be available for pickup or shipping within 48 hours of payment being completed. Shipping is an additional flat-rate fee of 9 dollars per shipment and is limited to the United States.

“My favorite part about the auction is that artist of all ages and abilities participated. Our professional artists, hobbyists, all the way to our Boys and Girls Club teens and our special needs students, loved being a part of the show and loved helping the work of the mission. We are looking forward to seeing families back to create memories and discover the joy and healing of art. We have added new painting rooms and the over a dozen kilns can be working again. Our instructors cannot wait to be one-on-one with students in schools and non-profits we serve. The Alzheimers groups and caregivers returning will be the most wonderful day we can imagine,” said Victory Grund.

To learn more about the auction or the Old Town Artisan Studios, visit oldtownartisanstudios.org.

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March 25 to March 31, 2021

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March 25 to March 31, 2021

CONSIDER THIS

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n the summer of 1984, I drove to L.A. with my best friend Kathy for a day at the beach and a Bangles concert in the evening at The Palace. The distaff four-piece had just released their major label debut, All Over The Place, which was receiving airplay on MTV. I had seen them open for The English Beat at the Hollywood Palladium in late ’82, so I knew we were in for a good time.

As expected, the Bangles were en fuego, along with their own ‘60s tinged original songs they offered up a sizzling cover of Love’s Garage Rock classic, “7 & 7 Is.” A shiver of excitement shot through the crowd when we realized that Prince was in the audience.

(It was the beginning of his obsession with the band and the whole Paisley Underground scene). Even so, on the drive home, Kathy and I couldn’t stop talking about the raucous antics and the taut musicianship of the opening band, The Beat Farmers.

Two years later, when my mother, Irene, was Executive Director of the Leukemia Society Of The Desert, she was sick of the usual fundraiser events, ladies’ luncheons, fashion shows, etc. She wanted to have something that would appeal to the younger set. Thus, “Rock For Leukemia” was born.

I was put in charge of finding a band that would play for free. The first band we reached out to, The Beat Farmers, were kind enough to accept our invitation. I asked two up and coming local bands to open, Across The River and Doted Swiss. The former was one of Mario Lalli’s first bands, it featured Mark Anderson and Mario on guitar, Scott Reeder on bass and Alfredo Hernandez on drums. The latter was a potent three-piece whose line-up included guitarist Jeff Whipp, bassist Mikael Jacobson and drummer Dom Picarelli. Thanks to the Beat Farmers’ gracious participation, it was a successful fundraiser, even the legendary (late great) Phil Liebert was on hand that night. It became one of those seminal moments in Desert Rock history. (Here’s a photo that includes me, Phil and the band, along with Jack Epsteen and Dave Field) Part of the thriving San Diego music scene, The Beat Farmers formed in 1983. A super group of sorts, as each had paid their dues in popular local outfits. Singer/Guitarist Jerry Raney first gained attention in The Shames and Glory. Country Dick Montana (ne’ Dan McClain) made his presence felt as a drummer for both the Penetrators and the Crawdaddys, as well as front man for Country Dick & The Snuggle Bunnies. Both Singer/ Guitarist Buddy Blue and bassist Rolle Dexter made their bones in The Rockin’ Roulettes.

The band quickly made a name for themselves almost taking up residence at the Spring Valley Inn, a dive bar that was close to the SDSU campus. Pretty soon they were playing L.A. clubs and opening for heavy-ish hitters like Los Lobos, the Long Ryders, Lone Justice, the Plimsouls the Blasters and the Bangles.

They signed a limited deal with Rhino Records and Tales.., produced by Los Lobos Sax man, Steve Berlin, recorded in a matter of days and released in 1985 to critical acclaim.

They quickly followed with Glad N’ Greasy, a six-song EP they recorded in England. By

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THE BEAT FARMERS

1986, they had signed with Curb Records.

They recorded a string of well-received albums beginning with Van Go and continuing with The Pursuit Of Happiness and Poor And Famous.

Unfortunately, Curb couldn’t figure out how to break the band commercially.

Established just as New Wave and Synth Pop were ruling the airwaves, The Beat Farmers’ sound was rooted in the more authentic music of Sun Records, Creedence Clearwater, Rockabilly, Country, a healthy jolt of humor and plenty of Punk Rock. The shorthand term was Cowpunk and contemporaries like The Blasters, Rank & File and Jason & The Scorchers mined traversed same musical territory all to limited success.

Finally, the band severed ties with Curb, and signed with the tiny Sector 2 label, releasing Viking Lullabys and Manifold. But tragedy struck when Country Dick died from an apparent heart attack while onstage, falling off his drum kit mid-song. Much as Led Zeppelin did when faced with similar circumstances, The Beat Farmers broke up.

The guys all continued to play music in different configurations that sometimes included adjunct Beat Farmers like Paul Kaminsky and Joey Harris. A year after he bit the dust, the Bar None label posthumously released The Devil Lied To Me, Country Dick’s solo album. Early in the 21st century Jerry, Buddy and Rolle reunited, with the addition of drummer Joey “Bongo” Kmark and began playing around town as The Flying Putos, but they switched to The Farmers when they decided to record an album of new material.

As The Farmers, they released Loaded in 2005. Sadly, a year later Buddy Blue had a fatal heart attack at his home. These days, Jerry still leads an incarnation of The Farmers, who consistently win the “Best Band”

“TALES OF THE NEW WEST (DELUXE)” (BLIXA SOUNDS)

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

designation in annual San Diego polls. The line-up includes Joey “Bongo” Kmak, Chris “Sully” Sullivan on bass, vocalist Corbin Turner tackles Country Dick’s signature songs and Jerry’s guitarslinger son Nathan occasionally sits in. The remaining Beat Farmers assemble at The Belly Up Tavern every January for Hootenanny, an annual celebration of the life and death of Country Dick. Their mission statement is “If it ain’t Country, it ain’t Dick.”

So, you can imagine my delight (go ahead, take a minute to imagine it, you’ll thank me), when I heard that the cool kids at Blixa Sounds were reissuing a deluxe version of Tales Of The New West. Here was a chance to revisit an ‘80s classic that never really got it’s due.

Tales kicks into gear with “Bigger Stones.”

Shivery electric guitars collide with sugary acoustic licks, growly bass lines and a crashing hi-hat beat. The rough and tumble instrumental tangle nearly camouflages melancholy lyrics that yearn for halcyon days gone by; “The music takes me back to my old past, when I was young and feelin’ mean, as

I stare into the spotlight, it’s like driving my car/We had the girls and the will and a bill on a stolen card, sayin’ someday we’d be stars, Joe..” Jerry and Buddy trade verses and their vocals intertwine on the chorus. Souped up guitars whip through melodic switchbacks on the break, jangly riffs crest over chunky power chords, before the song stops on a dime.

Because the band made their reputation as an incendiary live act, their sets were always peppered with trenchant cover songs, that the Beat Farmers managed to reconfigure and make their own. Three of those pop up here. In its original incarnation, “There She Goes Again” was one of the lighter moments featured on the Velvet Underground’s dissonant debut. The Beats’ kind of give it the once over twice, injecting a loping rhythm and substituting urgent, slightly garbled vocals for Lou Reed’s laconic croon. Lean, mean, guitars, tensile bass and an insistent thwacking beat complete the picture. The guitars are equally Countrified and cyclonic on the break, before the whole enterprise takes flight, speeding into a frenzied Cowpunky, triple-time tattoo that shudders to a halt just behind Jerry’s mighty yowl.

Stripped-down and somewhat elegiac, “Reason To Believe” was part of Bruce Springsteen’s lo-fi, mostly acoustic album, “Nebraska.” The Beat Farmers excise the down-home Woody Guthrie feel, opening with electric, chicken-scratch riffs, bookended by trip-wire bass and a see-saw beat. The raucous rave-up kind of sidelines the Boss’ sad-sack lyrics, landing somewhere between Johnny Cash’s patented chick-a-boom, John

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com Lee Hooker’s boogie, and traditional West Coast Swing.

The lesser-known “Never Goin’ Back” was a minor hit, written by ex-Kingston Trio Folkie, John Stewart. The melody is powered by breezy electric riffs, chunky rhythm guitar, slapping bass lines and a bulldozer beat. The sanguine arrangement nearly camouflages the desperate tale of a guy trying to outrun his demons; “Oklahoma City yes, I know that she won’t treat me cruel, Denver, Colorado, never made me feel like such a fool/But these are only cities, but they’re cities without you, so I’m never going back, never going back to Nashville anymore.”

The best tracks on the record effortlessly fuse the “aw shucks” sincerity of Country to the snarling anarchy of Punk. Take “Lost Weekend,” which weds brawny Rockabilly riffs, sinewy rhythm guitar and hot-wired bass to a jackrabbit beat. Sly lyrics limn the selective amnesia that typically accompanies boozy misadventure; “I wish somebody’d tell me what I did, why is this ring on my finger, and who’s that screaming kid?” Careening guitars shake and strafe on the break prompting a hollow promise of abstinence; “I’m praying to the porcelain god on my knees, said I’ll swear off if you’ll only help me please/And as my guts run down the drain, I sing one last refrain, I’ll never have a lost weekend again.”

Reverb-drenched guitars ride roughshod over galloping bass lines and a hell-for-leather rhythm on “Lonesome Hound.” The lyrics unspool the saga of a restless drifter driven refusal to accept authority; “There aren’t a whole lotta things in this world that mean too much to me, just a beat-up old guitar

and some clouded memories/Well, you I’ve searched for something, but that something can’t be found, and I don’t believe there’s nothing that can tame this lonesome hound.”

Meanwhile, “Goldmine” owes as much to Elvis Presley’s Sun sessions as it does to the Sex Pistols. Jerry’s stung and sneering vocal delivery is matched by rollicking guitars, garrulous bass fills and a rattletrap beat.

Romantic betrayal is never funny (or is it?) and revenge is a dish best served cold; “Well, there’s plenty of women that can keep me satisfied, and I don’t need your cheating or your foolish lies/Well, I ain’t gonna miss none of your embrace, so go shake that thing is someone else’s face, Baby, you lost a goldmine when you lost me.” A swivelhipped guitar solo is unleashed on the break before the final bon mot; “Well, folks have got to reap just what they sow, and you got some things a-comin’ to you don’t you know/ You’ll get no more loving or sympathy from that lonesome fool that you thought was me, Baby, you lost a goldmine when you lost me.”

Finally, there’s a lean economy to “Selfish Heart” that toggles between early ‘70s Stones and late ‘70s Clash. Skittery guitars partner with caffeinated bass lines and a pummeling beat. Snotty lyrics like “I’m like a fish on the line over you, you just come and go, I fill one brief hole in your life, I’m just your entertainment you come and play with awhile/The complication with you, is that I know you’ll never be true, you’re like an act of treason, no rhyme or reason for you,” offer a bitter and brutal post mortem of still another romantic entanglement gone awry. Guitars shred at warp speed on the break and the

outro is a jittery kick.

Other interesting songs include the slowcooked, cautionary tale,“Showbiz,” which features smoky harmonica, Bluesy guitars and a wailing sax solo from producer, Steve Berlin.

Then there’s “Where Do They Go,” which offers up a snapshot of the angst and ennui in ¾ time; “Then they go to a friend’s house and watch MTV, where all of the bands look alike, and they might even like some of that dumb stuff they see, then dress up in leather and spikes.” Not unlike Bruce Springsteen’s “Glory Days,” the lyrics note growing up and growing old is not for the faint-hearted; “But where do they go when they start to grow old, they go home to bed every night, ‘cause when they start workin’ they get tired and old, get married and start a new life.”

Ultimately, Country Dick has the last word on “California Kid” and “Happy Boy,” respectively. Once described as a cross between Waylon Jennings and Johnny Rotten, he wraps his basso (not so) profundo around the former which spins a twisted and apocryphal Wild West tale that echoes those old outlaw ballads Marty Robbins made famous in the ‘50s. The latter closes out the record with a bit of jabberwocky anchored by wily guitars, barb-wire bass and a thumpy backbeat. Naturally there’s a kazoo solo.

Happily, the infectious insanity doesn’t end there. The Bixa kids include a second CD that features an infamous Spring Valley Inn show (circa 1983), in its entirety. The rambunctious and muscular 21 song set includes soon-tobe Beat Farmer classics like “Assembly Line Rock,” “Big Ugly Wheels,” “Jump Right Back,” “Mondo,” “Sunday Morning” and “Upsettin’

March 25 to March 31, 2021 Me.” It also features a brace of cutting covers such as Willie Dixon’s “You Can’t Judge A Book By It’s Cover,” Elvis’ “Trying To Get To You and Flying Burrito Brothers’ “Dim Lights, Thick Smoke And Loud, Loud Music,” plus a pair of Johnny Cash classics: “Big River” and “I Still Miss Someone.”

The package is made complete with exhaustive liner notes from Dan Perloff, the guy who discovered the band as a SDSU student (and nascent Rhino Records rep).

Packed with classic photos, gig fliers, a homemade band bio and testimonials from Bangle Vicki Peterson, Plimsoul Peter Case and Long Ryder Sid Griffin,(each added backing vocals to “Tales..”), as well as Rank & File’s Chip and Tony Kinman, Farmer insiders Paul Kaminsky and Joey Harris, and memories from the surviving band members, Jerry and Rolle. It’s a treasure trove of good, unclean fun. It also takes a moment to pay homage Rhino Records’ shining light, the late Gary Stewart. He championed the Beat Farmers, along with many other unsung bands and was a legend in the music business.

Sure, The Beat Farmers never made a dent commercially, too Punk for Country the Ryman, too Country for the mosh-pit.

They did, however, influence a generation of Americana/alt.country musicians. There probably couldn’t be a Social Distortion without Jerry, Buddy, Country Dick and Rolle. More importantly, they definitely made an impression on any lucky music fan who got the opportunity to see them live.

For a minute, in that moment, regardless of gender, we were a roomful of Happy Boys…

Hubba, hubba, hubba, hubba, hubba.

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BY DEE JAE COX “Aphra Behn; “it was she who earned them (women) the right to speak their minds.” illiam Shakespeare, (April 1564 – April 23, 1616,) is a name known to most as a famous and celebrated English Playwright. Some have doubted the authenticity of this author, citing that records of the time indicate that Shakespeare likely received only a local primary school education, did not attend university, and therefore would not have learned the languages, grammar and vast vocabulary on display in Shakespeare’s works.

Historians note that both of Shakespeare’s parents were likely illiterate, and it seems as if his surviving children were as well, leading to skepticism that a man of letters would neglect the education of his own children.

It has also been rumored that a woman was potentially the true author of these great literary works. Author Gilbert Slater, proposed that Shakespeare’s work may not have been written by a well-educated nobleman — but by a well-educated noblewoman.

Pointing out what he saw as feminine attributes to subject matter and writing style, as well as the long list of strong, conventionbreaking female characters, Slater declared that Shakespeare had likely been a front for Mary Sidney. The sister of poet Philip Sidney, Mary, received an advanced classical education, and her time spent at the court of Elizabeth I would have provided ample exposure to the royal politics that played such a key role in Shakespeare’s work. Mary, was an accomplished writer, completing a highly praised translation of religious works, and several “closet dramas” (plays written for private or small-group performances), a format frequently used by women of the era who were unable to openly participate in the professional theatre.

Given the fact that women were not allowed to participate in theatre during Shakespeare’s time, and the fact that few

BREAKING THE4TH WALL

broke cultural barriers and became a role model for the generations of women who followed.

Forced by debt and her husband's death, (Mr. Behn is said to have died in 1665, though some have suggested Aphra, may never have been married at all, and only taken on the guise of "Mrs." for propriety and protection's sake.) Behn, began to work for the King’s Company and the Duke’s Company, Players as a playwright. She had written poetry up until this point.

While she is recorded to have written before she began drowning in debt, John Palmer, said in a review of her works that, "Mrs. Behn wrote for a livelihood. Playwriting was her refuge from starvation and a debtor's prison." Her first play, The Forc’d Marriage, was staged in 1670, followed

by The Amorous Prince (1671).

King Charles II, changed the cultural norms in England, getting rid of the puritan ethics that had been prevalent in the fashionable society of London. Aphra Behn, became a bold proponent of sexual freedom for both women and men. Like her male

contemporaries, she wrote freely about sex. In the infamous poem The Disappointment, she wrote a comic account of male impotence from a woman's perspective.

In all she would write and stage 19 plays, contribute to others works, and become one of the first prolific, high-profile female dramatists in Britain. During the 1670s and 1680s she was one of the most productive playwrights in Britain, second only to John Dryden.

Of Behn's considerable literary output, her novel Oroonoko, is seriously considered by literary scholars as her best. Interest in it has increased since the 1970s, with critics arguing that Behn, is the foremother of British female writers, and that Oroonoko is a crucial text, published in 1688, is regarded as one of the first abolitionist and humanitarian novels published in the English language.

During her last few years, Behn's, developed health problems and continued to be plagued by poverty and debt. Though she continued to write, it became increasingly hard for her to hold a pen. She died on 16 April 1689 at the age of 49, and was buried in the East Cloister of Westminister Abbey. The inscription on her tombstone reads: "Here lies a Proof that Wit can never be Defence enough against Mortality." She was quoted as stating that she had led a "life dedicated to pleasure and poetry."

She is remembered in Virginia Woolf’s, A Room of One’s Own "All women together ought to let flowers fall upon the tomb of Aphra Behn which is, most scandalously but rather appropriately, in Westminster Abbey, for it was she who earned them the right to speak their minds."

Dee Jae Cox is a playwright, director and producer.

She is the Cofounder and Artistic Director of The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Project. losangeleswomenstheatreproject.org palmspringstheatre.com

Check in 7:30 a.m., shotgun starts 8:30 a.m.

Cimarron Golf Resort - 67603 30th Ave. Cathedral City, CA 92234 Tickets: lunch only $40, golf and lunch

$150, foursome $600 (760)770-4965; info@bgcccity.org Benefiting Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City. bgcccity.org/golf-2021.

W

T

he Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City is hosting its 4th Annual Golf Tournament Friday, April 9, at Cimarron Golf Resort 8:30am shotgun start.

The Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City's (BGCCC) mission is to enable and inspire all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. BGCCC strives to instill strong character, leadership skills, academic success and healthy living habits among their members and see them through high school graduation with a plan for their future.

Celebrating its 40th Anniversary the Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City programs are character and life skills-building. “At the Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City we believe that every child has a gift inside and it is our role

10

historical women have received recognition for their achievements, it is always a strong possibility that history does not reflect the accuracy of the times.

Though the true authorship of Shakespeare’s work may be questioned, the woman who is given her due credit as being the first English female Playwright is Aphra Behn, (December 14, 1640 – April 16, 1689.)

Not a name that comes to mind as easily as Shakespeare, Behn who was born 24 years after Shakespeare’s death, was still a captive of her time. A playwright, a novelist and a poet, Behn was labled a ‘loose’ woman for daring to step outside of the customary women’s role. Women in the theatre, in general, had always been accused of being morally compromised, as has been the reality in many professions, a woman in a traditionally male profession was subject to attack.

Behn, served as a spy For King Charles II, in Antwerp Holland and spent time in a debtors’ prison due to the King’s slow payment of her earnings. But when she began writing for the stage and earning her living as a writer, she

to help each child find their gift to share with the world.”

Thank you to our major annual sponsors who committed to the tournament this year.

They are Palm Springs Subaru, Contractors State Licensing School, Frazier Pest Control, Canyon Print & Signs, The Power of 3 Real Estate Team, D & D Carpet, The Roost Lounge, Dirk Tacke, Modern Woodmen of America, and Tahquitz Creek Golf Course Men's Club Other ways to help: Join the "Friends of BGCCC" crusade by donating online and supporting BGCCC programs with an ongoing monthly or one-time donation that fits you; 100% of your contribution goes directly to the Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City programs for youth.

4th Annual BGCCC Golf Tournament Friday, April 9, 2021.

EVENTS

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March 25 to March 31, 2021

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March 25 to March 31, 2021

SCREENERS

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No. 466

POST-MODERN WESTERN WITH HEART

NEWS OF THE WORLD

Embark on an adventure of epic scope and sweeping scale through the merciless and hostile terrain of the ‘old west.’

Five years after the Civil War, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd (Tom Hanks) travels from town to town as a non-fiction storyteller, sharing news from distant parts of the globe.

In the plains of central Texas, he crosses paths with a10-year-old girl (a terrific Helena Zengel) taken by the Kiowa people

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and raised as one of their own.

Kidd agrees to deliver the child where the law says she belongs. As they travel hundreds of miles into the harsh and unforgiving wilderness, the two face tremendous challenges -- both human and natural –as they search for a place they can call home in this emotionally rich and visually stunning film.

Although this film has been descrbed as a cross between PAPER MOON (without the humor) and THE SEARCHERS, it is a much lesser exercise in cinematic storytelling than either of those beloved movies.

What especially stands out is the

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS authenticity of the production design from sets, natural locations, weapons and well– worn, lived-in costumes. What I missed was the idiosyncratic language of rural Texas circa 1870s. Unlike TRUE GRIT, Paul Greengrass’s admittedly beautiful film (it was co-written by Greengrass and Luke Davies) employs a more cotemporary use of the English language.

Bonus material includes never-beforeseen clips, deletes scenes and a detailed commentary from co-writer/director Greengrass and more. 4K, Blu-ray Universal. robin@coachellavalleyweekly.com

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March 25 to March 31, 2021

THE VINO VOICE NEW ZEALAND’S SPRING SIPPERS

BY RICK RIOZZA

N

ow that we’re somewhat settled in with the spring-ahead time loss (I haven’t), let’s run with the theme of scintillating spring sippers.

And what’s more scintillating than a zesty, fresh & bracing New Zealand Sauv Blanc? Most of you wine folks love it for that pep-in-yourstep quaff that’s naturally high in acidity. The white Kiwi wine is always tart, tangy, nervy, racy (or punchy, if you will), it’s never cloying or sticky-tasting. And, great minerality notes of stones, steel, and slate—in a good way!

As we’ve mentioned many times, the Sauv Blanc may well be the official varietal of our hot & dry desert. For the desert’s foodie crowd that yearns for healthy salads, seafood, cheese, crudités, chicken or any dish lively, light, and satisfying, just bring on one of the most stimulating and invigorating wines around town.

On the other hand, there are those other wine folk who don’t wish to think of the Kiwi wine ever at all: They taste cat urine, jalapeno plants, and suffer a sour stomach; they rather prefer the warm, round, and tropical Sauvignon Blanc from California. But here in the CV we’re all in the wine game and everyone’s free to be you & me without complaints!

We’ll be covering and reviewing Sauv Blancs from around the world this year; but let’s start here with the Kiwi SBs: Astrolabe, Taihoa Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Marborough, New Zealand, 2019. Right out of the gate, this SB superbly rates! First off—how do you like its name? Of course, it sounds like a wine you’d be enjoying while flying the space shuttle; but better yet, it sounds like something you’d name your dog.

Anyway—this wine tastes as good as an SB can get. Delicious! And here’s the kicker—you California SB fans listen up. This wine is ripe, complex & keeps developing; but its core is tropical and shows orchard fruit. There’s peach, apple, and tropical fruits, after which there is a zesty minerality with fine toasty layered lees and herbs following. ($35) 2018 Greywacke, Wild Sauvignon, Marlborough, New Zealand. The last time we tasted a Greywacke Sauv Blanc was over at the Escena Grill at the beautiful Escena Golf Club, where we enjoyed one of their wine-pairing dinners. I sure hope they start that dinner program again (and looking for an invite!).

Anyway—this wine typically Kiwi in all the best senses: Complex, flinty, mineral, wild and earthy. Aromas and flavors of peach and preserved lemon, tropical flavors, grapefruit, hay, fresh herb and fruit spice. Distinctive texture with a fine leesy notes, brisk acidity and a long mineral mouthfeel and finish—delish!

If you wish to impress friends and influence people, serve this at your next luncheon. ($26) 2019 Greystone, Organic Sauvignon Blanc, North Canterbury, Wairarapa, New Zealand.

Because New Zealand vintners love their land, they pretty much farm sustainably all the time. But for those who especially desire to experience organic wine, this is the one to try: It owns fresh fruity aromas of gooseberry & pineapple with wild basil and mineral notes showing; the palate continues with pineapple &

gooseberry and adds apple and lemon. As you’d expect there is refreshing acidity with a slight saline edge. A well-balanced wine to match lively meals! ($28) For you nerdy folks, the winery comments, “Fermented in aged barriques with wild yeast for greater complexity, using a mix of Loire and Bordeaux clones, allowed to age on lees and for partial malolactic ferment to lend it creamy texture and richness. No additions made during fermentation, unlike any other Sauvignon from New Zealand.”

For the White Bordeaux lovers in the group—those that yearn for the blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, we have the delicious 2018 Pegasus Bay, SauvignonSemillon, North Canterbury, Wairarapa, New Zealand. ($32) Quite honestly, it does taste like a Bordeaux visit from New Zealand with distinctive aromas of fresh peach, waxy lemon, honeysuckle, sweet hay & marmalade that all follow onto the palate; creamy texture with citrus and stone fruit contrasting classic round acidity.

Is anyone’s mouth-watering just about now? ... Is anyone there?

And just to remind our vino readers that New Zealand is not just a one-horse wine town, that wine region island grows stellar Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Albariño, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, blends, sweet wines, and sparklers. And, again, we’ll get them as well during the year.

A wonderful wine for you Asian cuisine lovers, such as Vietnamese or Thai dishes, check out the 2018 Pegasus Bay, Riesling, North Canterbury, Wairarapa, New Zealand ($29) Ripe, sunny orchard fruit and white flower aromas join with candied lemons and slate minerals on the round palate, balanced by brisk, cleansing acidity. Chilled up this Kiwi Riesling will handle any of the lively spices and heat of the dishes and bump-up the complexities between the food and wine.

And while we’re at it, why not try the 2020 Esk Valley, Albariño, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. ($17) There are a lot of great-value Albariños/Alvarinhos available from Spain and Portugal, but it’s a bit hard to find a New World example. Enter now the Esk Valley Albariño: Don’t be scared; this varietal always shows some salinity, and here it’s matched with sweet citrus fruit and zingy acidity. Cheers!

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March 25 to March 31, 2021

PLANT-BASEDPALATE

O

ne of my initial fears in pursuing a plant-based lifestyle was that I would be giving up the foods I have enjoyed my entire life; in reality, I have gained so much more by allowing myself to explore ethnic cuisines that I would have only thought to have while dining out. My family enjoys many different Asian dishes, but I never thought I could recreate them at home. This week, I tackled Fried Rice and Tofu Eggrolls.

This is a beginner recipe with great shortcuts, making it ideal for any night of the week.

Fried Rice- What you will need: 4 cups cooked white or brown rice (cook ahead of time and chill for best results) 1 small white or yellow onion, chopped 1 cup diced carrots 1 cup frozen peas 1 cup optional veggies (bell pepper, zucchini, mushrooms…)

1 green onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon ginger, minced 4 tablespoons soy sauce (use to your taste) 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil 6 oz JUST egg (plant-based egg substitute) Directions: Prepare rice as directed on the package and set aside to cool. Also prepare the JUST egg as you would prepare scrambled eggs and set aside. In a pan, on medium-high heat, combine diced onions, carrots, peas and optional veggies with garlic, ginger and canola oil and sauté until they have softened. Using pre-diced or frozen vegetables will save prep time and be just as flavorful in the end.

Stir in the precooked rice and mix all ingredients together, stirring infrequently so the rice can caramelize slightly. Try not to let the rice get too dry, more canola oil may be necessary. Finish by adding the egg substitute, soy sauce, and sesame oil, then garnish with

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FRIED RICE & EGG ROLLS

chopped green onion. This dish is great to have on hand for leftovers!

Egg Rolls- What you will need: Egg roll wrappers 1 16oz bag tri-color coleslaw mix ½ Block firm tofu, diced Canola or vegetable oil for frying Directions: Start by sauteing the diced tofu in canola oil until light brown. This gives it texture and brings out more flavor (you could also use a touch of sesame oil but a little goes a long way). Add to the tofu the coleslaw mix and sauté just until wilted. It is important to not overcook the cabbage at this stage or the egg rolls will be mushy later. Once the coleslaw tofu mixture is complete, set aside. Heat canola oil in a pan on medium high heat. Now to prepare the egg rolls! To get the perfect roll, it will simply take practice. The good news is that, so long as they are sealed, they do not have to look perfect to taste delicious!

Place your mixture into an open egg roll wrapper and wrap like a burrito. Just before closing the wrapper, wet the edges with a tiny amount of water. This will allow the egg

BY RAYMOND BILL

roll wrapper to seal to itself, keeping all the ingredients inside. Once the egg rolls are all prepared and the oil has been heated to about 350 degrees, fry them until they are golden brown, turning as needed. Having tried these in the oven and air-fryer, there is no substitute

for good old fashioned deep frying!

That’s all there is to it! This recipe will serve a family of 4 easily or make a great side dish for a larger family to enjoy. Once you have mastered the technique, feel free to modify the recipe to make it your own. I like to add crushed seaweed into my egg rolls and sometimes I will leave out the tofu if I am serving with another high-protein dish.

What matters most is to not be intimidated when approaching a foreign cuisine, or a plant-based diet. There are many dishes that can be made at a beginner level that will impress your friends and family alike. Leaving meat out of your diet on occasion is not only good for your health, but it also allows you to explore other creative options, allowing for a more diverse collection of recipes!

EVENTS “ALL TOGETHER FOR ANIMALS”COUNTRY VIRTUALMUSIC’S CONCERT FUNDRAISER TOP ARTISTS PERFORM TO SUPPORT THE LIVING DESERT TO BENEFIT THE LIVING DESERT ZOO AND GARDENS AND ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS Desert. “As a non-profit organization, the pandemic continues to have a major financial impact on The Living Desert.

However, the community can be assured that the care and wellbeing of our animals remains our top priority.”

Viewers can watch from any device, from anywhere with a pay-per-view virtual ticket. The event is produced by Contemporary Productions, and was filmed at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere and at Steel Mill Studios in Nashville, TN. Tickets start at $30, with 50 percent benefiting The Living Desert and are available for purchase at LivingDesert.org.

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March 25 to March 31, 2021

15

March 25 to March 31, 2021

PET PLACE

M

aybe you grew up on a farm or in a rural area where your pet cat was allowed to roam outside.

Today most cat rescue groups will require you to keep the cat you adopt from them indoors. Some people still think that cats are happier if they have the "freedom" to live outside.

My neighbor’s cat was recently picked up and killed by an owl. Today I received messages on www.NextDoor.com about coyotes in two gated communities in central Palm Desert. Coyote sightings have increased as these animals expand their search for food sources. Here are some of the reasons to keep your cat inside, as much as you might think he would enjoy a romp out in the sunshine.

1. Outdoor cats are subject to predators Coyotes are the primary threat to felines in the Coachella Valley. They are frequently spotted inside our gated country clubs and other residential communities. Coyotes can jump over fences and brick walls over 6 feet high. Stray dogs can also kill a cat, particularly if they are running in packs.

2. Risk of Injury or Disease Thousands of cats are killed every year from cars. Other hazards on our landscape such as barb wire fencing, rodent traps, and poisons can cause grave injury or death.

Cats like the sweet taste of anti-freeze,

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KEEP KITTY INSIDE!

but it is extremely toxic and will result in death within hours. Some feline diseases are transmitted from other stray cats. Fleas, ticks and ringworm can be picked up while Felix strolls through the neighborhood.

3. Fights with other Cats Cats are territorial animals, and injuries from cat fights can run up some major veterinary bills. Their territorial battles can result in abscessed wounds which can be deadly if untreated.

4. Malicious Individuals Sad to say, there are people in our community who are cruel and sadistic.

Sociopaths will capture stray animals, harm them, and sometimes kill them.

5. Theft Even if they don't intend to harm your pet, thieves may decide to "adopt" your cat.

Neighbors wanting to teach you a lesson for letting your cat roam may decide to keep him. Tracking them down and proving ownership may be difficult. If your cat is a sought after breeds such as Siamese or Persian, thieves steal them to resell.

Worse yet, "bunchers" steal and sell cats to laboratories for animal experimentation or research.

6. Run Aways We hear incredible tales of cats that travel thousands of miles to return home.

But there are also stories of animals who

wander off and are unable to return home for a variety of reasons. Unneutered Tom cats will wander in search of females in heat.

7. Public Shelters Your friendly cat could be taken in by someone who thinks he's a stray animal.

They might take him to a public shelter where tragically about 80% of the adult cats are euthanized.

8. Songbird Conservation Cats are predators, and it is an instinctual behavior for them to kill and eat birds and other small wildlife. Your well-fed pet may deposit a dead bird as a present on your doorstep.

9. Neighbor Relations Some of your neighbors might not appreciate a cat defecating and roaming on their property. Gardeners in particular are wary of animals who tromp through their greenery.

Avoid contact with Easter Lilies – Springtime is here and Easter is right around the corner. However, those lovely Easter Lilies on your table or porch are extremely poisonous to your cat.

Ways to keep Kitty Happy Indoors - Cats are perfectly content to sit in the sunshine on a safe window ledge INSIDE your home.

You can provide exercise with a supply of toys, a carpet covered cat tree, and a cat scratching post. You can purchase "cat grass" at any supermarket or pet specialty shop. Get your cat a buddy...there is nothing more joyful than two cats at play. Some dedicated cat lovers add a cattery with

MEET CLYDE

SPECIAL COCO LINO

This happy 2-yr-old boy will greet you with a wagging tail when you come to meet him! Clyde loves all humans and all dogs. This great hiking buddy is a blend of Lab/Husky/Staffordshire/ Shepherd. He waits for a home at the Humane Society of the Coachella Valley in N. Palm Springs. Call (760) 329-0203 for an appointment to meet him and complete application at www.orphanpet.org.

Special Kitty Co Co Lino seeks someone with a big heart! He is a 9-yrold special needs boy with diabetes.

He adores all humans, and takes his daily insulin like a champ! This guy is 18 lbs of kitty love. Co Co Lino waits at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, go online at www.psanimalshelter.org to complete an adoption application and their staff will call you.

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BY JANET McAFEE a “cat door” so Fluffy can enjoy both the indoors and outdoors safely.

Here's the best reason to keep your cat indoors rather than outside. The average life span of indoor cats is between twelve and nineteen years, while that of outdoor cats is about five years. Isis, my wonderful British Blue cat, lived to the ripe old age of twentyfour years, happy to view the world outside from a sunny window ledge.

Janetmcafee8@gmail.com ----------------------------------------------------Here is a partial list of Inland Empire shelters and rescue groups where you can adopt a cat or dog. Please check their websites in advance for updates on adoption procedures during the quarantine.

COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS – The county shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. You can view the animals at all four Riverside county shelters at www.rcdas.org, and get the ID number of the animal you want to adopt.

Email them the animal’s ID number at shelterinfo@rivco.org, or schedule a virtual adoption appointment at www.rcdas.org, 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644. (Public) PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. They schedule appointments Wednesday through Monday. View their animals online at www. psanimalsshelter.org, 4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, (760) 416-5718. (Public) ANIMAL SAMARITANS – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. View their animals at www. animalsamaritans.org. Email acorrow@ animalsamaritans.org to foster. Located at 72307 Ramon Rd, Thousand Palms, (760) 601-3918. (Private) CALIFORNIA PAWS RESCUE - The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 73650 Dinah Shore, Palm Desert. View their animals at www. californiapawsrescue.com, (760) 656-8833.

(Private)

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HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt a dog or cat. This shelter has lots of big dogs in addition to small dogs and cats. View some of their animals at www.orphanpet.com.

Located at 17825 N. Indian Canyon, Palm Springs, (760) 329-0203. (Private) KITTYLAND – The shelter is closed so call for an appointment to adopt a cat. Located at 67600 18th Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, www.kittylandrescue.org, (760) 251-2700.

(Private) FOREVER MEOW – Foster based rescue for cats located in Rancho Mirage. Contact them at www.ForeverMeow.org, (760) 3356767. (Private) PRETTY GOOD CAT – Foster based rescue for cats located in La Quinta. Contact them at www.prettygoodcat.com, (760) 660-3414 (Private) BFF4pets – Foster based rescue for dogs and cats located in La Quinta. Email them at rescues@bff4pets.com, (310) 431-7818 (Private)

March 25 to March 31, 2021

LOVING ALL ANIMALS – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 83496 Avenue 51, Coachella, www.lovingallanimals.org, (760) 834-7000. (Private) LIVING FREE ANIMAL SANCTUARY – Large outdoor shelter for dogs and cats up Hwy 74, view animals at www.living-free. org, (951) 659-4687 (Private) MORONGO BASIN HUMANE SOCIETY – Located at 4646 Sun View Rd, Joshua Tree, www.mbhumanesociety.com, call between 11am-4pm for updates (760) 366-3786 (Private) CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ANIMAL SHELTER – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Hours for adoption 10am – 4pm Tuesday thru Sat. Google “City of San Bernardino Animal Shelter” for website to view animals and get the ID number of the animal you want to meet. Located at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, (909) 384-1304 or (909) 3847272. (Public) SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER AT DEVORE – Shelter is now open for walk ins 7 days a week. Call (909) 3869280. View animals at www.sbcounty.gov/ acc and get the ID number of animal you want to meet. Located at 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino (Public).

DREAM TEAM ANGELS RESCUE - Foster based rescue located in Grand Terrace/San Bernardino area. Contact them through website www.DreamTeamangelsrescue. com, (360) 688-8884. (Private)

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March 25 to March 31, 2021

HADDON LIBBY

A

ccording to National Geographic, the exact origins of April Fool’s Day are unknown. A popular theory is that it dates to the 1500s when France moved to the Roman calendar that we use today. By moving New Year’s from April to January, people who were slow to make the change became known as April Fools.

Others believe that April Fool’s Day goes back to the late 1300s due to its mention in Geoffrey Chaucer’s, “The Canterbury Tales”.

Some believe that the earliest prank on record occurred on April 1st, 1698 in London when people were told to go to The Tower of London for the Washing of the Lions, a nonexistent event. This ‘prank’ would eventually become an annual scam of unsuspecting tourists with tickets printed and thousands attending this non-existent event.

By the time that this prank/scam began to fade in the mid-1700s, another notable prank/scam befell unsuspecting Londoners.

This time, the April 1st show would feature a man who could fit his entire body inside of a wine bottle from which he would sing.

People filled the playhouse one night only to be stood up with no performance offered.

The audience rioted. Legend has it that the prank was the result of a bet between the Duke of Portland and the Earl of Chesterfield meant to see if such an obvious fraud could attract a room of ‘fools’.

SAFETY TIPS

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FOOLISH THROUGHOUT TIME

Fast forward 130 years to 1980 where the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) announced during its April Fool’s Day broadcast announced that Big Ben was getting a digital makeover.

Once upon a time, televisions broadcast in black and white only. In 1962, the Swedish National Network gagged their viewers by suggesting that their programming could be viewed in color by wearing nylon stockings over your eyes.

In 1996, Taco Bell in announced that it had purchased the Liberty Bell to help the United States at reducing its debt burden. When the White House press secretary was asked about the Liberty Bell sale, he responded that the Lincoln Memorial would hereafter be referred to as the Lincoln-Mercury Memorial due to its sale to the auto manufacturer.

In 2015, Cottonelle tweeted that they were introducing left-handed toilet paper.

This prank is reminiscent of the 1998 Burger King’s Limited Edition Left Handed Whopper on April 1st. Twenty years later, Burger King debut a Chocolate Whopper. This flamegrilled chocolate patty used white chocolate rings for onions, milk chocolate lettuce leaves and candied blood oranges as tomatoes while syrup replaced ketchup.

Amazon’s audiobook service Audible tweeted a new service – Audible for Fish – a soundtrack to keep your aquatic buddy company while you are away at work.

Google is ruling king of the corporate April 1st pranksters. In 2005, Google announced the Google Gulp, a drink that could boost intelligence via its real-time analysis of DNA. The drink came in four flavors: Glutamate Grape, Sugar-Free Radical, Beta Carotty and Sero-Tonic Water.

The next year, Google announced its new dating app, Google Romance (not real).

Google followed this up with Gmail Paper

FROM THE CHIEF’S CORNER

in 2007 where Google would Paper Archive all of your emails on “94% post-consumer organic soybean sputum”. Amazingly, this service was free so long as advertisements could be printed on the back sides of your archived emails.

The announcement of Google TisP might be Google’s funniest prank. TisP is short for Toilet Internet Service Provider. Google TisP would use sewage lines to provide Internet connections. To install the service, users would be sent fiber-optic cables to flush down their toilets which would eventually be received by a Plumbing Hardware Dispatcher (PHD) who would complete the installation.

It should come as no surprise that Google

BY HADDON LIBBY used Microsoft’s Windows Vista to operate the system. TisP was not without its flaws as it was prone to brownouts and data wipes.

What makes Google gags better than most is that they launched Gmail on April 1st, 2004.

Haddon Libby is the Founder and Managing Partner of Winslow Drake Investment Management. For more information, please visit www.WinslowDrake.com or email Hlibby@WinslowDrake.com.

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

NATIONAL DRUG & ALCOHOL AWARENESS WEEK IS MARCH 22 - MARCH 28, 2021 FACTS ABOUT TEEN ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE

I

t can be hard to find accurate, unbiased information about drug use. Thousands of teens across the country drink alcohol or smoke marijuana for the first time and never go on to try harder drugs, such as

18

cocaine or heroin. But that does not mean alcohol and marijuana are safe. You may have heard that it takes only one try to get addicted to drugs. While the majority of people who try alcohol, cigarettes or other

drugs once do not become addicted, some teens are more vulnerable to addiction than others.

Teen substance use can quickly escalate from occasional use to dependence or addiction. Knowing the facts can help you understand the effects of substance abuse and the realities of addiction among adolescents in the United States.

Facts: Most teens do not smoke marijuana or use drugs regularly.

People who use hard drugs usually start with marijuana, alcohol, or cigarettes.

Prescription drugs and new products, such as synthetic marijuana or vaping products, may not be safer than other drugs.

About one in four high school seniors used an illicit drug, such as heroin or marijuana, in the past 30 days.

Compared with college students who drink alcohol without caffeine, those who drink alcoholic energy drinks are twice as likely to be hurt or injured, to require medical attention and to drive with someone who is drunk.

Some people get hooked on drugs fast.

Others do not.

In 2015, more than 770 teens aged 15 to 19 died of drug overdose and it has been on the rise since then.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the week-long event is an opportunity for “scientists, students, educators, healthcare providers, and community partners—to help advance the science, so that we can improve the prevention and awareness of substance misuse in our own communities and nationwide.”

DALEGRIBOW ON THELAW

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March 25 to March 31, 2021

LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF THE INJURED & CRIMINALLY ACCUSED

RANDOM PI/DUI THOUGHTS REVISITED…AKA PEARLS OF WISDOM

I

am so thankful to have received glowing comments from so many of you asking for more THOUGHTS. The following can best be described as an explanation/treatise/ overview/journey/ tiptoe through the tulips/ trip/voyage/ tour/cruise/ trek as we navigate PI and DUI thoughts.

Clearly most Auto Insurance Co’s are PICASSOS OF PETTINES and/or SHAKESPEARES OF SH_T. During the Age of Covid we have unemployment at record highs and the temporary closure of insurance companies.

They are leveraging this terrible situation to force clients and claimants, who don't have any other means of survival, to settle their cases for less than they are worth. After the settlement they often will likely delay the issuance of settlement checks.

Myths about PI/DUI cases YOU CAN GET THE SAME MONEY ON A PI CASE, OR RESULTS WITHOUT A LAWYER OR WITH ANY LAWYER 4 Auto Insurance Rip-offs: 1: Forcing you to take a “FAST” Settlement 2: Unsupported claims… being told that “you may lose your claim” 3: Being asked to “sign here” 4: When your insurance agent asks, “”do you want to save some money?” …that means an inferior policy. Remember your insurance agent has a vested interest in your NOT making a claim. The more claims they have, the less they make.

5 Costly Misconceptions About Lawyers: 1: Every attorney has about the same amount of experience and training 2: If a lawyer is on TV, they “MUST” be good 3: All lawyers are skilled in the art of negotiating 4: All lawyers are personally involved in the

TRAVEL TIPS4U

cases they handle.

5: Just b/c a lawyer says he or she goes to trial doesn’t mean he or she goes in front of a jury 6 mistakes to avoid when choosing a lawyer: 1: Choosing a lawyer based on numbers of years in practice 2: Choosing a lawyer on a single phone call 3: Being intimidated solely on the fact that the attorney has degrees 4: Choosing a lawyer that doesn’t offer a Satisfaction Guarantee 5: Choosing a lawyer that is not a member of the Consumer Attorney of California (a trade association for PI lawyers who are dedicated to honest, ethical legal practices and the highest level of client satisfaction.

6: Choosing a lawyer that does not have a 10.0 AVVO peer legal rating 5 Steps to a Fair Settlement: 1: See a qualified doctor who can treat you properly and knows how to write a good med/ legal report.

2: Make sure not to talk to anyone regarding your injuries or details of the accident, until you speak with a lawyer.

3: Go to the police station and get a copy of the accident report or have your lawyer do so.

4: Ask a lot of questions. The only way to educate yourself is to educate yourself.

5: Make an appointment for a FREE consultation and auto accident AUDIT. Questions Accident Victims Ask: DO I HAVE A CASE? HOW MUCH IS MY CASE WORTH? HOW CAN I RECEIVE MEDICAL CARE? HOW CAN I GET MY CAR REPAIRED? SHOULD I SPEAK WITH AN INSURANCE COMPANY? HOW CAN AN ATTORNEY HELP ME? We must all understand the importance

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of protecting our legal rights and understand neither your insurance co, nor that of the other party, will protect your rights…only a lawyer does that. The insurance company is in the business of making money. That means paying as little as possible on each case.

What do you want? … settling a big case or receiving a fair settlement. There is a big difference.

Every lawyer offers different methods and advantages as well as disadvantages. If all you want is a lawyer to represent your case, then I respectfully ask that you call another attorney.

However, if you want to protect your legal rights and receive a fair and just settlement for your injuries, a settlement that will make you happy and that you can live with, then you’re invited to call me.

What you need is a lawyer who will take the time to thoroughly research and prepare your case. If you’re willing to take action to protect your rights- you’re invited to call my firm. You’ll receive a complete private consultation with me. I’ll review your case and render my expert opinion on what course of action to take and which law firm is best to assist you. I’m offering this consultation at no cost or obligation. And if you call my office, you’re further protected with our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!

We want you to be super pleased… in fact we want you to be delighted, with every aspect of your free legal consultation and accident audit. Your consultation comes with our ironclad satisfaction guarantee. No attorney can guarantee the outcome of any case. However, we will guarantee that we will return your calls and treat you with the utmost respect and courtesy you deserve.

You have our word as a professional firm that our staff will treat your case as if it were our only one. Many lawyers don’t guarantee their

work- but we feel nothing is more important than your complete and total satisfaction. We stand behind every case 100%. If you ever have any questions or concerns about your case please call us right away at 760 837-7500.

Dale Gribow - Attorney at Law “TOP LAWYER” The Prestigious Palm Springs Life: (2011-21) “TOP LAWYER” Inland Empire Magazine 2016-19 73-061 El Paseo, Suite 220 Palm Desert, CA 92260 Office - 760-837-7500 Fax - 760 837-7502 Dale@DaleGribowLaw.com www.DaleGribowLaw.com AVVO Perfect 10.0 Peer Rating “Preeminent” Rating by Martindale Hubbell Legal Directory “Best Attorneys of America” Selected by Rue’s (Limited to Top 100 Attorneys per State) “Though I am sometimes referred to as a DUI Criminal Defense Lawyer, I choose to not view my clients as "criminals". I prefer to view them, and more importantly to treat them as good honest people, that have found themselves in a scary and unfortunate situation.”

DRINKING AND TEXTING BOTH CAUSE ARRESTS AND ACCIDENTS OR MAKE A DRIVER LESS LIKELY TO AVOID A DUI INDUCED ARREST OR ACCIDENT, THAT WOULD NOT BE THEIR FAULT. BEING INTOXICATED, IS JUST AS SERIOUS AS BEING INTEXTICATED. A DRIVER MUST DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO AVOID AN AT FAULT ACCIDENT. THE BOTTOM LINE IS “DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE OR TEXT AND GET A DUI OR ACCIDENT... CALL A TAXI, LYFT OR UBER….THEY ARE A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME”

COUNTY, CA PALMS TO PINES PARASPORTS (PPP) RIVERSIDE

PP’s mission is to create a more-inclusive society by providing competitive and recreational opportunities focusing on people with physical disabilities, simultaneously working with athletes with other disabilities while instilling a lifelong passion for wellness, helping everybody realize their full potential. . PPP envisions a world in which adaptive athletes have the same opportunities to lead as full a life as their able-bodied peers.

PPP is a Riverside County organization currently focused in the Coachella Valley, incorporated in California in June 2020, and accomplishes its mission through collaborations between public, private, non-

ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY LYNNE TUCKER

throughout Riverside County.

For more info: palmstopinesparasports.org or facebook.com/palmstopinesparasports.

You can also find our podcast-Getting Everyone Moving about adaptive sports here: anchor.fm/michael-rosenkrantz.

Contact Mike Rosenkrantz at pppmiker@ palmstopinesparasports.org or call 760-4699207.

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March 25 to March 31, 2021

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H S A R T Y A W A L AU H WE 20

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WHITTIER TRUST PRESENTS: THE LAST ACT IS A SOLO BY ROBERT ANDERSON; PRESENTED ON CVREP’S VIRTUAL STAGE

oachella Valley Repertory’s Theatre Thursdays continues their online staged readings with The Last Act Is a Solo on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 7:00 pm (Pacific). An amazing cast has been assembled to bring to life this brilliant one-act play by Robert Anderson, one of America's foremost playwrights. To join this presentation, visit cvrep.org and register.

The Last Act Is a Solo follows Laura Cunningham, an actress who was once a star but now lives amid costumes and props, reminders of her former success. Though she grows increasingly frail, she refuses to retire, resisting her nephew's attempts to move her to the country where she can be cared for. In fact, she has an interview that very afternoon with a director. This staged reading walks the line between realism and sentimentality, taking viewers on an emotional journey and moving any audience with its poignancy.

Returning to the virtual stage to direct this performance is CVRep Founding Artistic Director, Ron Celona, who has produced, directed and choreographed over 70 productions. He began his career as an actor, dancer and singer in Philadelphia, working as an actor in New York and Philly prior to moving to California in 1984. After years of performing on stage and in film and television, he became the founder,

Producing Artistic Director, and producer of the American Musical Theatre Repertory in Los Angeles and then went on to found CVRep here in the Valley.

Also returning to the virtual stage is storied actress Joyce Bulifant, a Luminary Guest Artist at CVRep who will star as Laura Cunningham. Bulifant's illustrious career includes roles in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Happiest Millionaire, and Airplane! Joining her will be her son John Asher (Weird Science, The Bride of Frankenstein) and Arthur Hanket (The Goat, Or Who is Sylvia?)

To continue CVRep’s mission of providing educational, entertaining and thoughtprovoking presentations, CVRep is offering Theatre Thursdays, a weekly, virtual entertaining and learning opportunity.

All presentations are offered via Zoom to observe social distancing guidelines.

ACTORS BIOS Joyce Boulifant was born on December 16, 1937 in Newport News, Virginia. She is an actress, known for Airplane! (1980), Dirty Love (2005) and American Playhouse (1980). Joyce was originally cast as Carol Brady on The Brady Bunch (1969) but was dropped. She played the mother of her reallife son John Asher in Weird Science (1994).

She was previously married to Roger Perry, Glade Bruce Hansen, William Asher, Edward Mallory and James MacArthur. "My greatest success, I feel, has been the ability to make people laugh, even at my own expense and using that gift to help raise funds for children's charities."

John is an award-winning writer/ director who spent his early life breaking his dad's video cameras trying to get an epic shot. He directed his first film at age 25-Kounterfeit (1996), starring Oscar

March 11 to March 17, 2021

THEATRE

winner Hillary Swank. He followed that with Chick Flick (1998), then the Miramax film, Diamonds (1999), starring Kirk Douglas and Dan Aykroyd. All before his 30th birthday.

In 2005 his film Dirty Love premiered at Sundance. Branching out into TV, John directed the Showtime series, Going to California (2001), and the hit CW series, One Tree Hill (2006), as well as several LIVE comedy specials including Margaret Cho: PsyCHO (Showtime), Sebastian Maniscalco: Aren't You Embarrassed (Showtime), and Ralphie May: Unruly (Netflix). In 2017, John wrote and directed TOOKEN, the over the top spoof lampooning the Taken franchise, starring Margaret Cho. In 2019 he directed the family comedy I Hate Kids.

Arthur Hanket was born on June 23, 1954 in Virginia, USA. He is an actor, known for God is an Astronaut, American Playhouse (1980) and The Unit (2006).

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March 25 to March 31, 2021

CANNABIS CORNER

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our years ago, the landscape for veterinarians educating or recommending cannabis for pets was abysmally absent. State laws legalizing cannabis allowed Medical Doctors, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Doctor of Podiatric Medicine to verify that a patient has a serious medical condition that would benefit from the use of marijuana. But it excluded a Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine. Just the mention of marijuana for pets sent a veterinarian to shiver in silence and run in the other direction.

That changed in September of 2018 when CA became the first state to protect veterinary license-holders from disciplinary action solely for discussing the therapeutic use of cannabis in animals. With 10,000 research studies on cannabis mostly with human use, veterinarians sent a Paul Revere signal for research on dogs, cats, and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in animals.

In last week’s article I discussed the ECS, discovered in 1992 for all living Animalia except insects. The animal and human ECS are similar in response to cellular processes.

The differences are in the distribution of the receptors. CB1 receptors in the hind brain structures of canines create a unique neurological action “static ataxia” when stimulated by delta9- Tetrahydrocannabinoid (THC). While not fatal it is scary for the dog and owner and often sends the animal to the emergency room.

In a study of seven representative species of invertebrates, McPartland 2006, evaluated seven species of invertebrates by a tritiated ligand binding assay and identified cannabinoid receptors in non-mammalian species including birds, reptiles, and fish.

Stephen Cital a Registered Veterinarian Technician (RVT), who researches, writes, and lectures on how to treat all pets with a broad spectrum hemp that contains all the cannabinoids, enzymes, and terpenes in the plant devoid of THC. A researcher from Colorado State University recently reported finding 89 percent of epileptic dogs had fewer seizures when taking the chicken-flavored CBD oil, as compared to about 20 percent that were on a placebo. Another project, conducted at Cornell University, appeared to show that

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BY RUTH HILL R.N. dogs treated with CBD oil have a clinically significant reduction in pain and an increase in activity .

Many pet owners do not take seriously the complications of using cannabis with THC. Pet cannabis products in the dispensaries can be used in concentrations of CBD:THC 30:1 or CBD:THC of 20:1 for intense pain or cancer.

Severe pet conditions like cancer need to have medical personnel involved. There are many hemp products that would be more advisable due to their low percentage of less than 0.3% THC or the hemp will be illegal. If, a batch of hemp tested by regulators contains more than 0.3% THC the whole batch will be disposed of.

Pets arrive unconscious at a veterinarian’s office with owners who are reluctant to fess up when questioned about cannabis use. The most frequents conditions discussed were pain management, anxiety, seizures, and storm/fireworks phobias.

Medical cannabis for pets usually comes as a liquid oil or as treats. Liquids are preferable because the dosing can be accurately controlled and because CBD may be better absorbed through the tissues of the mouth rather than through the digestive tract.

Vaporized or smoked cannabis should NEVER be used with pets. This can damage their lungs and can lead to accidental overdose. Another renown veterinarian, Robert Silver, has researched the ECS of pets.

Silver recommends a dosage of hemp oil supplementation (based on body weight of feline and canine candidates) to be followed.

His recommendation is a range of hemp based on weight: 0.1mg/kg to 0.5mg/kg for anxiety.

Similarly, edibles for humans should not be given to your pet as they are impossible to dose accurately and they may contain ingredients (such as raisins, chocolate, etc.) that are toxic to animals. If you put the dropper in the pet’s mouth, remember to wipe the dropper off or you will get mold or a variety of microorganisms contaminating the bottle. For more information go to projectcbd. org/medicine/cbd-cannabis-pets-pain.

For questions email info@ruthahillrn.com

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

WEEK OF MARCH 25

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In the novel House of Leaves, the hero Johnny Truant describes his friend Lude as wanting “more money, better parties, and prettier girls.” But Johnny wants something different. What is it? He says, “I’m not even sure what to call it except I know it feels roomy and it’s drenched in sunlight and it’s weightless and I know it’s not cheap.” In my opinion, that declaration is far too imprecise! He’ll never get what he wants until he gets clearer about it. But his fantasy is a good start. It shows that he knows what the fulfillment of his yearning feels like. I suggest you get inspired

by Johnny Truant’s approximation to conjure up one of your own. Gaze ahead a few years, and see if you can imagine what your best possible future feels like. Then describe it to yourself as precisely as possible.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): How distraught I was when I discovered that one of my favorite poets, Pablo Neruda, was an admirer of the murderous dictator Joseph Stalin. It broke my heart to know I could never again read his tender, lyrical poetry with unconditional appreciation. But that’s life: Some of our heroes and teachers disappoint us, and then it’s healthy to re-evaluate our relationships with them. Or maybe our own maturation leads us to realize that once-nurturing influences are no longer nurturing. I recommend that sometime soon, you take a personal inventory with these thoughts in mind. I suspect there may be new sources of inspiration headed your way. Get ready for them.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Self-help author Steve Maraboli has useful advice for you to consider in the coming weeks. I hope you’ll meditate on what he says and take decisive action. He writes, “Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don’t.” To get started, Gemini, make a list of three things you do have power over and three things you wish you did but don’t have power over.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): While he was alive, Cancerian author Franz Kafka burned 90% of everything he wrote. In a note to a friend before he died, he gave instructions to burn all the writing he would leave behind. Luckily, his friend disobeyed, and that’s why today we can read Kafka’s last three novels and a lot more of his stuff. Was his attitude toward his creations caused by the self-doubt that so many of us Cancerians are shadowed by? Was he, like a lot of us Crabs, excessively shy about sharing personal details from his life? In accordance with astrological omens, I urge you to at least temporarily transcend any Kafka-like tendencies you have. It’s time to shine brightly and boldly as you summon your full powers of self-expression.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): To create your horoscope, I’ve borrowed ideas from Leo-born author Cassiano Ricardo. He speaks of a longing “for all that is tall like pine trees, and all that is long like rivers, and all that is purple like dusk.” I think yearnings like those will be healthy and wise for you to cultivate in the coming weeks. According to my reading of the astrological omens, you need expansive influences that stretch your imagination and push you beyond your limitations. You will benefit from meditations and experiences that inspire you to outgrow overly small expectations.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo actor and director Jean-Louis Barrault (1910–1994) aspired to “wake up a virgin each morning.” He wanted “to feel hungry for life,” as if he had been reborn once again. In order to encourage that constant renewal, he regarded going to sleep every night as “a small death.” I recommend his approach to you during the coming weeks. In my astrological opinion, the cosmic rhythms will be conspiring to regularly renew your desires: to render them pure, clean, raw, and strong. Cooperate with those cosmic rhythms!

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Is there anything more gratifying than being listened to, understood, and seen for who you really are? I urge you to seek out that pleasure in abundance during the coming

© Copyright 2021 Rob Brezsny

weeks. My reading of the astrological omens tells me you need the nurturing jolt that will come from being received and appreciated with extra potency.

I hope you have allies who can provide that for you. If you don’t, search for allies who can. And in the meantime, consider engaging the services of a skillful psychotherapist or life coach or some other professional listener.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “Blobs, spots, specks, smudges, cracks, defects, mistakes, accidents, exceptions, and irregularities are the windows to other worlds,” writes author Bob Miller.

I would add that all those things, along with related phenomena like fissures, blemishes, stains, scars, blotches, muck, smears, dents, and imperfections, are often windows to very interesting parts of this seemingly regular old ordinary world—parts that might remain closed off from us without the help of those blobs and defects. I suggest you take full advantage of the opportunities they bring your way in the coming weeks.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Innovative psychologist Carl Jung had a nuanced understanding of the energies at work in our deep psyche. He said our unconscious minds are “not only dark but also light; not only bestial, semi-human, and demonic, but also superhuman, spiritual, and, in the classical sense of the word, ‘divine.’” I bring this to your attention, Sagittarius, because now is a favorable time to get better acquainted with and more appreciative of your unconscious mind.

For best results, you must not judge it for being so paradoxical. Don’t be annoyed that it’s so unruly and non-rational. Have fun with its fertility and playfulness and weirdness.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The fantasy drama Game of Thrones appeared on TVs all over the world. But the audience that watched it in China got cheated out of a lot of essential action.

Government censorship deleted many scenes that featured nudity and sex, fighting and violence, and appearances by dragons, which play a starring role in the story. As you can imagine, Chinese viewers had trouble following some of the plot points.

Telling you about this, Capricorn, is my way of nudging you to make sure you don’t miss any of the developments going on in your own personal drama. Some may be hidden, as in China’s version of Game of Thrones. Others might be subtle or disguised or underestimated. Make it your crusade to know about everything.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind,” wrote author Rudyard Kipling. Yes, they are. I agree.

They change minds, rouse passions, build identities, incite social change, inspire irrationality, and create worlds. This is always true, but it will be especially important for you to keep in mind during the coming weeks. The ways you use language will be key to your health and success. The language that you hear and read will also be key to your health and success. For best results, summon extra creativity and craftsmanship as you express yourself. Cultivate extra discernment as you choose what you absorb.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Piscean linguist Anna Wierzbicka says the Russian expression dusha naraspashku means “unbuttoned soul.” She continues, “The implication is that it is good, indeed wonderful, if a person’s ‘soul,’ which is the seat of emotions, is flung open in a spontaneous, generous, expansive, impetuous gesture, expressing full trust in other people and an innocent readiness for communion with them.” I wouldn’t recommend that you keep your soul unbuttoned 24/7/365, but in the coming weeks, I hope you’ll allocate more time than usual to keeping it unbuttoned.

Homework: Send ideas for April Fool pranks that fulfill the following prescription: “Comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.”

Truthrooster@gmail.com ---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny - Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

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March 25 to March 31, 2021

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