Coachella Valley Weekly - April 17 to April 23, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 4

News Community NEWS MUSIC Music ART EVENTSMovies MOVIES DININGDining SPORTS HEALTH &BEAUTY BUSINESSEvents COMMUNITY

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com • April 17 to April 23, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 4

RAY PHILLIPS

Indio Mall

pg 5

Johnny Richter

JESSE HUGHES

pg 10

John Garcia

pg 11

Black Mastiff

pg 13

The Warrior Project

pg 30

April 17 to April 23, 2014

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Coachella Valley Weekly

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com info@coachellavalleyweekly.com

760.501.6228

©

Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Raymond Bill, Brian Michaelz, Lisa Morgan Classified Manager & Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Features Writer Marissa Willman, Judith Sulkin, Denise Ortuno Neil, Heidi Simmons, Lisa Morgan Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Lola Rossi, Craig Michaels, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Rachel Montoya, Angela Janus, Janet McAfee, Heidi Simmons, Dale Gribow, Raymond Bill, Jack St. Clair, Rob Brezny, Amanda Dorta, Eleni P. Austin, Curtis Hendricks, Noe Gutierrez, Jill Coleman, Jennifer Tan, Sunny Simon, Richard Weiss, Dr. Peter Kadile, Dr. Maria Lombardo, Bruce Cathcart, Patte Purcell, Julie Buehler, Flint Wheeler, John Paul Valdez, Laura Hunt Little, Eric Robertson, Scott Pam, Brian Michaelz, Robin Linn, Rebecca Pikus,, Richard Noble, Karen Creasy, Trooper Ramsey Photographers Laura Hunt Little, Lani Garfield, Chris Miller/ Imagine Imagery Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

Contents

Color Your Mind Event..................... 3 News - Indio Fashion Mall.............5 CV Weekly’s Best Of 2014..............6 Coachella Fashion..........................7 Sports Scene ..................................8 Sports ............................................9 Yellow Cab......................................9 LMS - Johnny Richter...................10 DR - John Garcia of Vista Chino..11 DR - Black Mastiff..........................12 Consider This................................14 Pet Place.......................................16 The Vino Voice..............................17 Club Crawler Nightlife.................18 Pampered Palate - Easter Brunch..20 Screeners......................................22 Book Review ................................23 Events - United Way Gala............26 Its Your Nickel...............................26 Haddon Libby: It’s All Local.........27 Dale Gribow.................................27 Safety Tips....................................28 ShareKitchen................................28 Gaemer Girl..................................28 Health & Fitness...........................29 ......................................................29 ......................................................29 Don’t Be Clueless in the CV.........30 Free Will Astrology......................31 Mind, Body, & Spirit.....................31 Life & Career Coach......................32 ......................................................32 Comics - Weiss Cracks..................34

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Eagles of Death Metal’s Jesse Hughes Hosts VIP-only Abode for Musicians to Relax in the Coachella Valley

I

t all started with a fat kid in his garage and a handful of young aspiring musicians way back in the eighties.

Mario Lalli (Fatso Jetson) was more than just one of the earliest cutting edge musicians to rise out of the hot desert sand he was the guy that brought everyone together. With generators, stages made out of cardboard, and a handful of bands out in the middle of the barren desert....a music scene was born. Later Mario would open Rhythm & Brews, and bring cutting edge punk, metal, and stoner rock (a yet to be named genre) to his small venue in Indio. Kyuss and later Queens of the Stone Age would find great success, spear head a sub-genre, and bring international attention to our unique and highly creative music...desert rock.

Coachella Fest would eventually be born, and the rest is quickly becoming rock and roll history!

Since those early parties out in the middle of nowhere many of our key musicians have gone on to not only create & spread their own unique sounds, but to work in the Audio/Visual field doing major corporate events. So, now when they throw a desert party, it’s world class debauchery.

For 10 days at a private ranch in Thermal, Vestal Village has become a city of tents on lush grassy acreage...just 5 miles away from Coachella Fest, a major music festival that brings hundreds of thousands of music fans from all over the world here during these two weekend events each April. Many of the artists that perform there....camp here. It’s a star-studded private affair that becomes

a sea of tents, RVs, and has over a million dollars-worth of gear donated by Guitar Center, a giant stage, a full-on light show, a barn that has been turned into a black-light psycho-disco with a full bar, where many of the DJs who are performing at Coachella are entertaining the troops. Many of the musicians who have been performing at Coachella have been rehearsing, recording and resting up in between shows and on Friday, April 18th, they will open up this rock-star haven to local desert music fans who may not be able to attend Coachella Fest, or who are simply die-hard fans of the vintage desert music that we are famous for.

Jesse Hughes, the devilish leader of desert-rockers Eagles of Death Metal, counterculture icon, and front man for his solo project Boots Electric, has built a temporary space where musicians hanging out in the Coachella Valley next weekend are invited to come relax, create, practice, and even record. Located at the invite-only Vestal Village event, “Vatican City,” as it’s been dubbed by Hughes, will feature an air conditioned compound with plenty of high quality recording gear from Orange Amps and Blue Microphones, as well as PA and drum equipment supplied by Guitar Center. Those in attendance can also check out the latest products from Orange, who will be featuring the newest version of their Windows PC, the Orange OPC MKIV. “I’m creating an artist’s Shanghai-la. It is a strictly invite-only, elite affair, but I will be producing a record of music from the weekend for the masses,” said Hughes.

“The details of the participants are being kept completely secret and invitations will only go to the fortunate few.”

This Friday, the hottest party the Coachella Valley has ever seen will take place. The music is slated to start at noon and go to the wee hours of the morning. The lineup is stellar....EAGLES OF DEATH METAL featuring the devil himself...Reverend Jesse Hughes, FATSO JETSON ( A band that has been a major influence on music around the globe, featuring Mario Lalli, Larry Lalli, Dino Von Lalli, Tony Tornay) Robbie Waldman and Waxy, Parosella, War Drum, Caxton, CIVX, JF//Discord, and top secret special guests. So, the question becomes...will Josh Homme be swinging in to perform with EODM? We just can’t confirm that at the moment...but, we can confirm is that if you can find your way to this event...it promises to be a desert party of epic proportion.

We spent a night out at Vestal Village last

April 17 to April 23, 2014

by robin linn Cover & Article photos

by Laura Hunt Little

Saturday and it will live on in our memories forever. When we arrived we were greeted

by Mike Riley (Parosella) who gave us a personal tour of the facility. There is a huge staff of family, friends, and at the helm of this major music and artists event is our own Ray Phillips. Ray has organized everything from sponsors to technical support making sure this major event operates smoothly.

Security and parking are all under control.

Shuttles to Coachella Fest are on hand bringing artists and guests in and out to the show. Food, beverages, and all the trappings of a great party are plentiful.

We hung out at Vatican City where Bobby Nichols on guitar joined Mario Lalli on bass and Marcus Bush (Parosella) on drums for a stunning jam, which was captured by Adam and the recording crew.

At the end...it was the other worldly jam that blew us all away, not the sandstorm.

This Friday, we will be heading back out to do it all over again and take in all of the bands that we hold dear here in the Coachella Valley. The valley is booming right now and musicians are coming out of the woodwork to take part in this amazing party that takes place during this busy festival season. RSP Productions and Jesse Hughes have gone all out to provide an environment that honors the local musicians that are at the core of the scene that has erupted into a major music capital. It makes those of us that can’t find our way to Coachella Fest feel that we are still part of something magical.

To see where things have evolved since those very early desert rock parties is crazy and beautiful!!!!!! I highly recommend you do not miss this event!

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April 17 to April 23, 2014

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NEWS

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by heidi simmons

Indio Fashion Mall’s Rebirth Begins!

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or Coachella Valley malls, this year may be the most significant. After decades of stagnation and vacancies, the downtown Palm Springs Desert Fashion Plaza has been reduced to rubble and in short order should rise to new modern heights. The forlorn Palm Springs Mall has life again as the sight for the new College of the Desert West Campus.

Even Palm Desert’s Westfield Mall has revamped its empty space and constructed a new south Grand Entrance with restaurants and H&M. Dick’s Sporting Goods and a World Gym fill the long vacated north anchor.

Not to be lost in the valley’s great mall property resurgence, the Indio Fashion Mall, aka Fiesta Mall, is about to experience the start of its resurrection as well.

The Past “I loved going to the Indio mall playing arcade games and eating ice cream,” said Veronica Avila, an insurance broker at Avila Insurance Agency, catty-corner to the mall on highway 111. “I was born and raised here.

I’d go there all the time with my friends. My dad worked for Allstate Insurance, which was in the Sears. I trained there with him until he opened his own agency.”

Built in 1974, the Indio Fashion Mall thrived with national retailers and popular chain stores. Located at the corner of Hwy 111 and Monroe Street, the 250,000 square foot, single story, enclosed mall, was great shopping and a family gathering place for east valley’s residents.

Sears and Harris were the original anchor stores connected by favorite shops like Miller’s Outpost, House of Fabrics and Foot Locker. David Miller, founder of Miller’s Outpost, owned the mall and made an effort to know his merchants.

But through the 80s and 90s, there was a shift in the valley’s economy and changing demographics. The desert cities between Indio and Palm Springs were starting to build communities that included not only planned housing, but also shopping centers.

With the eastern valley’s growing Hispanic population there were plans to add a food court, renovate and expand the mall, but it never came to fruition. Meanwhile, Palm Desert’s mall gained popularity with its central location and greater number of stores.

To compare, Indio’s mall is approximately one-third the size of Westfield.

In 2003, Richard Weintraub bought the Fashion Mall and changed the name to Fiesta Mall hoping to cater to the Hispanic clientele and rebuild a family environment. However, the beloved Sears moved to its current larger space at Palm Desert’s Westfield Mall in 2004. Gottschalks bought Harris in 1988 and closed permanently in 2009. With both anchors gone, and unable to keep up with valley competition, the Fiesta Mall’s retail shops and national chains began to leave.

Today, the mall is mostly empty. There

April 17 to April 23, 2014

are no brand anchors or national retailers.

The dated decor and pastel tiles harken to a world that has long passed. The entire property, inside and out, seems incongruous with the forward momentum of the City of Indio and the greater CV. “I remember when the mall was packed with families every Sunday,” said Karen Ruiz, owner of M. Ruiz Jewelers, one of only nine businesses to remain in the mall. She and her husband opened their jewelry store in 1985. “It’s terrible right now. Not a day goes by when someone asks ‘What’s happening?’

There is so much potential. We are just trying to hang in there.”

Approaching three decades doing business in the mall, Ruiz and her husband stay in the location for their loyal customers.

They try to remain positive and hopeful, but it is easy to hear her concern and fear.

Ruiz’s rent was reduced and she was given a month-to-month lease. She can walk away or be kicked-out with only a 30-day notice.

Mall owners and management have not consulted with the merchants, nor have they informed the tenants of any proposed changes. They remain in the dark –- the quiet of the languishing mall -- pondering rumors and speculation.

For now, there is no leasing office on sight, not even a working phone number to call.

According to Ruiz, a Chinese woman collects the rent. From what she has gathered, the woman apparently is the sister or a relation

Phase One, Part One.

to the mall’s owner. She appears to not speak English so Ruiz can’t engage her in conversation.

“I can’t tell you what is the plan,” said Dennis Zhang of CBRE Leasing in a phone conversation about the mall’s future. “I cannot say because I do not know. I only write up the lease,” he said making an effort to clearly articulate his words with his thick Chinese accent. The more questions asked, the more he did not know. He said he thought it wasn’t a good time to write a story about the mall but hesitantly added, “Everyone has good intentions.”

The Present Reo Group Properties, LLC, bought the mall in 2010. Although unconfirmed by Reo, it appears, based on county tax records, that they paid nearly $8.5 million for mall buildings and an adjacent parcel.

The company is Chinese owned.

Last year, the organization submitted plans for façade enhancement and landscaping changes to the city’s Planning Commission that included a new name, Indio Plaza “Lo Nuestro.” In November, the plans were approved with only two conditions.

“We asked them to change the name to something everyone could relate to and we

asked they change a bright green to a more natural green in their color pallet,” said Gloria Franz, a Planning Commission member.

“We were excited to see their plans and are supportive of the changes.” The City of Indio is limited to what they can do since the property is privately owned, but is doing everything in their means to encourage and expedite the improvements.

Leila Namvar, Assistant Planner, has been overseeing the process and working closely with Reo developers. So far, Reo has complied with all the time requirements.

“They have two years to get the building permit and they can file for an extension,” said Namvar. “It’s not uncommon to come back after three years. It takes time to raise the financing.” The entitlement expires November 13, 2015.

But it looks like the changes will begin this week with phase one! Kenny Dickerson is the Design, Pre-leasing and Construction Consultant for Reo. As an invested community member and valley resident, his job is to design, demo and reconstruct the new plans as well as find new tenants.

“I should have the first series of funds -- ninety-days of work -- by Tuesday,” said Dickerson. “We’ll begin the clean-up, demolition and the structural engineering of the façade and new entries to submit to the city. It’s a mess in there right now, but we will secure the property and clean it up.”

The budget for the first phase is $2.9 million.

Dickerson will also gut a four thousand square foot space and bring it up to current standards for a new incoming tenant who plans to sell cosmetics.

While talking with Dickerson, he paused to take a call from the Reo attorney. After a minute he said, “I’m in touch with them everyday. This is going to be an amazing project. Our vision is to create a gathering place for locals, kids at COD and festival attendees. We are revitalizing the mall in a powerful way!”

Next week, read about the innovative way Reo is attracting businesses to the mall and their future plans for making a 2,000seat amphitheater, food court and other improvements -- all with energy saving netzero renovations.

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April 17 to April 23, 2014

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Coachella

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

April 17 to April 23, 2014

by Jenell Fontes

What to Wear to Coachella Fest 2014!

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GO TO www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

I

t is important to let everyone know how they got nominated and about the voting process.

Nomination ballots were sent out to over 200 businesses, restaurants, musicians, ad agencies, city officials, CV Weekly readers and CV Weekly staff who all nominated their choices in 76 categories.

They were not allowed to nominate in their own category. For example: if they were the owner of a Mexican restaurant they could not nominate in that category but could nominate other restaurants and someone in a heavy metal

band couldn’t nominate in that category but could in the other music categories.

Those were then tallied and the 5 people in each category with the most nominations became the 5 on the ballots for you the public to vote on.

You can only vote one time from each computer IP address. You might think you can vote more than once but you cannot! I set it up this way to be as fair as possible to everyone.

So everybody get their vote on!

- Tracy Dietlin, Owner/Publisher

oachella 2014!!! Got my ticket, sunscreen, water now what do I wear? Coachella has become a Fashionista haven with brand clothing companies and stores hiring models to wear their clothing and promote their brands. Choosing an outfit for Coachella is not all about, color, style and coordination it is about functionality. So, here are the top three musts for a great Coachella Outfit: 1) Great Shoes 2) The Purse and 3) Layers.

READ before you pack for Coachella 2014!!

THE SHOES: This is a crucial decision and could make or break your entire Coachella Experience.

So, my suggestion is to pick the shoe first and build your style around them. Take your shoes on a test run to make sure you can wear them all day and get where you need to go as quick as you need too…

Shoes must be comfortable you do a lot of walking at the concert.

Shoes must stay on as there is a lot of

crowd maneuvering.

NO spike heals! they dig into the grass and you will be fighting with them all day and night flats or wedges are the best choices, even a boot if you’re feeling spunky.

Flip Flops are perfectly acceptable but only if you embellish them in your own fashionista style.

Lastly they must be cute, choosing your Coachella style from Bo Ho Chic, fun and funky, or Hipster cool is part of the fun of this event. So break out of your Norm and find your Coachella Sprit.

THE PURSE: Your purse is essential as you are at the concert for hours, its hot crowded and your car is too far to go back for ANYTHING. You need a bag that can carry all of your Coachella Essentials but, that is not too big and bulky to dance with or that you are playing whack a mole to your fellow pedestrians as you walk thought the crowd.

Purse should be big enough to carry

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phone, mini wallet, water bottle, chapstick and other accessories Purse must NOT be too big Suggest a cross body bag for easy maneuvering and hands free comfort, or a small wristlet that you can hang from a belt.

Go BIG… style of fun bright colors or funky handmade bags this is not the place to flaunt your designers and main stream fashion. Purses made from coconuts, old tie die t-shirts and handkerchiefs will make a statement.

THE LAYERS Welcome to the Desert… HOT all day and cool at night. When you leave for a day at Coachella Fest you need to think into the evening. Layers. Layers, layers something that you can take on and off and a wrap that you can tie around your waist, purse or shoulders when it gets too hot but you will be so thankful for it after the sun sets.

Light wraps Pashmisha style Loose crochet cover ups Hats are always a great option or braids…you don’t want to worry about hair touchups.

Accessories… Glam Bling, Tribal Chic or Hipster Simple… Don’t forget to Accessorize!

