Coachella Valley Weekly - May 29 to June 4, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 10

News Community NEWS MUSIC Music ART EVENTSMovies MOVIES DININGDining SPORTS HEALTH &BEAUTY BUSINESSEvents COMMUNITY www.coachellavalleyweekly.com • May 29 to June 4, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 10

AWARDED BUSINESSPERSONS OF THE YEAR

BY PALM SPRINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Restaurant Week

pg 5

Perishment

pg 10

Hive Minds

pg 11

Bobby Nichols

pg 12

Long Duk Dong

pg 13

Las Casuelas

pg 20

May 29 to June 4, 2014

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Coachella Valley Weekly

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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

May 29 to June 4, 2014

By amy blaisdell cOVER Photo By Chris Miller/ Imagine Imagery

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: Lisa Morgan , 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, Scott Pam, Brian Michaelz, Rebecca Pikus, Richard Noble, Karen Creasy, Trooper Ramsey Photographers Laura Hunt Little, Lani Garfield, Chris Miller/ Imagine Imagery Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

Contents

Goldenvoice...................................... 3 Restuarant Week............................4 Comedy..........................................6 Sports Scene..................................8 Sports / Community......................9 LMS - Perishment.........................10 LMS - Hive Minds.........................11 LMS - Bobby Nichols.....................12 LMS - Long Duk Dong..................13 Consider This................................14 Art - Merrill Orr..............................15 Pet Place........................................16 The Vino Voice..............................17 Club Crawler Nightlife.................18 Pamp Palate - Las Casuelas.........20 Screeners......................................22 Book Review ................................23 Community..................................25 Obituary - Milton W. Jones..........11 It’s Your Nickel..............................26 Haddon Libby: It’s All Local.........27 Dale Gribow.................................27 Safety Tips....................................28 ShareKitchen................................28 Gaemer Girl..................................28 Don’t Be Clueless in the CV.........29 Health&Fitness............................30 Community- Stonewall Gardens.. 30 Free Will Astrology......................31 Health & Fitness...........................31 Life & Career Coach......................32 Beauty..........................................32 Comics - Weiss Cracks..................34

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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 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 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 Band 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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May 29 to June 4, 2014

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PALM SPRINGS DESERT RESORTS RESTAURANT WEEK KICKS OFF FRIDAY, MAY 30 WITH NEW PARTICIPANTS, EXCLUSIVE MENUS, AND EXCEPTIONAL DEALS

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eturning Friday, May 30, Palm Springs Desert Resorts, Restaurant Week takes place over 10 days, inviting diners to indulge in three-course, prix fixe dinner menus for $26 or $38 per person at over 90 participating restaurants in the Coachella Valley. Restaurant Week’s signature “Eat. See. Stay.” experience also allows desert visitors to enjoy specialty rates, packages, and perks at luxury desert hotels and spas, as well as discounted tickets to popular area attractions.

Newcomers this spring include: ● Sessions at Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs- newly opened, serving fresh, handmade, classic American cooking with a Southern flair ● Figue Mediterranean- stylish and casual fine dining destination that celebrates colorful, lively cuisine and the cultural melting pot of the Mediterranean region ● Bernie’s Lounge & Supper Club Restaurant- the brand new dining destination invites guests to relive the atmosphere of what dining once was, with martinis, supper, and a swingin’ lounge act ● Balisage Bistro- Owner and Chef Daniel Villanueva’s new Mediterranean restaurant serving unique gourmet meals, fresh baked bread, and signature pastries ● Chez Pierre Bistro- Traditional French

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bistro with an ambitious menu of seasonal specialties WHEN: Friday, May 30- Sunday, June 8 COST: $26 or $38 restaurant menus (not including tax and gratuity) Hotel deals and attraction ticket prices vary WHERE: For a full list of participant specials, visit palmspringsrestaurantweek. com ABOUT PALM SPRINGS DESERT RESORTS RESTAURANT WEEK Founded in 2007, Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week showcases the diverse dining and leisure opportunities in the city of Palm Springs and surrounding communities of the greater Coachella Valley. In just seven years this annual event has grown from fewer than 30 participating restaurants, hotels, and attractions to more than 100. Restaurant Week offers ten days of its signature “Eat. See. Stay.” experience, featuring exclusive dining, hotel, spa, and attractions deals. Sponsors include Sysco, Palomar Mountain Premium Spring Water, US Bank, City of Indian Wells, City of Palm Springs, City of Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs Life, and Kaminsky Productions, among others. For more information and a full list of participants, please visit palmspringsrestaurantweek.com, “like” Restaurant Week on Facebook, or follow the organization on Twitter.

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS: Acqua Pazza AJ’s on the Green and SPLASH! Bar Alicante Arnold Palmer’s Restaurant Balisage Bistro Bellatrix Restaurant Bernie’s Lounge and Supper Club P.S. Blue Coyote Bar & Grill bluEmber Cafe des Beaux-Arts Castelli’s Ristorante Catalan Cello’s Bistro Chez Pierre Bistro Chop House Palm Desert Chop House Palm Springs Circa 59 CITRON Cliffhouse Grill & Bar Copley’s on Palm Canyon Cork & Fork - Wine Bar & Kitchen Crab Pot - La Quinta Crab Pot - Rancho Mirage Cuistot Restaurant dish-Creative Cuisine Escena Lounge & Grill Essense at Two Bunch Palms Europa Restaurant Figue Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse Grill on Main Grove Artisan Kitchen Jackalope Ranch Jake’s

May 29 to June 4, 2014

events

Johannes Restaurant Kaiser Grille King’s Highway La Quinta Baking Company Lantana Las Casuelas Nuevas Lavender Bistro Le Donne Cucina Italiana Legacy Thai LG’s Prime Steakhouse La Quinta LG’s Prime Steakhouse Palm Springs LULU Mama Gina Mastro’s Steakhouse Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro Melvyn’s Restaurant & Lounge Mikado Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar Miro’s Restaurant Mitch’s On El Paseo Prime Seafood Morton’s The Steakhouse Nicolino’s Italian Restaurant Norma’s Pacifica Seafood Restaurant Peaks Restaurant Piero’s Pizza Vino Pinzimini Purple Palm Purple Room Palm Springs Rio Azul Mexican Bar & Grill Rockwood Grill Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Ruth’s Chris Steak House Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill Sessions @ Hard Rock Shame on the Moon SIROCCO Solano’s Bistro Spencer’s Restaurant Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill Sullivan’s Steakhouse Thai Smile of Rancho Mirage The Nest Restaurant & Piano Bar The Tropicale Restaurant & Lounge Three Sixty Bar & Grill TINTO Tommy Bahamas Restaurant & Bar TRATTORIA TIRAMISU Trilusa Ristorante Trio Restaurant & Bar Vicky’s of Santa Fe Wally’s Desert Turtle Wang’s in the Desert Wolfgang Puck Pizza Bar Workshop Kitchen + Bar Zin American Bistro

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May 29 to June 4, 2014

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Comedy Night Palm Springs™ presents JACKIE LOEB and DANA EAGLE

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omedy Night Palm Springs™ announces its Saturday, June 14, show at the legendary Purple Room with top comic stars JACKIE LOEB of Australia who recently won the “MO Achievement of Excellence Award in Live Comedy,” was nominated for the 2012 “Hollywood Fringe Festival Award for Best Comedy Show” and who performs at the world’s top comedy clubs and festivals around the world and DANA EAGLE of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Comedy Central and Byron Allen’s Comic Unleashed.

On Thursday, May 22, Dana advanced to the semi-finals on the current season of NBC’s Last Comic Standing. Show judge Roseanne Barr told Dana, “You are fantastic.”

With 50 sold-out monthly shows in a row, reservations are highly encouraged.

Please call 760.322.4422 or go online at www.purpleroom.com for reservations.

This dinner-and-a-show package includes a delicious three-course meal and the comedy show for just $50. Dinner seating begins at 5:30 and show starts at 7:00.

In the 1960s the Purple Room at Club Trinidad was the club where Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. performed and came with their friends to eat, drink and play. Purple Room is located at 1900 E. Palm Canyon Drive (Hwy 111 across from Smoke Tree Village Shopping Center) in Palm Springs, CA. “Comedy Night Palm Springs™ has already become a hit,” exclaimed Tony Marchese, Purple Room co-owner with Mark Van Laanen. “Our customers are excited to see comedians from TV and film perform live on our stage, and to be able to meet and talk with them in person is icing on the cake.”

The monthly stand up comedy show features the latest stand-up comics from Los Angeles and New York’s top comedy venues, including the Hollywood Improv, The World Famous Comedy Store, Laugh Factory, Jon Lovitz Comedy Club, Caroline’s on Broadway and Gotham Comedy Club. Audiences may have seen their television appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC), The Late Show with David Letterman (CBS), Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC), The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (CBS), Oprah (Harpo/CBS), Last Comic Standing (NBC), Entertainment Tonight (CBS), Chelsea Lately (E! Network), Comedy Central, HBO, MTV, Logo and numerous network television series, including Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO), Castle (ABC), Grey’s Anatomy (ABC), Heroes (NBC), Bones (FOX), How I Met Your Mother (CBS), Desperate Housewives (ABC), Community (NBC), Days of Our Lives (NBC) and The Young and the Restless (CBS), Treme (HBO), Happy Endings (ABC) and Hot in Cleveland (TV Land).

Several have appeared in films, including Almost Famous, The Backup Plan and Get Shorty.

Many performers have also appeared at clubs in Las Vegas, San Francisco, Chicago and London.

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Comedy Festival. She has appeared numerous times at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, The TV1 New Zealand International Comedy Festival, The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, The Hollywood Fringe Festival, the Montreal Just For Laughs Comedy Festival and The Vodacom International Comedy Festival in South Africa, where she was named “The pick of the crop.”

An accomplished vocalist, musician and cabaret performer, Jackie recently released her second CD recording I Really am Lovely.

JACKIE LOEB From Australia, Jackie has enthralled audiences with her highly original brand of comedy at leading comedy venues and comedy festivals around the world. She was a regular performer and writer on the awardwinning television series Full Frontal, which is Australia’s answer to Saturday Night Live, and in all three series of the Comedy Channel’s Stand up Australia for The Comedy Channel.

She also appeared on NBC’s Last Comic Standing and The Today Show Weekend Edition, as well as on the UK comedy series, The World Stands Up for Paramount TV, which features the best comedians from around the world. She won the MO Achievement of Excellence Award in Live Comedy and was nominated for prestigious 2012 Hollywood Fringe Festival Award for Best Comedy Show.”

Jackie has maintained her reputation as one of today’s most hilarious and multi talented stand-up comedians while simultaneously distinguishing herself as actor, vocalist, musician, voiceover artist and writer. Jackie’s unique brand of comedy is a mix of stand–up and musical comedy, all the while being topical, thought provoking and most importantly hilarious. Jackie utilizes her amazing vocal and mimicry skills to parody everyone from Whitney Houston, to contemporary superstars like Lady Gaga. Time Out New York said of a recent performance, “Australian comedienne Jackie Loeb had the crowd in laughter induced agony. She plays guitar as good as any rock star and has the best vocal chops I have heard from a comic in a longtime. One utterly funny lady!”

Jackie has headlined numerous times at comedy clubs across Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia, South Africa and The UK. In the US, she has also performed at the top clubs in New York, including at the prestigious Joe’s Pub, Caroline’s Comedy Club, and Dangerfield’s, and in Los Angeles at the Hollywood Improv, The Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store, The Icehouse, in Las Vegas at Planet Hollywood, and in San Diego at The Comedy Palace.

On the international comedy festival circuit, Jackie’s one-woman show, Jackie Loeb Sings The Worst Songs Ever Written, played to rave reviews and sold out at the Sydney

DANA EAGLE On Thursday, May 22, Dana advanced to the semi-finals on the current season of NBC’s Last Comic Standing. Dana has been seen on The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Comedy Central and Byron Allen’s Comics Unleashed, where she became a contributing writer. Eagle earned the title of Best New Comedian at the Bud Light Ladies of Laughter Competition. She has performed with today’s top headliners including D.L. Hughley, Roseanne Barr and Bill Maher. She is most proud of the unique experience performing throughout Iraqi bases for the troops.

She was showcased in HBO’s US Comedy Arts Festival in her solo show, Stones From Glass Houses followed by the second in the series, Mood Disorders: A Light-Hearted Romp Through Crippling Depression, which was featured at the Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival. She completed a pilot for the E! Entertainment Network, appeared in an ABC Pilot with Jason Alexander and was the host of Comcast On Demand’s UNConventional. She has been seen in a series of memorable commercials beside Jay Mohr and football legend, Boomer Esiahson.

Blackwell – Black Productions, a Palm Springs production company founded by local residents, Michael Blackwell and Randal Black, created and produces the monthly comedy show now called Comedy Night Palm Springs.™ The show had its premier in March 2010 and each show thereafter has been soldout. As stand-up comedians who perform at

comedy

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May 29 to June 4, 2014

The World Famous Comedy Store, Flappers Comedy Club, M-Bar and other venues in LA, they have worked with many talented and accomplished comedians.

Co-producer Randal Black said, “We are thrilled to launch our fifth year at our new venue, Purple Room Palm Springs. We are glad we can bring nationally known stand up comics of film and TV to Palm Springs.

The show has gotten national attention and renowned comics are asking to do the show. The show has definitely put Palm Springs on the comedy map. We are excited that so many people have come to enjoy the shows. The comics consistently tell us that the Palm Springs audience is one of the best in the country. The energy and enthusiasm of the audiences here are a key reason the shows are receiving national attention.”

Co-producer Michael Blackwell added, “Audiences tell us they are excited to see stand-up comics they have seen on TV and in films perform live at the show and also to be able to meet and talk with them. The comics we bring out are in high demand and we are excited that they want to include Comedy Night Palm Springs ™ on their performance and tour schedules.”

Marchese added, “The shows make for a perfect, exciting evening of cocktails, dinner and sidesplitting laughs.”

For more information and updates about the show, visit www. comedynightpalmsprings.com. Also, become a Facebook fan of “Comedy Night Palm Springs™ and follow the show on Twitter and Instagram at “Comedy Palm Springs.” For more information about Purple Room, visit their website purpleroompalmsprings.com.

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May 29 to June 4, 2014

sports scene

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by Julie Buehler

Understanding Reality Of NFL Life Is Getting Painful

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hey say knowledge is power.

They say ignorance is bliss.

What they don’t say is what happens when sports fans watch their blissful ignorance of NFL life collide with powerful knowledge of NFL realities.

Last week a law firm founded by Mel Owens, former-first-round-draft-pick-turnedattorney who took on the NFL in thousands of former players worker compensation claims, filed suit that claimed the NFL and NFL team doctors fed players with powerful chemical cocktails that led to long-term disabilities and abused the player’s trust in those doctors to profit off players’ performances at the cost of their health.

News Flash: NFL facilities are registered pharmacies because they hand out so much prescription medication, the DEA has to clear them. This is according to Owens who came on my radio show late last week.

Not News Flash: Players get hurt playing the game of football.

Owens and his team contend that players, as they get hurt, are faced with the dilemma of healing properly with time and sound medical council or pushing their bodies’ limits to get back on the field under the ‘watchful eye’ of team medical council and because of a systemic NFL culture of “Can’t Make The Club In The Tub,” players tend to do the latter, not the former.

It’s not shocking that the lawsuit alleges wide spread pain killer abuse among former and current NFL players. It’s not shocking they allege team doctors being pill-pushers who are eager to mask pain rather than assist healing. And its not shocking 6 plaintiffs that participated in the class-action concussion lawsuit against the NFL are participating in this lawsuit.

But why now? Why are all of these lawsuits being filed in such rapid succession it’s creating a flood of legalese around our much beloved X’s and O’s?

When I asked Owens that very question his answer was illuminating and part of the answer.

He told us that players used to be cut from a team and basically never heard from by other players again. While many think of the NFL as a very closed fraternity, the reality is, it’s only that way for current players. Former players, especially the ones feature in this lawsuit, the ones that played in the 70’s, 80’s and even 90’s are often forgotten, and feel isolated.

But then technology came along and social media connected old ties from decades past and players began sharing their stories, happy and horror, and discovered the similarities among treatments.

Owens called it the “cone of silence” that benefited the NFL and allowed improper medical protocol to be the standard while players suffered and teams rolled in the dough.

And while that “cone of silence” does apply to former players, it also applied to the medical community.

Dr. Raj Sinha of Star Orthopedics and host of “The Sports Doctors” on Team 1010 KXPS told me the understanding of concussions was so barbaric 2 decades ago, most would lose their lunch if they understood how scientists procured studies of the human brain.

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And the same can be said for pain killers and long-term effects of misuse.

Of course the players and doctors knew they were going down a shaky path by over using pain medication, but could anyone foresee exactly the dire consequences such as kidney failure, stomach cancer, liver disease and more? Those who did, stayed in that “cone of silence” while players popped pills and lived the dream because they either a) didn’t want to get in the way of the player’s dream or, depending on how cynical you want to get, b) didn’t want to get in the way of their dream of being an NFL team doctor and receiving kickbacks from teams, as the lawsuit alleges.

Add to that the culture that football players are supposed to be tough and impervious to pain and the formative years of the NFL were rudimentary, experimental and extraordinarily costly to those who lived it.

And now fans of today’s game are having to reconcile the havoc wreaked on the men who laid the foundation and the understanding that their favorite players could face similar fate in a few decades.

The facts don’t necessarily illustrate that the NFL masterminded this orchestration of exploitation, but rather, perhaps, that it capitalized on our misogynistic culture that silenced men from feeling pain, the lack of medical information, lack of retired player interaction and now, in today’s world of information exchange, we see how much damage that confluence of circumstance created.

This could be a lengthy legal battle and is likely to get dismissed or settle out of court according to the legal experts I’ve spoken to.

But the solution is rather simple, although not inexpensive, the NFL needs developmental leagues and bigger rosters, not more games on the schedule.

But as fans become less ignorant to the realities of NFL life, I’m hoping an appreciation for the game’s immensely rich history will be a powerful thing we can all cling to.

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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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

And you thought athletes had it good..

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wning an NFL Team also has it’s ‘perks’.

Your subjects work long and hard to support your empire, under the threat of harsh discipline if they break the rules.

Even the appearance of impropriety can bring ramifications. The presumption of innocence is applied at your whim and sparingly.

But what happens when you’re the king and you’re arrested for intoxicated driving and four felony counts of narcotics possession?

If you’re Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, nothing happens. As least not for two months and counting.

Since being pulled over on March 16, Irsay has conducted business as usual (aside from checking into an undisclosed rehab facility for an undisclosed stay, during which he might or might not have completed his treatment).

He took an indefinite leave of absence and skipped the owners’ meeting in Orlando a couple of weeks after his arrest. But there he was at in the Colts’ war room during the draft, heavily involved as always. There he was at the owners’ meeting in Atlanta this week, leading Indy’s bid for the 2018 Super Bowl.

There he was in a media cluster, back in the middle of things after never leaving the loop.

“I’ve been clued into everything that’s been going on the last few months,” Irsay told reporters. “It’s good to be at this meeting and really try and focus on the Super Bowl bid.”

He shouldn’t have been at the meeting or in the war room. He shouldn’t have been involved in any team functions or league business. Commissioner Roger Goodell hasn’t held Irsay to the same standard applied to players, even though the standard for owners is supposed to be higher.

It’s hard to believe a player could represent his team or the league after that traffic stop in March.

According to police, Irsay failed multiple sobriety tests and had $2,513 in his wallet, $12,000 in one of two “laundry” bags, $14,516 in a briefcase and bottles of prescription drugs in a briefcase and the two bags.

None of that suggests “recreational user.”

Even uglier is the death of a female acquaintance two weeks before his arrest.

Kimberly Wundrum died of a suspected drug overdose in a $139,500 townhouse that Irsay allegedly bought for her. Police want to know more about their relationship and association with drugs.

The commish has hammered players for less, but he says it’s too early for a call on Irsay.

“There are no formal charges at this point,” Goodell told reporters Tuesday. “We want to understand the facts before we take any steps as it relates to potential discipline.

“Obviously, any policies or any laws that are broken — whether you’re commissioner, owner, player or coach — are subject to discipline.”

Such restraint is remarkable because it’s been nonexistent for players.

The Steelers’ Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for six games (later reduced to four) in 2010 after he was accused of sexual assault. Prosecutors eventually decided not to press charges but Goodell’s punishment stood.

In a letter to Big Ben, Goodell wrote: “You are held to a higher standard as an NFL player, and there is nothing about your conduct in Milledgeville (GA.) that can be remotely described as admirable, responsible, or consistent with either the values of the league or the expectations of our fans.”

Goodell wants the process to play out in Irsay’s case, but Michael Vick was ordered to stay away from training camp in 2007 while his dog-fighting case played out. In 2011, Terrelle Pryor was suspended for five games based on NCAA infractions, not legal or civil issues.

Cedric Benson was suspended that same season for three games (later reduced to one) for a bar fight when he was an unemployed free agent!

Perhaps Goodell is slowing his trigger finger. The 49ers’ Aldon Smith and Ravens’ Ray Rice have had run-ins with the law since Irsay’s incident and neither player has been disciplined yet.

Or perhaps Goodell realizes how bad that would look while Irsay rolls along as if nothing happened.

Whatever the case, there’s certainly no rush to judgment if you write the checks, like the Browns’ Jimmy Haslam.

His gas station chain, Pilot Flying J, is accused of systematic fraud that cost customers $100 million or more. Last year, in a 158-page affidavit based on whistleblowers, taped conversations and confiscated computer files, the FBI claimed the CEO knew all about the scheme.

“Jimmy Haslam is a man of great integrity,” Goodell said last summer.

Must be nice.

Community

May 29 to June 4, 2014

Looking for something to do?

See what La Quinta has to offer

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hroughout the year, the City of La Quinta offers its residents and neighbors a number of fun and interesting things to do.

Fritz Burns Pool will open on June 16 for families to enjoy the water. There are also hiking and biking trails to explore, city organized sports and the Summer Golf Tour that plays at the best courses in the valley.A full list of city sponsored activities is available on the website at www.la-quinta. org/register here are some highlights of what La Quinta has to offer.

Summer Golf Tour: One of the summer’s most popular events for valley golfers.

Choose to play at any or all of the 13 courses on the tour and at the end celebrate at the end of season luncheon. Players do not have to be LQ residents to be a part a part of the tour.

Registration is $69 per player, plus greens fees (listed below) are required for each round of golf. Guests are welcome and can play for a fee of $15 in addition to the greens fees.

Golfers have the choice of playing in single or team divisions.

All play begins at 7:30 a.m. and the end of tour banquet is at noon Aug. 23 at Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert is included with registration or is $25 for guests.

Schedule: May 31 Escena Golf Club $50 June 7 Golf Club of Terra Lago, South $40 June 14 Indian Canyons, South $45 June 21 Tahquitz Creek, Resort $35 June 28 Heritage Palms Golf Club $30 July 5 Indian Wells Golf Resort, Players $50 July 12 Marriott’s Shadow Ridge $50 July 19 Desert Falls Country Club $30 July 26 Classic Club at Palm Desert $50 Aug 2 Indian Springs Golf Club $30 Aug 9 Westin Mission Hills, Gary Player $45 Aug16 Indian Wells Country Club, Cove $50 Aug 23 Desert Willow, Fire Cliff $40 Fritz Burns Pool: The pool opens June 16 for summer. For pool schedule and fees, contact the Family YMCA of the Desert at (760) 341-3622 or

www.ymcaofthedesert.org.

Fritz Burns Pool Park is at Avenida Bermudas and Avenue 52. Information: (760) 771-4347.

A 10-punch summer pass is for recreational swimming is $15 for residents or $17 for non-residents, 15 or younger; $25 and $27 for 16 and older. The YMCA yearly fee is also waived for LQ residents.

Schedule: Swim Lessons9:45-11a.m., 5-6p.m. Monday-Thursday Recreational SwimNoon-4p.m. Monday-Thursday, Saturday Lap Swim7:30-9:30a.m., 6:30-7:30p.m. MondayThursday Splash Ball Team- begins June 7 Noon-1p.m. Saturday Water Aerobics- begins June 9.

8-8:45a.m. Tuesday/Thursday 6:30-7:15p.m. Monday/Wednesday Superhero Summer Movies: July and August are filled with family movie fun with screenings at Fritz Burns Pool.

The gates open at 7 p.m. and screenings will start at around 8 p.m., or later, depending on when the sun sets that day. Watch these recent big screen hits on a 20-foot inflatable screen. Upcoming films include “Captain America – First Avenger,” July 11; “The Avengers,” July 25; “Man of Steel,” Aug. 6; and “The Amazing Spiderman,” Aug. 22.

Activities are planned for each movie night and there is swimming, too. And it’s $1!

Everyone is encouraged to check the City of La Quinta’s Facebook page at facebook. com/Cityoflaquinta or the website at www. la-quinta.org/communityservices or call the Community Services Department at (760) 777-7090 for more information.

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May 29 to June 4, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Local Music Spotlight PERISHMENT releases new record, Amidst the Black

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n Sunday, May 18, Perishment was the second band to take the stage at the CV Music Awards, where they were nominated for Best Metal Band.

While they didn’t walk away with the award that night they did garner a whole new legion of fans that had never seen them perform before and satisfied their loyal fans by offering up a full-throttle impressive performance.

If you weren’t in attendance at the CVMA’s (shame on you!) you still have the opportunity to watch this band live this Saturday, May 31 at 9pm at Schmidy’s Tavern where they will be having their record release party for their third disc, Amidst the Black.

Also performing that night will be Brain Vat and Robotic Humans. This is a free show and 21 & over.

The guys from Perishment: Ruben Gutierrez (vocals), Aaron Ramson (bass), Bobby Taffolla (guitar) and Tommy Winters (drums) took time out of their busy schedules to answer a few questions for CV Weekly.

CVW: How long has the band been together?

Bobby Taffolla: I formed the band in 2005. After working with various desert musicians, we played our first “real gig” at the Vibe in Riverside with SANGRE in March 2007. After playing gigs throughout the rest of 2007 in the Inland Empire with session players, then drummer Devin Jay and myself decided we needed to finalize the permanent line up and record a debut album. Enter exCrematorium bass player Aaron Ramson and former Innerwar front man Ryan Barneck.

We recorded and released our first full length LP Cult of Disaster in 2008 and continued to play here in the Coachella Valley and Inland Empire through 2009. In 2010, Barneck parted ways and we recruited ex-Menzrea

Photo By Chris Miller/Imagine Imagery

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Photo By laura hunt little vocalist Ruben Gutierrez and recorded our second release, Peripheral Veil EP in 2011. In 2012, Jay moved to Oregon and enter current drummer Tommy Winters. And here we are in 2012, stronger and more united really then we have ever been!

CVW: Where did you record the new record?

Taffolla: In the Perishment HQ/Studios!

An in home DIY studio.

CVW: Who produced it?

Taffolla: We did! Honestly we love having the freedom of coming and going as we please, experimenting, changing what we want. We have a very old school analog set up, which of course has its limitations, and without the assistance of modern software, vocals are the hardest thing to produce/ record. But you hear everything, for the better or the worst. There is no hiding here!

CVW: Who writes the lyrics?

Taffolla: Ruben pretty much writes all of them now. In the early days I used to write a lot of them when we didn’t have a permanent vocalist.

CVW: What is your inspiration for writing?

Ruben Gutierrez: Inspiration for the Amidst The Black EP lyrics came from being in a dark place. Everything I was writing was coming out too personal, so I discarded my rule of writing about my own life and decided to go at it head first. I felt the songs were heavy and well written so the lyrics had to be just right. Definitely a place I wouldn’t want to visit again… but I’m relieved I was able to walk that road and end it with my own sanity.

CVW: How did it feel to be nominated for the CV Music Awards and perform there?

Aaron Ramson: It felt great to have an opportunity to shine and be recognized.

We’ve gotten a bit of exposure from it. We think it raised our profile a little.

Taffolla: It was amazing! To perform along -side the talent and variety of genres on that kind of stage/platform/format was huge! We feel very grateful to have the opportunity let alone be nominated amongst the Valley’s finest heavy bands!

CVW: What tricks do you have up your sleeve for the record release show?

Taffolla: We have pressed 25 CDs for this show only, hand numbered that contains both our EP’s and 2 newly remixed songs from our first album. We are giving them to the first 25 people through the door to see

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by tracy Dietlin the show after 8:30pm. And they are FREE!!!

CVW: I heard there’s going to be some special guests/performances?

Ramson: Definitely, it’s what we do!

We’ve reached out to a wide array of local artists to help us out on this one; friends who are amazing musicians on their own. To have them agree to help us out is tremendous and we couldn’t be happier. From the jump we’ve always loved sharing the stage with guest performers and other musicians. There is an energy and a vibe that’s created with collaboration, you know? It’s a shame it’s not something seen often in heavy rock music, because pop thrives on artistic collaborations.

Not that we aspire to create pop, but the love of music remains fresh through collaborations and mash-ups.

CVW: Other than selling CDs will you have other merch?

Tommy Winters: We will have shirts, posters, and 3 signed lithographs featuring the limited CD’s artwork!

CVW: Any plans for other upcoming shows or small local tour or bigger?

Ramson: We’ve always aspired to make our shows events. We’ve never played the same set list twice. We’ve never used the same guest musicians twice. If the right opportunities were to arise, we’d love to take them, be it higher profile shows or even minitours.

CVW: How do you feel the metal scene has grown here in the CV the last couple years?

Ramson: There are a handful of metal bands in this valley and none of them sound alike. That’s such a great thing when you think about what a small pool of musicians live here. I played in a death metal band with Luis Diaz from ITNOTD years back, and now we’re in different local bands that sound nothing alike. That diversity in sound is what makes this local scene so exciting to be a part of.

Taffolla: It has definitely grown, with the help of publications and the increase in quality venues/bars. When we did our own local metal shows back in 2008-2011, we used to do everything ourselves. We tried to make every show we were putting together a huge event. We did the booking, the flyers, the printing, the lights/smoke, stage management and honestly it was exhausting.

That’s why I quit promoting shows after 2011.

Now with places like Schmidy’s Tavern, The Hood and the Date Shed, that have lighting and a legit PA, and with publications like CV Weekly and more recently VM Management helping the bands to get the word out and bringing in National Acts, the bands and artist can focus on the show and promotion, which is a huge relief! Makes us want to up our game and play more!

CVW: How do you feel about all the different metal genres...death, nu, hardcore, black, grind, post hardcore, thrash....and where do you feel Perishment fits in?

Winters: As far as the genres, I don’t listen to music based on genre, good music

Local Music Spotlight

Behind the Scenes with THE HIVE MINDS

Photo By laura hunt little is good music no matter what genre it’s classified as, and if it’s good I’ll listen to it. I don’t really classify us as anything. We are just PERISHMENT we make whatever type of music we feel like making, whether it’s psychedelic, technical, or just balls out heavy.

Ramson: We’re performers; all 4 of us are entertainers and we just happen to play a really aggressive style of music. We said from the start that we are a metal group with the heart of a rock and roll band. We don’t want to be pigeonholed, but that’s hurt us in a way because metal fans are very fickle and demand a certain temperament from their bands.

Taffolla: Yeah… really at this point in the band’s history, I’d say we cannot be sub-genre classified, really I can’t even tell you a band that we sound like anymore, which of course is what we want, our own sound and our own identity.

CVW: Anything you want your fans to know?

Ramson: Thank you for appreciating what we do and understanding why we do it.

Taffolla: Thanks for the support over the years! You are the reason we are still standing! Oh yeah Tommy loves Dr. Pepper, Ruben loves comics, Bobby likes long walks in the park and Aaron brews all his own beer!

Perishment record release show Saturday, May 31 starts @ 9pm @ Schmidy’s Tavern located on the corner of Hwy 111 and Fred Waring in Palm Desert, next to the Men’s Warehouse. facebook.com/PerishmentBand

Photo By Chris Miller/Imagine Imagery

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here has been a lot of press on Derek Jordan Gregg and his band The Hive Minds, and for good reason. The music, both cover tunes and originals, that they have been producing as a two piece, has quickly become a venue and music lover’s favorite. But what has this talented, lovable, Bat Man and Robin duo of alternative roots and rock been up to between bookings? Fans will be ecstatic to learn that they have been in the studio, producing their first full length album. Partnering with seasoned musician and producer, Andrew Allan Bentley (aka “London”) at his Desert Music Productions Studio, they have spent the better part of the last 3 months (approximately 300 hours) documenting the original music that rapidly and expertly flows from the pen and strings of their front man. In the process, they have added a third character, and key member to their band, producer Andrew “London” Bentley himself.

“We’d done some recordings before and just weren’t really happy with it,” shared drummer/percussionist Sean Poe. “Andrew invited us to come over and do a track. The most important thing to us was seeing if we could feel comfortable. We fell in love with the studio. We go in there; we hang out... we don’t have the feeling of being stressed out or rushed. It’s great. When we started laying the tracks, Andrew came up with

Photo By Chris Miller/Imagine Imagery

Photo By laura hunt little

better bass lines than we could, and we just clicked. We’ve always been a two piece, but didn’t necessarily want to be. We just didn’t want to settle for just anyone.”

“I’ve known Derek since he was 5,” shared London in the accent that is the obvious reason for his trademark nickname.

“His dad, Mark, was Best Man at my wedding, so it’s really like a family thing. I invited them to my studio and said, ‘Let’s do one song and see how it goes.’ The experience ended up being great for all of us. Derek was initially going to do the bass lines, but had me do a couple. Both he and Sean really liked what I did, so now I’m their bass player as well as their producer. I love playing bass. Having come from being a guitar player/front man for so many years, playing bass is really speaking to me as a musician. It’s a new direction for me. I actually took bass lessons from Bob Gross, Bobby Nicole’s bass player. I’ve worked with pretty much every bass player in the desert when I had my former band, ‘London Trio’. I know what I like from all the other musicians I’ve listened to over the years.

I think in an overall composition aspect.

For example, in the song, ‘Fire Water’, I’m following the heartbeat of the kick drum.

Then the melody and harmonic progression of the song are so interesting, I worked the bass line to really support them.”

“There were tracks that I knew were

May 29 to June 4, 2014

by Lisa Morgan going to be favorites, like ‘Fire Water’,” explained Poe. “Then there were some that were good songs, but not heavy hitters. We were kind of worried they’d just be album filler. After we were done recording them we felt that they just weren’t really ‘there’, so we just started over on them. We re-worked them differently than we’d ever done them before, and they turned out awesome. A lot of the tracks, after re-recording them, became our favorite tracks on the album.”

London chimed in, “Derek’s song writing is so strong, that there are no real fillers on this album. The feed back from musicians we trust has been outstanding. The album is going to be a real center piece for Derek’s singing and song writing.”

Each member of the band has their favorites on the album. “She’s Like Rain” and “Velvet Flowers” are among the high ranking favorites for Gregg and London.

Poe also favors a song titled, “Arson”. But unanimously, they refer to “Fire Water” as a stellar accomplishment wherein they feel they’ve captured the dynamic way in which Gregg delivers this song live. They’ve allowed me to publish the lyrics as an example of the strong writing you will enjoy from Derek Jordan Gregg on this album: I’ve got a brand new twenty dollar bill and an aching in my heart.

So I’m off to grab some firewater from the local liquor store, to tear myself apart.

I’m much like the lion, cowardly.

I need something stiff to encourage me.

Why is there no confidence to find, from sobriety inside this heart of mine.

I’m not brave but you, you’ve got no skin.

The vessel that encompasses your soul is made of tin.

The blue hue of your eyes have turned to stone.

I’m drowning in your ghost stories and you’re gnawing at my bones.

Oil has become your bitter blood.

Thick and black, I’m coming back, just to drag you through the mud.

And why the hell can you not shed a tear?

The bottles in my hand save yourself dear.

And it goes on...

The rumbling in this dull bass drum can’t overcome the thumping in my chest.

It’s been ten years and maybe more, but I can’t seem to put your soul to rest.

Why the hell could I not make you stay.

In my oblivion, inebriate.

You can enjoy a video of this song on YouTube.com/hiveminds As Gregg likes to say, “We’re ‘washing dishes’. Basically, we’re playing cover tunes where ever we can get booked to finance this album.” But how does he, the singer/ songwriter feel about this album? “I actually put it on the other day, and it felt like I was listening to one of my favorite albums. It was the first time I wasn’t overwhelmed with anxiety over how people would feel about it, and just realized, ‘Wow. This is big.

This is a great album. Pops (Mark Gregg a highly accomplished musician in his own

right) even said, ‘I’m gonna be listening to this album a lot this summer... and it’s got nothing to do with you being my son.’”

The release date of the self-titled, freshman album will contain 11 original tracks, with a guest contribution by Mark Gregg, Derek’s father. It will be released in multiple formats, including a limited number of CDs, that will be available on Amazon, iTunes and the band’s website currently under construction.

Many seasoned ears by tenured musicians have responded with very positive accolades. But most importantly, this is a project that has all three members of the band feeling a true sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

There is only one regret. Poe shared, “There will be no cow bell on this album, and that makes me sad.” Poe recently acquired a ominous looking, red cow bell named, ‘Bell Diablo’, but promised it would play a part on the next album. As a condolence, Poe offered, “There will be tambourine. I’ve been told, that a more soulful tambourine has never been heard.”

The Hive Minds, now a powerful trio, will be performing this Saturday night at Hamilton’s, one of La Quinta’s favorite restaurants, sports bars and live entertainment venues. Get there early to get a good seat and enjoy their full bar and great menu, including new Cajun entrees featured weekly. The food and music will both provide you with a flavorful night out that you’ll not soon forget. I suggest you do not miss this opportunity, as this is an extremely talented band that we are fortunate to enjoy locally...for now.

Hamilton’s is located at 79255 California Hwy 111, La Quinta, in front of the Walmart shopping center. Call (760) 698-8303 for reservations and details. fb.com/thehiveminds vhivemindsmusic.com

Photo By Chris Miller/Imagine Imagery

11

May 29 to June 4, 2014

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Local Music Spotlight

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Local Music Spotlight

By lisa morgan

By lisa morgan

Bobby Nichols and The Inner Planetary Monks A Perfect Sonic Storm

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he curtain opened on the Riviera’s Grand Ballroom stage as it had done several times that day at the Second Annual Coachella Valley Music Awards. The stunning stage setting complete with smoke and lights created a show in themselves, but they suddenly became a non-factor as Bobby Nichols and the Inner Planetary Monks began to play. There was a sudden silence in the audience combined with a sense of awe in the air, most notably from the many professional musicians in attendance. As I listened, something inside my head and soul opened up to an amazing listening experience. The collaboration of the musicians led by Bobby Nichols flooded the ballroom with music that moved like the ocean yet with even less predictability. It was music that out swayed the boundaries of genre and standard musical time while maintaining an incredible cohesiveness. Some might describe the music as acid-jazz musical exploration. Whatever label you adhere to it, it appeased parts of my musical palette that I didn’t even know existed. Bobby had been nominated as one of the Coachella Valley’s best guitar players. He did not win the title this day, but the respect

he and his band-mates earned on that stage is rarely awarded and can never be taken away.

Non-traditional experiences and exposures as a child in love with the guitar combined with years of study and intense devotion have evolved into a perfect storm and the creation of The Inner Planetary Monks. It is here, that Bobby Nichols has found the freedom to channel the music he was born to make.

He was 9 years old, an American boy in Chili, when he picked up his first guitar. His older brother had started taking lessons.

Bobby’s brother didn’t last more than a few months, while Bobby never put it down again. The eclectic style in which Nichols plays can be traced back to a somewhat transient upbringing. The Nichols family moved from America to Brazil when Bobby was 2. Attending Brazilian schools instead of the American schools, Nichols became fluent in Portuguese. “I have no doubt that my upbringing in Brazil and later in Chili had an effect on me musically. Between Brazil and Chili, I also lived in New York City. Dad was an entrepreneur of sorts, and was high up in the teamsters union. By the time I hit Florida, when I was a senior in high school, my family had moved around North and South America 11 times. It was pretty intense stuff, and I was playing a lot through most of it. I had a nylon string guitar, and my hands were constantly on the fret board.” He started jamming with other musicians by the age of 14.

“I’ve always been inspired by improvisational musicians,” Nichols shared. “I like things that sound organic. When I was 21 years old, I went to a free music seminar. It was a 2 month long seminar taught by avantgarde, top notch jazz guys in the New York and European jazz scene. There were only 20 of us in this old monastery. That experience really molded me. Every one of these teachers had a different take on music, but collectively, it was taught that you should play what’s in your heart. The theory was, ‘Every day’s a new day’. You feel differently today than you did yesterday, so you’re going to play a little differently. After a lifetime of playing that

Photos by Mike Smalley/Photographic Arts - www.mikeysphotoart.com

12

way, I’m definitely not the guy who does the cover stuff note for note, but rather my interpretation of it. I’ve only taught myself a handful of licks in my lifetime. In Inner Planetary Monks (IPM), the groove is the great communicator. My guitar is the voice.

I’m open to adding vocals, but I’m not going to go looking for it. Music is a language, and I’ve developed mine to the point where people like the way I speak.”

IPM is the culmination of Bobby’s musical life. “I’m finally giving myself permission to be who I am. I’m pretty critical of my playing and only in the last two years have come to actually like it.” Combine that statement with the incredible players whose paths have intersected with Nichols’ and you have an entirely new spectrum and depth of music few musicians are persistent enough to discover.

“Nat Scott, who originally hails from Texas, is an accomplished drummer with a wide palate of musical tastes, and is the heartbeat of the Monks,” declared Nichols.

“His musicality and chops have brought him around the world with an A-list in the jazz/funk/groove world. His experience and willingness to open up and explore the music makes him special. This is one bad boy who’s also a classical pianist.”

Of his bassist, Bobby states, “Bob Gross is the pulse of the band. Bob’s playing

May 29 to June 4, 2014

experience in the jam band world with players from Ratdog, Bruce Hornsby, Peter Anderson, and his own involvement with Jemimah Puddleduck allow him to help take the band’s music to deep territory. IPM is a chance for Gross to dig into his deepest roots as a player.”

Bobby Nichols has made his presence known since coming to the desert in ‘82 playing in the band “Cota”. Noticed by music writer Bruce Fessier of the Desert Sun from the start, making Bruce’s top 10 list of desert guitarists then, to being nominated this year in the CVMAs over a decade later, there is no question regarding Nichols’ abilities. But with the Inner Planetary Monks, the stage is set for Bobby Nichols to leave an indelible footprint of his very own on our desert’s rich musical sound-scape.

You have an opportunity to experience the music at Joshua Tree’s Strawberry Moon Event; an evening under the stars where Nichols and IPM will be joined by Steve Rushingwind, Kerosh Showghi, Paula Revera, Sequoia Smith and Steve Brown. The event will be held at the Joshua Tree Lake Campground. Tickets are $10 at door, Friday, June 13th, starting at 7:45 pm. Joshua Tree Lake, RV and Campground is located at 2601 Sunfair/Coyote Valley Rd., Joshua Tree

The Long and Short of Long Duk Dong

Headlining CV Weekly’s 80’s Night @ Schmidy’s Tavern, Palm Desert, Friday, May 30th @ 9 Pm

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or the second time in a row, Synth-Pop 80’s cover band, Long Duk Dong was voted Coachella Valley’s Best Cover Band, and after their performance at the Coachella Valley Music Awards, there was no doubt in anybody’s mind as to why. Long Duk Dong encompasses everything you ever loved about the dancing 80’s music scene, both in sound and personality.

Their high energy, animated performances are unequalled as they master the arrangements and sounds that transport you to a more carefree time and place.

Fronting this electric group of incredibly talented and tech savvy musicians are Chelsea Sugarbritches and Nicco Ysiano. Chelsea’s petite frame contains a voice as big if not bigger than the hit makers of the hay day she represents. That voice, also nominated as one of the top five female singing voices in the valley, effortlessly projects with eerie similarity, songs performed by 80’s icons such as Dale Bozzio from the band Missing Persons, Martha Davis of The Motels, Debbie Harry from Blondie, and more. You would only suspect this vivacious personality just might be in a rock band when she’s off stage due to her lavender locks. Otherwise, you’re likely to see Chelsea as a very devoted, supportive, in-love with her family, mother and wife. But come show time, you may find her singing from bar tops or hitching a ride upon the shoulders of her singing partner Nicco.

She will make you fall in love with her fearless, high-voltage voice and performance.

Nicco shares the spotlight effortlessly, with a strong, steady, versatile voice and provides Chelsea with perfect background vocals when required.

Towering over his co-host, Nicco is the guy you want to party with. Intimidating in stature, you quickly figure out that he’s an easy going, loveable, teddy bear who’s there to make sure the party gets started and keeps on going. But, unlike Chelsea, who has been involved in and excelled at one form or another of musical/creative art since childhood, Nicco had no musical background prior to joining the band that initially started as a Muse Tribute band. “I saw an ad on Craig’s List for a vocalist. I thought to myself, ‘I sing these songs all the time when I’m driving.’” He dialed the number on the ad and current Long Duk Dong keyboardist and

tech hero, Jeff Mazer, answered the phone. “He didn’t ask me any questions. He just said to come on over,” says Ysiano. Mazer would later share, “I just thought I wasn’t all that good of a musician at the time, so if anyone was willing to play with me, that was cool.” Jeff played bass for that band.

Not much transpired with that first project and the two moved on to other things. Later, Nicco got the call to come sing for an 80’s retro-band.

They didn’t even have a set list worked out when word got to Kristen, Nicco’s boss at the Date Shed, that Nicco had a band. Kristen insisted that they open for a band she had booked. And with that deadline crunch to be show ready, Long Duk Dong was born, on a stage that most musicians covet and have to earn their way to play. But earn it they did, obviously, as the band has been consistantly booked ever since.

On drums is Craig Brown, very likely the working-est drummer in the desert. Craig has played with jazz band, Penny University, Dali’s Llama, The Hick-Ups and many others over the years. Bass player, Joe Willis, who also steps up to provide additional stellar vocals for the group, works out a tight rhythm section that is essential for these cover tunes to be delivered successfully, mirroring the well-known productions. Jeff Mazer (keyboards) and Chris Koenig (keyboards and keytar) also play their parts to perfection.

The challenge that all these musicians who play behind their talented front-man and front-woman face, is that the ears of their audience have been trained for decades to these songs they know and love. Any variance is likely to be noticed and not appreciated. So, while on the surface, this is a band of fun-loving bunch of party makers, they are very much a tightly tuned, well-rehearsed group of technicians. What they do, below the surface, is frankly, amazing.

That being said, you definitely do not want to miss out on the opportunity to enjoy this band live and loud at our CV Weekly 80’s Night at Schmidy’s Tavern, Friday, May 30. The party starts at 9, and prizes will be awarded to those wearing the best in 80’s retro wear. This is sure to be one of the hottest (in a good way) nights of entertainment in the valley. I suggest you get there as early as possible as reservations are already pouring in. You can follow Long Duk Dong on their website: longdukdong80s. com or on FB @ LongDukDong80s. Schmidy’s Tavern is located on the corner of Hwy 111 and Fred Waring in Palm Desert, next to the Men’s Warehouse. We hope to see you there!

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May 29 to June 4, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Eleni P. Austin

JESSICA LEA MAYFIELD

“Make My Head Sing” (ATO Records)

Consider This

“

Auerbach produced Mayfield’s 2008 debut, Blasphemy So Heartfelt and her 2011 follow-up, Tell Me, on Nonesuch Records.

Mayfield’s debut was full of lovelorn regret and recriminations.

Her sophomore effort was more expansive but remarkably world-weary for a 22 year old. Her vocal style created a honied dissonance that felt like a mash-up of June Carter Cash and Exene Cervenka, frontwoman from seminal L.A. Punk band, X. In the three years since Mayfield released Tell Me, she married bassist, Jesse Newport and left Nonesuch for Dave Matthews’ boutique label, ATO Records.

She has returned with a new album, Make My Head Sing….

This time round, Jesse Newport is handling production chores while the couple plays all the instruments with assistance from drummer Matt Martin.

The album kicks into gear with the coiled menace of “Oblivious.” Chunky, downstroke power chords ride roughshod over a wheezy tempo and Mayfield’s laconic vocals. Her delivery is nonchalant but sinister…“I could

kill with the power in my mind, but I’m a good humanitarian.”

On two tracks, “I Wanna Love You” and “Party Drugs,” she tackles harrowing themes. The melody of the former is built around spiraling guitar fillips that recalls both Blue Oyster Cult’s “Don’t Fear The Reaper” and Devo’s “Gut Feeling.”

Here, Mayfield adopts the P.O.V. of a stalker…”I’m sitting outside your house, watching what you do, I see you open the mail I have sent to you/I’m insane I’m gonna love you, you’re gonna find this out.” The chilling tenor of her voice is at odds with the playful tune.

On the latter song, Mayfield’s vocals feel spectral and other-worldly. The music is dour and desolate as she soberly recounts her own flirtation with addiction…“Party drugs I’ve gotten used to, without them I’m bored and tired….”

Although her first two albums hewed closely to a Country/Folk blueprint, Make My Head Sing… pledges allegiance to Mayfield’s childhood crush: Grunge.

This is especially evident on “Pure Stuff,” “Unknown Big Secret” and “No Fun.” “Pure Stuff” is anchored by a kickdrum beat and sludgey tilt-a-whirl riffage.

Mayfield’s vocals soar over the loud verses and quiet choruses.

“Unknown Big Secret” blends fluttery guitar chords over a pounding back-beat.

Mayfield addresses marital discord with this sophisticated couplet…”You hate my childlike qualities, I hate the meanie in you.”

Finally “No Fun” is a Nihilist’s delight!

Over pin-wheeling guitar pyrotechnics, everything sucks and nothing has meaning… ”I never want nothing, cause everything makes me mad.”

Mayfield takes another stylistic left turn, veering from ‘90s Grunge to ