Coachella Valley Weekly - May 1 to May 7, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 6

News Community NEWS MUSIC Music ART EVENTSMovies MOVIES DININGDining SPORTS HEALTH &BEAUTY BUSINESSEvents COMMUNITY www.coachellavalleyweekly.com • May 1 to May 7, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 6

SATURDAY

MAY 3rd 2014 Stagecoach Roundup

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Danny Heller

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WAXY

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Si Bon

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May 1 to May 7, 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

Brew at the Zoo................................ 3 Stagecoach Roundup....................5 Stagecoach Review........................7 Sports Scene ..................................8 Sports ............................................9 Events - Goldenvoice...................10 Comedy - COPA for CASA............11 DR - Robbie Waldman of WAXY...13 Consider This................................14 Art - Danny Heller..........................15 Pet Place........................................16 The Vino Voice .............................17 Club Crawler Nightlife.................18 Pampered Palate - Si Bon.............20 Screeners......................................22 Book Review ................................23 SELMAGrows................................25 Mother’s Day at Miramonte........25 Its Your Nickel...............................26 Haddon Libby: It’s All Local.........27 Dale Gribow.................................27 Safety Tips....................................28 ShareKitchen................................28 Community - Book Pals...............28 Don’t Be Clueless in the CV.........29 Health & Fitness...........................30 Link & Laces..................................30 Free Will Astrology......................31 Mind, Body, & Spirit.....................31 Life & Career Coach......................32 Beauty..........................................32 Comics - Weiss Cracks..................34

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SPONSORS AND VENDORS ANNOUNCED FOR THE LIVING DESERT’S BREW AT THE ZOO Saving Wildlife, One Beer at a Time” on May 3

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ver 50 restaurants and premium beverages are sponsoring and participating in The Living Desert’s 5th Annual “Brew at the Zoo” on Saturday, May 3rd from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. By supporting this event, those involved make it possible for The Living Desert to provide care for over 400 animals, 1,200 protected acres, and impact scholarship programs for thousands of visiting school children.

Brew at the Zoo is a wildly popular event attracting more than 2,500 guests. Attendees are able to experience a unique culinary journey sampling craft beer, wine, specialty liquors, and savory and sweet bites from the valley’s premier restaurants. Guests may party down to live music on three stages and view special animal encounters. New this year is a Karaoke Lounge, plus a photo booth and a specialty party games area courtesy of event sponsor Hot Purple Energy.

“The community has come to look forward to this fun and interactive annual event, which wouldn’t be possible without the support of our local businesses, individuals and organizations,” said Allen Monroe, President/CEO of The Living Desert. “Without the generous donations from our sponsors and vendor participation, we would not be able to deliver such a high-quality event and raise funds that are so important for The Living Desert.”

The following top-rated valley restaurants and libation companies collaborating for the event offer attendees numerous options for enjoying food and drink.

Restaurants: Brandini Toffee Ben & Jerry’s - Rancho Mirage Bellatrix Buffalo Wild Wings Clementine Balisage Bistro Cork & Fork Jensen’s LULU California Bistro Sherman’s Deli & Bakery Mario’s Italian Café - Palm Desert Old Spaghetti Factory Olive A Sudden Palm Springs Hilton Terrace Restaurant P.F. Chang’s

May 1 to May 7, 2014

by rebecca Brown

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Piero’s Pizza Vino Johnny Rockets Pacifica Wolfgang Puck Pizza Cliff House Renaissance Esmeralda Katherine King Events Mastro’s Greek Islands Savory Spice Shop Beverage Companies: Aquafina Ace Cider Arnold Palmer’s Wine Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits Big Sky Brewing Co. Baron’s Beverage Ginseng, Sasparilla & Energy Up Coachella Valley Brewing Company Crater Lake Vodka, Whiskey & Rye Dirty Tequila Fess Parker Wines Firestone Walker Hangar 24 Karl Strauss Brewing Company Kona Longboard La Quinta Brewing Co. La Storia Wine Maui Brewing Co. Moose Drool Ale New Belgium Brewing Co. Ninkasi Starbuck’s Canyon Plaza Stone Brewery Trentadu Wines White Knight Wine Widmer Returning for the fourth year as presenting sponsor is Integrated Wealth Management. They are an independent financial advisory and wealth management firm with offices in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Newport Beach and Idaho. Having supported “Brew at the Zoo” over the years, Integrated Wealth Management is an avid supporter in the community for philanthropy, notably honored last year by the Desert Communities Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals as the Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation of 2013.

The Living Desert’s catering group, “A Taste of the Wild,” has once again generously

sponsored the exclusive Brew VIP Lounge.

Guests are entertained at a private reception in the Littlefield Gallery/Lurie Patio featuring deluxe theme food stations and premium brand beverage selections – including signature wine and beer tastings by Maui Brewing Co. and La Storia, and White Knight wineries – plus their very own VIP animal encounter entertainment.

Other major event sponsors, in addition to Hot Purple Energy, are Capital Group Companies, Signature Party Rentals, Sis Jackson, Palm Springs Nissan, Jessup Auto Plaza, and American Cab Company serving as this year’s “Safe Ride Home” sponsor. Free cab rides are offered to Brew guests for that evening to Coachella Valley Cities.

Brew at the Zoo is Saturday, May 3rd, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 for members, $55 for non-members, and prices at the door on May 3rd are $50 member, $60 non-member, Designated Driver $35. A limited number of VIP Lounge tickets are offered at $125 and include a private reception in the VIP Lounge, premium food and beverage selections, special animal encounters and unlimited access to main event area. Tickets can be purchased at www. livingdesert.org/brew. Guests must be at least 21 years old to attend.

The Living Desert is an AZA-accredited zoo and gardens that is dedicated to conservation and education. It is a family-friendly place to explore nature and create meaningful experiences for guests that are remembered for a lifetime. For more information: (760) 346-5694 or visit www.LivingDesert.org. The Living Desert is located at: 47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260.

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May 1 to May 7, 2014

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all Photos by Bryan Mckinney

stagecoach

by Lisa Morgan Photos by Bryan Mckinney

May 1 to May 7, 2014

Smaller Stages, Colossal Music @ Stagecoach 2014

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he best part of every Stagecoach experience I have ever had, has mostly taken place at the two smaller stages just south of the Mane stage.

The lesser known bands, along with older musicians, who have long since made a debut on commercial top 40 radio stations, are seen in the beautifully, intimate setting of the Mustang and Palomino Stages. Unlike the Mane stage, where general admission basically means you would have to watch the big screens to actually view the performers, The Mustang and Palomino stage offer the opportunity to see the expressions and working fingers of musicians.

Right off the bat, I was thrilled to discover the band The Wild Feathers. They were the first act of the three day festival and appeared on the Palomino Stage.

Looking very much like a rock band out of Los Angeles, they immediately powered through the audience with roaring rock lead guitars - three of them. As big and impressive as that was, it was their vocal depth that impressed me even more.

Countering incredible three part harmonies were three different and fabulously unique lead vocals. You could say that this band definitely falls into the Country Rock genre as long as you understand that Rock is the

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root word in this label. As I watched them thrill the crowd, a theory began to form in my mind that perhaps country music venues may be the only fan friendly place in the music industry for lovers and players of honest to God, good old American Rock and Roll. As the festival went on, my “theory” began to feel a bit more like fact. This band was my most exciting introduction/ discovery, hands down. You can learn more about this band and find their music at thewildfeathers.com.

The Mustang Stage seemed fairly consistent with representing the hard-core country roots genre, with bands whose music was built around the beautiful sounds of the banjo, fiddle, mandolin, pedal steel, Dobro and the like. Each of these topped their blue grass and/or Louisianan influences with rustic, crooning vocals and harmonies. Bands like the Howlin Brothers, Shakey Graves, Trampled by Turtles, Willie Watson and Whiskey Shivers showed off their multi-instrumental skills and kept many literally kicking up the dust with their dancing, stomping and swinging to the music. It was at the Trampled by Turtles show, CV Weekly had their celebrity sighting of Ashton Kutcher who seems to be making a tradition of attending the festival.

He and fiance and suspected baby mama, Mila Kunis, were spotted at this bluegrass flavored folk band’s show, one of the few bands they risked crowd mobbing to see (Ashton is usually ushered into the photo pit

of the Mane stage as photogs are ushered out).

The acts that drew some of the larger crowds appeared to be Asleep at the Wheel, Sleepy Man Banjo Boys, and The Railers.

For four decades Asleep at the Wheel have been stellar representatives of Western Swing, with more than 20 studio albums and 9 Grammys. I was perhaps, almost as equally impressed by the handful of very statuesque, well chiseled, young, shirtless, tan...(what was I talking about again? Oh, yes) men, skillfully twirling their dance partners, teaching many a young lady a thing or two about the Western Swing dance culture (twerking not included).

Sleepy Man Banjo Boys, a bluegrass band out of New Jersey, is made up of three brothers ages 11, 14 and 16. They had already been performing as roots musicians for a few years now, but this was the first show where they integrated vocals. They did so quite well.

The Railers made up of four “Nashville or Bust” dreamers are the more contemporary sounding band of those listed here, with a beautiful vocal blend (thanks in good part to the liltingly sweet soprano of their beautiful female vocalist Cassandra) they have more of a Memphis blues sound to them. They endeared their audience on and off the stage as they came out to take pictures with fans afterward.

The Palomino Stage represented many top 40s artists of days gone by, most of

whom have cemented their footprints into the sonic landscape of country music for all time. All but one were the opportunity of a lifetime as the audience was able to watch and hear what only decades of life at a craft can bring to any stage.

The incomparable Miss Wanda Jackson, showed up, in spite of a recent shoulder surgery, with all the grace and charm a well lived life can bring to a talented woman. This gracefully ballsy icon charmed the audience with her colorful story, one that started with her first recording in 1954, as a junior in high school. After setting up the story behind the song she would dive into her music with all the power and original style she ever had in her youth. We were right there in music history with her as she weaved her tales of love and music, crediting Elvis Presley for the encouragement that lead to her becoming the initiator of a whole new genre called Rockabilly. Some were inspired, all were enchanted.

I enjoyed the enviable pleasure of having a private conversation with John Conlee before his performance Saturday afternoon.

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May 1 to May 7, 2014

This absolutely understated gentleman charted 32 singles between the years 1978 and 2004 with songs like, “Backside of Thirty, “Common Man”, “I’m Only in it for the Love” and “As Long as I’m Rocking with You” to name just a few. I asked him for his perspective regarding the changes in the country music industry. “One of the things I miss in country music, and well, in all music, is we seem to be finding less distinctive sounds and songs,” he quickly answered with disappointment in his voice. “I don’t know who the new George Jones and Merle Haggards are today. I haven’t heard them.

But it always cycles back. I don’t know when, but I believe it will. Music was so radio oriented before. Now, TV has more to do with it. Shows like “The Voice” or “American Idol” are doing what the radio stations used to do to a degree. As for myself, 36 years down the road, I’m doing 60 shows a year and still playing rooms like the Grand Old Opry. I’m as busy as I want to be and still enjoying it.” When I asked if there are any songs he gets tired of singing he said, “I was always very careful choosing songs. I never went into the studio with a song I didn’t like a lot. I don’t get tired of any of them.”

Suffering from allergies aggravated by the wind and dust, Conlee crooned with just as much power and control and possibly even more warmth and depth as ever. He showered his audience with musical love as he always has, with his uplifting, clever music and his sunny, easy going disposition.

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The man, on every level, still commands the stage.

Shelby Lynne, now resident to the Coachella Valley, took over the stage with absolute dominance. Way more than just a pretty face, with a voice way too large for her petite frame, Lynne showed off her other super power - her musicianship. With her deceptively young appearance, it is in this forum only, that this woman can be identified as a seasoned veteran. Defying genre barriers, the music she creates suits her own heart and obviously her soul as that’s where it all clearly comes from. With a crew of mutually talented friends joining her on stage, the performance left fans new and old hungry for more. Only the presence of Lynyrd Skynyrd could fill the void left by Lynne’s departure from that stage. And fill it they did. Drawing a huge crowd, the classic rock band (revised) made it impossible for anyone not present prior to the performance start time to get anywhere close to the stage (myself included).

Shovels and Rope, who played at last year’s Coachella Music and Arts Festival, very likely walked away with the “Biggest Buzz Band” award, as their performance was widely talked about long after they finished their set. This husband and wife duo creates a musical tapestry that draws threads from almost every chapter in the genre handbook, allowing them to play with absolute integrity in both Coachella and Stagecoach festival environments.

Observers could not help but compare this two piece collaboration to the well-known, retired, rock band, White Stripes. But the charisma and fullness of sound was a crescendo above in my opinion.

The performance that, in my mind, was the most important and inspiring of ALL of Stagecoach 2014 was that of John Prine.

With only a bass player and a lead guitar player accompanying him, this Pied Piper of musicians and music lovers everywhere, showed just why he is considered to be one of the most influential songwriters of his generation. In the early 70’s, after the release of Prine’s self-titled album, Bob Dylan, himself, appeared at one of Prine’s first New York City club performances and anonymously backed him on harmonica. His sometimes humorous and always honest songs paint perfectly the human condition called life as seen through the eyes of a consummate and articulate observer. Prine underwent extreme surgery for squamous cell cancer on the right side of his neck, altering his voice. In my opinion, the extra gravel in his voice has enhanced his music wonderfully. It certainly has not taken a thing off the illuminating smile that shows up when he is cracking a joke or having a good time. With absolute mastery, Prine wove musical tales that made you cry, laugh and smile. With his popular song, “Marie”, the three piece dynamically rose and fell with waves of instrumental prowess that left the audience awestruck and cheering thunderously. John Prine was the only artist I saw that, through a passionate and compelling standing ovation, was compelled to do an encore. Those who had thought an encore would not happen and had begun to make their way to the Mane stage came sprinting back at the sound of those delighted, cheering audience members that refused to leave without more from this fascinating songsmith.

When Kris Kristofferson first discovered Prine, a Vietnam Vet turned Postman, at an open mic he claimed that Prine wrote songs “so good, we’ll have to break his thumbs.”

We were all eternally grateful they didn’t.

A name unfamiliar in commercial music circles, but making a huge impact never the less is Jason Isbell. Within this artist, lies the musicianship and song crafting skills that

give hope to the idea that the ground laid by artists like John Prine will not be lost on our current generation. I began following Isbell’s music in the mid 90’s when he played with an Alabama based, grunge country band called the Drive By Truckers. Isbell’s songs contributed a less raw but equally honest, bit of honey to edgy albums that otherwise might have been overwhelmingly dark, bitter. Launching his solo career, Isbell achieved some acclaim with songs like “Alabama Pines” and “Codeine” but not the likes of what is being seen through his latest album, Southeastern. The album follows and documents to a degree his marriage to fellow artist, Amanda Shires and a recovery from addiction. It is perhaps these major life events that have this artist producing music that has entered a whole new level of depth and honesty. As fellow Nashville singer/ songwriter, Elizabeth Elkins of Granville Automatic and Mama’s Blue Dress says, “He has set a new standard of songwriting that makes me cuss at the stereo when I’m listening.”

Perhaps the only miserable performance and performer at the Palomino Stage was former Monkee, Michael Nesmith. The sun powered its way onto the stage and into the face of Nesmith as it was setting on the last day of Stagecoach 2014. Only a small crowd had gathered to listen as other priorities such as Asleep at the Wheel, Lee Brice and the Beer Garden pulled others away. I went and I listened. Other than the notoriety as a member of the Monkee’s, I couldn’t really see the draw nor see the relevance of his music within the Stagecoach Festival dynamics. He had a really great band that he fronted with hand gestures that appeared as though he were frantically signing the instrumental music for the deaf. He read/ sang lyrics from his iPad attached to his mic stand. As I listened, I thought about the BBQ that I was smelling, made a note to get some kettle corn, and considered visiting my friend and DJ, Craig Michaels, entertaining unskilled, yet hilariously charismatic singers at karaoke in the JP Wiser tent. Completely uninspired by the performance in front of me, I remembered that my feet hurt and left. I was later informed that my feelings of dissatisfaction were apparently shared

by Nesmith as he finished his last song and said, “I’m outta here!”

Every year, loving Americana, roots, country music the way I have for decades, I struggle with the high cost of this music festival. I know that it will not always be guaranteed that I will be the fortunate one to cover the festival with my complimentary media pass. But every year, I am so grateful that I was able to enjoy the people watching, the fun times with friends, old and new, and most especially, the experience of the music brought to these smaller stages is like none other. Up close and personal, it never fails to leave me inspired as a human being who occasionally hears a bit of their own story in a song or two, or as a musician who aspires to glean from these incredibly talented artists. Ultimately, it is well worth the price of admission.

stagecoach

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May 1 to May 7, 2014

Photos and article by Bryan Mckinney

THOROUGHBREDS ON THE MANE STAGE

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had the rare opportunity to see the Stagecoach Festival from a vantage point that most people will never get a chance to experience. My photographer pass allowed me to walk right up to the front of the main stage for the first three songs by each artist.

The very first act I had the pleasure of seeing was Lindsay Ell, a beautiful blonde artist who looked right at home in Southern California. She proceeded to rock the stage with some strong vocals and some amazing guitar playing skills. I was particularly impressed and delighted when she broke into some famous guitar riffs by the likes of Jimmy Hendrix and Aerosmith, and nailed them.

Next up was Kelleigh Bannen, a new artist who played her own songs and did a great job of covering the song Radioactive

by Imagine Dragons. Kelleigh, having lost her brother to addiction has been prominent in Nashville supporting recovery.

Eric Paslay, a red bearded giant in a baseball cap, had a down home country sound and his song “Friday Night” reminded me of my high school days cruising the strip with my friends looking for girls and trouble, sometimes in that order, and sometimes not.

Hitting the stage with an infectious grin and an energy level that got the growing crowd pumped up and cheering, Thomas Rhett was truly entertaining to watch, while Easton Corbin painted a vocal picture of pickup trucks and fishing holes and hound dogs by the courthouse steps.

Brantley Gilbert roared onto the stage in his camo tank top, looking like he carries tree trunks around for a living and laid down a hard rocking country beat down on the audience, who loved it. The last act of day one was by country bad boy Eric Church, who gave the crowd everything it expected

and then some. You can read about Eric and his latest album in Lisa Morgan’s story in the last issue of CV Weekly.

I had a unique perspective of the days events while constantly rushing from venue to venue, and the things that stick out most in my mind are the daisy chains of young girls in groups of 4 or 5 holding hands while walking, running or sometimes stumbling through the crowd, and the seemingly endless variety of American flag themed items of clothing, from scandalously short shorts to a full out Captain American costume complete with red white and blue tights.

Day two kicked off with Orange County product Sara Haze, a pretty little blonde with a vocal style reminiscent of Taylor Swift. Her songs told stories in a smooth easy to listen to manner.

Dan & Shay looked like half of a countrified boy band, and had the female half of the audience immediately cheering.

The rest of the audience soon followed suit when they heard the wonderful harmonizing that ensued.

One of my favorite performances, not only of day two, but of the entire festival came next onto the main stage. Holly Williams, as Hank Williams Junior’s daughter, is country royalty, but she couldn’t be more down to earth. She came on the stage with

her husband and simply sang beautifully and honestly. She has a clear understated power to her voice that just draws you in and a half hour later leaves you cheering at the journey you just experienced.

Last year’s winner of “The Voice” at the tender age of sixteen, Danielle Bradbery got her shot at the big stage. Now seventeen, her voice and stage presence are that of a much more mature artist. With coach and mentor Blake Shelton behind her, and her phenomenal talent, I predict good things in her future.

One of the singing partners of Blake’s wife Miranda Lambert came out next. Ashley Monroe looked quite fashionable in her white sundress and oversized sunglasses, and her vocals did not disappoint.

Tyler Farr has a unique sound and the crowd gave a cheer for his hit “Whiskey in my Water”. It was sometime during or immediately after his performance that my cell phone decided that our five year relationship just wasn’t working anymore and that we needed to go our separate ways. I was pretty sad about this, but like any man, I am now in the process of getting a newer model, but I digress. But I was soon comforted by the beautiful Jennifer Nettles.

She is starting her solo career after being the lead singer for the group Sugarland and showed the crowd that she is perfectly capable of bringing down the house all on her own.

Hunter Hayes hit the stage running and never slowed down, showing the energy

and power of the twenty two year old that he is. The main stage was packed and the cheering was non-stop for this phenom. The photographers were hard pressed to keep up with his frenetic pace.

Closing out the day in true country superstar fashion was one of the crowd favorites, Jason Aldean. The crowd sang along as visions of four wheel drive trucks and pretty country girls played on the big screen behind him.

As day three started up, I was trying to convince my aching feet that we could make it through one more day. Charlie Worsham did a great job of taking my mind off my aches and putting it back where it belonged; on some great country music. It was his first Stagecoach and it was wonderful to see how excited he was to be playing the main stage. He was definitely deserving of the honor, including a great country banjo version of Ozzy’s “Crazy Train”. He was followed by Chris Cagle, who may look like Larry the Cable Guy, but sings like a country powerhouse, and plays some hard driving guitar.

Lee Brice and his band had me tapping my foot from the start. I especially liked his top hat wearing guitar player and the energy of the performance. The band was having as much fun as the audience.

I barely made it in time for the performance by Florida Georgia Line, but boy am I glad I did. These boys know how to put on a crowd-pleasing show. I figured things were going to be high energy when I saw the bottle of Fireball Whisky sitting by the drums before the band came out. They didn’t make it out into the crowd like last year’s show, but they did jump up on the speakers at the front of the stage and were close enough for me to touch.

It was finally time for Luke Bryan and the grand finale to the festival. The photographers were kept outside the pit for the first song due to the pyrotechnics and the desire to avoid being barbequed. Luke had the whole crowd singing and dancing and the ladies got the booty shake that they had been waiting all festival for. All in all it was a great finish to three days of country heaven.

I may not have connected equally to all of the performances, but one thing I did appreciate was the desire and effort of each and every performer to put on a great show for the audience. These artists are consummate professionals and I feel privileged to have been able to cover their performances.

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May 1 to May 7, 2014

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by Julie Buehler

Donald’s Less-Than-Sterling Reputation A Black Eye For David’s Less-Than-Stern Leadership

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he truth shall set you free.

In Donald Sterling’s case, the truth of his dark personality and racist views has set off a chain reaction that might free him from NBA team ownership.

The fact that the Clippers’ owner had a 20-something girlfriend and his estranged wife was suing her should have been enough for the NBA to look sideways at the Sterling.

The fact Sterling was sued by former general manger, Elgin Baylor, for discrimination should have been enough for the NBA to wonder.

The fact he was repeatedly sued by the federal government for housing discrimination should have caused the NBA to take pause and consider the man who once held the tightest purse strings in NBA history.

But David Stern never did a thing and shame on him.

Stern retired as the NBA’s commissioner and left his protégé, Adam Silver, to clean up the mess he ignored for decades.

The story began on April 9th when the Clippers owner confronted his ‘girlfriend’ about “the culture” he lives in and “the culture” he needed her to live within.

Apparently that culture does not embrace “black people” as he admonished her to stop “broadcasting” that she associates with the likes of Magic Johnson and Matt Kemp.

Sterling’s ‘girlfriend,’ V. Stiviano, clearly had an idea about what kind of conversation she was going to have with Sterling when she decided to record her 80-year-old billionaire ‘boyfriend’ in a non-sensical, illogical and inexcusable confrontation regarding her Instagram photos.

On full display was the NBA’s longesttenured owner’s thought process that is so wildly bizarre and incongruent with the league’s values it’s hard to imagine how the man can address the public in a credible manner ever again.

Then again, the idea he was ever a credible owner in the first place is somewhat laughable.

First, there were the decades of futility on the court for the Clippers. They were so awful, players who were offered their childhood dream of being drafted into the NBA cringed when the Clippers called their name.

Curses were named after the Clippers, players were forever altered after wearing the jersey. But the NBA’s version of purgatory changed when the team drafted Blake Griffin from the University of Oklahoma 3 years ago.

And they went from laughing stock to one of the NBA’s most entertaining and marketable teams.

Still, Sterling’s background is so checkered with racial incidents the NBA should have been watching closer and may have avoided a situation like this had they recognized the big picture of abusive behavior.

It’s amazing to me the NBA can fine players

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for not wearing the right attire, fine Dallas Mavericks’ owner Mark Cuban an estimated $2 million for speaking his mind about poor officiating and David Stern can watch his longest-tenured owner get sued multiple times for highly questionable activity and not bat an eye.

Shame on him.

Donald Sterling is not a decent human being and that’s been clear well before his mistress recorded a lover’s-spat and sold it, for her own profit, I’m sure, to TMZ and Deadspin.

Serves him right.

David Stern had an opportunity to send a message and actually be a quality leader by attending to significant matters. Instead, he batted around with meaningless quibbles and missed handling an owner who needed someone of authority to be authoritative.

Shame on him.

Sterling will likely be able to keep the Clippers as the NBA can’t take the man’s business from him for words he spoke privately, even if they did leak into the public.

Despite Adam Silver alluding to the NBA’s “broad powers” of enforcement, Sterling’s lawyers would easily make more from that situation than his girlfriend did selling the tape.

But I do expect Sterling to be suspended for perhaps the year, and certainly sponsors are pulling out their financial support, Virgin America, CarMax, RedBull and Kia have all either ended or suspended their deals with the Clippers at press time.

The public outcry is somewhat appropriate to be directly sharply at Donald Sterling as his prejudices are terribly ridiculous and disturbing. But David Stern should also be included in the criticism as it was under his tutelage that Sterling was empowered and enabled for decades.

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.

California Woman 411 with your host Dee Jae Cox

‘Talking to women who lead and inspire’ Saturday’s from 10 – 11 a.m.

KPTR 1450 AM Palm Springs, CA California

CA-WMN-411 www.CaliforniaWoman411.com

Produced by The Los Angeles Women's Theatre Project:

www.lawtp.org www.californiawoman411.com

sports

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May 1 to May 7, 2014

by Flint Wheeler

Founder of Silex Strategies L.L.C. providing sales and consulting in Insurance, Retirement, Real Estate and Taxes through New York Life and NY Life Securities.

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

Bit of an NBA Breakdown..

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he NBA Playoffs is a totally different ball game. After a long 82-game season, fans think they know the teams enough and turn into experts who make predictions as to who they think would win a series or win it all. I’m no different.

It’s been a game that I keep on playing with myself over the years. This year, I’ve found that I made my picks too hastily and read too little (or too much, as in the case of the Bulls) about the teams and their matchups during the regular season.

Midway through the first round of the Playoffs, here are some of the surprises that have made me question my basketball knowledge: Oh yeah, Atlanta has professional basketball players too! - I listed the Hawks as easy prey against the Pacers. Most people did. So everyone was surprised when the Hawks pulled off an impressive win in their first game. Even Jeff Teague couldn’t understand what was going on and could only shrug at the ridiculousness of them dominating Game one. The Hawks are making the Pacers work for every win in this series.

Uh Oh, Mavs have nothing to lose - The Mavs clinched the 8th seed by a hair-thin margin, and it seemed to me that they were happy just getting back to the Playoffs.

Add the fact that the Spurs look ready to beat just about anyone in the league.

Then the Mavs beat the Spurs. Then Vince Carter drained a game-clinching three. And suddenly, the Mavs look like they actually have a chance to upset the Spurs. They’re now 2-1 up against the mighty Spurs team, with Game 4 to be played in Dallas.

The Wizards’ Illusion - The fourth-seeded Bulls are down three games to one against the Wizards, dropping the fourth game despite Nene not playing. The only game the Bulls won needed Mike Dunleavy Jr. (!) going crazy from three. Nobody gave the Wizards a chance, except for hipsters and true fans. The Bulls were favored mainly because of two people the Wizards can’t possibly match - Coach Thibs and Joakim Noah. The media hyped them up as defensive juggernauts so much that they looked unbeatable especially against the offense-reliant Wizards.

Spicy Curry and the Racist Owner Andrew Bogut is out of commission, which led me to believe that the Warriors aren’t going to beat the Clippers. After losing Game 1, the Clips absolutely destroyed the Warriors in Game 2. However, in light of a racist controversy that owner Donald Sterling is facing, the Clips looked lost in Game 4. With the series heading back to LA and the players thinking of a bigger statement than upside-down shirts, are

their minds still in this series? What looked like the year that the Clippers get over the hump is fast turning into a fairy tale where the baby-faced Curry plays the lead against the evil owner.

Oh Canada!! - Toronto is probably the most excited city who’s in the Playoffs right now. After years of having a guaranteed seat at the lottery, they finally have a team that’s worth cheering for. The Raps tied the series up against Brooklyn in Game Four, and it looks like they could go further. The Deron Williams-Shaun Livingston backcourt looks awesome because both distribute the ball well and both of them are able scorers.

I had Brooklyn winning this as a seed upset, but apart from being in the awful East, the Raptors may actually have a valid claim on why they’re the third seed.

Iverson, Dominique, Mcgrady and, oh yeah, Harden - This is probably the most unpredictable series to read. Aldrige dropped 47 and 43 in the first two games of the series, but slowed down a bit in the next couple of games. Most had the Rockets winning this series, but it seems nobody saw Damian Lillard being Playoffs-ready. James Harden is channeling his 2011 Finals Form.

Kevin McHale’s last day is nearing soon.

Humans were not made to be 7 footers - Big Al is having a great year with the Cats, but in the first half of their game against the Heat, he injured his foot, and looked like it’ll bother him the rest of the series. Seems he just can’t catch a break in his career.

Charlotte had one of the best defensive ratings in the league during the regular season, but it looks like it doesn’t mean anything against the Heat. Bring out the brooms.

Grit and Grind Never Gets Old - Defense wins in the playoffs. OKC has the best player in the series on their side, and he might be on his way to finally winning a season MVP award. However, the Grizzlies are playing the only way they know how. It’s not flashy, but it’s pretty effective. With the Grizzlies’ tough D and Westbrook giving me migraines every time I watch, I can see the Grizzle fo’ shizzle pulling off the (so-called) upset.

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May 1 to May 7, 2014

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Goldenvoice Partners Paul Tollett, Skip Paige & Bill Fold to be Honored as “Businesspersons of the Year” at Palm Springs Chamber Installation and Awards Luncheon April 28, 2014

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alm Springs is undergoing a historic renaissance as the hippest, most happening resort destination in Southern California and beyond – and much of the city’s success would not be possible without the tremendous contributions of some key community visionaries who will be honored on Thursday, June 5 at the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce’s annual Installation and Awards Luncheon.

The 11:30 a.m. soiree, hosted by Mayor Steve Pougnet, will be held at the Renaissance Hotel Palm Springs, 888 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way. This year’s outstanding honorees include: Paul Tollett, Skip Paige and Bill Fold, partners in Goldenvoice, Businesspersons of the Year. Partnering with the Desert Sun, community leader Harold Matzner, the City of Palm Springs, P.S. Resorts, and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Tollett, Paige and Fold produced the hugely successful Tachevah Block Party in downtown Palm Springs, bringing more than 10,000 music fans to the city mid-week between the two Coachella Fest weekends. The trio, recognizing the current renaissance underway in the city, continue to invest in the Palm Springs brand and have additionally forged important partnerships

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with the Hard Rock Palm Springs, Palm Springs Modernism Week, SplashHouse, a Palm Springs Pool Party – and more projects are in the works.

The Desert Sun Newspaper – Large Business of the Year. One of the largest employers in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, over the past year the Desert Sun has increasingly focused its coverage on the resurgence of the Palm Springs destination and the renaissance currently underway in the city. In addition, the Desert Sun and executive editor Greg Burton formed a partnership with Goldenvoice, P.S. Resorts, Harold Matzner, the City and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians to produce the Tachevah Block Party, a huge economic tourism stimulator which continues to get bigger every year.

Tony Marchese & Mark Van Laanen, owners of Trio Restaurant and the Purple Room – Medium Business of the Year. Marchese and Van Laanen’s hugely successful restaurants, Trio, located in the city’s thriving Uptown Design District and the newly opened supper club, Purple Room in South Palm Springs, have both played a key role in the resurgence of the Palm Springs destination. Over the past few years, Trio, “Where Palm Springs Eats,” has

by amy blaisdell

events

Photo by Lani Garfield

become one of the most successful dining destinations in Uptown while the Purple Room has fast become the new hot spot to hear live music and entertainment in Palm Springs.

Esser Air Conditioning – Small Business of the Year. One of the most successful air conditioning and heating companies in the Coachella Valley, owner Tim Esser is well known in Palm Springs for his excellent customer service and for founding the world famous Tour De Palm Springs Bike Race, a huge economic stimulator which has given back hundreds of thousands of dollars to charity.

Inaugural Community Vision AwardHarold Matzner, P.S. Resorts, the City of Palm Springs and the Agua Caliente Bandvv of Cahuilla Indians. This newly established award celebrates a partnership which over the past few years has developed and/or sponsored several key economic tourism stimulators in the City of Palm Springs which have led to the current renaissance, including the Mayor’s Race and Wellness Festival, Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade, the City’s spectacular 75th anniversary celebration and free screenings of the Steven Soderbergh film “Behind the

Candelabra,” Tachevah, a Palm Springs Block Party, the arrival of the wildly successful “Forever Marilyn” sculpture in downtown Palm Springs -- and more to come!

In addition to the awards, Ulrich McNulty, president of the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce will be turning over the gavel to James Canfield, executive director of the Palm Springs Convention Center. Board of Directors to be installed this year include: • Carolyn Caldwell, CEO of Desert Regional Medical Center • Brady Sandahl, HOM Sotheby’s International Realty • Lance Levitt, Enterprise Rental Car “The City of Palm Springs is experiencing a tremendous renaissance and it is important we celebrate the business and community leaders who have helped us once again become the hippest, most happening resort destination in Southern California and beyond,” said Mayor Steve Pougnet. “It’s amazing what a business community can accomplish when we work together and I am incredibly proud of our city, truly like no place else.”

Luncheon tickets are $60 per person and may be purchased by visiting www. pschamber.org

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COPA FOR CASA

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May 1 to May 7, 2014

comedy

June 19th, doors open at 6pm, show time 8pm.

n Thursday June 19th at 8pm, The Palm Springs Copa, in association with Some Fabulous Leo’s, will present some very funny comedians while raising money for CASA for Riverside County, Inc.. CASA is a non-profit organization which advocates for the rights of abused and neglected children placed in Riverside County’s foster care system. For more information visit their website at : www. casariversidecounty.org “Comedy for a Cause” will feature professional comedians bringing laughter to raise money for this worthwhile cause. There will also be door prizes, raffles, and a silent auction. Come out to support this worthy cause, and laugh out loud at the new hot spot of Palm Springs - The Copa.

Lahna Turner has played top comedy clubs and theaters all around the world, along with numerous tours for the USO. In addition to touring, Lahna has appeared on NBC, Comedy Central, and VH1, and has been featured as a commentator on CMT Insider. She pitched and appeared in pilots for Showtime and VH1, can be seen in the film Teacher of the Year as well as an episode of the The Dog Whisperer. Her YouTube channel has received hundreds of thousands of hits and her two comedy albums have received airplay at top radio stations across the country. Her music has also been on National Lampoon’s Top 40 Comedy Countdown and is currently in rotation on Sirius Satellite Radio. If you’ve yet to catch Lahna’s act, she delivers a unique blend of stand-up and original comedy songs, making for a truly unforgettable performance.

What the critics are saying about Lahna: “No

small laughs… Some of the best musical comedy I’ve ever heard” - ComedyCritic.com; All Access Magazine proclaims, “Lahna is truly hilarious.”

Richard Weiss is a popular comedian, producer, comic strip author, and Palm Springs resident who shares openly in his comedic performances about his pilgrimage from insanity, shame, and pain to spirituality, love, and laughter. Richard’s credits include Caroline’s, The Standup to Addiction Tour (headliner), Cal State University of Northridge, National Lampoon, producer and host of the TV show Present Nostalgia, TLC, and CBS with Wayne Brady.

Gayla Johnson can be seen currently on REELZ TV Hollywood Hillbillies and Beverly Hills Pawn, episode “Gone with the Wind”, Showtime’s Fierce Funny Women, B.E.T.’s Comic View, TBS, and Comics Unleashed. She also appears in TV spots including Comedy Central’s Workaholics, ABC’s “Don’t Trust B--- in Apartment 23 and Brothers and Sisters; upcoming spots include the Arsenio Hall Show.

Antonio Lopez III, co-producer, host, puppeteer, and organizing member of Some Fabulous Leo’s.

Tickets on sale now at $10 general admission and $20 VIP seats. (760) 866-0021 The Copa 244 E. Amado Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262

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May 1 to May 7, 2014

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ROBIN LINN’S DESERT RHYTHMs

May 1 to May 7, 2014

by Robin Linn

THE MAN BEHIND UNIT A RECORDING & ARTS AND THE INTRINSIC DESERT ROCK BAND, WAXY..

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OBBIE WALDMAN is a native desert son, deeply entrenched in the art of desert rock, a genre that stretches far beyond geographical borders. He is founding member of the acid rock desert band Waxy and owner of Unit A Recording & Arts studio in Palm Springs. There he is currently working on his follow up record to his desert rock classic, Without Any Explanation Why, which features a revolving cast of cutting edge rock stars....a “must have” for any fan of desert (stoner) rock.

Guest artists such as rock icons, John Garcia and Alfredo Hernandez (Kyuss) make this record one for the desert rock and roll hall of fame. Some of the most important music artists of our era of rock lent their creative genius to this iconic collection of classic psychedelic rock. Mario Lalli (Fatso Jetson), the Godfather of desert rock lays down a ripping, guttural bass line that fuels the fire of the track “Eleven”, which also features Eagles of Death Metal frontman, Jesse

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Hughes on Flute. Ed Mundel (from the seminal stoner rock band Monster Magnet, and his acid rock project Ultra Electric-Mega Galactic) brings his masterful guitar prowess to “White Walls” which also features the interstellar guitar work of Yawning Man guitarist, Gary Arce. Parosella bassist, Brandon Henderson, adds space noise to “I Could Always”. This gem was recorded at Robbie’s Unit A, and then mastered by stoner rock producer/engineer, Harper Hug at the prestigious Thunder Underground Recording Studio.

Waxy has had alternating members over the years that have brought the material into the live setting with fervent intensity.

Bassist Damian Lautiero and drummer Landerra (Sean Carillo), keyboardist Jack Kohler, guitarist Ehren Groban, drummer Peter Leighton, and multi-instrumentalist, Mike Johnson, all have been key members of the group. Waxy has now enlisted Nigel Dettlebach (Slipping Into Darkness) for this leg of the journey. Within the framework of Waxy, Robbie has crafted a sound that is organic and pure. The psychedelic, hard rock compositions are raw, stark and forcible by nature. The rhythm section prepares a canvas for Robbie’s haunting vocals and poignant lyrics with dense, thick, rhythmic structures infused with dirty, superfluous guitar tones and pulsing grooves sending the listener into stoner rock delirium.

ROBBIE WALDMAN ON MAKING MUSIC IN THE DESERT.......

“Being raised in the desert was a nice experience. I have a wonderful family and the Desert is a fairly safe place although trouble can find you anywhere. I graduated from Cathedral City High School and immediately went to USC on a tennis scholarship. To be honest, I never thought I’d move back home after school because I really fell in love with LA, even with all its craziness and traffic. I was a music major at USC and nearing the end of school I had a

bit of an identity crisis. I had gone to school every day of my life and played tennis every day of my life, and both were ending at the same time. I wasn’t good enough to make a living as a pro athlete and didn’t have plans to continue with my studies.

What’s a guy to do? So I traded my tennis strings for guitar strings and dove into the whirlwind of the music industry. I interned at the now defunct Red Ant Records, A&M and Electra Records. Although I made some very good friends at those places who I’m still in touch with today, the business side of things didn’t really appeal to me. Slow Burn was on Red Ant during my time there and that really sparked something in me and reunited my long-time friendship with the great John Garcia. This was also the beginning of Queens of the Stone Age’s rise and that really brought me back to my roots.

So, I decided to come home and open a recording studio......to be on the front lines of creativity! I also rediscovered my home town as an adult which was interesting.

Ironically, the Desert is a real destination location for so many bands and artists alike. It’s close enough to major cities, has far fewer distractions, and offers a lot of fun things to do....especially if you’re just visiting. The Desert is an extremely spiritual place and if you’re sensitive enough, you can feel its pulse. That is what draws me here and what has kept me here.

I couldn’t be more proud to be from the Desert. The music that has come out from this part of the world has been and remains exceptional. The Desert seems to bring out soul and sincerity in our approach to songs and songwriting. Bands like Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age, Unsound, Fatso Jetson, Across The River, Sean Wheeler, Green Eggs and Hammonds, Groovalopacus, The Whizards, Polyfemus, Sort of Cortet, and so many others have been huge influences on me. They all remain close to my heart as well as the hearts of people across the world. It’s actually really magical! All that sand is like musical fairy dust, spreading the love and joy of jamming and getting to know someone through their instrument. It’s a little hokey but then again, so am I!” I have been taking in live Waxy sets since 2003 at various venues around the desert. With each passing year they have evolved and developed their sound to the

point I NEVER miss a show if I can help it.

Robbie’s creative vision for Waxy is realized with crystal clarity. They are part of a larger international music family who all create beautiful original art in one form or another, and who come together and support each other time and time again. Visit their website to hear for yourself!

UPCOMING WAXY SHOWS: Saturday, May the 10th /Global Music Project SANDSTORM at the CIA in North Hollywood...House Of Broken Promises, Waxy, Nasty Habits, and Atala. 4 Amazing bands working together for a great cause. www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/ globalsandstorm/info Thursday, May 15th at Mario Lalli’s Thursday night music extravaganzas in LA at Cafe Nela. www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/ events/648446101900613/ Waxy’s official website: waxy-music.com Read the digital edition on my music blog, Robin Linn’s Desert Rhythms at: rminjtree@blogspot.com

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May 1 to May 7, 2014

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by Eleni P. Austin

BAND OF SKULLS

“Himalayan” (Kobalt Records)

Consider This

G

od bless the Power Trio. A genre devised in the late ‘60s, when new amplifier technology made it possible for guitar and bass and drums to achieve a massive sound without rhythm guitar and keyboards.

Cream and Jimi Hendrix Experience were the progenitors. In America, Blue Cheer and Grand Funk achieved the same heavy-osity with less finesse. Bands like Rush, ZZ Top and Motorhead continued the tradition in the ‘70s, followed by the Police, Concrete Blonde, Nirvana and Green Day. Band Of Skulls carries the Power Trio torch into the 21st century. Drummer Matthew Hayward, guitarist/vocalist Russell Marsden and bassist/vocalist Emma Richardson started their three-piece in art school, although Hayward and Marsden had been friends since their school days in Southampton, England.

Formed in 2008, the band, (briefly known as Fleeing New York), began gigging around London. They recorded a series of demos that were eventually released as their 2009 debut, baby darling doll face honey.

The album was a potent combination of brawn and beauty. Tracks like “Light Of The Morning and “I Know What I Am,” kicked out the proverbial jams. The introspective and acoustic “Honest,” sounded like an outtake

art

gonna hear the coin drop, that’s when it’s gonna begin.”

“Hoochie Coochie” is insanely catchy.

Locking into a glam-tastic groove, the trio, summon their inner T. Rex. The track is the aural equivalent of a Blow-Pop, crunchy guitar riffs yield to a sugary-soft center.

On most tracks,Marsden and Richardson’s tandem vocals offer a nice study in contrasts. But when the action slows, as it does on “Cold Sweat” and “Toreador,” Emma Richardson is center stage.

The former is a prickly torch song. Guitars are drenched in reverb, Richardson’s vocals feel suitably haunted as she unspools a tale of unrequited love. Bee-stung riffs bring the song to a nettlesome conclusion.

The lyrics set the pace on the latter, “slow like a glacier, cunning and cool.”

Over fluttery guitar and a kinetic kick-drum Richardson limns the heartache that comes from loving a narcissist.

This album is jam-packed with excellent songcraft, but the best tracks are “Nightmares,” “Brothers And Sisters”and “I Feel Like Ten Men, Nine Dead And One Dying.”

Powered by circuitous guitar riffs and pounding drums, the hook-filled melody of “Nightmares” belies the angsty paranoia of the lyrics. Marsden’s soaring solo is the musical equivalent of an anti-depressant.

Anchored by a leap-frog rhythm that ratchets up the tension, “Brothers…” also owes a cosmic debt to T.Rex and the Glitter/

Glam style pioneered in Great Britain in the early ‘70s. The lyrics re-examines the caveat of keeping friends close and enemies closer, concluding “However much we try, we’re all brothers and sisters in the end.”

“I Feel Like Ten Men…” is equal parts Sergio Leone and Dick Dale, (with a hint of Link Wray and Concrete Blonde’s “God Is A Bullet,” thrown in for good measure). The Spaghetti Western melody is buttressed by a pounding backbeat and sparkling Surf guitar licks. The lyrics offer this withering put-down, “Be the life of the party, cause everyone’s dying to meet you/They say your body is a palace, but your mind is a ghetto.”

The song concludes with a pyrotechnic guitar solo.

Other highlights include “I Guess I Know You Fairly Well,” and “You Are All That I am Not.” Both hew to the “quiet/loud” dynamic that Nirvana perfected. “Heaven’s Key” is gloomy and sepulchral.

The album closes with the pastoral grace of “Get Yourself Together.” The melody is whispery but expansive. The lyrics offer this sobering admonition…“You’re alive but you’re older.”

Production chores for Himalayan were handled by Nick Launay. Best known for his work with Kate Bush, Nick Cave and Midnight Oil, he refines Band Of Skulls sound while retaining their edge.

True to its title, this album can be as roughhewn and challenging as a mountain range. But ultimately it reaches the pinnacle of Rock & Roll perfection.

anny Heller is a young “emerging” artist who, at an early age, has already achieved national & worldwide recognition for his iconic paintings. He quickly became fascinated with automobiles & architecture, retro & mid-century modernism found in American culture. “I paint the reality of the American environment: how structures once revered for their groundbreaking ideas in design and social planning have been [both] perpetuated and how they’ve been forgotten...I play with lighting, dramatic angles, and specific colors to form engaging paintings that capture architectural elements....In some ways, I act as a type of documentarian of an endangered architectural culture in America.”

Danny was born in Northridge, CA in 1982. Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, the artist was able to carefully study the golden landscape of Los Angeles

May 1 to May 7, 2014

By rebecca pikus

DANNY HELLER D

from Heart’s epochal Dog & Butterfly album.

Baby darling.. immediately received airplay on L.A.’s tastemaker station, KCRW. “Light Of The Morning” was featured in a car commercial. Another non-album track, “Friends,” made it into one of the lucrative “Twilight” movies. By 2010, the band had a featured slot at Coachella.

Their sophomore effort, appropriately entitled Sweet Sour, arrived in late 2011 and did not disappoint, by tightly wrapping rugged rhythms around sinewy melodies and tart harmonies. It was more of the same, but better.

Now Band Of Skulls have returned with their third album, Himalayan. The album’s first three tracks, “Asleep At The Wheel,” “Himalayan” and “Hoochie Coochie” rev at full-throttle.

“Asleep…”crackles with intensity.

Whipcrack riffs collide with howling vocals and boomerang bass lines. Suddenly the whole enterprise downshifts into sludgey Sabbath-y groove. Cryptic lyrics allude to a treacherous joy ride gone horribly awry.

The title track opens with insistent, jangly guitar notes, the drums kick in and the bass provides a rock solid bottom.

Juxtaposing the instrumental heft are the layered, honeyed harmonies from Marsden and Richardson.

The lyrics offer a series of non-sequiturs on the majestic power of love… “Himalayan, bigger than you or me, I’m just saying it’s unnatural history/Put on your Bonnie and Clyde grin, your crackle and sin/You’re

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RETRO/ MODERNISM PAINTER

which would shape his later body of work.

For formal art instruction, Danny left the Valley for the College of Creative Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

While studying under landscape painter Hank Pitcher, Danny earned a B.A. in art with an emphasis in painting. After formative years spent capturing Santa Barbara’s surf landscapes, Danny’s attention turned toward retro iconography characteristic of mid-century Los Angeles. Having set up his studio now in our Coachella Valley, the artist now concentrates on chronicling Modern American imagery, specifically focusing on the architecture, design, and car culture found in Southern California.

Danny Heller’s paintings have been exhibited in solo and group shows throughout the world, from Paris to Los Angeles, and most recently in Nashville, TN. The variety of collectors who have sought out his work are a testament to the

artist’s success. Some have purchased work featuring familiar locations, while others collect purely for the artwork’s inherent qualities.

Danny recently exhibited in “Incognito 2014” at the Santa Monica Museum of Art; Palm Springs Fine Art Fair 2014; Art Auction 2014, Laguna Art Museum; Red

Dot Art Fair, George Billis Gallery booth, Miami; “Kindred” at Bold Hype Gallery, New York City; “The New Real” at Tinney Contemporary, Nashville, TN; & Foundation Colas, Boulogne-Billancourt, France.

Selected paintings of Danny Heller have appeared in such publications as Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine, Dwell Magazine, The Desert Sun, Juxtapose Magazine, KCET Artbound, McCallum Theatre Program, Atomic Ranch Magazine, Southwest Art, & CA Modern Magazine, His UPCOMING EXHIBITS include: May 5, 2014, 7-9pm, Art Bar (BAR), 340 N. Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, Ca; May 18, 2014 - All Day, Venice Art Walk & Auction 2014, Google Headquarters, Venice, Ca; and Sept.

2-27, 2014 a Solo exhibition at George Billis Gallery, 525 W. 26 St, New York City. Danny Heller’s contact info: www.dannyhellerart. com, Tel: (818) 317-1061; Email: danny@ dannyhellerart.com

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

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May 1 to May 7, 2014

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PET PLACE

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by Janet McAfee

Healthy Human Foods for Benji

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s a general rule, you should not feed your dog people food, inspire of his pleading looks at the dinner table. Several foods are extremely toxic to dogs including onions, chocolate, grapes, raisins, processed foods, garlic, macadamia nuts, avocados, and unbaked bread dough.

Xylitol artificial sweetener, used in sugar free gum and candy, can also be very harmful.

With the apparent surge in canines with cancer, whether due to increased incidence or just more reporting, dog owners are exploring ways to prevent illness through improved diet. There are numerous human foods that are beneficial to Benji’s health, and not surprisingly these foods also have great nutritional value for humans.

Organic is best. If you serve your pup bites of chicken, organic range-free without hormones added is best. Make sure chicken has no bones or skin included. Organic produce is best, otherwise be sure to wash pesticides off with a fruit and vegetable wash. If you have questions about the safety of any specific food you are considering

feeding your pet, consult with your vet or do some online research first. Here are some human foods that will provide variety to your dog’s diet and keep him healthy.

BLUEBERRIES - These healthy berries make great training treats for your canine companion. Their deep blue color is the result of anthocyanin’s which are powerful antioxidants. This fruit is a great source of fiber, manganese, and vitamins C and E. The tannins found in blueberries help prevent urinary tract infections.

BROCCOLI - This can be cut in small florets and served to the pups either fresh or steamed. This healthy vegetable supports the detoxification process in dogs and humans alike. It is rich in potassium, calcium, protein, and vitamin C. My dogs love this special treat.

GOGI BERRIES - These berries are typically available only at health food stores. Gogi extracts may prevent the growth of cancer cells and lower cholesterol levels. They are a healthy alternative to use for treats when training your pup.

KALE - This healthy vegetable can be steamed and chopped and easily added to canned dog food. One to 3 tablespoons per day will keep your pup healthy. I chopped up a couple of teaspoons of steamed kale for one of my cats and she lived to the ripe old age of 24.

CARROTS - Carrots are one of the healthiest vegetables you can feed your dog. They are high in all vitamins, A through K, and low in calories. They make a good

meet bonnie This wonderful 2-yr-old Terrier is ready to meet her new family! Bonnie weighs about 9 lbs. She is good at cuddling, being cute, and loving you. Rescued from a shelter by Loving All Animals in Palm Desert. Adoption donation requested.

Call (760) 834-7000.

Beautiful Bonny

Karma, a sweet 1-yr-old Terrier/ Chihuahua girl, just might be your good luck charm!

She’s dog IDA22073727. This delightful, smart-as-a-whip pup waits for you at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, 4575 E. Mesquite, Palm Springs, call (760) 416-5719.

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Meet Jazz This 11-mo-old fellow will cuddle up and give kisses when he is not amusing you with his antics. Jazz is featured at the Palm Springs Animal shelter this week as they promote beautiful black animals. He’s cat ID#A21131410. Located at 4575 E. Mesquite, Palm Springs, call (760) 416-5719.

crunchy in-between-meal snack.

PUMPKIN - Feeding your dog pumpkin loads him up on good fiber, vitamin A, and anti-oxidants to help alleviate diarrhea and constipation. When my dog had diarrhea, I served her a couple teaspoons of canned pumpkin to alleviate this condition. As always, call your vet when your animal has diarrhea for more than a couple days, or in the case of any other serious medical issue.

SWEET POTATOES - Cooked sweet potatoes make a great tasty addition to your pooch’s food bowl. This good is a wonderful source of vitamins and minerals.

GREEN BEANS - Dogs love these. If you have an obese dog, this low calorie vegetable can be chopped up and substituted for 1/3 of his regular food. Green beans have antiinflamatory properties that help prevent and improve chronic skin conditions.

Certain human foods can be a supplement, but should never replace your dog’s regular food. Always consult with your vet when your dog has a chronic or serious medical problem. Adding a little variety to Benji’s diet will make him a healthier and happier companion.

May 1 to May 7, 2014

by Rick Riozza

Buon Appetito! At Your Service!

W

hen you’ve left your heart in San Francisco and you miss that New York state of mind, there’s no better therapy in Palm Springs than to meet, greet, and eat at the newest, most authentic gastropub in the valley.

We’re talking about Appetito Cal-Italian Deli, Bar and Eatery that’s located just off Hwy 111 adjacent to Koffi and right across the street from the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs. An eclectic designed diner that— depending where you enter in at or are standing—readily scoots you to an east coast feeling or a west coast vibe. It’s spacious, it’s wonderfully lit by the outside sun and there’s a hip sense going on that alerts you that you’re in for some good food. And it’s really good food.

Patrick Service is the one of the managing partners of Appetito, and we like that he calls the place a gastropub. To my thinking, the somewhat recent terminology “gastropub” is simply a pub that’s casual and serves great food & drink. And it seems that a lot of bars and lounges in town try to grab at that name because it is a trendy one and there is a foodie excitement to it. But this eatery hits the mark—and when someone speaks of a gastropub here in the valley, I will take it to mean that they are talking about Appetito!

The place has only been open a few weeks, so if you haven’t made it over yet, don’t beat yourself up. But realize, once you’ve been, it may well be one of your haunts forever. Executive Chef Chad Shaner and the aforementioned Food & Beverage guy, Patrick Service have been given the title the “foodie dream team” not only because of their kindred spirit (longtime friends and past culinary operatives at famed east coast eateries) but because every delicious dish at Appetito complements Patrick’s well thought through selection of California and Italian wines. Yeah—there you go, this is what a gastropub does.

And also, a lot of you will recognize Patrick.

He’s the scion of the Delgado family that own and operate the Las Casuelas Restaurants in

our valley. Patrick’s the General Manager there and he’s pictured in the dictionary under multitasking epicure. And hasn’t he put together one of the best tequila bars, over at his round Palapa lounge at Casuelas Terraza—what’s he got, over 75 tequilas and mescals?!

“Cal-Italian Deli Bar and Eatery” pretty much describes and sizes up of what’s going on at Appetito. Go in, grab a menu, sit or stand where you like, and give it a quick read—it sets everything strait. Or, let me help you here: Quoting from their menu, “a modern approach to the classic Italian eatery with plates made for sharing in a stylish setting.

- The restaurant is casual and relaxed.

Order and pay at the counter and choose a comfortable booth or table indoors, or wander out the patio for a table and take in the Palm Spring views.

- It’s what they call “limited table service” which means your meals and beverages will be delivered to you, but of course, you can continue to order food and drinks from your table. And don’t worry—they clean up.

- Start with a snack or salad, add a housemade pasta, Panini, flatbread or one of their dinner specials for a full meal. Or choose from any selection of items to share at the table.

- Check out the range of the beverage menu from Italian sodas, craft beers, frozen and very wet cocktails, and of course vino, available by the glass or quartino (8.5oz) and did we mention the wines are Californian or Italian.

For starters, we had the Pea & Prosciutto Arancini—those crispy deep-fried risotto balls with the warm creamy Parmesan/ Truffle Aioli inside. Matched up with a refreshing glass of Camelot Pinot Grigio and/ or the crisp and floral Prosecco Superiore, Asolo, Bele Casel, that combo will set the vibe alongside the Grilled Chicken Wings with Gorgozola Dip & Pickled Veggies.

The snacks this town needs to try are the Blistered Shishitos, and Crispy Calamari with Spicy Romesco. And by the way—the Arancini was still rated the best in our valley, even after trying them back at home a couple of hours later.

The place has its own pasta station and their house-made pastas and cheeses

are superb. The Ricotta Gnocchi with Kale Pesto, Walnuts and Lemon is the example of wonderfully inventive fare on classics—yes, it also rates the best in the valley.

As mentioned, the wine list is efficient and focused on the menu: a couple sparklers, two whites, a rosé, and three reds. The rosé is the refreshing and tasty Trenza Rosata from San Luis Obispo, which goes with everything on the menu! The reds are reason enough to simply stop in at the bar and relax.

Patrick does the right thing and has the bold but balanced Foppiano Petite Sirah, Lot 96, pouring. He’s also got a great Hanger Steak to hang with the Petite. Heavens! Life is good.

And we can’t forget Appetito’s take on

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

Tommy DiNic’s Roasted Pork, Broccoli Rabe & Provolone Philly Sandwich. Chef Shaner fixes his version with a Calabrian Chili Aioli— that sandwich simply took off to the stars along with its partnered brew! (CV Brewery crafted a special ale for this sandwich— Cheers! ) And again, we know—most of us have our favorite food joints to pop in on while in SF or in NY. Now we, and the lucky tourists, have one in PS—we love you.

Appetito: 1700 S Camino Real #2, Palm Springs, CA 92264 (760)327-1929. Open daily 11am Lunch and Dinner. www.AppetitoDeli.com Buon Appetito e Saluté

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2/13/14 12:50 PM

May 1 to May 7, 2014

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

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 MAY 1 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; 760-992-0002 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 Locals Night w/ Coffee Blvck 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Frank Di Salvo 6pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke w/ Roberto 8pm 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 LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Country Night w/ Chad Freeman & Redline 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-9991995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 8-1am MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760325-2323 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 The Sumner Brothers 7:30pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760327-1161ext.230 Steve Ditullio’s Rat Pack 7pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm, Cash’d Out 7pm 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; 760-341-3560 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 MAY 2 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 Dublab Weekend Away 10pm 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 Live Music 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 J. Patron presents The Desert Storm Tour 9pm 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 Caxton, Boycott Radio and Burning Bettie 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 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; 760-345-2450 Hot Sauce 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-9991995 Pop Vinyl 9pm MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760325-2323 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; 760-3450222 Geninne Francis 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Palominos 7:30pm 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 212 Band 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm, Caren, Joey & Paul Sidebar Lounge 7pm, Fuzzy & The Blues Men Sidebar Patio 10pm, DJ Sweet Brush Starlite Lounge 10pm ROCKYARD@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; Red Ball Jets and Crimes of Passion ( Tribute to Pat Benatar ) 7:30pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Blasting Echo, Wicked Jed and Deadend Paradox 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; 951-755-5391 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 Pirates & Wenches Party 9pm THE WINE BAR AT OLD TOWN; LQ; 760-5642201 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 MAY 3 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 Dublab Weekend Away 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 Live Music 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 Rockabilly Night w/ The Deadbeat Daddies and Richie & The Blue Jean Devils 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 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; 760-345-2450 Hot Sauce 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-9991995 Pop Vinyl 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760325-2323 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; 760-3450222 Kal David 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Jim Lauderdale 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Pocket Yellow 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 Pool Party w/ DJ Sweet Brush, Martin Ross, Starlite Lounge 6pm, Caren, Joey & Paul, Sidebar Lounge 7pm, Fuzzy & The Blues Men Sidebar Patio 10pm ROCKYARD@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; Rok of Ages and Hollywood U2 ( Tribute to U2 ) 7:30pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Unsound, Throwrag and the Yip Yops 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Barry Baughn

May 1 to May 7, 2014

Blues 8-11pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 9pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 FE5T Cinco De Mayo Party 7pm 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; 760-5642201 Scott Carter 7-10pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Stanley Butler Band 7pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ PJ 9pm

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

SUN MAY 4 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; 760-3456466 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; 760325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm-1:15am

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May 1 to May 7, 2014

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The Pampered Palate

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

May 1 to May 7, 2014

By Raymond Bill

si Bon Belgian Bistro

W

orking in a fine dining restaurant, I often hear clientele speaking of their experiences at other dining venues and how they compare. The best advertising in the Coachella Valley is Word of Mouth. One name that repeatedly catches my attention is a little Belgian restaurant named, Si Bon. This quaint bistro is located in a shopping center but I have learned that in this town, that means nothing. I was excited for the

20

opportunity to enjoy a dinner date with my girlfriend and see what the buzz was all about.

We arrived in the Albertson’s shopping center at prime dining time and the parking lot was packed! The first thing to catch our eye was the restaurant sign in a playful Disney font. The dining area is not large, though it was mentioned that they would be expanding to take over the adjacent unit. We were fortunate to dine on the

patio as the weather was perfect. The chef was visiting a nearby table and worked his way toward ours to greet us. I always enjoy seeing the chef visit with his dining guests. We were greeted by a charming server named, Hernan, and after serving us a cocktail, he shared some specials with us that would make our decisions that much more difficult.

We began with escargot served on a savory Belgian waffle with fresh herbs and butter. It was delicious and generous in portion. We accompanied our appetizer with a salad of Brussels sprouts leaves and roasted maple bacon with hints of Reggiano parmesan cheese and a light but creamy dressing. The appetizers were truly remarkable! We noticed the menu included a list of side dishes with an item we could not resist. After our appetizers, we shared a side of lobster macaroni and cheese. The pasta was actually more of a fusilli, or cork

screw pasta, but the combination of sweet lobster and savory cheddar cheese was heaven!

Though the specials were enticing, we ordered some favorites recommended by our server. The beer braised beef short ribs were tender, full of flavor, and served with a large helping of sautéed vegetables and hand cut Belgian fries. Finally, a restaurant that can master the art of slow braising! We would also enjoy the fresh Sole stuffed with Maine lobster and a creamy eggplant puree, served over mashed potatoes with fresh vegetables. Once again, outstanding! Our portions were larger than expected so we happily enjoyed what we could not finish, the following day.

Si Bon Belgian Bistro has a full bar and a very reasonably priced wine list. There were not many “high end” wines on the list as all were priced under $100. The food was the star of the show and that would become clear when our desserts arrived. Many who know me are aware that I am not easily impressed with dessert, in fact, I would rather pass completely, but when I dine in a restaurant for the first time, I always try one (or two). The Belgian chocolate mousse was sinfully rich and decadent! The crème brulee crepe with fresh berries was simply perfection. The crepe was thin and sweet, filled with creamy custard and fresh berries.

Every bite was better than the last. If you are looking to treat yourself, you must stop in for this dessert!

Overall, I am very impressed with this unassuming little gem at the border of Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert, on the southwest corner of Monterey and Country Club. I look forward to having breakfast and lunch in my future visits. Si Bon is open at 8am for breakfast and lunch begins at 11am. Check them out online at www. sibonranchomirage.com or call them at 760-837-0011

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May 1 to May 7, 2014

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Movie Reviews with Robin E. Simmons

THE TIMELESS POWER OF FEMALE BEAUTY

Screeners No.110 FLYING TIGERS

promiscuous boyfriend/husband a lesson he will not soon forget. This first produced screenplay by Melissa K. Stack never really makes sense and the unfolding sequences just get increasingly stupid. And even with the laxative-powered finale, this is not farce, it’s just inane. Yet, somehow, Kate Upton emerges unscathed and almost single-handedly makes it worth seeing. Her charismatic sweetness and hotness burns the screen. Now playing.

Available for the home theater: THE OTHER WOMAN I so wanted Nick Cassavetes revenge comedy of THE OTHER WOMAN to work.

It’s been a while since we’ve had a workable riff on this modern genre but TOW is more an endurance test than a comedy. That is, until about halfway through when Sports Illustrated model and cover girl Kate Upton lights up the screen with her slo-mo run on the beach.

Kate plays Amber, one of several mistresses of successful attorney Cameron Diaz’s married boyfriend. But wait, for eight blissful weeks, Diaz’s character does not know he’s married. The tired and improbable plot has Diaz teaming up with a shrill Leslie Mann -- her boyfriend’s wife -- and Upton’s Amber to teach the

RENOIR

Achingly beautiful and just about perfect, if films can indeed be flawless, RENOIR is a canvas that seduces the viewer with access to Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s impressionistic world at a time when the great artist’s health is declining -- he’s 74, suffering from extremely painful rheumatoid arthritis -and his middle son Jean (Vincent Rottiers) returns to convalesce from wounds received in World War I. The movie is not traditionally structured, the dialogue is minimal and the pace is slow, but the images, sounds and music are sumptuous and embedded with the dappled light and palette of the French Riviera of 1915.

Director Gilles Bourdos’ lush and atmospheric drama is at its heart about the beauty that pervades in spite of persistent

discomfort. It’s about choosing to see beauty and the work ethic of painfully, compulsively, transcribing the images to hard copy on canvas.

Michel Bouquet, who must be close to 80, plays the elder Renoir with an uncanny grace that suggests the agony of an artist in need of a muse -- who miraculously shows up in the form of the radiantly luminescent and youthful Andrée Heuschling (played by the exquisite Christa Theret). While Renoir is rejuvenated by his unexpectedly perfect, and likely last, model, his son Jean is falling in love with her.

Life abounds in Renoir’s beautiful country home and numerous scenes reflect dramatic moments of intimacy, beauty and conflict as father and son are both held under the spell of the impetuous model.

I’ve seen this truly transcendent film three times and it continues to cast its spell on this patient and discerning viewer who appreciates an opportunity to enter the mind of a great artist even via the artifice of cinema. The screenplay by Jerome Tonnerre, Gilles Bourdos and Michel Spindsa magically allows the sun-filled images to dominate everything. The exquisite cinematography

by Mark Ping Bing Lee is as painterly as if created by Renoir himself and the score

by Alexandre Desplat enhances everything on screen. Nice extra is an extended conversation with Bouquet who speaks of Renoir the artist and man and the challenge of playing him. Strongest recommendation.

Samuel Goldwyn Films. Blu-ray.

Not long before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, a small, daring band of American mercenaries soared into battle against Japan in defense of China’s freedom. The “Flying Tigers” were heroic adventurers and America’s hottest ace pilots. John Wayne plays Captain Jim Gordon, the Tigers leader and top gun.

Gordon faces a battle on the ground and in the air especially after Woody Jason, his fellow pilot and good buddy is suspected of recklessly and selfishly endangering the lives of his fellow pilots. Gordon’s fight to retain -- and regain – respect for Woody while maintaining the solidarity of his pilots becomes an explosive battle of courage and heroism that ignites the sky. The terrific -- and underrated -- director David Miller also helmed the powerful LONELY ARE THE BRAVE. The rousing score is by Victor Young who also composed the music for Wayne’s THE QUIET MAN. The film was released in 1942 and was nominated for three Academy Awards©. Olive Films. Blu-ray.

robinesimmons@aol.com

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Book Review

May 1 to May 7, 2014

By Heidi Simmons

A Mid-Life Meditation E

very day and every week, Los Angeles Times Senior Book Critic David Ulin must contemplate, consider and critique what he reads and then carefully articulate his thoughts for publication. His seniority has allowed him to pick and choose the books that most appeal to him. His interests are wide and eclectic, making his reviews well-informed, unexpected and provocative.

Besides being a book critic, Ulin is a writing professor and an author. He writes non-fiction and fiction. In his novella, Labyrinth (GemmaMedia, 100 pages), Ulin’s protagonist contemplates, considers and critiques his life at middle age. Un-named, the character is in a place where he can look back and forward, but struggles to find peace in the moment.

A father of two teenagers and married two decades, the middle-aged man is alone on an inconsequential business trip in San Francisco. It is the place where he first realized he was an adult, free and independent. It is a city he loves and has shared with his wife and kids. It is a place where he has history.

Labyrinth

By David Ulin fiction As he walks about the colorful landmarks and steep city streets, he recollects events and the people with whom he crossed paths. Some are important and some are not. He wonders how much these places and people shaped his life and his character.

When he meets an old friend for drinks, she has brought an unexpected guest –- his first girlfriend -- the one he experienced all

his important “firsts.” But the exchange is weird, uncomfortable and uninteresting to him. He finds himself further contemplating his past and himself as a person.

The character desperately tries to analyze his actions as a youth with what he knows now. He thinks of his son who is the same age he was when he last saw the girlfriend. He considers his daughter’s teenage sensitivity toward boys and love.

His memory of the experience with the girlfriend sickens him because there is nothing he can do to change the past.

When he walks around town on his last day in the city, he ponders his future. He is indeed in love with his wife and kids, and knows they are a big part of whatever will come next. But with all great journeys, he learns a valuable lesson: To be in the present.

When he gets overwhelmed trying to understand Who he is and Why he is, he’s reminded to be here now. “Be Here Now”

is the title of an actual book by guru Ram Dass. It was a favorite of his about being in the moment. He begins to really understand what it means to “be here now.” Worrying about the past or future only eats up the present and changes nothing. He learns to stop the frustrating, plaguing, examining voices and be at peace with himself in a city he loves or wherever he might be.

The middle-aged man not only walks the labyrinth of the San Francisco streets, but that of his fragile existence and complex mind seeking the quiet center.

Labyrinth is a beautiful meditation on life. It is a coming-of-age story about a man appreciating who he is now and the things that make his life real and meaningful. This thin compact book takes place in a brief three days with barely any external conflict or drama. It is all internal. His inner voice speaks with maturity and honesty. It is an identity crisis rather than a middle-age crisis.

The life of the protagonist is not filled with extra ordinary events that make him shake his fist at God, demanding an understanding. He is a good man, selfaware, who takes responsibility for his actions in the healthiest way he can by accepting life, forgiving himself and being present. Introspection is not always easy.

Labyrinth can be easily read in one sitting. I recommend reading it more than once for the wisdom, inherent questions and the answers it subtly conveys. The book is poetic, a love story and a travelogue -sometimes all at once. How wonderful it is to exist.

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continued from page 19 THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pm THE NEW YORK COMPANY RESTAURANT; PS; 760-778-7789 Lili Rose 7pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Longest Running Jam Session in the valley. Hosted by JB, Sign up 6pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Sunday Band 7pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760327-1161ext.230 The Judy Show 5:30pm, Judy After Dark 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-4080 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; 760-5642201 Michael Keeth & Martin Barrera 6-10pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 The Smooth Brothers 6pm

CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Hal Sweasey 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Ron Kalina’s World Class Jazz Trio 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 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 Cinco De Mayo Pool Party w/ Moonflower a Santana Tribute Band 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; 760-328-5955 Art of Sax 8-11pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallet 6:30pm

TUE MAY 6 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

MON MAY 5 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bonny Jean 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900

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; 760833-8700 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; 760-325-2794 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; 760-3274080 Eclectic Tuesdays. Singer/songwriter night. All acts welcome. Hosted by JB, Sign up 7pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760327-1161ext.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

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SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 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 MAY 7 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 8pm-1:15am 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; 760-328-5955 Art of Sax 7-10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Karaoke WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Brian Nova Trio Jazz 6pm

s.e.l.m.a.grows

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

May 1 to May 7, 2014

by Sarahyah Yisrael

SELMA Grows & Arts Charity Offers Music Internships

F

or those interested in gaining firsthand knowledge of the music industry process, applications for the 2014 Futurenomic Resources Arts Program are now available. Established in 2003, the program provides college students and individuals interested in music careers the opportunity to work as full-time F.R.I. staff members. “Although it’s an internship for 11 months, the work experience is priceless,” said F.R.I.’s Creative Director and Music Producer Adon Icon.

“Our interns are in a unique position to work in the non profit sector, and the music industry at the same time, learning from industry insiders how to benefit the arts community.” Icon said.

Associates are responsible for helping to develop sponsorship proposals, project development, music licensing, marketing and publicity.

“Basically, the associates train on the job,” Icon said. “They really get a well-rounded non profit music business experience.”

Applicants must graduate from college

by June 2016, and there is no preferred major. Those with advanced degrees or in mid-career are also encouraged to apply, Icon said.

Applications are available in F.R.I.’s office at 14080 Palm Dr., Suite D-4, Desert Hot Springs, CA or visit online at www. futurenomic.org.

For more information, contact the F.R.I. office at (760) 905-4731 or Sarahyah Yisrael (F.R.I. CFO & SELMA Grows President), (760) 609-7876.

Students from College Of The Desert, University of California Riverside, and individuals are encouraged to apply. ***Special Announcement*** SELMA Grows is currently looking for a Secretary.

Please contact SELMA Grows President Sarahyah Yisrael for more information.

events

Miramonte Resort & Spa Celebrates Mom with Brunch, Spa and More With an added celebration for military moms, who eat free M

iramonte Resort & Spa, by Destination Hotels & Resorts, pampers mom with a lavish brunch, live entertainment and luxurious spa treatments for Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11th. In addition military moms receive a special thanks with a free brunch.

In addition to the traditional breakfast fare, brunch specialties include Eggs

Benedict, Smoked Salmon, Fontini Sausage, Peppered Bacon, customized omelets and a variety of waffles and pancakes. Beverages include a glass of champagne or a mimosa, as well as fruit juices and coffee and tea.

Performing during brunch is Gina Carey, known as the “Songbird.” Her classy jazzy vocals bring an added ambiance to an honorary day for mom.

Upon arrival mom will be welcomed with a fresh rose and special gift from the Miramonte, and she’ll depart with a $25 spa gift card to be used toward any relaxing spa treatment at the resort’s award-winning luxurious spa, THE WELL Spa, which has notably been named “Best Spa” locally by Desert Magazine readers, and nationally as a “Top 100 Resort Spas” in Conde Nast Traveler Magazine.

THE WELL Spa features a range of health and wellness services that incorporate techniques inspired by Tuscan living utilizing therapeutic muds, wine extracts, pure essential oils and refreshing waters.

A few suggested relaxing spa treatments perfect for mom include Dolce Viaggio/ Sweet Journey, which is two 60-minute spa treatments of choice; a deluxe Luxxuoso/ Luxurious Pedicure; and the treatment for a soon-to-be-mom, the Madre-In-Attessa/ Mother-To-Be. The $25 spa gift card can be used towards these or any spa treatment offered at THE WELL. Mother’s Day brunch is served 10 a.m. to

1 p.m. and includes a glass of champagne or a mimosa. The cost is $29.95 for adults and $14.95 for children 3 to 11 years. Active duty military families are honored with free brunch for mom, with the purchase of one regularly-priced adult brunch and a military ID. Reservations can be made by calling (760) 341-7200. For more information or to schedule a spa treatment contact THE WELL Spa at 1-866-THE-WELL.

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May 1 to May 7, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

events

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Haddon Libby:It’s alllocal

RATINGS SWEEPS

M

ay represents one of the most important months of the year for television broadcasters as it is the last ‘ratings sweeps’ period for the broadcast year. Rating sweeps are the time of year when the Nielsen ratings service does a large study of what Americans are watching on television. Viewership is typically tracked via a paper book in many households with electronic meters in a smaller portion of the homes. Despite advances in how people consume media, this arcane measurement process remains critical in calculating and determining advertising rates.

Most advertisers will pay a premium for viewers between the ages of 18 and 49 years of age. As an example, ABC can get twice the price for ads on Grey’s Anatomy versus a show like NCIS on CBS that attracts an older viewer.

David Letterman’s recent retirement announcement is likely related to the fact that he is the lowest rated of the three broadcast network talk shows at 11:35pm.

Among viewers between 18 and 49, The Tonight Show has nearly three times the viewers of Letterman with Jimmy Kimmel in the middle of the pack. Looking at the 12:30am time slot, NBC’s Late Night gets

it’s your nickel

Alternatives to “Measure F” in DHS

I

n June, Desert Hot springs voters will be asked about a ballot initiative referred to as Measure F, a proposed vacant parcel tax increase from $36 per acre to $360, or about 1000 percent. Those in favor of the measure are saying that alternatives do not exist, and that bankruptcy is virtually certain if the measure fails. That is not the case, thankfully. Here are some options that would be far less disruptive for DHS voters to consider.

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In looking at the budget, the city says it has about a $4 million dollar expected shortfall. Approximately half of that, $2 million dollars annually, is already being paid

by DHS residents to Medical Dispensaries that are located in PS. This calculation comes from the lists already available of current DHS buyers (not new buyers). This is “money left on table” when the opening of such a distribution branch can easily and quickly be addressed in DHS. Because

Dale Gribow On The Law

By john Paul Valdez these purchases and the associated taxes are already being made, this alternative results in NO NEW TAXES to DHS residents whatsoever. Additionally, if existing patients already using these services don’t have to spend the gas and time to go to PS to get their medication, the additional economy of monies not spent on those peripheral costs would be available to buy more in DHS. This, in turn, would result in less dilution of the tax base. DHS residents could shop more here.

Currently, they are often forced to shop for almost anything at all outside of DHS. This medical dispensary derived revenue would arrive into city coffers quickly and before any parcel tax is collected.

Raising taxes is always difficult on the public, but doing so when such measures are unnecessary is unconscionable when there is money on the table that simply needs to be claimed by city officials. Also, raising taxes by 1000 percent is very rare indeed. A much smaller raise in the vacant parcel tax would be easier to pass in a vote and easier for the developers and current land owners to pay as everyone assumes a greater responsibility in a town faced with such great financial difficulties.

Because the sales tax is so much lower in DHS than in PS, a small one quarter percent increase combined with these other measures could also be considered.

This would result in a still comparatively

twice the viewers The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on CBS and a third more than Nightline. Comedy Central’s The Daily Show and Colbert Report get one-third the viewers of The Tonight Show with TBS’ Conan on par with them. Given all of the above, it is no surprise that CBS is transitioning to a new late night pair of shows.

When looking at the three main cable news networks, they garner less than 1% of all Americans viewing their programming at their rating peaks in the aggregate on any given day. While Fox News leads the pack with total viewership of about 2

THE WIND BLEW SAND IN MY EYE AND I GOT A DUI lower sales tax when compared to PS. The transient occupancy tax (TOT) or “hotel tax” is another area that could eventually be considered. That doesn’t hit the residents directly.

Generally, one doesn’t raise taxes unless specific allocations are made for the sources and uses of the funds, but Measure F does not guaranty the saving of the city’s currently owned police department, nor does it guaranty avoidance of the lessening of city service levels given the dire straits of the budget. Statements have been made to the public that are misleading in that regard.

Those demanding passage of the measure with an “or else” attitude that threatens bankruptcy and no “plan B” strategy, are giving the public a false two pronged choice. There are less costly and less disruptive alternatives. Strategy is the result of planning, not desperate measures of windfall monies that don’t actually solve debt nor invest in structural improvements within the city. Thankfully, there are plenty of alternatives that haven’t been given sufficient consideration, and the city can avoid bankruptcy if calm minds and closer scrutiny prevail. Everyone wants DHS to succeed.

Q

: Leaving Stagecoach the wind blew sand in my eye. I swerved and the police stopped me and arrested me for a DUI? Is that legal? It doesn’t seem fair! Steve R, Los Angeles A: The police need only have probable cause or a reasonable cause to approach you. If you commit a traffic infraction like weaving, swerving, speeding or an unsafe lane change then they can investigate.

During the investigation if they smell alcohol they can investigate further to determine if you are Driving Under the Influence. If they, for instance, see what looks like a dead

body in the back seat they can investigate for a possible murder. If they see a bag of drugs on the back seat they likewise can investigate to determine if they are illegal etc. In other words it does not make any difference what they find/see that is illegal, as long as the police had a legal right to stop/approach you to observe it.

Once they have the right to investigate then if a breath test shows the amount of alcohol is enough for a DUI arrest (i.e. .08) they then can take you to the Indio Jail.

Before doing so the cops will normally ask you to perform Field Sobriety Tests such as;

million at their high point, this is still a very small portion of the 116 million television households and 318 million people.

When we look at the key demographic to advertisers (18-49), all three networks average less than 750,000 viewers, 10% less than The Daily Show. While newsies pay a lot of attention to what is said on the news networks, the majority of all Americans are paying no attention whatsoever.

Given the shortcomings of Nielsen’s research methods, shows with high recording and viewership rates on DVRs are prized despite the likelihood of those viewers will fast forward through commercials. The top five DVR shows are The Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, The Blacklist, Scandal and Grey’s Anatomy with shows like Marvel Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Resurrection and Parenthood doing surprisingly well.

Of the cable only networks, TBS, USA and ESPN lead in the 18-49 demographic with the History Network ranking highest with the over 50 viewer and Disney ranking highest with the under 18 market. The Walking Dead on AMC is one of the highest rated shows among all television shows with Game of Thrones on HBO, WWE on USA, Duck Dynasty on A&E, Major Crimes on TNT and American Horror Story on FX all ranking near the top.

Have you noticed that there has been

walk the line, finger to nose, following the officer’s finger or pen, balance tests etc.

Ironically ALL THESE TESTS ARE OPTIONAL. You can politely say you are willing to take any test that is mandatory and if it is optional then you OPT not to take the test.

Then they will ask you to take a breath test at the scene and if you are .08 or higher they can arrest you for DUI. The Preliminary Alcohol Screening Test (PAS) breath test is also OPTIONAL. You would then request a Blood or Breath test at the station…this is mandatory and a failure to comply is a REFUSAL and you will lose your license for 1 year.

In Riverside County the Police/DA will cite and file on .07’s. This is arguably not enough to be under the influence on its own. Of course you can be under the combined influence of alcohol and a DRUG… even a prescriptive drug. Many RX’s have a warning on the label not to operate heavy machinery when taking the drug and not to mix with alcohol. This is not a reference to a tractor but rather a car.

The bottom line is that it does not make any difference why the officer stops you as long as the initial stop is legal. It is your poor luck that you got wind/dirt in your eye which caused you to swerve. This brought you to the attention of the police and they can then legally investigate.

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, CALL A TAXI… IT IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN HIRING ME!

May 1 to May 7, 2014

significant growth in sports networks and sports programming? This is because viewers typically watch the ads on these live programs. When it comes to ad dollars, the NFL is in a league of its own as this league gets some of the highest ratings amongst all television programming. The NBA, MLB and college football are all solid ratings draws if not exceptional like the NFL. When it comes to hockey, the NHL draws less than one in 500 television viewers in the United States… which is still better than CNN most of the time.

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. Dale Gribow has been Man of the Year 7 times including the City of Palm Desert and the City of Hope and Dale Gribow Day has been declared 4 times. He is the only attorney appointed in December 2013 to the Coachella Valley Association of Government’s Public Safety Ad Hoc Blue Ribbon Committee addressing Drunk Driving. This group consists of the police chiefs from every city and the mayor of each city as well as the Sheriff of Riverside County and the head of the CHP and Border Patrol. In addition Gribow is the only attorney asked to be part of the Clinton Foundation’s Clinton Health Matters Committee addressing Drunk Driving. Gribow is also one of the founders of Shutdown Drunk Driving formed upon the death of his client who was recently killed by a drunk driver while jogging.

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

27

May 1 to May 7, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

safety tips

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Chips, Salsa and Cinco Safety Tips!

C

inco de Mayo is upon us and it has become a celebration of food, friends and alcohol. Unfortunately, too often the party ends with alcoholrelated crashes, injuries and fatalities when people don’t use good judgment and drive after drinking reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Make sure you look after yourself and Compadres and have a designated driver or take a cab.

Easy Cowboy… Too much alcohol is a factor in aggressive and unwanted behavior.

Be the bigger Hombre and just “let it go” if you have an unpleasant encounter with someone who may be under the influence of insecurity or alcohol. It’s not worth the confrontation.

M

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Alliance for a Healthier Generation and Coachella Valley BookPALS Team up to Offer Health-Based Literacy Program Volunteer actors and others to reach an additional 2,000 Coachella Valley Students

Chips, Salsa, Safety? The Senoritas may not think it’s very cool if were visiting El Baño every fifteen minutes. Make sure all food is properly prepared and fresh!

Let’s not forget fireworks are banned in most areas. Leave them to the professional or just leave them out.

Use common sense at all times.

Happy Cinco de Mayo and Be Safe!

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

ShareKitchen ZAGAT’S TOP 20 ay in the desert marks a time when many start planning trips outside the area for escape during our hottest months. In determining what to do or where to go, we looked at Zagat’s survey of 224,000 diners in compiling their list of America’s Top 20 Restaurants.

Sushi Ota grabbed the top spot in San Diego. With an average price of $49 per person, its food ranked at the top despite a mediocre location and sometime rushed service.

Up the 405 in the Studio City area of Los Angeles, another Japanese restaurant grabbed the top spot - Asanebo. While housed in a ‘dumpy’ strip mall, both food and service are superior with an average price of $91 per person.

In San Francisco, a city known for great restaurants, Gary Danko ranked at the best.

Their New American prix fixe menu will set you back $111 but the restaurant itself has no pretentiousness and will present you with an ‘ideal’ dining experience.

The least expensive restaurant on the list at $20pp was Cochon Butcher in New Orleans. “A must if you dig the pig,” this Cajun restaurant is a favorite of locals due to their ‘daring’ and ‘decadent’ uses of

Community

house-cured meats. Other under $60pp restaurants include Uchi in Austin, Neptune Oyster in Boston, Saint-Emilion in Dallas, Carlos’ Bistro in Denver, Etch in Nashville, Chez Vatel in San Antonio, Nishino in Seattle and Rasika in DC. The most expensive restaurant on the list was in Las Vegas at Joel Robuchon at the MGM Grand. This New French cuisine has been described as “close to heaven”. At a price of $227 per person, don’t faint when the bill comes.

Rounding out the top 20 are Bacchanalla in Atlanta, Katsu in Chicago, Da Marco in Houston, NAOE in Miami, Le Bernardin in NYC, Fountain in Philly and The Painted Lady in Portand, OR.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Don’t Be

CLUELESS IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY

EVENT CALENDAR

N

o, it wasn’t a tsunami that was caused by the desert denizens’ collective exhale as the “Season” trickled down to a precious few events of fundraising folderol, that always includes the clatter of stiletto heels at luncheons, swank cocktail parties, or homey watering hole meet-and greets, appreciative award hand-offs, amusing speechifying about a celebrity or a cause, a ribald and right-on “roast” of an honouree, elaborate black-tie galas attended by the swells and swellistas or intimate gatherings at someone’s multi-square footed home, complete with parking valet and a terrific band that raises the rafters to add more footage by the brutal strength of its decibels. However, it was definitely a full-throated “sigh” that swept around the desert pillar to post, sand dune to Desert Hot Springs. Our seasonal visitors leave for their summer homes or other playgrounds after Easter. We’ll miss them, but we feel a nap coming on. If you don’t, get out your calendar and read on. an abundance of bartenders, fabulous live and silent auctions, inspiring honorees, delectable cuisine, divine entertainment, and dancing. Tickets for the benefit are $395 and $500 per person, and individual VIP seats are also available. Tickets may be purchased by contacting AIDS Assistance Program at 760-325-8481. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Don’t miss this show. It will bring back memories, and inspire new ones!

T

he Alliance for a Healthier Generation has announced its partnership with Coachella Valley BookPALS (Performing Artists for Literacy in Schools) for a new health-based literacy program, “FitKids” to be launched May 5, 2014.

“The Alliance works with more than 80 schools in Coachella Valley, empowering students and staff to create healthy school environments,” said Lenea Pollett, Healthy Schools Program Manager for the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. “I cannot thank BookPALS enough for believing in the importance of health education and contributing their talents to our schools.”

For the last seven years Coachella Valley BookPALS volunteers have been reading aloud in classrooms from Indio to Desert Hot Springs to foster the joy of reading.

During May 2014 the readers--made up of actors, performers, former teachers and others--will read health and fitness books to help encourage a healthy lifestyle.

Among the books to be read are Tish Rabe’s, “Oh, the Things You Can Do That Are Good for You,” (Random House), Teresa Anne Power’s, “The ABCs of Yoga for Kids” (Stafford House) and Tesha Vann’s, “Kensie Cooks, The Lost Receipe.” Books were donated by each author for this inaugural program.

“The overweight and obesity rate in Coachella Valley schools is between 40-

60 percent,” said Tere Romero Britton, Coachella Valley BookPALS Director and board member of Palm Springs Women in Film and Television. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to educate our region’s students about the importance of a healthy lifestyle through our program and new partnership with the Alliance.”

About the Alliance for a Healthier Generation The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, founded by the American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation, works to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity and to empower kids to develop lifelong, healthy habits. The Alliance works with schools, companies, community organizations, healthcare professionals and families to transform their conditions and systems that lead to healthier children. To learn more and join the movement, visit www.HealthierGeneration.org.

About Coachella Valley BookPALS Coachella Valley BookPALS (Performing Artists for Literacy in Schools is sponsored

by Palm Springs Women In Film and Television. Volunteer actors and others help children learn to love books by reading aloud in classrooms and in the process inspiring them to read and write on their own and increase their vocabulary. To learn more and get involved, visit www.PSWIFT. org or call 760-898-4052.

Saturday, May 3, 5:30pm. “The First Ladies of Disco” is the hot entertainment that will tear up the stage with stilettos at this year’s annual “Evening under the Stars” fundraiser benefiting the AIDS Assistance Program. Linda Clifford, France Joli, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Maxine Nightingale, Pamela Stanley, Anita Ward, Martha Wash, and the ladies formerly of Chic: Alfa Anderson, Luci Martin, and Norma Jean, will all take the stage at this star-studded affair, considered by many to be the unofficial finale of the desert event season. Gala festivities will include cocktails served by

Saturday, May 3, 6:30-9:30pm. The annual “Brew at the Zoo!” also goes by a user-friendly label-ready moniker on a mission, namely “Saving Wildlife One Beer at a Time!” Tell them to bring on the suds and do your duty to support the Living Desert and its outdoor, free-ranging savannas, noisy (and quiet) with animals usually only seen in parts of the world which require a passport. Trust us, it’s a trip! The Living Desert, 47900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert.

Ticket, $40 to $125. For more info, call 760346-5694, or go to www.LivingDesert.org.

Sunday, May 4, 2014, 5pm Reception; 6pm Dinner; 7pm Speaker. The World Affairs Council of the Desert in partnership with USC Alumni Club of the Desert will present speaker James McFarlin, author of the powerhouse fiction novel “Aftershock” that reads like non-fiction with a built-in fear factor in a thriller as timely as today, or perhaps tomorrow. His subject? “Emerging

May 1 to May 7, 2014

by Diane Marlin-Dirkx

Trends in Cyber Terrorism.” Yikes. The mission of the council is to engage adults and students in our valley in international affairs, both through the speaker series and support of an active youth program. Tickets: World Affairs Council Member , $65. Nonmember, $80. For more information or tickets , call 760-322-7711, or go to www. worldaffairsdesert.org.

Email: worldaffairs3@msn.com. Event at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa, 44-400 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells.

Wednesday, May 4, 7pm. And the Jr. and Sr. Steinway Society Competition winners are: Catherine Duan, 9, Ranen Unger Hicks, 13, Karissa Juhas, 11, Joel Oswari, 12, Emika Saito, 12, Julian Jenson, 18, Andrew Tang, 14, Ben Tecson, !6, Marie Ananian, 17, Matthew Evangelista, 18 years old. All will perform in a concert at the Rancho Mirage Public Library---and it may be the last time you can hear them for free! “The skill and passion of our competition knocked our expert judges out,” said Ruth Moir, president of the nonprofit Society that has provided free music educational programs to 17,000 students in local schools. In tune with today’s stress on an arts education for a better future: On college entrance exams, students in music appreciation scored 63 points higher on verbal and 44 points higher on math, than did students with no arts participation. “Our schools need music!” says Moir. Amen to that. And ending a tuneful music education at “Itsy Bitsy Spider” just doesn’t cut it.

Spring/Summer Family Fun in La Quinta. A real Class Act for the family kids, including swimming at Fritz Burns pool, May 12 through May 28; Swim lessons, 5 to 5:45pm, Monday and Wednesday; Water Aerobics, 6 to 6:45pm, Monday and Wednesday; Pre-Swim Team and Stroke Clinic, 6 to 7pm, Monday and Wednesday.

YMCA Triathlon (Y TRI), Saturday, May 17, 8am. Children, ages 5 to 8 years old, will learn to swim, bike and run through a safe triathlon course especially designed for their age and skill level as a non-competitive event. Starting with a swim in the pool followed by a trac tree bike course and a run in the park, participants need to bring a swimsuit, a bike in good working order, helmet and running shoes. Each participant receives a Y Tri finisher’s certificate. First 60 children to pre-register receive a bike helmet! Foe Aquatics and Y Tri registration: Family YMCA of the Desert, 43-930 San Pablo Ave., Palm Desert. Call 760-341-9622. www.ymcaofthedesert.org. Cost, $10 per

entry, at Fritz Burns Park. More info on upcoming activities, contact the Community Services Dept., 760-777-7090, or www. communityservices@la-quinta.org.

Friday, October 24 – Sunday, November 2, 2014. Join an Art Tour Spain and Morocco with the Contemporary Art Council of the Palm Springs Art Museum for extraordinary nine-night, custom-designed art tour to three cities: Barcelona, Marrakesh, and Madrid. Experience exclusive destinations and enjoy encounters with artists, architects, collectors, and curators. The tour begins on October 24 with checkin at Majestic Hotel in Barcelona and concludes on November 2 with check-out of the Ritz Hotel in Madrid. Barcelona is a city of surprises as cutting-edge art, bold fashion, and eccentric architecture merge to create the country’s most cosmopolitan city. Marrakesh, nicknamed the “Red City” is the most important of Morocco’s four imperial cities balancing the ancient and classic characteristics with a burgeoning contemporary art and design scene. Madrid had undergone dramatic renovations and architecturally-significant transformations where traditional design has received a contemporary makeover - including the triad of exalted museums housing Spain’s treasures. The tour price includes airfares from Barcelona to Marrakesh and to Madrid.

(International airfare from USA to Spain is not included.) $8,800 per person, double occupancy. Open to all museum members.

Limited space. For further information please contact Gabby R. Gomez at cac@ psmuseum.org or 760-322-4823.

“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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Health &Fitness

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Getting Over Fear of the Water

F

ear is an intimidating instinct. It almost has a life of its own. It talks to us; it makes our heart beat faster and even at times it controls our choices.

Fear is a vital reaction to danger. It helps us protect ourselves from legitimate threats, it keeps us safe. But sometimes, what we fear is far from life-or-death and hangs us up for no good reason. And sometimes our fears can be overcome.

Being afraid of water is a common fear I see frequently. Most people who come to

the Palm Desert Aquatic Center with fear of the water are nervous to the degree of not wanting to get their face wet or not being able to stand on the bottom. They are anxious about getting a good breath of air when they want one and not being able to save themselves if they needed to.

People who don’t know how to swim are often embarrassed, even ashamed that they are afraid or nervous around the water and some are reluctant to admit it. Learning to swim is a life skill. Knowing a few basic

by Personal Trainer Karen Creasey

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sandwiched between lace and lingerie with the Lingerie and Pajama Party.

The Links & Laces Golf Tour is one of the most exciting and unique business and social networking opportunities in the world. Celebrity athletes and models along with the Girls of Golf host regional events in North America and select international

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Week of May 1

floating, breathing, and stroke techniques gives the swimmer confidence to enjoy any and all aquatic settings.

Sign Up for Swim Classes Beginning Saturday, May 10th.

The best way to go from a fearful nonswimmer to a confident swimmer is to take lessons. Group swim lessons are taught in a group setting of more than three people at a time with a single instructor. They are frequently skill specific or age based, beginning to advanced adults for example.

ULTIMATE LINKS & LACES GOLF TOURNAMENT FINALS AT EAGLE FALLS GOLF COURSE

lamour and golf unite for The Links and Laces Golf Tournament Finals on Eagle Falls Golf Course at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, May 15-17th.

The Ultimate Golf Event is open to all golfers in a scramble-format and includes the gorgeous Girls of Golf, celebrity hostesses and professional athletes, nightly pool and themed parties, and awards ceremony.

Space is limited for players wishing to get in on the Links and Laces excitement. The entry fee is $1,500 per person or $6,000 per foursome and includes a hotel room for 3 nights, Welcome Party, Themed Pool and Lingerie Party, Golf, and Awards Party.

Players will receive exclusive access to the Thursday night welcome reception inside the sleek Lit Ultra Lounge. This is the players’ first chance to mix and mingle with the girls of golf. Golfers will tee off at 10 am on Friday morning and will end the evening with an exciting super hero themed pool party.

On Saturday morning, the advanced golfers take to the green, while the rest of the participants and girls of golf enjoy a sunfilled day lounging, browsing the outdoor swimsuit store and cuddling with Loving All Animals pets by the Fantasy Springs pool.

Saturday night, the awards presentation is

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locales. Each tour stop tees off with a VIP Party, followed by a day on the course like no other and concludes with an awards presentation and celebration. The Tour is open to golfers of all levels of play, with or without a United States Golf Association handicap. At the end of the season, the year culminates with a three day Finals

Private swim lessons are taught one-onone; one instructor to one swimmer. The skill level and the age of the participant is unimportant because the instructor teaches from the students’ abilities regardless of age. Typically people advance very quickly in a private lesson environment.

Beyond getting swim lessons, a few other techniques that assist in overcoming fear or anxiety of swimming are: Allow yourself to begin slowly. Start where it is shallow and swim only where you know you can touch. Learn to tread water. Treading water conserves energy and is a safety skill that keeps your head up when the water is deep. Learn to back float. Floating on your back keeps your face out of the water and can be relaxing. Finally, reward yourself as you take steps to overcome your fear.

For more information about learning to swim or to sign up for group or private swim lessons, contact Palm Desert Aquatic Center’s Karen Creasey, Aquatic Center Manager and Personal Trainer. For more information, and to sign up for swimming lessons, contact her at www.pdpool.com or 760.565.7467

events event that takes place at a world-class golf venue and features celebrity and athlete participants, celebrity models hostesses and the Links & Laces Girls of Golf from all over the country. For the complete Links & Laces Golf Tour rules, registration and other information, you can visit www.llgolftour. com or call 973.287.6288.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): “Dear Astrologer: We Aries people have an intense fire burning inside us. It’s an honor and a privilege. We’re lucky to be animated with such a generous share of the big energy that gives life to all of nature. But sometimes the fire gets too wild and strong for us. We can’t manage it. It gets out of our control.

That’s how I’m feeling lately. These beloved flames that normally move me and excite me are now the very thing that’s making me crazy. What to do? Aries.” Dear Aries: Learn from what firefighters do to fight forest fires. They use digging tools to create wide strips of dirt around the fire, removing all the flammable brush and wood debris. When the fire reaches this path, it’s deprived of fuel. Close your eyes and visualize that scene.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “My personal philosophy is not to undertake a project unless it is manifestly important and nearly impossible.”

So said Taurus-born Edwin Land, the man who invented the Polaroid camera. I have a feeling these might be useful words for you to live by between your birthday in 2014 and your birthday in 2015. In the coming 12 months, you will have the potential of homing in on a dream that will fuel your passions for years. It may seem to be nearly impossible, but that’s exactly what will excite you about it so much -- and keep you going for as long as it takes to actually accomplish.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I wish there was a way you could play around with construction equipment for a few hours. I’d love it if you could get behind the wheel of a bulldozer and flatten a small hill. It would be good for you to use an excavator to destroy a decrepit old shed or clear some land of stumps and dead trees. Metaphorically speaking, that’s the kind of work you need to do in your inner landscape: move around big, heavy stuff; demolish outworn structures; reshape the real estate to make way for new building projects.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): In the Transformers movies, Optimus Prime is a giant extraterrestrial warrior robot. His body contains an array of weapons that he uses for righteous causes, like protecting Earth’s creatures. His character is voiced by actor Peter Cullen. Cullen has also worked extensively for another entertainment franchise, Winnie the Pooh. He does the vocals for Eeyore, a gloomy donkey who writes poetry and has a pink ribbon tied in a bow on his tail. Let’s make Cullen your role model for now. I’m hoping this will inspire you to get the Eeyore side of your personality to work together with the Optimus Prime part of you.

What’s that you say? You don’t have an Optimus Prime part of you? Well, that’s what Eeyore might say, but I say different.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Do you finally understand that you don’t have to imitate the stress-addled workaholics and self-wounding overachievers in order to be as proficient as they are? Are you coming to see that if you want to fix, heal, and change the world around you, you have to fix, heal, and change yourself? Is it becoming clear that if you hope to gain more power to shape the institutions you’re part of, you’ve got to strengthen your power over yourself? Are you ready to see that if you’d like to reach the next level of success, you must dissolve some of your fears of success?

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “Beauty is the purgation of superfluities,” said Michelangelo.

Do you agree? Could you make your life more marvelous by giving up some of your trivial pursuits? Would you become more attractive if you got rid of one of your unimportant desires? Is it possible you’d experience more lyrical grace if you sloughed off your irrelevant worries? I suggest you meditate on questions like these, Virgo. According to my interpretation of the astrological omens, experiencing beauty is not a luxury right now, but rather a necessity. For the sake of your mental, physical, and spiritual health, you need to be in its presence as much as possible.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): I’m pretty sure God wants you to be rich. Or at least richer. And I know

© Copyright 2012 Rob Brezsny

for a fact that I want you to be richer. What about you? Do you want to be wealthier? Or at least a bit more flush? Or would you rather dodge the spiritual tests you’d have to face if you became a money magnet? Would you prefer to go about your daily affairs without having to deal with the increased responsibilities and obligations that would come with a bigger income? I suspect you will soon receive fresh evidence about these matters. How you respond will determine whether or not you’ll be able to take advantage of new financial opportunities that are becoming available.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The U.S. military budget this year is $633 billion. In comparison, the United Nations’ peacekeeping budget is $7.8 billion. So my country will spend 81 times more to wage war than the U.N. will spend to make peace.

I would prefer it if the ratio were reversed, but my opinion carries no weight. It’s possible, though, that I might be able to convince you Scorpios, at least in the short run, to place a greater emphasis on cultivating cooperation and harmony than on being swept up in aggression and conflict. You might be tempted to get riled up over and over again in the coming weeks, but I think that would lead you astray from living the good life.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Actor Matthew McConaughey prides himself on his willingness to learn from his mistakes and failures. A few years ago he collected and read all the negative reviews that critics had ever written about his work in films. It was “an interesting kind of experiment,” he told Yahoo News. “There was some really good constructive criticism.” According to my reading of the astrological omens, Sagittarius, now would be an excellent time for you to try an experiment comparable to McConaughey’s. Be brave!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “Dear Oracle: I might be hallucinating, but recently I swear my pet iguana has been getting turned on whenever I disrobe in front of it. My naked body seems to incite it to strut around and make guttural hissing sounds and basically act like it’s doing a mating dance. Is it me, or is the planets? I think my iguana is a Capricorn like me. - Captivating Capricorn.”

Dear Capricorn: Only on rare occasions have I seen you Capricorns exude such high levels of animal magnetism as you are now. Be careful where you point that stuff! I won’t be shocked if a wide variety of creatures finds you extra alluring.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “Eat like you love yourself,” advises author Tara Stiles. “Move like you love yourself. Speak like you love yourself. Act like you love yourself.” Those four prescriptions should be top priorities for you, Aquarius. Right now, you can’t afford to treat your beautiful organism with even a hint of carelessness. You need to upgrade the respect and compassion and reverence you give yourself. So please breathe like you love yourself. Sleep and dream like you love yourself.

Think like you love yourself. Make love like you love yourself.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): If blindfolded, most people can’t tell the difference between Pepsi and Coca-Cola. But I bet you could, at least this week. Odds are good that you will also be adept at distinguishing between genuine promises and fakes ones. And you will always know when people are fooling themselves. No one will be able to trick you into believing in hype, lies, or nonsense. Why? Because these days you are unusually perceptive and sensitive and discerning. This might on occasion be a problem, of course, since you won’t be able to enjoy the comfort and consolation that illusions can offer. But mostly it will be an asset, providing you with a huge tactical advantage and lots of good material for jokes.

Homework: Think of the last person you cursed, if only with a hateful thought if not an actual spell. Now send them a free-hearted blessing.

Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

May 1 to May 7, 2014

Mind, body & Spirit

GET NUTS! Y

by Bronwyn Ison

ou are on the go and eager to grab a quick snack. Pausing for fast food is convenient yet unhealthy. You ponder --- what can be a quick and healthy snack? As a mother and yoga instructor I am on the move and in need of a quick nutritional snack several times a day. A handful of almonds will do your body right and pack an extra punch to your diet.

Almonds contain approximately 26 percent carbohydrates, plus 12 percent that are dietary fiber. Studies show about 20 percent of the raw almond is made of high quality protein, containing amino acids.

The United States is the largest producer of almonds according the Food and Agriculture Organization. They also report approximately three million almonds were produced in 2013. Almonds are stone fruits and related to the cherry, plums and peach family. Here are a myriad of reasons why you should choose almonds as your healthy go-to snack.

Give your heart some love. Almonds are a high fat food that is good for your health.

A bit of an oxymoron but this heart healthy nut is high in monounsaturated fats. This is the same type of health-promoting fat that is found in olive oil, which has been associated with reducing heart disease.

Studies indicate that almonds reduce the LDL-Cholesterol levels. This is partly due to the vitamin E found in almonds. A quarter-cup of almonds contains 62 mg of magnesium plus 162 mg of potassium. 1.5 ounces a day may reduce heart disease and equates to 12 percent of our daily protein.

Of all the tree nuts, almonds rank highest in protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin E, riboflavin and niacin. Studies have also shown the skin of the almond has twenty antioxidant flavonoids. The flavonoids help to protect the artery walls.

Consuming almonds may also accelerate weight loss. A study conducted involving as many as one thousand people found those

who ate nuts two times per week were less likely to gain weight than those who never ate nuts. According to Ayurveda (a specific diet), almonds help increase high intellectual level and longevity. Hence, providing enhanced brain function due to the riboflavin’s and L-carnitine and possibly reducing Alzheimer’s disease.

Visiting the bulk items section at Sprouts (or your local favorite health store) is the best way to purchase your almonds and other nuts. The variety is plentiful and cost effective. I personally enjoy making my own trail mix. My mix consists of almonds, pistachios, cashews, dried cranberries and a few dried apricots. It’s the almonds that give the mix a kick. I recommend raw almonds versus salted. This is a quick and easy treat that is healthy and that you won’t feel guilty about eating. Go ahead… Be a nut!

Bronwyn Ison is the Owner of Evolve Yoga. www.e-volveyoga.com Or (760) 564-YOGA (9642)

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Life & career Coach

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Sunny Simon

Things Look Different from 30,000 Feet

E

ver watch two kids get in a tussle and be given a time out? I witnessed this occurrence recently. Sentenced to separate spaces two little boys tearfully dragged their tiny feet to the appointed corner to wait out the clock. What happened next can only be attributed to the blissful innocence of childhood. Thirty seconds into the time out Little Boy A became totally entranced in the scurrying of a large ant as the insect traversed the wall. Meanwhile, Little Boy B found his neon green shoelace an interesting object to remove from his shoe and twirl around his fingers. What was supposed to be a quiet time of reflection and repentance was quickly converted into exploring other options.

When the bell went off signaling punishment was over, both boys were told to apologize and shake hands. They did so grinning and giggling probably not even remembering or caring about the earlier disagreement. It never occurred to them to hold a grudge or debate who was in the wrong.

Children have the innate ability to quickly move on. No muss, no fuss, no hard feelings. They simply resume fun and frolic. Not always the case with adults. We sometimes dwell on frustrating situations long past the event. Ever catch yourself replaying an incident over and over in your head like a bad dream? Complaining about

the injustice to anyone who will listen? How about the inability to quickly rebound from making a mistake, losing a sale or missing an important deadline?

Whether it’s mentally beating yourself up for a blunder, or clinging tightly to the memory of an unfair situation, it’s time wasted! You can get from stomach-inknots anxiety to peaceful calm in two steps.

First, reframe the situation by examining it objectively from 30,000 feet. If you lost the big sale, list the reasons your customer said no. Perhaps there were things you could have done differently. Make note of those actions and consider it a lesson learned.

Next, remind yourself the past cannot be changed. It’s over, time to move on.

Still feeling a high level of anxiety? I recommend invoking the 24-hour rule. If you must ruminate on a situation, time it out. Then, like the little tykes, when the bell rings signaling you’ve spent an entire day and night fretting and employing negative self-talk, stop the nonsense and come out smiling. Let your negative thoughts evaporate into the dawn of a new day.

Focus on the positive and go do something that makes your heart sing.

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

beauty

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

May 1 to May 7, 2014

by dr maria lombardo

Dr. Maria Lombardo, Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery is located in Rancho Mirage.

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.

The “Rewards” For Being Beautiful

W

e often hear patients complain that the cost of doing the cosmetic procedures they want is more expensive than they feel they can afford. Botox, for example, needs to be injected more than twice per year to maintain the desired effect. Very often a patient will try (and love!) a product like Botox but won’t come back to re-treat because the cost is high. But what a lot of people don’t realize is that the makers of several cosmetic medicine products offer rewards programs and discounts.

Allergan, the parent company of Botox, Juvederm, Voluma, Latisse and SkinMedica offers a program called Brilliant Distinctions that allows you to earn points on all their products and redeem them as a cash discount on future purchases. So if a patient has Botox and joins the Brilliant Distinctions program at their first visit… they will earn points for future visits and can use those points like a cash discount for any of the products in the program. It’s a great rewards

program that allows patients to try any of the other products and services too. And right now, Allergan is offering a few coupons for $75 off Juvederm for patients who have never tried it before and who are members of the Brilliant Distinction program. (Only a few of these coupons are left and they expire at the end of May so call if you are interested) Mentor, the maker of the only made-inAmerica Breast Implants, also has a “refer a friend” program that patients like to take advantage of… You can earn a $250 gift certificate if you refer a friend for breast augmentation surgery and that patient schedules the procedure.

So don’t miss out on all the available savings programs for cosmetic procedures and remember that at Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery Dr. Lombardo is offering 10% off for the month of May! It’s our own, special rewards program! Call for your appointment today!

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