The desert sun is fierce so the first layer is always sun protection with back- up sun screen every couple hours. Choosing a cover-up will protect your skin from the sun during the day and from the drastic day to night weather temps. Again, it has to be comfortable so nothing that you are going to have to fix or adjust all day and night.

Coachella 2014 find your style… For me I just marched over to Caroledean’s Resale Therapy in Cathedral City…she is stocked with great “one of a kind” finds…she and her talented staff are on hand to help you find your own personal Coachella style…shoes, bags, accessories…all in one convenient stop.

Resale Therapy is located at 67-800 E. Palm Canyon Cathedral City (on 111 en route to the festival from Palm Springs) 760-321-6556. Open daily 10-5. shopresaletherapy.com www.JenellFontes.com

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April 17 to April 23, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

sports scene

by Julie Buehler

I

8

Bubba wins Green Jacket, again..

T

So those who dislike Colin Kaepernick because of his laconic interviewing style, personal fashion style or because of the team he plays for can use this incident as evidence to support their opinions without the inconvenience of fact. And those who like Kaepernick for the similar reasons have enough questions to cling to a defense for the player.

The problem is it creates swirling controversy not because of the facts of the story, but because of the headline chosen by the original reporting outlet that is then further propagated and circulated by other irresponsible outlets to catch up in ratings and page views.

Heaven forbid SOMEONE in the mainstream sports media display a level of restraint and ask questions like, “Wait, the police report says the girl and Kaepernick didn’t have sex and she didn’t know where Colin was. How can he be part of a ‘sexual assault’ allegation?”

Or “Wait, TMZ is reporting this? Do we have OUR own sources to confirm ANY of this report?”

Or “How’d this police report get leaked so quickly?”

ANY one of those questions getting answered might slow the story down and offer REAL facts for the public to decide on their own.

Again, I’m not excusing anything Kaepernick did, if there is any wrong doing on his part, I certainly expect him to face the consequences.

But TMZ and the sports media that reported this headline did so with the basic intent of creating controversy, not reporting the facts, and did so to create conversation around their headlines for profit, not inform the public.

We’ll learn more facts as they become available, but do you think if facts prove that Kaepernick’s only involvement that night was dropping by for a quick hello, unaware of another room’s events, that those same TMZ executives and the same sports media lemmings that initially reported the “sexual assault” will recant their headlines?

If you do, just head to Vegas to tour the Great Pyramids or Eifel Tower.

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’s an avid gym rat, slightly sarcastic and more likely to recite Steve Young’s career passing stats than American Idol winners. Tune in M-F 3-6 pst at www.team1010. com or watch the show on Ustream.

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April 17 to April 23, 2014

by Flint Wheeler

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PGA Class A Member and T.P.I. Certified Golf Trainer. Host of “The Tilted Sports Radio Show” and “The Odds on Favorite Podcast” on Team 1010 KXPS. Contact at 760-409-4612 www.flintwheeler.com

Just Another Column Exposing Irresponsible Sports Media

like sports, not soap operas.

I read the NFL Fact and Record Book, not the National Enquirer.

I enjoy the action on the field and don’t need to be entertained by manufactured drama off it.

With so much media and so much information sought by multiple outlets striving to collect more and more page views, sports media is reaching far beyond the X’s and O’s and much too far into the ex’s and “ohhhhh”s that sell tabloids.

The latest example is TMZ’s reporting of Colin Kaepernick in a Miami hotel and an investigation of “sexual assault” involving the San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback.

TMZ reported that “sources” had said the young NFL star was being “investigated for sexual assault” when speaking of a police report leaked last week concerning a woman who said she woke up in a hospital with spotty recollection of the previous night’s events.

ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS Sports, NBC Sports and many other major sports media outlets cited the TMZ report in their reports. So outlets that claim varying levels of journalistic integrity and responsibility turned to “sources” from TMZ to propagate a story.

Awesome.

That’s like going to Vegas to tour the Great Pyramids and Eifel Tower.

In the police report, which is only her account of the night, not verified facts, she told officers she was in a hotel room with Kaepernick and 2 other NFL players. Those 2 other players aren’t household names and therefore would not grab people’s attention by being placed in a headline, so TMZ chose not to do that.

She said they were drinking and claimed there was marijuana involved as well, saying she ended up in the hotel room bed undressed and passed out. In the report, she went on to say Kaepernick and her did not have sex, and when the other 2 players came in the room she told them to leave and asked “Where’s Colin?” because apparently, he was no where to be found.

The police report then stated she said she woke up in a hospital and did not know how she got there.

There’s no doubt in my mind Kaepernick put himself in a comprising position by at least not knowing what was happening in the hotel room where he found himself, at worst, being around illegal activity of any kind.

And as someone looking for a raise to be the face of a billion-dollar business that is the 49ers, he must be beyond reproach and can’t allow people in his life or himself to engage in questionable activity.

BUT, and this is a big BUT… The media ran with this story because there were enough lurid details to peak public interest and for media members to speculate about but not enough facts to get in the way.

sports

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

wenty-year-old amateur Jordan Spieth joked Saturday he would call Sunday playing partner Bubba Watson “Mr.” during the final round of the Masters. By the end of the day, Spieth was calling him the same thing everyone else will – two-time Masters champion.

“Small town guy named Bubba now has two green jackets,” the 35-year-old Watson said. “It’s pretty wild.”

Watson’s first win at Augusta National Golf Club came in a sudden death playoff in 2012 on the back of a miracle save from the pine straw. This one was a Sunday stroll, but it didn’t diminish the accomplishment any, Watson said.

“The shot out of the woods made me famous, but this one was a lot easier on my nerves,” he said.

Watson, who will collect $1.62 million for the week’s work, became the 17th man to win multiple Masters and the first since Arnold Palmer in 1960 to win two green jackets in his first six Masters appearances.

The win was punctuated on the 18th toddled onto the green and was wrapped up by his crying father. Caleb and Watson’s wife Angie missed his first Masters win, which came one week after the couple adopted Caleb. Angie Watson was in Augusta this time to hug her sobbing husband.

“It’s a dream to be on the PGA TOUR. It’s a dream to win, and winning any tournament is a big deal. Winning the green jacket is a little bit bigger deal. So, yeah, I’m going to cry, because why me?” Watson said. “Why Bubba Watson from Bagdad, Florida? Why is he winning? That’s why I’m always going to cry, you know. I’ll probably cry again tonight sometime, just thinking about it.”

Watson played Sunday’s round in 3-under 69 to finish 8-under for the tournament, three shots clear of two Masters first-timers – Spieth and 29-year-old Swede Jonas Blixt.

“Bubba Watson is a deserving Masters champion this year, and that was some incredible golf he played down the stretch to hold it together and make his pars,” Spieth said.

Steady was all it took this year on a course even seasoned Masters players called the one of the toughest in memory. Only two players shot lower than Watson’s 69 on Sunday and neither were in contention at the start of the day.

“Lucky for me today is that nobody really made putts coming down the stretch so I didn’t have to make putts myself,” Watson said. “You could just tell nobody really caught fire.”

Watson and Spieth entered the day deadlocked at 5-under, and Spieth took a

two-stroke lead after birdying No. 7 to move to 8-under. Watson erased that lead on the next hole when he birdied and Spieth bogeyed, and Watson took the lead for good with a birdie on No. 9.

“When I got to 10 tee box, I still believed that I could win the tournament, no doubt about it,” Spieth said. “I still thought that Bubba…”

What Spieth seemed to be thinking was that Bubba could still blow it, which is not that crazy a thought considering the history of the back nine at Augusta.

Instead, Watson cruised in with eight pars and a birdie on the final nine holes.

The only moment of drama came at No. 15, where Watson had a three-stroke lead but hit his tee shot into the trees on the left side of the fairway. The smart shot was a layup chip back into the fairway. Watson’s choice was a 6-iron punched between trees that prompted CBS announcer David Feherty to wonder on air, “Has he lost his marbles?”

“It’s Bubba golf,” Watson caddie Ted Scott explained. “For him it’s not that big a deal. For me it would have been a big deal, I’m like, that’s not a big gap. But for him he sees huge gaps.”

And “Bubba golf” is?

Fun to watch. Admittingly, Bubba has never taken a formal lesson in the game he now stands atop of. Savour this moment in sports fans. With other sports having questionable characters layered with entitlements from exorbitant high salaries.

Golf has a champion with pure childlike exuberance sanded down to world class excellence that we as fans should applaud and say , Thank you.

Tee It Up for YMCA Kids!

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ou know you love to tee it high and let it fly, so why not help the children of the Coachella Valley at the same time? The Family YMCA of the Desert will host its annual Charity Golf Tournament on Thursday, May 1, 2014 at the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs, located at 74855 Country Club Drive in Palm Desert. The tournament features a shotgun start at 12:30pm (registration opens at 11:30am), and the 18 hole scrambled will be followed by a terrific Awards After-Party at Costas! The Awards ceremony, at the always fun dance venue, offers up a delicious array of hearty post-round hors d’oeuvres and a no-host bar. Trophies and prizes will be handed out to the winning foursome, along with the prizes from on the course contests. Baseball great Steve Garvey will be on hand to greet fans and support the Family YMCA of the Desert.

“This is always one of our most enjoyable and fun events,” says Rob Ballew, Executive Director of the Family YMCA of the Desert. “Our team works hard to make sure the round is fun and the After Party even more so. We have a beverage cart to keep players hydrated and happy, contests and hole-in-one prizes, but the camaraderie is what keeps players coming back to this tourney each year.”

The J.W. Marriott Desert Springs is one of the Valley’s premier golf destinations, with two stunning Championship courses, so the golf is always magnificent. Enhancing the day: knowing that your $150 entry fee goes to support Family YMCA of the Desert programs that reach 3,500 PER DAY in the Coachella Valley. The Family

sports

YMCA of the Desert offers before and after school programs in over 40 sites throughout the Valley, reaching out to families in need to make sure kids are safe, have a place to do homework, socialize, exercise, and build character. To help, sponsorship opportunities are also available.

From title sponsorship, to corporate, gift-bag and tee sponsors (and more) your donation provides needed funds, and garners added recognition for your organization.

“Last year’s event was terrific, and I’m excited about this year’s tournament, because it’s about so much more than golf,” says Steve Garvey, former Dodger baseball stand-out. You can join the fun, too. The entry fee is only $150 per player, and if you’re a non-golfer, come to our famous Awards After-Party at Costa’s for only $45! If you would like to play, attend, or donate at a sponsorship level, contact Terri Bona, Director of Development at the Family YMCA of the Desert by calling 760-341-8468, or emailing tbona@desertymca.org. Make your golf dollars count! Sign up today!

Local Business

Best pickup line in the Valley? ‘I Can Book a Yellow Cab From My Phone!’

Just in time for Season and the Festivals

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ooking for a pickup line you’ll never get tired of using? Try the Book a Cab app from Yellow Cab of the Desert.

It’ll get you where you want to go. It’s a mighty little tool from the cab company that serves the entire Coachella Valley and one that gives users the confidence to never wonder if the cab company got the pickup time and place correct since they enter the information themselves.

Just in time for season and all the festivals, this is a convenient way to schedule a pickup time earlier in the day for shopping, dining or that late night ride home. The free app is available at www.yellowcabofthedesert.com or your smartphone app store.

Using the app is easy since it’s very intuitive. It can find the location either by address or name. Add the drop off location and the app will come up with the approximate charges and distance you’ll travel. Once a rider books the trip, they get a confirmation with the name and vehicle number that will pick them up. That’s an added safety factor for anyone especially when it’s a late pickup after a night out with friends or drinking.

To learn more about the free app, go to www.yellowcabofthedesert.com and download it to your phone. Booking a cab just got a whole lot easier!

ABOUT YELLOW CAB CO. OF THE DESERT, INC. Yellow Cab Co. of the Desert, Inc., a luxury taxi service, has been serving the Coachella Valley for over 30 years. Yellow Cab utilizes a taxicab fleet of 60 vehicles including a large seven-passenger van, the largest in the Coachella Valley. For information, rates or to book a taxicab, please call 760-3408294 or visit, www.Yellowcabofthedesert. com. Follow Yellow Cab Co. of the Desert on Facebook and Twitter at YCOTD.

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April 17 to April 23, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Local Music Spotlight

by Lisa Morgan

The Real Johnny Richter

@ Willie Boys, Saturday, April 25. Tickets On Sale Now.

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ho is Johnny Richter? Based on my recent conversation with the founding and former member of the infamous Kottonmouth Kings, the world and Richter are primed to find out. After 20 years with the self-described “psychedelic, hip-hop, punk rock” band, Richter set sail on his own in October of 2013, amid accusation and bitter social media posts from his former band mates. For this artist who hasn’t slowed down since asserting his independence, those voices are growing ever fainter in the distance behind him as he pushes forward.

While he has made efforts to not respond to the angry/hurt, public accusations and dismissals from the crew he spent more than 2 decades of his life with, Richter’s EP, FreeKINGout speaks for itself. There is no room for doubt about how this solo artist feels about the decision that may have seemed sudden, but was a long time coming. “I let the music speak for itself. I wasn’t going to get involved with the ‘he said, she said’ bullshit battle on the computer. I don’t choose to air it that way (on Facebook and Twitter). That’s just stupid to me. I wasn’t going to even write that album to tell you the truth. I had a whole different vision. That album is just a product of all the crap they were talking and it just came out that way. I had to get that out so I can move on to the next thing.” And moving on he is.

The five song EP, released on Suburban Noize Records (a label Kottonmouth Kings left just prior to Richter’s departure) is hard driving and explosive in comparison to his more, dare I say, “commercial” work with Kottonmouth Kings. It delivers with an extremely tangible sense that the long time coming decision to launch on his own, resulted in hinges being blown clean off the doors that were holding him back. “Freeking Out”, “Richter’s Back” and “Won’t Break” are all songs whose title and content reflect the honest expression of an artist obliterating the chains that once bound him, and shaking off the dirt that has been thrown. An incredibly sweet collaboration with the lark-like voice of Mina Fedora on “Let Me Win” and “Talk About It” add a compelling and alternatively passionate nuance, making this a very edible and credible first project.

A midst an incredibly busy touring schedule, Richter has also contributed to projects with Canadian hip-hop giants, Swollen Members and Suburban Noize Records artist, Kali Connect. I asked him if he had a title for his highly anticipated new EP. “It’s a bombshell,” he laughed. “I have to wait till it’s ready. I was golfing with a buddy and I blurted something out, and we were all ‘Damn, that’s it!’ I’ll probably play a couple of the new songs, “Way Out” (aka Shooting Star)

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and “Conflict”. The new show will be one hour of rap with a couple of Kottonmouth songs that they hardly ever play. I’ll be playing with a DJ and my drummer, Trevor Thomas (nickname “TT”). Thomas has a full kit up there and is amazing. He works really hard to keep it tight.”

“Everything is giving me a sense of freedom. There’s a huge weight off my shoulders; a lot of headache gone. I don’t have to go through all kinds of channels to do things, or wait around for anybody. They were negative with me when I left the group, but it wasn’t like they just turned negative that day.

There was always something, depending on what they were aiming at. All that negativity is gone. I’m not into this nitpicking crap, picking fights.”

“We had a great run. I’m not ashamed of anything I did. Some of Snoop Dogg’s “Tha Eastsidaz” came over to my pad and saw that I had some old Kottonmouth Kings skateboard decks still up. They asked me, ‘You gonna cover your tattoo?’ Some of the best times of my life were spent during those years. I’m not going to run away from the fact that I was with them for 20 years. I’m always going to be Johnny Richter from the Kottonmouth Kings. It’s just time to move on.”

Tickets for this show can be purchased online ($10), but they are going fast. Johnny Richter will be joined by CV Weekly’s Best Punk Band nominee, Spankshaft. The show will be held Friday, April 25th at Willie Boys Dance Hall and Saloon located at 50048 Hwy 62, Morongo Valley, CA. The venue is one of the best venues for live music around. Only 25 miles from the center of the Coachella Valley, pool tables, classic arcade games, two huge fully stocked bars and it also rocks a killer BBQ and full menu. Willie Boys will even get you home safely with their limo style shuttle that round trips to the 29 Palms military base.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

ROBIN LINN’S DESERT RHYTHMs

April 17 to April 23, 2014

JOHN GARCIA, THE VOICE OF KYUSS, CONTINUES ON AS VISTA CHINO AND AN UPCOMING SOLO RECORD IS UNDERWAY AT THUNDER UNDERGROUND RECORDING STUDIO IN PALM SPRINGS

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ince the early nineties when I first discovered the then very underground music scene here in the desert, it was always John Garcia and Kyuss for me. My love for hard rock, desert rock and grunge all came together perfectly within the music of Kyuss..... and the incendiary live shows were exhilarating.

Music is a very personal thing, and what makes us gravitate toward certain genres and styles is a mystery. For me, that ferocious, passionate fullrange vocal that John brought forth with Kyuss moved me to the core. The metal music I had loved in the eighties fell short next to the deeply textured, psychedelic guitar lines pitted against brutally dense structured rhythms emerging from the desert music scene.

Kyuss was swept away quickly when they began working with producer Chris Goss, turning out ground breaking records like Sons of Kyuss and Blues for the Red Sun, a record that caught the attention of Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters). Grohl remembers discovering that record, buying up every single copy at his local record vendor, and giving it away to music fans at shows to share his love for their music. In the midnineties those records were fresh and new, and they continue to make an impact on rock music around the world today, achieving legendary status. With four full length records and an EP (a split that featured Kyuss on one side, and QOTSA on the other, who back then was comprised completely of former Kyuss members) Kyuss and desert rock attracted a huge international cult following, creating a sub-genre that continues to grow today. John Garcia is one of the most treasured rock icons of our time, and he still calls the desert home. Kyuss has had a revolving cast of characters featuring some of our most influential ground-breaking musicians. Bassists have included Chris Cockrell, Scott Reeder, Nick Oliveri, drummers Brant Bjork, and later Alfredo Hernandez. Along with Josh Homme, John Garcia created music that forged the way for the stoner rock of today. Those records are even more popular now than when Kyuss was still actively performing together. John is a hometown hero to us desert rock fans who have watched him and Josh grow from aspiring young songwriters and musicians to world class artists that have helped change the face of rock and roll! Real-life pioneers who impacted music in a very real way creating their own uniquely inspired kind of rock.

When Kyuss broke up, it wasn’t long before John won us over again with his next band Slo

Photo By Chris Miller / Imagine Imagery Burn, the second act of his already illustrious music career. The band featured Damon Garrison on bass, Chris Hale on guitar, and Brady Houghton on drums (later replaced by Alfredo Hernandez).

Their debut EP, Amazing the Amusing, on the Man’s Ruin’s label is classic desert (stoner) rock, and still sounds fresh and relevant today, twenty years after it was recorded. Each of John’s projects seemed to push him to the next level as the song writing continued to progress and develop. The instrumentation continued to sonically evolve and become known for its psychedelic, overdriven, crunchy guitar tones and thick, fuzzed-up distorted bass lines. Combined with John’s gorgeous sense of melody and inspired lyrics, he continued winning new fans. His heavy metal side project, 13, with Arthur Seay, Mike Cancino, and Billy Cordell) morphed into Unida in the late nineties. Unida still performs rare shows in Europe and has featured bassists Scott Reader, Eddie Plascencia and Paul Gray of Slipknot fame over the years. This June Unida, along with Vista Chino, will be playing the very popular Hellfest in France with bassist Curt Kristenson from Dixie Witch, another incredible rock band that shares the Smallstone label with House of Broken Promises, Arthur Seay and Mike Cancino’s desert based heavy metal project with bassist Joe Mora.

While John has been actively touring and involved in multiple side projects, including Hermano which featured producer/bassist Dandy Brown (Orchestra Del Desierto), Steve Earle (Afghan Whigs), Mike Callahan and David Angstom, it wasn’t until 2010 that he began to recapture the legacy of Kyuss with former members Brant Bjork and Nick Oliveri, later replaced by bassist Mike

Dean. Vista Chino (Kyuss Lives) allowed these pioneers of a genre to re-position themselves in the international stoner rock music scene and move forward as a band again. Together they encountered a lot of obstacles, but persevered and remained committed to creating their own brand of original rock. With the addition of Belgian guitarist Bruno Fevery, they have moved forward with their debut release, PEACE on Napalm Records, ushering in a whole new era of stoner rock. Garcia’s vocals sound youthful and fresh, and he has all the fire now he had as a young performer and more. Fevery was recruited from the band Arsenal, whose sound was rooted in electronic dance music featuring African and Latin American rhythms to pop, hip hop and indie rock. In Vista Chino, Fevery has developed his stoner rock chops and is a welcome addition to the band. His love for Kyuss ran so deep he formed a Kyuss tribute band in his teens. With such a deep love for the quintessential desert rock band, it’s no wonder he fits into this lineup with absolute perfection. Vista Chino’s 2013 release on Napalm Records (a label now producing some of the most beautiful rock records in Europe), PEACE is a standout psychedelic rock record featuring stunning musicianship & stellar songwriting, and finally reunites some of the most beloved stoner rock musicians of our era. They have been met with great enthusiasm at venues and festivals all over Europe, and stoner rock fans have been buying up their record like stoner rock candy from a head shop. Yet, here at home....we miss these cats deeply! It has been a long while since we have seen John Garcia & Brant Bjork together and we are growing quite restless for a live show.

One of the things I have learned interviewing John Garcia over the years, is that he is as much a fan of music as he is a creator of music. He has a deep appreciation for the god-given talent he possesses, and for the opportunity to play with musicians that he himself is in awe of. During his tour with Vista Chino this year in Europe, Garcia made it a point to see the local bands opening up for them in various international cities. One such show took place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Garcia recalls being completely moved by the beautiful hard rock vocals and deep heavy grooves created by Black Mastiff. He approached the band members after the show and invited them to come to the desert to work with him on their third (upcoming) record at the same studio where he has just finished his new solo

album, Thunder Underground Recording Studio.

The relationship between studio producer and engineer, Harper Hug, Technical director, Trevor Whatever, and Studio Manager, Katherine Hug is close knit and built on mutual respect and admiration. Trevor attributes his move from LA to the desert to his friendship with John and his love for desert rock. Trevor (guitar tech for Slash, among other things) works closely with Harper and together they are bringing quality rock acts here to our desert and turning out world class records. Bands from England, Canada, France and the most legendary desert rock bands are now turning to Thunder Underground to capture their desert rock landscapes and tap into a little of the magic we are known for here. The results are undeniable....they get what making a great record is all about. I have now been on two field trips to the Thunder Underground facility and I can tell you that it is stocked with the finest recording gear in a pristine setting designed to produce high fidelity sonic perfection.

I sat down with John Garcia to discuss what has been happening for him this past year with Vista Chino, his solo record, his relationship with Thunder Underground, and his role as coproducer for Canadian Stoner Rock band, Black Mastiff.......

RL: How was the tour with Vista Chino this year?

JOHN: I Love Vista Chino, Brant, Bruno, Mike Dean.....what a great band to be fronting. I can’t speak highly enough about these guys. We had a good run. It was a great experience. It was a great tour. We toured Australia, Europe, North America, and we set out and accomplished what we wanted to do by doing another record, all mutually wanting to perform and play with each other. It was awesome. They are great guys...fun to play music with. I can’t talk highly enough about the musicianship. Of the band...I am a fan. To share the stage with those guys is great, an unbelievable experience. I was out doing what I love.

RL: What other bands did you experience while on the road in other parts of the world?

JOHN: That’s how I ran into Black Mastiff.

Before the shows on tour I would go and check out the different opening acts. It was a Black Pussy and Vista Chino tour, but I wanted to experience some of the local acts from the actual cities we were playing in....take in the flavor of the culture.

You know Robin, you’re a fan of music, I’m a fan of music....when you hear music that makes you feel....well, that’s what Black Mastiff did for me... they made me feel...... there was just something there. When music makes you feel anything, anything at all. Happy, sad, takes you back...I don’t care who it is. I don’t care if it’s Earth, Wind or Fire, Motley Crue, if it draws out deep emotion, I become a fan. I became a fan of Black Mastiff when Bruno Fevery and I caught their set....So much so, that I covered one of their songs on my new solo album.

RL: That is the highest compliment you could pay someone. It’s odd that you just described what it is I love about you as a vocalist and creator of music....you make me feel so much. I remember seeing you with Slo Burn at The Saloon in Palm Springs, down on one knee, singing your heart, and I was so moved I realized a tear was running down my cheek. Maybe it’s because you are such an intense performer and I was only 10 feet away from you, but, It’s powerful music. continue to page 12

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April 17 to April 23, 2014

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continued from page 11 Chris Cornell can do that to me as well.

JOHN: Chris Cornell to me is the best singer of my generation. I am a fan of singers. I’m a fan of emotion. I’ve been very, very lucky to play with great musicians my whole life. Whether it be Josh Homme, Scott Reader, Chris Hale, Brady Erickson, Damon Garrison, Alfredo Hernandez, Arthur Seay and Mike Cancino. I have been blessed. It’s something that I DO NOT take for granted. It’s something I have to take stock in, that at my age, to share the stage with these players is nothing to take lightly.

RL: Do you feel it’s a tough road to stay true to your music and pursue a life as a professional musician?

JOHN: It’s hard all the way around. I am very lucky to have two passions, one, playing music, and two, the medical field as a veterinarian. I am really blessed. There’s a huge appreciation that I could even be here with you now talking about the career that I have had with all of the musicians that I’ve just mentioned. It’s a big deal.

Again, I go back to that word....appreciation! I wasn’t always so appreciative when I was in some of those bands. Now that I am older, I wised up.

It brings a whole new perspective, having kids, growing up. To still be here, playing this music I love, going out on the road, working with bands like Black Mastiff...it could all be gone...just like that (he snaps his fingers)!

RL: I interviewed Nick Oliveri and he made a statement about Josh Homme that I found interesting. He said that Josh had a clear vision of the music he wanted to create and he went out and made it happen. After the break up, the lawsuits, how do you feel about that?

JOHN: To this day I am a fan of Josh Homme.

I love Josh. I respect Josh. I love Scott (Reeder), I respect Scott and they are some of the best musicians out there. Scott is one of the best bass players out there...one of the best players

I’ve played with in my entire life. And, Josh’s songwriting skills and vocals are superb. There’s a couple of words that float around about Josh.... that he’s somewhat of a mad scientist when it comes to tonalities of guitars and amplifiers. I will always love those guys. They were the first people I played music with and I am a big fan!

RL: Tell me about your meeting with Black Mastiff?

JOHN: I saw them in Edmonton, Canada. They have such a unique take on music and just when you think you know where it’s gonna go, they take it somewhere completely unexpected....some of their songs remind me of a modern version of The Doors whether they see it or not. So here they are here with me at Thunder Underground, and let’s not forget where we are (the desert). I told them you need to come out here and work with Harper and Trevor. They are great producers and engineers and they get what’s going on. They did Vista Chino’s record, my solo record, the Steak record...and this is all within the last two months.

They are turning out some GREAT stuff here, and I love this studio. I love Palm Springs. I love Joshua Tree too. Rancho De La Luna, Brant Bjork has a studio up there, Robbie Waldman’s Studio, Unit A is absolutely fantastic. I give him major props!

He is always right there when we need him, I love Robbie (100% quote me on that) I live in Morongo

Valley, hell, you’ve lived all over this desert too.

Hell, we are desert locals! You know what I mean...there is something special about this place. To have a studio of this caliber...right here in uptown Palm Springs...Thunder Underground, is amazing. I feel blessed to be part of the music that is coming out of this place.

RL: Which brings me to my next question... your solo record?????

JOHN: It’s all the songs I have collected over the years that didn’t quite fit in with whatever I was doing at the time. All of these songs have been in my back pocket for a very long time. “His Bullet’s Energy”, a song that I wrote when I was 19 years old while living with Nick Oliveri in North Palm Springs, that’s finally here. It has a flip side, a feminine side, “Her Bullet’s Energy”. I recently recorded a track with Robbie Krieger (The Doors) at his studio in Glendale, so he’s playing on my solo record. It really excites me that I can finally put it all to record after all these years. It just got done today! Finally mastered....it’s a monumental moment for me. The goal was never to reinvent the face of rock and roll. It’s a collection of songs that I have had that I have wanted to put out and Harper and Trevor and Thunder Underground helped me do that. I’m excited. It comes out the end of July on Napalm Records and we are off on tour Australia, New Zealand. This place is a real

thing, it’s a real emotion. I am very stoked on Thunder Underground. Harper Hug and Trevor Whatever they make records! That’s what they do...they make records. The environment that we are in right now in uptown Palm Springs offers a really cool vibe. This is a real studio. It’s not a house with Pro Tools. It offers the best in audio recording and that includes tape, Pro Tools, they do it all and the results speak for themselves.

RL: Do you intend to get actively involved in producing now?

JOHN: I certainly have my wish list of bands I want to work with here. Bands like Jackson Firebird from Australia, Monkey Three from France, I want to bring them here because these guys make great quality records. They get shit done. It’s a family here and we dig in deep. We talk about tonality, drum takes, guitar stabs. That’s what Trevor and Harper do...they give a guitar sound or a bass sound width, from A-Z. The artist is number one.

Black Mastiff is number one right now. We want them to be comfortable and at home so they can focus on the music. We have Robbie Krieger from the Doors, Mark Diamond from The Dwarves, Tom Brighton from The Dwarves whose a great session guy, we have Damon Garrison and Chris Hale from Slo Burn (Brave Black Sea), Dave Angstrom from Hermano, Dandy Brown from Orchestra Del Desierto, ....all coming here to make records.

If you have a void in your gut or your heart that needs to be filled there’s not too many people that can do that for me, Trevor and Harper can fill that void and it’s real! This is a real thing that they are doing and the appreciation level I have for a studio and guys that actually really care about your craft, your emotion, your playing...that to me is phenomenal. It’s very hard to find. These guys nurture that, they champion that and it’s great to have that kind of support when you are creating a record.

John Garcia with Vista Chino at: http://www. vistachinomusic.com

LACK MASTIFF is a power trio that creates their own version of stoner rock. They take a super heavy riff for a ride and explore a groove with a heavy rhythmic infra-structure and beautiful melodic vocals that bear the influence of the sounds of the desert.

Being fans of Kyuss, they were thrilled when they got the opportunity to open up for Vista Chino in their hometown of Edmonton, Canada this year.

After their set, just like in a rock and roll fairy tale, John Garcia approached them about coming to the desert to create their next record. The band is comprised of lead vocalist and guitarist Bob Yiannakoulias, bassist Clay Shea, and drummer Allan Harding. Thus far they have released a selftitled EP and one full length record, Pyramids.

Now they are here, submerged in the desert environment that has influenced the sounds of some of their favorite musicians, living out a rock and roll fantasy, working with stoner rock icon John Garcia, producer Harper Hug and Trevor Whatever to create their second full length record. The track I heard while I was there visiting featured beautiful melodic vocals, powerful and intricate guitar lines and a booming hard rock rhythm section. Classic stoner rock! I could hear the Kyuss influence, though they have a sound all their own, and wanted to ask the band how they felt about getting the chance to record here with one of their biggest musical influences, John Garcia, in the desert, at Thunder Underground.

Here is what they had to say......

RL: Did you come to the desert with all of your material rehearsed and ready to record?

BM: We came here with a good solid nine songs, and we are shooting for twelve.

RL: Does that mean you are going to be writing while you are here?

BM: One of the things that we did when we came out here, some of the songs were pretty much set in stone, but part of the idea was to come here and get immersed in the desert environment. Even lyrically, I’ve been writing songs right now (he shows me a piece of paper with lyrics he has been writing scrawled out at the table). It was really about where we come from and then coming here, we really want to reflect that on the record. So, you’re hearing us, but you are hearing us here at this studio with these people that we are here doing this with.

It’s a team effort. So far it’s turning out awesome.

It’s been a really good experience and I sure hope it reflects that in the finished product.

RL: Is John lending some vocals to the tracks?

BM: Yes, he’s done a few so far and it’s sounding really good! He just hears it and he comes in and does his thing. It’s awesome and very surprising too. It was SURREAL, John showed up a little late, and then when he got here we sort of had this little explosion for a couple of hours of great ideas coming out, and John went in and was like, “Ah...I got a little idea” and he put this layer on one of the tracks... it was just SO tasty! My serotonin spiked....”Are we really here....recording with John at Thunder

Underground?”

RL: Where does the name Black Mastiff come from?

BM: We are all dog fans, animal lovers...and the name just sounds really badass!

RL: How do you go about creating lyrics (to Bob)?

BOB: I really don’t know where it comes from.

It just sort of pours out of me... It seems like a lot of it is nonsense....but there’s something there.

Someone can pull meaning out of it, I look back at it later and say, “Oh...I get it.” I will take a pad of paper and write down some words, maybe those are shit, I will try again, and 30 seconds later...it’s DONE! I’ve always thought in a very

BLACK MAsTIFF B

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are passionate about recording other people’s music in a way that meets their creative vision.

In partnership with John Garcia, who they value and respect as a member of their family, they are on a mission to enlist acts from all over the world. They don’t just take on anyone...it’s got to fit. It’s got to make sense. I encourage you to visit their website, and experience the sounds they are producing, the artists that record there, and take the virtual tour.

Garcia’s solo record is slated for release on Napalm Records mid-July 2014, and I am waiting with great anticipation. Black Mastiff is finishing up their tracking and I WILL keep you posted as to the release of all of these great records as they become available. Thunder Underground

singer/songwriter kind of way. I love when a riff and a song idea come together at the same time.

That’s like cream! Either way it happens, I find it just as valid. I had this preconceived idea that you had to do this a certain way, and I realize it’s just not that way. Either way it has just as much merit to create a song based on a solid idea, or if you just let it happen.

RL: You have been together for about four years, do you feel the longer you are together the more naturally the whole writing process becomes?

BM: We definitely play better. When we first started playing together, the first thing we played was a song. We didn’t have any expectations.

We had all played in other bands. We aren’t in our early twenties. We’ve been at this game for awhile. So when we started whatever came down was a song, we would just roll with it. With the next record, we put a little more thought into what we wanted to create.

RL: What’s the music scene like in Canada?

BM: There are good spots, really good cities and others not as good. The tough thing about Canada, geographically, is there is just so much distance between the spots you can play, so It’s a lot if you’re going east to west to Winnipeg, you can’t get to a show at Thunder Bay (and if you do...it’s gonna suck anyway), and it’s a good resting spot. Otherwise it’s a 24 hour drive from one point to the other. Tours in Canada can be grueling. We play at home about five times a year, we don’t want to overplay or over-extend ourselves. We play in Calgary, that’s about a three hour drive, that’s close. Calgary has a big rock fan base and you can play big shows, so it’s great and it’s close. We tour the three provinces and we are looking to expand the tour this year.

RL: Do you call yourselves stoner rock?

BM: We get called that a lot....we don’t really want to get pigeon-holed, but we just think of it as rock. We’ve been able to take advantage of the stoner rock label, it seems to attract fans.

Either way, we are playing the same music, but it attracts like-minded fans. No one likes labels, but those are the fans that have embraced us, and it’s opened up opportunities to play with some bigger acts like Red Fang, Vista Chino for likeminded fans. We are grateful. We are connected to all of these great people (looking around at John, Trevor, Katherine, Harper) because it does have a name. Stoner rock has been good to us.

And it’s kind of cool, like in Europe and Canada and probably here too, it seems like there has been kind of a bleed-over from the metal scene to the stoner rock scene, all of the sudden the lines are blurred. People are crossing it up, mixing it up, and it is becoming harder to classify anyone as just metal, or punk anymore, which

means, we can GO play a show with Red Fang, or we can play a blues show and still fit in.

RL: Has desert rock influenced you as a band at all?

BOB: Big time. It has just always been there.

In all the bands I have played in, we have all been like-minded, and we just love it. And you can’t help that when you love something, it’s gonna bleed through into what you do. That’s the only way to look at it or describe any sort of inspiration. I have stuff I have created and I love it and it’s part of who I am. I like lots of stuff and it all finds its way through. It’s the desert, up north, the east, the west, Europe, Greece.... it’s all in there.

My evening with Harper and Katherine Hug, Trevor Whatever, Wendy, Marshall, and John Garcia, and our friends from Canada, Black Mastiff, was absolutely surreal. It is rare in the music business that you meet people of this talent and stature that welcome you like family simply because you are connected through the music. Most of the times I get to interview someone whose music that I love that is for all intents and purposes, a rock star, it is a bit of a let down. This is the fourth time I have interviewed John Garcia since the mid-nineties (and I intend to do it again this July when his solo record comes out), and it is a lesson in being humble and grateful every time. John has the talent to be up on the greatest stages with the some of the greatest musicians in the world, as he draws from life and breathes out music that continues to move us. Now he is adding a new facet to his career by working with bands like Black Mastiff at Thunder Underground. I expect bands that feature John’s legendary vocals will gain support and attention from his own strong and loyal fan base, helping them garner new listeners. The facility at Thunder Underground is one of the tightest studios I have visited in the desert. I would label it a nurturing pristine working environment handled by top notch producers, engineers and house managers that put artists at ease and make them feel loved.

Combine that with the influence of the wideopen desert, and it’s the recipe for a successful outcome. The list of artists that have recorded at Thunder Underground is impressive : Mars Red Sky, a stoner rock band from France, Steak, a stoner rock band from London, Yawning Man, Gary Arce and Zun, Bran Bjork’s Jakoozi, The Dwarves, Black Pussy, Vista Chino, John Garcia’s solo record, Nick Oliveri’s solo record, Jesick Von Rabbit, Core 10, and The Outsane (with the help of producer, Robbie Waldman), and it is Harper behind that beautiful DESERT FEST (LONDON) vinyl. The Thunder Underground family is committed to the art of making records, they

April 17 to April 23, 2014 and John Garcia are giving us stoner rock fans a whole lot to look forward to in the months and years to come. This music created in our desert continues to blow my mind. It is one of the most fertile playgrounds to create on earth. Visit the links below and read the digital edition of this feature with videos and active links on my blog (Robin Linn’s Desert Rhythms) at rminjtree@ blogspot.com Experience the stable of artists through soundbites, videos, and take the virtual tour of Thunder Underground Record Studio online at: http://thunder-underground.com/ Find Black Mastiff on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/BlackMastiff/144098472319544

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April 17 to April 23, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Eleni P. Austin

I

BLACK LIPS

f you had to describe the Black Lips sound in one word, it is would have to be “shambolic.” The Atlanta, Georgia band has been around almost 15 years, but they still sound like teenage neophytes, thrashing about in their parents’ garage.

Cole Alexander (lead vocals, guitar and harmonica), and Jared Swilley (bass) started playing music together back in Junior High.

First as the Renegades, then in the Re-Runs they met lead guitarist Ben Eberbaugh.

Drummer Joe Bradley graduated high school early, but he abandoned his college studies and signed on in 2000. Thus, Black Lips were born.

Black Lips early shows were so chaotic and outrageous that the quartet got banned from quite a few clubs. But their antics drew some interest from Greg Shaw, owner of Bomp! Records.

Bomp! started as a fanzine that Shaw created in the early ‘70s. Initially, it featured prominent Rock writers like Lester Bangs, Greil Marcus and Richard Meltzer. It became a record label in 1974, releasing music from Punk progenitors like the Weirdos, The Modern Lovers, The Pandoras and the Flamin’ Groovies.

Shaw’s enthusiasm for Psychedelia and Power Pop was contagious. Although his passion never translated into million-selling records, receiving his imprimatur was an important rite of passage. (Greg Shaw passed away in 2004).

Black Lips signed with Bomp! and recorded their self-titled debut in 2002. Sadly, tragedy struck on the eve of the album’s release, lead guitarist Ben Eberbaugh was

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

14

“Underneath The Rainbow” (Vice Records)

killed in a freak auto accident. His death occurred days before the band was to start their first tour. Believing Eberbaugh would have wanted them to continue, the band soldiered on, touring as a three-piece.

By the time Black Lips were ready to record their sophomore effort, We Did Not Know The Forrest Spirit MadeThe Flowers Grow, they enlisted the services of guitarist Jack Hines. By their third release, Let It Bloom, the band had found Eberbaugh’s permanent replacement, guitarist Ian St. Pe. In 2007, the band switched to Vice Records. Ever prolific, in the space of two years they released three more records, Los Valientes Del Nuevo, Good Bad Not Evil and 200 Million Thousand.

In 2011, the band hooked up with producer Mark Ronson. Although he is best known for producing British chanteuse Amy Winehouse, Ronson made his bones recording everyone from Lily Allen to Ol’ Dirty Bastard to Duran Duran.

For the band’s seventh album, Arabia Mountain, Ronson didn’t alter Black Lips sound, he just streamlined the production.

Now their rickety racket was more accessible.

Black Lips are back with their eighth effort, Underneath The Rainbow. This time, production chores are almost evenly divided between Patrick Carney and Thomas Brenneck. Carney is best known as drummer for the Black Keys. Brenneck is part of the Brooklyn Afro-Soul collective, Budos Band.

The album blasts off with the Rockabilly kick of “Drive By Buddy.” The skeleton of the melody echoes Bob Dylan’s epochal “Subterranean Homesick Blues,” and “Maggie’s Farm, as well as the Monkees’ “Your Auntie Grizelda.” Weaving in and out of the mix are tumbling drums, chickenscratch guitar and a ringing alarm clock!

Three songs here, “Smiling,” “Make You Mine” and “Waiting” owe a cosmic debt to the Replacements, the Clash and the Ramones, respectively.

Consider This

art

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April 17 to April 23, 2014

By rebecca pikus

CHARLIE CIALI U

FROM ANCIENT TO MODERN ENCAUSTIC PAINTINGS

The ramshackle melody of “Smiling” recalls the Replacements’ “Kiss Me On The Bus.” Lopsided drums and sunburst guitar riffs underscore this shaggy dog account of Jared Swilley’s night in jail. Neither contrite or repentant, he just wants out… “Come on Mom, bail me out/Don’t act too concerned.”

The pummeling martial cadence that opens “Make You Mine” mirrors the Clash’s “Career Opportunites.” Stun-gun guitar fills snake through the fractious melody. The lyrics just want a little romantic reassurance… ”I need a little lovin,’ tell me everything will be alright.”

“Waiting,” is anchored by a loping “Hey Ho, Let’s Go” rhythm, perfect for this snapshot of teenage rebellion.. “Sitting in the classroom, waiting for the teacher’s hand, to lead us in the pledge of allegiance make us understand/But we’d rather kick the legs out of the chair and watch them fall, cause there’s no more time for her to make the call.”

Psychobilly is a genre of music that blends myriad styles: Punk, Rockabilly, Surf, with accents of Sci-Fi and Goth. The Cramps pioneered the sound in the 70s. Black Lips pick up the torch on three tracks, “Dorner

Party,” “Boys In The Wood” and “Do The Vibrate.”

“Dorner Party” is powered by Punk-tastic buzz saw riffs and a boomerang backbeat.

Grinding, tilt-a-whirl guitar riffs punctuate each verse on “Boys In The Wood.” The instrumentation is peppered by the Budos Band horn section. The mood, sepulchral and Southern Gothic, feels apropos.

Finally, “Do The Vibrate” is comically spook-tacular. Swirling psychedelic guitars collide with kaleidoscopic keys. Although the vocals feel menacing, the lyrics are really just an instruction manual for a (non-existent) dance craze… “Put your phone in your pocket, set it on vibrate/Do the Vibrate!”

Other interesting tracks include the smart-ass sing-a-long, “Justice After All” and the Bo-Diddly jangle of “I Don’t Want To Go Home.” Both “Funny” and “Dandelion Dust” offer up gangly Glam-Rock swagger.

The album closes with the withering kiss off of “Dog Years.” A kinetic drum pattern and sinewy guitar chords cushion a verbose and punctilious break-up rant that begins with “I love you, but your heart is made of gristle.”

Underneath The Rainbow is enjoyable, but not really satisfying. It feels as though the band is treading water. Outrageous antics at the beginning of a career are amusing. But 15 years in, live shows that involve puke, live chickens and intra-band make out sessions seem like a crutch. (It’s not as though the Who were still smashing their instruments in the ‘70s).

Black Lips have enjoyed an extended pubescence. Now it’s time to grow up.

pon first meeting Charlie Ciali, one is struck by his boyish (almost Boy Scout) look -- a broad smile, a friendly-looking, handsome face. But -- if you want to talk about serious artists -- Charlie is certainly one of them! Charlie is a Printmaker, an Encaustic Painter, and an Art Teacher & Instructor.

“Encaustic painting” -- also known as “hot wax painting” is one of the world’s oldest & most versatile art mediums, dating back to ancient Greco-Roman Egypt. Beeswax is heated & colored pigments are added. The liquid or paste is then applied to a surface -usually prepared wood, or even canvas. The wax can be polished to a high gloss, modeled, sculpted, textured & combined with collage materials, but the artist better be fast! Encaustics cool immediately, so there is no drying time. Fortunately, however, the piece can always be reworked.

Charlie Ciali earned a BFA in Ceramic Arts from Daemen College in 1978, & continued graduate studies at Edinboro University in Pennsylvania. He had several exhibitions during that time. Charlie then lived & worked in Minneapolis, MN for over two decades. The first 5 years, he worked as the Asst. Director for MC Fine Arts Gallery, one of the leading galleries in the Midwest. Then Charlie opened Perspective Gallery, which specialized in glass, ceramic arts & fine jewelry. The gallery earned national recognition in several trade magazines, and was named “Best of the Twin Cities” for art galleries in its first year! In 1995, Perspectives Gallery was one of 20 galleries from the U.S. invited to participate in the Tokyo Arts Expo.

In 2002, Charlie went to Palm Springs, Ca. where he has continued to flourish. He began doing commissioned abstract portrait work. He is a mixed media artist, exploring combinations of different mediums & how they interact with each other. Presently, Charlie’s work is primarily in monotype printing, encaustic paintings, and Resins.

Charlie has served on the Palm Springs Public Arts Commission & the Parks & Recreation Commission. He also serves as Executive Vice President of Fundraising for the Palm Springs Art Museum. He mentors high school students with the Arts Institute of Palm

Springs High School, where he has served as Board President. In 2013, Charlie created and instructs a printmaking program in conjunction with the Palm Springs Unified School District.

Charlie operates Ciali Studio in Palm Springs, where he teaches encaustic painting & printmaking in an assisted open-studio format. Workshops are offered throughout the year. Charlie is also a certified instructor for Enkaustikos and R&F Encaustics, and conducts printmaking demonstrations for Speedball’s line of AKUA Ink products.

Charlie Ciali resides in Palm Springs, Ca with his dedicated partner George & their two feisty rescue Chihuahuas. Charlie is currently represented by Archangel Gallery, 1103 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, Ca (www. archangelgallery.com). Charlie’s information: www.charlieciali.com - Tel. (760) 409-9496

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April 17 to April 23, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

PET PLACE Are You Ready for a Dog? R

egular readers of this column know that a continuing theme is encouraging people to adopt a shelter dog or cat. Many columns feature some of these amazing animals and how they transformed the lives of their adopters for the better. I work with Loving All Animals’ rescue dog adoption program, Mobile Mutts, and have worked with some people who never owned a dog before. Most of those first time adopters adapt easily to the joyful routine of pet ownership. However, we worked with one woman in her 60’s who never owned an animal before, and after a brief time called to return the pooch when she acquired a new boyfriend who wanted to travel. Luckily, her dog was rehomed within a few days.

Getting a dog is a responsibility and a long time commitment, and getting one that matches your lifestyle and living situation is crucial to ensure success. If you are a retired senior living in a small apartment, a border collie puppy may not be the best choice. If you are a jogger seeking

female shepherd This lovely, lively girl dreams about getting a home with you! She’s just a pup at 9 months. Come meet her at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms.

Dog ID#A1095272. Call (760) 343-3644 for hrs and directions to shelter.

Beautiful Bonny This sweet angel faced dog dreams of a home with you!

Bonny is a terrier just 2 yrs old & weighs 9 lbs. Her foster mom says, “Bonny is the most LOVING, gentle companion you could ever have! She loves other dogs and all humans”. Loving All Animals rescued her from the county shelter. Adoption donation requested. Call (760) 834-7000.

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an exercise companion, a Pug who can’t tolerate exertion in the heat would not be a good match. Here are some other things to consider before bringing that cute pooch home.

1. Do you have the time to train a new dog? Even if a dog has some prior training, you will need to teach him the rules of your home, including what furniture he is allowed to sit on. The basics include potty training, coming when you call him and safe interaction with your other pets as well as visiting children. If you can afford it, a private dog trainer can work wonders.

Group classes at a reasonable cost are available at your local Petsmart and Petco stores.

2. Is everyone in your home on board?

We frequently get calls from folks seeking a dog who have never checked with their spouse or partner. This includes roommates and any other adults living in the house.

Discuss ahead of time who will provide care for the animal. Consider how receptive your other pets will be to a newcomer. Get

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by Janet McAfee

advice online or consult your vet about how to introduce the new dog to his canine siblings.

3. Can you financially care for a dog?

Everyone is aware of the cost of pet food and supplies. Veterinary care can be a major and unexpected expense. Consider whether you can provide both routine and emergency vet care. If you plan to travel, factor in the cost of boarding or pet sitters.

4. Can you commit to having the dog for a decade or longer? Adopting a canine is a long term commitment, especially if you adopt a young animal in good health. Large breed dogs can live up to 14 years, and some of the smaller breeds have been known to live as long as 17 or 18 years. If you are in your 80’s, think twice about that cute puppy that looks so adorable, and take a second

Handsome humphrey

This handsome 3-year old fellow is a real charmer! Humphrey loves everyone, and will entertain you with his antics. Humphrey was rescued by Save A Pet, but you can meet him where he stays at Petco (adoption center), 2465 E. Palm Canyon in Palm Springs.

Call (760) 567-0768 to adopt this wonderful boy.

look at some of those fabulous senior dogs who have a harder time getting a home.

You can’t necessarily count on your adult children to take in your pets if you become unable to care for them. Shelter employees report that a large number of animals enter our public shelters when their owners pass away or enter assisted living centers. Folks of all ages need a plan for your animals should you become unable to care for them.

5. What type or breed of dog best suits your lifestyle? Talk to some experts, including dog trainers and shelter employees. Most large breed dogs do best when they have a yard for exercise. Smaller breeds are better suited to apartments and condos. When you visit a shelter or rescue, they provide a private visiting area when you can interact with prospective animals. Conduct some online research. Keep an open mind, as not all breeds of dogs match their attributed behaviors. I worked with one woman who insisted on getting a female pure-breedlooking rescue Boston Terrier....today she is the happy owner of a male tiny Chihuahua.

6. Are dogs allowed where you live?

Check with your landlord first! They may require a pet deposit. Some apartment buildings and home owner associations have restrictions on the size of dogs allowed, usually measured by weight.

7. Are you knowledgeable on care and safety? Becoming educated on proper nutrition and health care is an important part of pet ownership. Remove potential hazards from your home. Get recommendations for a good veterinarian. Find out where your local emergency vet is located. The only 24-hour vet in the Coachella Valley is VCA in Indio, located at 46920 Jefferson, and they can be contacted at (760) 342-4711.

Most folks report their lives are enriched and more joyful after they adopt a dog.

Our wonderful canine companions keep us happy and healthy. Careful planning helps to ensure that perfect match!

April 17 to April 23, 2014

by Rick Riozza

Casey Flat Ranch Wine @ 3rd Corner Tasting

O

h Yeah!—All Right! Are you gonna be in my dreams tonite! It may well be, that I’m beginning to lose it when those wine dreams start sprouting.

But before I fall off the edge, allow me to cause you to be the coolest wine person on your block.

I always get a great response when alerting our wine community to a “new” and delicious wine in town. There are some people who tend to get in a rut, buying similar wines all the time—hey! I’m always buying Chianti because it’s what I like, but the point is: we should always be up for trying out new wines and new labels.

Serving “new”, interesting, exciting wines to friends and guests at your gatherings, pool parties, luncheons, and dinners clearly sends the message of your humble but fantastic wine sensibility—it’s a win-win for everyone, and that is cool!

The wine of my dreams right now is the 2013 Syrah Rosé produced by Casey Flat Ranch Vineyards & Winery. It’s a very sexy rosé that can’t contain itself—indeed, it’s constantly blushing.

It’s like summertime in a bottle—as far as good memories and all that fun-in-thesun stuff; and it owns the colors of a romantic sunset. One can describe this as a serious rosé by the fact that it is not a fruit bomb nor is it cloying, but, it’s as much fun as a bottle of wine can be. The wine is not sweet but carries fruity nuances of wild strawberries, a touch of cherries here and raspberries there, and notes of cranberries, spices, tea, and traces of herbs, like that of Provence.

The wine is both elegant and fresh. It is a gregarious wine looking for friends; and, it can be contemplative as well—it’s definitely a taste of the good life.

Ahh—now you understand why this rosé is the hit of the party. To be enjoyed lightly chilled by itself or as the perfect foil to whatever you’re eating because rosé is the perfect food wine for all seasons. Have fun—try it with radishes & butter, crudités, tapenade toast, roast chicken or grilled salmon.

And the news here just gets better! You and I can enjoy this wine next week, April 24th at 5pm at Palm Desert’s 3rd Corner Wine Shop & Bistro, 73101 Hwy 111 (760) 837-9600. Come join and listen to Brenda Bullington, V.P. of Marketing, who will be pouring both the rosé and five additional delicious wines from Casey Flat Ranch.

Almost every wine enthusiast I talk to loves 3rd Corner Wine. They carry a wonderful international selection of wine; they continually put on a Saturday 1-3pm Wine Tasting featuring 10 wines for 10 dollars; and think of their wonderful wine pairing dinners, showcasing premium wines from the best wineries in California and worldwide, and, especially the innovative cuisine of famed Executive Chef, Matt Smith.

Geez—it sounds like this place has everything going for it!

Casey Flat Ranch Vineyards & Winery is located in the Capay Valley of Yolo County, which is just east of Napa Valley. We were in that area last summer and it is beautiful wine country. The high elevations of the vineyards provide those cool temperatures like those in the sub-regions in Napa. Capay Valley even has a cooler daytime average than St. Helena, which is only 22 miles west.

This makes for exquisite fruit and wine with great complexities and balance.

And adding to the Old West charm and the Western heritage of the area, Casey Flat Ranch possesses and is a breeder of its own herd of Longhorn Cattle. They’re beautiful animals with impressive horns and that bossa nova lumbering gait. The area is a delightful place to visit.

The vineyards maintain a combination of Bordeaux and Rhone varietals that are designed for great yields and great blends!

You guys are in for a tasting treat. See— this is why you read this column: we put you way ahead in what’s trending in delicious California wine.

And Hot of the Press! The 2010 Casey Flat Ranch Estate Red Wine, and, their 2010 Open Range Red Wine, both have just received Double Gold Awards from the 2014 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Forbes Magazine wrote of the CFR Estate Red: “Sexy, complex and velvety with bright red fruits from a combination of cabernet sauvignon, syrah, merlot and cabernet franc.” And the winery notes for the Open

Range Red comment, “aromas of dried rose, roasted plum and olive tapenade.

There are hints of clove and pepper. This is a deeply colored, full bodied wine.” (The Open Range sells for around $18!—and all the wines that will be presented are also reasonably priced.)

Did I mention that Brenda will be pouring all these wines at 3rd Corner? Get over there!

Besides these premium red wines, and

MIRA CVWkly Spa Pamper Me 4.87x5.62 021314.indd 1

the dreamy rosé, the hits keep on coming. There will be two Sauvignon Blanc: the 2012 Open Range, and the 2012 CFR Estate, along with the new kid in town, the 2013 Estate Viognier. I’ve got some great descriptions of these wines, but, I want to hear yours! Cheers! See ya there.

Rick is your sommelier-about-town hosting & entertaining at wine tastings & events.

Contact winespectrum@aol.com

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2/13/14 12:50 PM

April 17 to April 23, 2014

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Club Crawler Nightlife

340 N PALM CANYON DR. PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262

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

THUR APRIL 17 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Rojer & Bobby 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Reunion w/ DJ Day Amigo Room 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Paul Elia 7-10pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Paula Prince 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CLINIC BAR & LOUNGE; PS; 760-864-4119 Spotlight hosted by Symara Stone 9pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DESERT FOX; PS; 760-325-9555 Thirsty Thursdays DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-9920002 Lola Rossi, Rob Carter and Denise Motto 5-9pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Sonny Evaro 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 Rob Martinez & Todd Ashley 8:30pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 Industry Night w/ Karaoke in the Lobby 7pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Mickey Avalon & Jesika Von Rabbit 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank Di Salvo 6pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke w/ Roberto 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Bob Allen in the lounge and Tom on the patio 6pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Country Night w/ Jimi Nelson 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 8-1am MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MIRAMONTE RESORT; IW; 760-341-7200 “Sassy & Sultry” featuring Gina Carey 5-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am

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THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 KCRW presents Pixies w/ Syd Arthur 7pm, FYF Presents Future Islands & Ed Schrader’s Music Beat 11:30pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Steve Ditullio’s Rat Pack 7pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm, Sidebar Jam Sessions w/ Chris Leyva & Esjay Jones 8pm 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; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8-12am VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Carolyn Martinez & The Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Casey 5:30pm, Slim Man Solo Show 7-10pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 6-10pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Bill Saitta & Friends 7pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm

FRI APRIL 18 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Dana Larson 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Desert Gold noon poolside AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Karaoke w/ AJ The KJ 8-12am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Nash 8pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 10pm BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 Live Music 6-10pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 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 5:30pm

CLINIC BAR & LOUNGE; PS; 760-864-4119 DJ 9pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760-3252600 Lassie Jo’s Best Damn Karaoke 7pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Sonny Evaro 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 House Band 8:45pm HAMILTON’S; LQ; 760-698-8303 T.B.A. 8:30pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 DJ Colourvision 9pm Lobby, DJ Shasta & MC Esjay 11pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank Di Salvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 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 LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Bob Allen 6pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Six Hot Live 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Pop Vinyl 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; 760-3274080 T.B.A. 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 Scott Carter 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Leslie Stevens w/ The Far West 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760327-1161ext.230 The Gand Band 6pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 T.B.A. 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm, Indian Summer Sidebar Patio 7pm, My Elysian Sidebar Lounge 10pm, DJ Sweet Brush Starlite Lounge 10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 The Voodoo Hustlers 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm

SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 9pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 Tilted@ Night 10pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Pat Rizzo & All That Jazz Band 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 T.B.A. 1:304:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Slim Man Solo Show 5:30pm, John McCormick & The Mac Band w/ DJ Randy Johnson 9:30pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Walt Young 6pm THE WINE BAR AT OLD TOWN; LQ; 760564-2201 Rob & jb 7-10pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallet 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Girl’s Night out w/ The Men on the Hollywood Strip 9pm

SAT APRIL 19 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 Gold noon poolside, T.B.A. 10pm amigo room AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Cabaret on the Green w/ Les Michaels & Joel Baker 7-10pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 T.B.A. 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 10pm BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 Live Music 6-10pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-7755566 DJ PWee BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Nicky Vallee 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CLINIC BAR & LOUNGE; PS; 760-864-4119 House Party w/ The House Whores 9pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6:30-9:30pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 9pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760-3252600 T.B.A. 8pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Sonny Evaro 6pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 T.B.A. 9pm

THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 The Refills 8:45pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm HAMILTON’S; LQ; 760-698-8303 8pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 DJ Colourvision w/ DJ Kid Wonder, 11am poolside, 9pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank Di Salvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 T.B.A. 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 T.B.A. 6pm, Karaoke w/ Roberto 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Bob Allen 6pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Six Hot Live 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Pop Vinyl 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; 760-3274080 T.B.A. 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 Doug Roegiers 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, Sara Petite 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Klonus 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760327-1161ext.230 The Gand Band 9pm RENAISSANCE PALM; PS; 760-322-6100 Art of Sax featuring Sax Man Will Donato & Eddie Reddick 7-10pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 T.B.A. 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 Bikini Bar V.I.P. Pool Party w/ Social Club noon, Chiki Bar V.I.P. Pool Party w/ DJ Shasta noon, Martin Ross, Starlite Lounge 6pm, Indian Summer, Sidebar Patio 7pm, Pia Toscana Sidebar Lounge 10pm, DJ Shasta, Starlite Lounge 10pm ROCKYARD@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; Playground and Iron Maidens ( Tribute to Iron Maiden ) 7:30pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 R Buckle Road & Wade Crawford 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm

April 17 to April 23, 2014

SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 9pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 Tilted@ Night 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 DJ Hektik 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Pat Rizzo & All That Jazz Band 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & JB 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Jeff 5:30pm, Slim Man 9:30pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Walt Young 6pm, Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm THE WINE BAR AT OLD TOWN; LQ; 760564-2201 Alex Drizos 7-10pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Stanley Butler Band 7pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ PJ 9pm

SUN APRIL 20

COME JOIN US FOR THE FUN!!

• 14 flat screen televisions • NTN Trivia and poker with QB1

While you are here you can try one of our ten tap beer selections from a frosty cold glass or choose one of our 30 tequilas or vodkas to make your favorite cocktail.

PLAYOFFS I THE PLAC S E TO BE

OPEN MONDAY THRU SATURDAY 4PM - 2AM SUNDAY 6PM - 2AM

12105 PALM DRIVE DESERT HOT SPRINGS

(760) 251-2644

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob & Allison 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Intoxica Radio Live w/ Howie Pyro 10pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Steve Madaio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Hal Sweasey 6pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 DJ Colourvision w/ Kid Wonder 11am poolside INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Ted Herman’s Big Band w/ Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Bob Allen 6pm 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 The John McCormick Band 7pm THE NEW YORK COMPANY RESTAURANT; PS; 760-778-7789 Lili Rose 7pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Longest Running Jam Session in the valley. Hosted by JB, Sign up 6pm

continue to page 24

19

April 17 to April 23, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

The Pampered Palate

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

April 17 to April 23, 2014

By Raymond Bill

CV Weekly’s picks for Easter Brunch

M

IRAMONTE RESORT & SPA OFFERS GRAND EASTER CELEBRATION WITH BRUNCH, EGG HUNT, EASTER BUNNY AND LIVE MUSIC Miramonte Resort & Spa offers a luxurious setting for Easter while treating families to a full celebration this year on April 20th. Taking place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. this lavish brunch will be accompanied by live music, the Easter Bunny and an exciting Easter Egg Hunt for the kids.

Highlights of the elaborate brunch include hand-carved slow roasted Steamship Round of Beef, Rosemary Garlic Leg of Spring Lamb, Roast Chicken Coq Au Vin Chicken, and fresh seafood such as crab claws, shrimp, scallop ceviche and Norwegian salmon. In addition, the brunch features all of the traditional

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breakfast fare – a variety of salads, fresh baked breads, made-to-order omelets, maple cured bacon, sausage, delectable pastries, and more.

The youngest Easter Brunch guests will enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. among the gardens and on the grass at the resort with candy and prize eggs. Additionally, the Easter Bunny will be available for photos throughout the brunch service.

The Easter Brunch and celebration is $49+ for adults and $19+ children ages 3-11 years. Reservations can be made by calling 760.341.7200.

Figue Mediterranean to Feature Special Easter Brunch Figue Mediterranean is the perfect place to celebrate Easter with family and friends.

The popular new Coachella Valley restaurant which was recently rated as the area’s best new restaurant by Palm Springs Life, is offering a festive three course brunch menu with seatings from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 20 priced at $49 per person. Children age 12 and under are $18 per person for smaller portions. Figue also will be serving Easter dinner from its regular menu beginning at 5 p.m.

Executive Chef François de Mélogue has designed a beautiful brunch menu for all to

enjoy. Brunch begins with a selection from Figue’s small plates menu, including Baked California Figs-wrapped with prosciutto shredded filo, house made yogurt cheese, drizzled with French lavender honey and topped with Sicilian green pistachios; KibbeLebanese lamb & bulgur wheat meatballs, cucumber salad house made tahini hummus; Crispy Calamari & Shrimp fritto misto with lemon aioli; Burrata Caprese Salad-slow cooked tomatoes, artisan Burrata, basil pesto; or Dungeness Crab Cake-with coleslaw and remoulade sauce.

The main course selections for brunch, served until 3 p.m., include choice of Lemon Ricotta Pancakes-with fresh berries, whipped cream, maple syrup and Millionaires’ bacon; Basque Eggs Benedict-with Serrano ham, poached eggs, Piperade, hollandaise sauce, and brioche; Eggs Meurette-with red wine poached eggs, fingerling potatoes, mushrooms, bacon, and brioche.

Brunch items being served from Figue’s dinner menu include Grilled Wild Alaskan King Salmon-with mashed potatoes and ginger greens with rice wine sauce; Crispy Organic Chicken Paillard-with frisée salad, slow cooked tomatoes, and roast potatoes with thyme roasted garlic jus; Balsamic Glazed Almond Wood Spit Roast Snake River Rack of Kurobuta Pork-with roasted corn polenta, and broccoli rabe with balsamic honey glaze; Oak Wood Grilled Grass Fed Beef Hangar Steakwith French fries and basil stuffed tomato and Bearnaise sauce; and Elysian Fields Farms Organic and Holistically Braised Lamb Shankwith Provencal couscous and ratatouille with basil jus.

No meal would be complete without dessert and that’s certainly true at Figue.

Chef de Mélogue has prepared a selection from which it will be hard to choose. Dessert offerings include a choice of freshly Baked Warm Apple Tart with house-made caramel ice cream; Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with house-made chocolate gelato; Vanilla Panna Cotta with roses and raspberries; and assorted sorbets and ice creams, sugar cookies, and fresh berries. All desserts are made in-house.

The Bar at Figue opens at 4 p.m. with savings on small plate specials, artisan pizzas from our almond wood fired oven, craft cocktails and artisan beers. Dinner service begins at 5 p.m. Figue’s sommelier, Joe Mascari, is featuring seasonal craft cocktails and will help guests to pair their selections

with a perfect wine from Figue’s superb wine list.

Cocktail hour begins at 4 p.m. and runs until closing at 10 p.m.; complete dinner service featuring Figue’s full menu begins at 5 p.m.

Located at 47-474 Washington St., La Quinta; 760-698-9040.

Easter Champagne Brunch at Las Casuelas Nuevas Enjoy a bountiful Easter Sunday brunch at Las Casuelas Nuevas on April 20, opening at 9:30 a.m. with seatings through 2 p.m.

The lavish buffet features sliced-to-order prime rib of beef with horseradish and au jus, smoked salmon, chilled peel-and-eat shrimp with tangy cocktail sauce, made-to-order omelets with choice of cheeses, tomatoes, onions, ham and bacon, and light, fluffy waffles served with whipped cream, warmed syrup and seasonal berries.

Mexican specialties include festive fajitas with all the trimmings, a full taco and tostada bar, spicy house-made enchiladas, fluffy chile rellenos, and more. Plus pasta dishes, scrumptious fresh salads, and a complete dessert selection with flan, Mexican pastries, cakes, cookies and a Sundae bar.

Easter Brunch is $39.95 for adults and $15.95 for kids 10 and under. Champagne is complimentary for adults.

Strolling mariachis in the grand garden patio and throughout multiple dining areas add an authentic Mexican flair to Easter festivities as Las Casuelas Nuevas.

From the warm, gracious Mexican hacienda atmosphere, to delicious, authentic dishes from all over Mexico, and lively mariachi music and festive dancers on weekends in the grand patio, Las Casuelas Nuevas certainly lives up to its motto: The Spirit of Mexico in the Heart of Rancho Mirage.

There’s always something to celebrate at Las Casuelas Nuevas, open daily from 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner, and on Sundays at 10 a.m. for champagne brunch.

Reservations are recommended by calling (760) 328-8844.

Las Casuelas Nuevas - 70050 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage (760) 328-8844 www.lascasuelasnuevas.com

21

April 17 to April 23, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Movie Reviews with Robin E. Simmons

IL SORPASSO

NOWHERE FAST

All the elements of a classic road movie are infused in Dino Risi’s best film, also known as THE EASY LIFE. Now more than 50 years old, the beloved Italian film follows ageing playboy Bruno (Vittorio Gassman) and young, straight-laced law-student Roberto (Jean-Louis Trintignant), two unlikely men – strangers when they meet -- on a kind of random holiday from Rome to Tuscany and the Riviera. Hyper extrovert Bruno has taken it upon himself to introduce introvert Roberto to the hedonistic lifestyle in this melancholic Italian comedy that is in many ways a moral fable that is open for personal interpretation about the consequences and dangers of “the good life” – and idea Fellini mined in LA DOCLE VITA. You may recognize bits and pieces of later road movies from SIDEWAYS to THELMA & LOUISE and even EASY RIDER among many memorable moments embedded in Risi’s fast-moving film.

As driver Bruno speeds down the highway in his convertible Lancia Aurelia,

tail-gating, beeping his annoying musical horn and dangerously passing (one meaning of the Italian title), we realize the trip is more about going nowhere fast than reaching a real destination. For fast-talking, glib Bruno, life is beginning to slip away.

Previous relationships have been severed.

His ex-wife and pretty adult daughter no longer share a bond, or even affection, for Bruno. We see this sadness when he drops in for a visit dragging the unwitting Roberto with him.

While driving, Bruno says, “Loneliness, inability to communicate -- that stuff’s all the rage now.” He even references Michelangelo Antonioni’s movie L’ECLISSE as an example of this theme and jokingly says it put him to sleep. So obviously Bruno doesn’t get that he is a prime example of a driven, pleasure seeker living an otherwise empty life. We go along for the ride, laughing along the way, but as the bittersweet nature of the missed opportunities of a life lived and one about to be sink in, we cannot so easily dismissed the indelible climax as it unexpectedly reveals itself. Meaning can be ephemeral in movies and in actual life, but sometimes that very ambiguity is what makes it so potent.

Generous extras in the Blu-ray/DVD combo package include a new introduction by director Alexander Payne, new interviews with screenwriter Ettore Scola, interviews from 2004 with director Risi, introduction by actor Jean-Louis Trintignant, “A Beautiful Vacation” documentary on Risi, excerpts from a 2012 documentary that returns to the Castiglioncello beach locations and more. Criterion. Blu-ray.

Screeners No.108

THE END OF TIME

STILL PLAYING IN THE CV: THE LUNCHBOX*, BLUMENTHAL*, BREATHE IN*, THE UNKNOWN KNOWN, ROB THE MOB, THE FACE OF LOVE, ON MY WAY*, CESAR CHAVEZ, JEWISH CARDINAL*, RIO 2, GOD’S NOT DEAD, THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL*, MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN, BAD WORDS*, SABOTAGE, NOAH*, DRAFT DAY, OCULUS, DIVERGENT, NOAH*, CAPTIAN AMERICA: WINTER SOLDIER*, UNDER THE SKIN*, THE RAID 2, NON-STOP. Check Flixster.com for time and location. * Recommended.

Peter Mettler has a knack for films that meander along a poetic, philosophical thread (see his 1994 PICTURE OF LIGHT) that may or may not connect with an audience jaded by big action or riveting melodrama.

But there is something to be said for thoughtful films that create another kind of reality with the flow of carefully constructed images and words that induce a hypnotic spell and even moments of cinematic transcendence. Mettler’s 2012 film looks at facets of how we perceive the passing of time is at times brilliant and mesmerizing.

There are also moments that could have been cut to sustain the mysterious, often sensual tone established. I loved the slow flow of glowing lava and the visit to the

NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER: THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY

Hadron Collider and the trippy mandala patterns, but I wanted to know more about the mystery, beginning and end of time itself along with the striking images of the tree under which Buddha was enlightened and the deterioration of Detroit. First Run Features. DVD. Ben Stiller stars in and directs this beautiful looking and sweet reboot of James Thurber’s slender 1939 “New Yorker” story about a meek man who daydreams big adventures didn’t connect with a wide audience but it is never-the-less a bold and satisfying, if light weight, pleasure. Extras include deleted scenes. 20th Century Fox. Blu-ray.

22

robinesimmons@aol.com

Book Review

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

April 17 to April 23, 2014

By Heidi Simmons

The Myth of Marital Bliss

W

eddings are one of the great institutions of our culture.

Nearly everyone has had the pleasure, or horror, of attending some matrimonial related event.

In Maggie Shipstead’s novel, Seating Arrangements, (Knopf, 302 pages) the prenuptial encounters are more life-threatening than life-changing for the father of the bride.

The story takes place over three days.

It begins on a Thursday as the wedding party gathers in the Van Meter family summer home on Waskeke, a New England island. The father of the bride is Winn Van Meter. He is a self-absorbed, elitist and is not looking forward to the event. He never wanted children and definitely not daughters.

Now his daughter, Daphne, is marring Greyson Duff. The couple is already seven months pregnant. His youngest daughter, Livia, has recently broken up with her boyfriend, Teddy, after she became pregnant and had an abortion. Girls!

Teddy’s family lives on the island and he is the son of Winn’s ex-girl friend. Her husband, Jack, is Winn’s college rival. Boy how things have changed since he was a lad!

Seating Arrangments

By Maggie Shipstead fiction But perhaps they haven’t changed so much. Winn has a thing for Daphne’s bridesmaid Agatha -- always has. She is a beautiful seductress and man-eater.

Approaching 60 years old, Winn has been a faithful husband -- until now.

With his house filled with women, Winn is overwhelmed. His wife Biddy is trying to keep it all together and all the various events on schedule. She doesn’t have time for his whining and ridiculous flirtations.

Winn is beside himself with trying to get his hands on Agatha.

His other challenge is to get into the island’s Pequad Country Club where he has been on the waiting list for three years.

He can’t understand what the delay is?

Unfortunately for Winn, his adversary Jack is on the Pequad Board.

As the groomsmen arrive -- a family of all sons -- the boys and girls of the wedding party start to hook up. Livia goes for her soon-to-be brother-in-law and ladies man Sterling. Certainly it is not a perfect match, but a potentially perfect rebound.

Watch out, because Agatha loves to compete and soon makes it known she wants Sterling too. Poor Winn can’t keep his intentions private either. Before long the whole wedding party sees what he’s up to with Agatha. And his daughters are not happy about it.

After lots of drinking and a few mishaps on the island with a golf cart and a beached whale, the wedding seems destined to be a disaster. When Winn finally gets Agatha alone, he realizes he is nothing but a fool and everybody knows it!

Nearly killing himself trying to destroy a weathervane on Jack’s pretentious new house to get even with his enemy, Winn realizes what love is all about. And for the first time, Winn recognizes that he is indeed in love with his wife and daughters. The wedding takes place and is nearly perfect.

But he still has work to do to make it right with his children.

Not surprisingly, Seating Arrangements is chick lit. But strangely, the protagonist is a middle-aged man in the middle of a middleage crisis. Winn is arrogant, despicable and more than a little pathetic. He doesn’t get woman nor does he try. Over the few days of the wedding related events, he is confused and frustrated with the crazy life unfolding around him, unaware he is predominately the source of the chaos.

However, Livia does bring some trouble on herself and others.

It is a relief when Winn finally gets a glimpse beyond himself to see the treasures he really possesses in his family. He stops the nonsense, but it might be too late.

Shipstead writes her characters with uncanny perception and tremendous insight. She is able to get into the heads of men and women, young and old. As fun as this story is in parts, the first and last quarter of the book is all you need to read.

In the middle pages, nothing stupendous, compelling or too serious really happens to derail the pending exchange of vows.

The pregnant Daphne and her soon-tobe husband appear to be solid and actually in love. There is no shit storm of craziness that can derail their relationship. Winn’s change may be for real or he may have just resigned himself to his life and accepted his fate. I kept waiting for something to crack their upper crust world, but that never happens. For me, affairs and country club memberships are not compelling drama.

As much as I liked Shipstead’s writing, it was not enough to keep me interested in the lives of her characters and the relatively uneventful three days.

This is Shipstead’s first novel. She is a graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and is a recipient of the Stenger Fellowship from Stanford. In January, she spoke at the Rancho Mirage Writers Festival. She talked about her love for the short story and the challenge of writing a novel.

Intelligent, witty and sardonic, Shipstead is definitely talented. It takes some experience to get the seating arrangements of life just right. No matter, I am looking forward to her next attempt.

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April 17 to April 23, 2014 continued from page 19

PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Club Mercy and (((FOLKYEAH))) presents Tinariwen 7pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 The Judy Show 5:30pm, Judy After Dark 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-4080 Bikini Bar V.I.P. Pool Party w/ The Heavy Guilt noon, Chiki Bar V.I.P. Pool Party w/ DJ Shasta noon, Will Donato’s Art of Sax Sidebar Patio 5pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Smooth Brothers TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Jazz Time Band 2-5pm, John Stanley King 6pm 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 Ben 11am, The Carmens 6:30pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Line Dancing w/ Tina 5:30-9pm THE WINE BAR AT OLD TOWN; LQ; 760564-2201 6-10pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 The Smooth Brothers 6pm

MON APRIL 21 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bonny Jean 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Hal Sweasey 6pm

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Ron Kalina’s World Class Jazz Trio 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Mark Gregg 5pm, lounge, Bob Allen 6pm outside patio NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-4080 Hot as Hell Pool Party w/ Zulluu 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 T.B.A. 6pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 T.B.A. 7pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Michael James & 3sum 9-2am WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-3285955 Art of Sax 8-11pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallet 6:30pm

TUE APRIL 22 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Dana Larson 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Mikole Karr’s Jazz Quartet 6pm 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 Joe Jaggi 6pm

CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-9920002 John Stanley King 5-9pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Hal Sweasey 6pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke INDIAN CANYONS GOLF RESORT; PS; 760-833-8700 DJ Randy Johnson 6-9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Michael D’Angelo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Dana Larson 6:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Mark Gregg 5pm, Bob Allen 6pm outside patio 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 Eclectic Tuesdays. Singer/ songwriter night. All acts welcome. Hosted

by JB, Sign up 7pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 The David Ring Trio 6:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Open Mic 8pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-4080 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Open Mic 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com Rodeo Drive’s Happy Hour Cabaret 4pm, Michael Dees & Trio 7pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Live entertainment VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Einstein 5:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Trish Hatley 6pm

WED APRIL 23 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Dan Horn 6pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Mikole Carr 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 5:30pm CLINIC BAR & LOUNGE; PS; 760-864-4119 T.B.A. 9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-9920002 Rose Mallet 5-9pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Sonny Evaro 6pm HAMILTON’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL; LQ; 760-698-8303 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8:3012:30am THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Open Mic 8pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Rich Bono & Poupee Boccaccio 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live Music KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke w/ Roberto 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-

2794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Bob Allen in the lounge and Tom on the patio 6pm 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 8pm1:15am Singles Night !!!

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; 760-288-1199 Karaoke w/ KJ Ginger 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Michael Holmes Trio 6:30pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-4080 Martin Ross, Starlite Lounge 5pm, Open Mic w/ Esjay Jones, Sidebar 7pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 D Phillips Band 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Straight Ahead Jazz VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Pat Rizzo & All That Jazz Band 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Nite Fixx 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Ben 5:30pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-3285955 Art of Sax 7-10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Karaoke WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Brian Nova Trio Jazz 6pm

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April 17 to April 23, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

United Way of the Desert Holds 24th Annual VIP Gala: “Build A Pathway Out of Poverty” First Public Event At The Ritz Carlton, Rancho Mirage On Friday May 16.

events

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California Elegant Attire is the evening’s dress. “We’re thrilled to be the first event at the newly opened Ritz-Carlton and hope that will encourage a large turn-out for our annual Gala,” said UWD Board President, Richard Houck.

Cocktails kick-off the Gala at 5:30 on the terrace 650 feet above the Valley floor. The festivities continues with a chef prepared dinner at 6:30 and a “Best of the Valley” gift raffle followed by a lively “Fund a Pathway” Live Auction. After dinner entertainment

it’s your nickel

It’s All Very Taxing

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his will be published about a day after you’ve filed or filed for an extension on your taxes. As we all gaze into the 5 year time horizon future, we can count on interest rates rising even if not precipitously.

As you make more money, you pay a bit more in taxes. So remember that incremental bumps in income may lose some of their luster once exposed to inescapable taxes. Taxes pay for many things including your health, safety and education so this is not a social commentary on whether or not taxes are a good thing or a bad thing. Smart budgeting at home and at a government level is always best. More or less on an absolute level doesn’t really tell us much.

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Before the month of April comes to an end we will see another Coachella Music Festival weekend, Easter, White Party, and Stagecoach, each of these on top of the overwhelming success that have been Coachella Part One, and the Dinah Shore weekend.

The valley is all a buzz about the newest occupant of Dinah’s old house, Leonardo Di Caprio being caught dancing at Coachella, and The Biebs (our little Canadian troublemaker) having been at Coachella along with an A-lister crowd too long to hope to be inclusive here. All of that has put piles of money directly into the valley. Where there’s money, there’s trouble too. So many scams are being perpetrated on too many victims who have only come to help our

will be provided by the Hot Purple Energy All-Star Ensemble. All proceeds benefit the United Way of the Desert and the Pathways out of Poverty Community Impact Fund. For additional information on sponsorships and to purchase tickets call: 760-323-2731. May 9th is the final RSVP date. Limited Tickets and Sponsorship Opportunities Remain Available About United Way United Way is a worldwide movement of nearly 1,800 community-based United

Ways in 41 countries and territories. It advances the common good by focusing on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good quality life. The United Way movement mobilizes millions to action – to give, advocate and volunteer – to improve conditions in their local community.

For information on United Way of the Desert visit: unitedwayofthedesert.org

April 17 to April 23, 2014

The Next Great Generation f you were born between 1982 and 2004, you part of the Millennial Generation that is now the largest generation in the United States with 79 million people - three million more than Baby Boomers.

As there was not a lot written about this most recent generation, the Boston Consulting Group studied Millennials. For the sake of their research, they considered all Americans as either Millennials or NonMillennials (sorry Gen X’ers and the Silent Generation).

Worth noting, the phrase Millennial

was coined by writers William Strauss and Neil Howe in their books devoted to “the Next Great Generation.” Others have used the term Generation Me as they consider Millennials to be narcissistic. This negative description of Millennials shows the great divide between Baby Boomers and this younger group of Americans.

A simple way to exemplify this markedly different view of Millennials by Baby Boomers and vice versa is shown in how Baby Boomers call Millennials selfish yet the Millennials view the massive debts and pollution left by Baby Boomers as selfish and short-sighted. The two generations just do not understand each other.

While the older generation waited for opportunities in life, Millennials want things fast and they want them now. In general, Millennials distrust corporations and people with degrees and prefer to trust friends and people whom they view as honest and sincere. In general, Millennials prefer group activities and believe that they can make a difference if they do things as a group.

Using restaurants as a simple example, they often dine as large groups. As such, fast, upscale fast food chains like Chipotle are preferred over sit-down restaurants with personal service.

It should be no surprise that Millennials use online social networking to stay in touch with more of their friends. As an example, 46% of Millennials have more than 200 Facebook friends while only 19% of nonMillennials do. Only 26% watch more than 20 hours of television a week versus 49% of Non-Millennials while 42% of Millennial viewing is done on Netflix, Hulu or other non-cable/network sources.

Instead of making an occasional monetary donation to a charity, Millennials are more likely to get involved. They are also more likely to incorporate their causes into their daily life. As an example, they may buy only earth friendly products while eating only locally sourced and sustainable foods. Within their generation, there is a subset that engages in slacktivism - the act of engaging in charitable activities through shows of support where very little is done personally.

This leads to the six basic Millennial

personality types. The Hip-ennial feels that they can make the world a better place.

They are more often female and consume social media the most. The Millennial Mom is family-oriented, works out at the gym and often feels isolated due to her schedule.

She is among the most active social media users.

Hip-ennials and Moms represent half of all Millennials.

The Anti-Millenial is politically conservative, focus on their life and unlikely to get involved in causes while the Gadget Guru is typically male, self-focused and successful while using the latest electronic gadgetry. Clean and Green Millennials are younger and in search of a purposefilled life. They think about their world and environment and do what they can to make a difference. Lastly, the Old-School Millennial is conservative, male and does things through in person meetings with very little done online.

Hopefully, Strauss and Howe were correct in that the Millennials will be the Next Great Generation. They will have to be to solve the many challenges facing us domestically and around the world.

Dale Gribow On The Law

By john Paul Valdez cities become better known destinations.

All of us have a duty to cooperate with authorities in stopping that kind of activity if we become aware of it. Scalpers for tickets to the events, overcharging rents and rental fraud, and a whole host of other offenses that are not bringing the same light to our public relations as celebrity visits. Follow the golden rule: Anything that sounds too good to be true, is.

If you don’t happen to be a multimillionaire, you may have noticed a rise in gas prices brought about by economic and geo-political instability in places you think you don’t care about. Worded differently, $5 million dollars a week are leaving your pockets into the gas pump as these prices move in a direction not in your favor. That’s $5 million a week just here in the valley.

That money could have gone into other purchases and helped our local economy much more. Your landscaper, gardener, pool man, maintenance guy, and contractor will ask you for the extra gas money I can assure you.

We are also dealing with milk, chicken, eggs, and other staples have recently risen in price. If you are out ten to twenty percent on gas and the same amount on grocery staples, your household budget suffers.

Those few extra bucks you are making right now from the heavy holiday season may soon dry up, and long term financial

Haddon Libby:It’s all local

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Fine Chef Prepared Dining and Entertainment By Hot Purple Energy

n Friday, May 16, United Way of the Desert is holding its 24th Annual VIP Gala: “Build A Pathway Out of Poverty,” hosted by Honorary Chair, Richard Kite. This is the first public event at the newly opened Ritz Carlton, Rancho Mirage. Tickets are $250 and $2500 for a Table of 10 Bronze Sponsor. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE STOPPED AT A CHECKPOINT DURING COACHELLA OR STAGECOACH?

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planning is always the winner. Don’t feast and famine. Plan on volatility, don’t suffer from it. Email for this column may be sent to: JohnPaulValdez@gmail.com

any thanks to all my readers for their questions and their suggestions for future articles.

Because we are in the middle of our Coachella and Stagecoach weekends I will try to focus on questions relating to them first.

Q: What are my rights at a DUI Checkpoint? Steve M (Palm Desert) A: Checkpoints are legal and usually set up during holidays and concert weekends in Indio. There is no need for an officer to have probable cause to stop you… as is usually the case. Normally an officer must have a reason to pull you over. At a sobriety check point anybody can be stopped and a breath test can be administered. However, this does not mean that if you have failed a breath test or a sobriety test at a checkpoint, all your rights have been compromised.

There are procedures and guidelines that all officers at a checkpoint must follow for a DUI test to be held valid.

Q: My friend said he read in your column that if you are stopped for a possible DUI that you DO NOT have to take a (PAS) Preliminary Alcohol Screening breath test or Field Sobriety Test at the scene. Ricardo E. (Indio) A: That is correct. The PAS breath test at the scene and the field tests (FST) of finger

to nose, walk the line and coordination test are OPTIONAL. You would however have to take a breath or blood test at the station. I suggest to my clients that they courteously tell the officer that you understand these tests are elective and that you elect not to take them. Then state you want to cooperate with law enforcement and would be glad to take a breath or blood test at the police station.

Q: If I am stopped for a possible DUI should I take the Breath, Blood or Urine Test? Ricky M (Palm Springs) A: The urine test is no longer used so you must decide between the blood and breath test. If you are sober enough to think clearly

you should consider when you had your last drink.

If you just left the bar/restaurant and had chugged your last drink 5 minutes before you were stopped, then the alcohol has not yet gotten into your system and you would want to take a test as quickly as possible because your reading would be going up with time. In that case a Breath test would be the quickest test and arguably result in the lowest reading. On the other hand if you had not had a drink in 2 hours then by requesting the Blood test you are buying time since it would normally take an hour to 3 hours to take a blood draw and your reading would be going down during

that time.

Remember, When you drink don’t get behind the wheel and have an accident (whether it is your fault or not) or get arrested for a DUI: DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, CALL A TAXI… IT IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN HIRING ME! Dale Gribow has been “Rated” TOP LAWYER by Palm Springs Life Magazine from 2011-2015 and has a Superb AVVO Legal Rating by his fellow attorneys.

If you have any questions regarding this column or 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

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April 17 to April 23, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

safety tips

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Eggstra, Eggstra, One Dozen Easter Safety Tips You Can Put Your Eggs in This Basket!

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aster does require a couple safety reminders says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Let’s Hop to them!

To prevent choking, children under the age of 5 should not be given small candy.

Toys with small pieces are also choking hazards so be mindful of any toys handed out to young children. Remember that eggs can be hazardous and quickly spoil if not refrigerated properly before and after you decorate them. Do not use eggs that have been cracked or broken. While hunting Easter eggs or other outdoor games, remember to apply sunscreen. Check with parents before offering any chocolate

bunnies or other candies that might have nuts. Set up a boundary for an outdoor Easter egg hunt so kids are not wandering off or into places that aren’t safe or supervised.

For indoor egg hunts, do not hide near outlets, hard to reach areas, near glass or other breakables or dangerous spots.

Outdoors avoid wood piles, ground holes or unsafe and inaccessible areas. Give yourself extra time on the road when traveling. Be Patient and use common sense.

For additional Easter safety visit: http://www.nationalsafety.wordpress. com/2013/03/29/easter-safety-tips-2

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ith the large Norovirus outbreak on the Crown Princess that departed from Los Angeles last week, its second large outbreak in as many cruises, let’s take a look at what Norovirus is and how to avoid it. You may not realize it but 25% of all Americans get some strain of Norovirus or food poisoning each year.

Norovirus is caused via contaminated food or people with the virus. While many call it a stomach flu, it is not an influenza virus. There are 25 different strains of norovirus. The type contracted on the Crown Princess was a contagious version.

In general, the large outbreaks at sea are caused by improper food handling. The most common cause happens by letting foods reside in a temperature ‘danger zone’ that is between 38 and 135 degrees as this temperature range is where bacteria grows and multiplies quickly. Food needs to be kept below 41 degrees or above 135 degrees. When serving food, it cannot be left at room temperature for more than two hours. Leftovers always run the risk of food poisoning. As such, remember to heat leftovers to over 165 degrees.

Cross contamination is another way that bacteria moves from one food to another.

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Gaemer Girl

by Jennifer Tan aka mrs. fett

Diablo III (Goodbye Social Life)

The most common occurrence is where someone cuts raw meat on a surface, does not properly clean that surface correctly and then prepares another food like a salad.

Bathing and constant hand washing are critical in avoiding food borne illnesses.

When washing your hands, remember that the soapy water needs to be hotter than 100 degrees and you need to wash your hands for 15 seconds.

When thawing food, it needs to be kept below 38 degrees, submerged under cool running water or defrosted in the microwave. This is important as many food toxins are not killed through cooking. Follow these few key guidelines to keep your family and friends “food safe” as the season heats up and let the backyard BBQ’s begin!

Don’t Be

CLUELESS IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY

EVENT CALENDAR

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ou better watch out. You better not cry. Better not pout, I’m telling you why: Santa Claus is coming to …oops that’s not right. Wait, wait…Here comes Peter Cottontail hoppin’ down the bunny trail, Hippity hoppity, Easter’s on its way. Now we’ve got it right. Brought to America by German immigrants, the supposedly egg-laying hare was the inspiration for artfully dyed egg decoration and candy sweets---hidden for children to find. And what self-respecting kid thinks about calories, cavities or what candy picks up cached in the bottom of a back-pack? So, attention all kids, all ages! Bring out the pastels. The yellows, pinks and lavenders, the ruffles and bows and pleats--big trend this season. Liberate arms, legs and necks with care, not letting libertine-ish Coachella be your guide—after all, too much is too much and distasteful. (And don’t stint on sun-block.)

Gather sweets in your Easter basket and join the parade in a bonnet. Oh, and would you pass me a Peep? Thanks. More to enjoy. Read on.

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ShareKitchen What is Norovirus?

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

hen Blizzard announced they were making Diablo III, I literally screamed with excitement in the middle of a GameStop.

Why? A few reasons. Diablo was the first RPG that I had ever played, along with my first PC title. I was addicted, and young enough that I thought the piles of bones that jingled when you checked them for loot was the scariest gaming task ever!

Now that I had the holidays to jump into Diablo III on Ps3, I am pretty much never going back to Call Of Duty again. The vicious cycle of killing demons, and looting the awesome treasure left behind...and then killing more demons, is hard to break!

The 17 year franchise did stick with their roots in 90% of the way the game was developed and executed. Some battles can get crazy, and somewhat difficult to navigate with just a 60FPS graphic rate, but Blizzard pulled it off for the most part. Environments are rich and detailed, though during battle I noticed some spots becoming grainy. The cinematics between the battle of Heaven and Hell, are compelling and intense, although for veteran demon hunters, not necessary. We know what we are here to do, now cut the scene and watch me annihilate everything.

The navigation screens got a new look to welcome them into the console world.

Using a dial-type interface, using the analog stick to navigate your armor, loot, spells, and quests is effortless. It’s as if Diablo was meant for consoles all along…(insert troll grin here) Now, if you are next gen stacked like myself, you probably realized most of your favorite titles will not work for the Ps4.

That’s ok! Early 2014, marks the release of Diablo III, Ultimate Evil Edition! Which as of right now, is a Ps4 exclusive. You can transfer your Wizard, Demon Hunter and Barbarian from your Ps3 to your Ps4, ONCE.

Meaning, once it’s off your Ps3, its gone! So make the commitment. It looks to be worth it though.

PlayStation 4 players can experience the full adventure of Blizzard’s epic action RPG, Diablo III, as the Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition includes the expansion pack Reaper of Souls! Bringing the world of Diablo back to PlayStation gamers, this edition of Diablo III features special four-player coop features. With the DualShock 4 wireless controller and a custom-designed console interface, players will be outfitted with touchpad functionality and new social features as they engage in pulse-pounding combat with hordes of monsters and acquire items of incredible power.

I scored Diablo III for Ps3 at an 8.5 overall, only losing a few points in dialog, grainy texturing, and instability with aiming. The game is only $40 at Best Buy and GameStop, but will not be releasing on the XboxOne. The Ultimate Evil Edition for Ps4 is set to realease later in 2014.

Friday, April 18, 4pm. Award-winning chanteuse Tonia Bern-Campbell presents an evening of song, joy and laughter with “The Colors of My Life ,” accompanied by Joel Baker on the piano with proceeds to benefit Tolerance Center Theater. Winner of Italy’s “Passerella d’Oro,” “Singer of the Year” award from England’s St. James’ Royal Guard, and the “Desert Theatre League Star Award,” Bern-Campbell “has a personality of a singer who acts,” says one critic, calling her “infectious.” Reservations are advisable, 760-328-8252. Ticket per person, $20.

Aprѐs-show meet-and-greet. Tolerance Center is at 35-147 Landy Lane, Rancho Mirage.

Saturday & Sunday, August 16 & 17. Save the Date! The 21st Annual Jazz in the Pines presentation by the Associates of Idyllwild Arts Foundation with over 25 acts on three stages is ready to roll out the featured headliners for this globally recognized event in the next few weeks, so get to the head of

the growing line for tickets now. Regularly priced tickets are $65 per day. Until May 15, the “early bird” ticket price is $55 with a special rate of $100 if you buy both days together. Individual tickets and the everpopular Patron Package (includes: admission to Friday, August 15 Jazz Jeans and Jewels party, preferred parking, preferred seating in the Holmes Amphitheater and a ticket to each day of the festival) are available for purchase at www.idyllwildjazz.com. Gates to the Jazz in the Pines concert pavilion open at 10:00 a.m. both days with acts starting at 10:30 a.m. All three of the music venues, Holmes Amphitheater, Stephens Hall and the ever-popular French Quarter where you’ll hear jazz, blues, R&B and gospel until 5:30 p.m. The festival is located on the grounds of Idyllwild Arts at 52500 Temecula Road in the cool, clean air of the breathtakingly beautiful mountain village.

All parking is free with shuttles running continuously town and clearly designated lots. A variety of food concessions with wines, draft beer and margaritas is available.

Over 65 world-class artists will be selling handmade items including art, sculptures, jazz memorabilia, jewelry and Jazz in the Pines collector gifts. For more info, call 951-500-4090, or to book accommodations visit www.IDYLodging.com or www.

IdyllVacationRentals.com

Sunday, April 20, Afternoon Schedule.

Don’t be a drip, Dad & Mom! Bring the kids ages 3 to 10 years old to the first ever “Underwater Easter Egg Hunt” sat the Palm Desert Aquatic Center where all the eggs are hidden under the water!. Bring a water proof basket to take with you into the

April 17 to April 23, 2014

by Diane Marlin-Dirkx

‘drink’ and gather up all you can find while spending an afternoon of fun in the sun.

Schedule: Recreation Pool Ages 3 and 4 year olds, 2 pm to 2:45pm. Ages 5 to 7 years old, 3 – 3:45pm. Shallow End Competitive Pool Ages 8 to 10 year olds, 3 – 3:45pm. Price $3 per person. For everyone’s safety, parents must accompany children ages 3-5 into the pool. No personal flotation devices allowed.

Call today 760-565-7467. Address: 73751 Magnesia Falls Dr., Palm Desert.

magical, musical program will take place in the enchantment of BG Bird Gardens, Meet and greet Ms Hopkins between 1:00 to 1:45pm by purchasing a seat at a table for $125 per person. General Admission, $65 per person with performance at 2:15pm.

Limited seating. RSVP no later than April 19, if not sold out sooner. Call 760-8347003. Or purchase tickets online, www. lovingallanimals.org. BG Bird Gardens, 73179 Joshua Tree St., Palm Desert.

Wednesday, April 23, 6pm. Michael Childers’ “ONE NIGHT ONLY” featuring “Tradition, The Jewish Legacy of Broadway,” hosted by TV Star Fran Drescher, will benefit the Jewish Family Service of the Desert. This One Night Only is one show you don’t want to miss for its stars of every entertainment medium known to those who love Broadway musicals, TV specials, sit-coms and, laughter from the Borscht Belt to New York’s Broadway. From appreciative giggles to raucous belly-laughs, get ready to be entertained by the best in the business, many who grew up reciting the mantra: “A little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants.” General Admission tickets, $75, $95, & $195 are available at the McCallum Theatre box office, at 760-340-ARTS, or go to www.mccallumtheatre.com. VIP Theatre & Dinner packages, $450 each, call JFS, 760325-4088. The McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert.

Saturday, April 2 6, 1pm. “Carnival of the Animals” Benefit Tea with a musical performance by the Desert Symphony Orchestra conducted by Christian Chalifour, music director, with a special appearance

by New York Metropolitan Opera Diva Janet Hopkins, recognized as one of the most vocally-gifted artists of today and an avid supporter of animal rescue. This

Monday – Friday, July 7 – 11; July 28 – August 1. 8am – 1 pm. Save the Date! Be an early bird whether you want the worm or not! Critter Camp Returns for kids ages 6 through 11 years old and they don’t want to miss a minute of this week-long day camp. Why? Listen up, scout. Right now, Animal Samaritans is accepting sign-ups for its popular, fun-filled, learning-inspired Summer Critter Camps. Our humane proactive educators will hold two camps for up to 20 children each. These week-long camps fill up quickly, so sign up your kids today! Camp location is at Thousand Palms Chamber of Commerce, 72-715 La Canada Way, Thousand Palms. Activities include hands on animal encounters with therapy dogs, reptiles, birds, and rodents, Animalthemed games, Animal-themed arts & crafts. This is a terrific time to get a wellrounded education about caring for pets, and learning a whole new outlook filled with animal fun facts. Snacks and bottled water will be provided, but campers must bring their own sack lunch. Cost per camper: $85.

To register, call Diana at 760-601-3761 or email her at Critter Camper Registration.

“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!

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April 17 to April 23, 2014

Mind, body & Spirit

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

by Bronwyn Ison

THE WARRIOR PROJECT

Y

oga enthusiasts strive to serve a purpose superior than oneself. This often is referred to as Seva. Seva, a Sanskrit word meaning: a service which is performed without any expectation of result or reward for the person performing it. The Warrior Project and participating yoga and fitness studios find exceptional gratification in helping serve our community. The Warrior Project, spearheaded by Alison Harris (Yoga with Alison) will provide an opportunity to give back to our troops for protecting our country.

As one of the participating studios, it was without hesitation that Evolve Yoga joined forces with Alison. Alison’s passion for instructing and giving back to our community exhibits dedication and love.

Here is what Alison had to share.

Bronwyn: What interested you in taking on this project?

Alison: I was invited to instruct for Yoga Across America (YAA), a non-profit organization, which brings yoga into areas that do not have access or exposure to yoga classes. One of the areas of focus for YAA is a program for wounded warriors where instructors are trained to work specifically with military personnel returning from active duty who may be suffering physical or emotional trauma. The Warrior Project is actually two-fold; the first is to bring the supplies to the base and the second is to bring YAA’s Wounded Warrior certification program to our desert to train our yoga instructors to provide programs for the Marines at 29 Palms.

Bronwyn: Why is this project important to you?

Alison: I am grateful every day I am able to do yoga. The practice of yoga has helped me in all aspects of my life. The teachings have provided me tools to work through difficult times, get in touch with what is important to me and how I want to be in this world. Who better to share this with

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than our neighbors at 29 Palms? These brave men and women risk their lives, their dedication and sacrifice is beyond measure.

They deserve all the support we can give for all they do to provide us freedom.

Bronwyn: What is the overall goal?

Alison: The current yoga situation at 29 Palms is limited, local instructors volunteer their time to teach classes. They have little to no equipment. The goal is bring equipment and greater awareness to the benefits of yoga. The final phase of this project will be to expand the yoga program at 29 Palms through YAA’s Wounded Warrior program.

Bronwyn: How much/many props would you like to see donated?

Alison: My goal is to collect at least 100 mats, 25 blankets, 25 bolsters, 25 eye pillows, 50 blocks and 50 straps.

Bronwyn: Are cash donations being accepted?

Alison: Yes. Donations are accepted via www.alisonharrisyoga.com , the Warrior Project is not an 501(c)(3) therefore your donations may not be tax deductible. If you wish to make a tax deductible donation to YAA, www.yogaacrossamerica.org, (donations will not specifically go to 29 Palms) Bronwyn: How will the props be delivered to the base?

Alison: Ideally, we will have the opportunity to go onto the base to host a yoga class and present them with all we have collected. If we are unable to gain access on base, the yoga instructors will come to our final Sunday class at lululemon to accept all of the donations.

Bronwyn: How many Marines will this benefit?

Alison: There are 4 gyms on base where classes are being held; most of the yoga classes are attended by the spouses at this time. There are more than 8,000 residents with access to the gyms; it is the goal to expand the reach of the yoga programs.

Bronwyn: How will they benefit (physically & mindfully) Helpful with PTSD or, other conditions???

Alison: There’s a growing consensus among military doctors, researchers, and veterans themselves, that conventional treatments aren’t always enough to help

Week of April 17

vets navigate the consequences of PTSD -from unemployment and domestic violence to substance abuse, anxiety, and suicide. In an article from the Huffington Post, “Once dismissed as mere acrobatics with incense, yoga has been found to help ease the pain, stiffness, anger, night terrors, memory lapses, anxiety and depression that often afflict wounded warriors.”

The embrace of yoga -- especially among onetime skeptics in “hard-core military circles” -- is a step forward in our efforts to give veterans the care they need and deserve. It’s also in line with the latest research and thinking about the destructive force of stress in our lives. The adrenalinefueled hyper-vigilance that’s so vital to our soldiers in combat zones becomes, for many, a nightmare of anxiety that makes it difficult to function when they come back home. That was the case for Sgt. Senio Martz, a 27-year-old Marine who was knocked unconscious by a roadside bomb when leading his squad through southern Afghanistan in 2011. Today, yoga relieves him from the need to closely monitor his surroundings during the day -- an obsession that was also keeping him up at night.

“Last night after yoga, I had a good sleep,” he says. “That’s a place I haven’t been in a long, long time.”

Pentagon and the Department of Veterans Affairs researchers have found that yoga’s stretching, breathing techniques and meditation can help calm the part of the brain that the stresses of war kicks into a state of hyper-arousal. And more and more yoga teachers are bringing these practices to the vets who need them. Robin Carnes, who helped develop a program called iRest,

found that meditation helps draw patients’ attention inward, away from outside stresses. She also founded “Warriors at Ease,” which trains and certifies yoga teachers to bring calming yoga practices to even more soldiers in need. Using yoga to help returning veterans isn’t as surprising as it might seem. “After all, yoga -- a Sanskrit word meaning to ‘join’ or ‘unite’ -- dates back to 3,000 B.C., and its basic techniques were used in the 12th century when Samurai warriors prepared for battle with Zen meditation.” [Huffington Post] As more and more skeptics are convinced, and as yoga becomes further ingrained in our military hospitals, that means more veterans will be making deep breathing and Downward Dog part of their recovery regimens.

Bronwyn: What is Namaste’ at 9 on Sunday’s?

Alison: I will be teaching complimentary 1 hour yoga classes at Lululemon in Palm Desert throughout the month of April.

Donations of yoga supplies will be accepted at these classes or can be purchased following the classes at a discount.

Throughout the month of April participating yoga/fitness studios will be collecting yoga supplies for donation.

Donations can be delivered to any of the following: Yoga with Alison, Evolve Yoga, Yogability with SueAnn Etebar, Desert Yoga Therapy, Eisenhower Wellness Institute, Quantum Fitness, Urban Yoga, Haute Yoga( offering a free yoga class for those who donate), Haberkorn Chiropractic Yoga Central, lululemon Palm Desert is offering supplies for sale at a discount at point of purchase in April.

Get involved and make a difference for our warriors and their families. For more information contact one of your favorite following participants above or www. alisonharrisyoga.com Bronwyn Ison is the Owner of Evolve Yoga. e-volveyoga.com (760)564-YOGA

ARIES (March 21-April 19): It’s Compensation Week. If you have in the past suffered from injustice, it’s an excellent time to go in quest of restitution. If you have been deprived of the beauty you need to thrive, now is the time to get filled up.

Wherever your life has been out of balance, you have the power to create more harmony. Don’t be shy about seeking redress. Ask people to make amends. Pursue restorations. But don’t, under any circumstances, lust for revenge.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “Our brains are no longer conditioned for reverence and awe,” said novelist John Updike. That’s a sad possibility. Could you please do something to dispute or override it, Taurus? Would it be too much to ask if I encouraged you to go out in quest of lyrical miracles that fill you with wonder? Can I persuade you to be alert for sweet mysteries that provoke dizzying joy and uncanny breakthroughs that heal a wound you’ve feared might forever plague you? Here’s what the astrological omens suggest: Phenomena that stir reverence and awe are far more likely than usual.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I wonder if it’s time for you to modify an old standby. I’m getting the sense that you should consider tinkering with a familiar resource that has served you pretty well. Why? This resource may have some hidden weakness that you need to attend to in order to prevent a future disruption. Now might be one of those rare occasions when you should ignore the old rule, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” So be proactive, Gemini. Investigate what’s going on beneath the surface. Make this your motto: “I will solve the problem before it’s a problem -- and then it will never be a problem.”

CANCER (June 21-July 22): “Do you really have what it takes or do you not have what it takes?”

That’s the wrong question to ask, in my opinion.

You can’t possibly know the answer ahead of time, for one thing. To dwell on that quandary would put you on the defensive and activate your fear, diminishing your power to accomplish the task at hand. Here’s a more useful inquiry: “Do you want it strongly enough or do you not want it strongly enough?” With this as your meditation, you might be inspired to do whatever’s necessary to pump up your desire. And that is the single best thing you can do to ensure your ultimate success.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): I swear my meditations are more dynamic when I hike along the trail through the marsh than if I’m pretzeled up in the lotus position back in my bedroom. Maybe I’ve been influenced by Aristotle’s Peripatetic School.

He felt his students learned best when they accompanied him on long strolls. Then there was philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who testified that his most brilliant thoughts came to him as he rambled far and wide. Even if this possibility seems whimsical to you, Leo, I invite you to give it a try.

According to my reading of the current astrological omens, your moving body is likely to generate bright ideas and unexpected solutions and visions of future adventures.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Throughout North America and Europe, there are hundreds of unused roads. Many are former exit and entrance ramps to major highways, abandoned for one reason or another. Some are stretches of pavement that used to be parts of main thoroughfares before they were rerouted. I suggest we make “unused roads” your metaphor of the week, Virgo. It may be time for you to bring some of them back into operation, and maybe even relink them to the pathways they were originally joined to. Are there any missing connections in your life that you would love to restore? Any partial bridges you feel motivated to finish building?

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Karma works both ways. If you do ignorant things, ignorant things may eventually be done to you. Engage in generous actions, and at some future date you may be the unexpected beneficiary of generosity. I’m expecting more of the latter than the former for you in the coming days, Libra. I think fate will bring you sweet

© Copyright 2012 Rob Brezsny

compensations for your enlightened behavior in the past. I’m reminded of the fairy tale in which a peasant girl goes out of her way to be kind to a seemingly feeble, disabled old woman. The crone turns out to be a good witch who rewards the girl with a bag of gold. But as I hinted, there could also be a bit of that other kind of karma lurking in your vicinity. Would you like to ward it off? All you have to do is unleash a flurry of good deeds. Anytime you have a chance to help people in need, do it.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): As they lie in the sand, African crocodiles are in the habit of opening their jaws wide for hours at a time. It keeps them cool, and allows for birds called plovers to stop by and pluck morsels of food that are stuck between the crocs’ molars. The relationship is symbiotic. The teeth-cleaners eat for free as they provide a service for the large reptiles. As I analyze your astrological aspects, Scorpio, I’m inclined to see an opportunity coming your way that has a certain resemblance to the plovers’. Can you summon the necessary trust and courage to take full advantage?

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Are you sure you have enough obstacles? I’m afraid you’re running low. And that wouldn’t be healthy, would it? Obstacles keep you honest, after all. They motivate you to get smarter. They compel you to grow your willpower and develop more courage.

Please understand that I’m not taking about trivial and boring obstacles that make you numb. I’m referring to scintillating obstacles that fire up your imagination; rousing obstacles that excite your determination to be who you want and get what you want. So your assignment is to acquire at least one new interesting obstacle. It’s time to tap into a deeper strain of your ingenuity.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In 1937, physicist George Paget Thomson won a Nobel Prize for the work he did to prove that the electron is a wave. That’s funny, because his father, physicist J. J. Thomson, was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1906 for showing that the electron is a particle.

Together, they helped tell the whole story about the electron, which as we now know is both a wave and a particle. I think it’s an excellent time for you to try something similar to what George did: follow up on some theme from the life of one of your parents or mentors; be inspired by what he or she did, but also go beyond it; build on a gift he or she gave the world, extending or expanding it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You have been a pretty decent student lately, Aquarius. The learning curve was steep, but you mastered it as well as could be expected. You had to pay more attention to the intricate details than you liked, which was sometimes excruciating, but you summoned the patience to tough it out. Congrats! Your againstthe-grain effort was worth it. You are definitely smarter now than you were four weeks ago.

But you are more wired, too. More stressed. In the next chapter of your life story, you will need some downtime to integrate all you’ve absorbed. I suggest you schedule some sessions in a sanctuary where you can relax more deeply than you’ve allowed yourself to relax in a while.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You have the power to shut what has been open or open what has been shut. That’s a lot of responsibility. Just because you have the power to unleash these momentous actions doesn’t mean you should rashly do so.

Make sure your motivations are pure and your integrity is high. Try to keep fear and egotism from influencing you. Be aware that whatever you do will send out ripples for months to come. And when you are confident that you have taken the proper precautions, by all means proceed with vigor and rigor. Shut what has been open or open what has been shut -- or both.

Homework: Comment on the following hypothesis: “You know what to do and you know when to do it.” Freewillastrology.com Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

April 17 to April 23, 2014

Health &Fitness

by Personal Trainer Karen Creasey

FREE Lessons Given by Olympic the Palm Desert Swim Champions At Aquatic Center on May 10

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consider learning to swim an essential life skill and actually believe that knowing how to swim and being confident in and around water is more important than much of what children learn in school. Water hazards are plentiful and they are often labeled fun. But without the skill set necessary to be safe in an aquatic environment they can become anything but fun. Drowning happens way too often.

Reducing the drowning statistic and teaching swimming by combining safety, recreation, and fitness is a year around goal at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center. That’s why PDAC is gearing up to host 8 Olympians for swim lessons, basic water safety, fun races, water slides, hi-dives and more at the FREE second annual Just Add Swim event on Saturday, May 10, from 9 am to 5 pm.

Last year’s inaugural event, then called Swim to Win, saw more than 2,000 area children and adults turn out to take basic swim safety classes with Olympic swimming champs and pool staff at the popular midvalley pool.

The City of Palm Desert, who owns this world class facility, the Family YMCA of the Desert, and the Swim to Win Foundation are the primary sponsors of the event. Their main goal this year is to build on the success of teaching area youth basics of swimming and pool safety.

Eight Olympian swimmers; Rowdy Gaines, Janet Evans, Jason Lezak, Aaron Peirson, Brian Goodell, Chloe Sutton, Rada Owen, and Kaitlin Sandeno will be on deck signing autographs, teaching basic swim skills, and even swimming a few races. Please join me at the center. It promises to be an event full of learning, swimming and fun that will be well worth your time.

The free basic swim lessons along with use of the fun aquatic center slides and diving board features and races with the Olympians will be held at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center at 73751 Magnesia Falls Drive, next to the Palm Desert Civic Center Park.

Just Add Swim runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For a guaranteed swim instruction time, registration is required. Register by calling the pool 760-565-7467.

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April 17 to April 23, 2014

Life & career Coach

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by Sunny Simon

Ready to Trash Your To-Do List?

beauty

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by dr maria lombardo

O

I

n our fast-paced often chaotic world, we continually strive for efficiency and productivity. Personally, I am fascinated with any system or product that helps me manage time and clutter.

Organizing tools are my favorite purchases.

While my female peers are enamored with stylish shoe boutiques, my “go-to” retail outlet is The Container Store. I own sock beds, spice racks, hanging jewelry storage contraptions, car caddy containers, color coded file folders, and an assortment of padded and multiple tiered hangers.

In addition to organizational products, I inhale every article that promises to take me to the next level of minimizing clutter and becoming more productive. Having a solemn respect for inventorying action items I carry my “to do” list around like a small child totes his favorite worn-out teddy bear. I admit to feeling a little high each time I cross an item off my never-ending register of yet to be accomplished tasks.

Recently I downloaded an e-book professing the value of creating a “done list” the flip side of our traditional “to do.”

Reading this counterintuitive theory was like turning the shower setting to frigid and remaining under the icy current until I turned purple. For years I believed every efficiency expert’s sage advice; list your

goals and the all steps needed to get there.

Asking me to part with my volumes of “to do’s” is akin to demanding a toddler turn in his “binky.” Reluctantly, I decided to give it a go for a week. Knowing it was impossible to go cold-turkey I struck a deal with myself. I alternated days between working on my “to do” and “done list.” Days spent in the donemode meant recording any meaningful win. Each evening I was to reflect on and celebrate my accomplishments. I must admit feeling some satisfaction in the review process. Could it be possible that a “done list” is actually a motivational tool?

Mind you, some days were frustrating. I did not accomplish nearly as much as I wanted. Remaining true to the instructions in the book, I spent time analyzing my setbacks. Part of the exercise is jotting down observations and working out the kinks.

At the end of my experimental week I would have to say the jury is still out. I doubt I’ll ever fully kick the habit of creating “to do’s,” but sincerely acknowledge the benefits of utilizing both methods to create a balanced perspective and a more productive life.

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

Receive The Celebrity Secret Of Permanent Cosmetic Make-Up

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She specializes in both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures including (but not limited to) facial, body and breast surgery, Botox, Latisse, and hCG diet program.

For a consultation or more information, visit www.lombardocosmeticsurgery.com or call 760-610-8990. Dr. Lombardo will be writing a bi-weekly column for CV Weekly.

Do You Want Long Beautiful Lashes? ur eye lashes thin as we age and can make us look older - a great mascara can help but promoting longer, thicker& darker lashes with Latisse can really make a difference. Latisse is the only FDA approved medication for eyelash growth.

The most common questions regarding Latisse include “Does it really work?” and “What about side effects?” The best way to answer both questions is to examine the history of the product… The medication started as an eyedrop to treat glaucoma (a disorder associated with increased pressure in the eye). The original patients noted the “side effect” of longer and thicker eyelashes while they were using it. The medication was studied for this effect and Latisse is now used as a topical solution (and NOT as an eye drop) to grow the lashes longer, darker and thicker! It really does work!

Because Latisse is the same medication as the original glaucoma medication, all the side effects that were reported with the original eyedrop usage must also be reported with the topical Latisse use.

Proper, topical use of Latisse has very low

April 17 to April 23, 2014

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Latisse must be used every day when starting and it must be continued to keep the results. If you stop using the product, your eyelashes will eventually revert back to how they were when you first started using it. Most patients love the effect of having longer, thicker lashes and very often refer their friends to try the product because they get so many comments and compliments on their lashes!

If you are interested in trying Latisse, call the office to set up your complimentary consultation with Dr. Maria Lombardo 760610-8990.

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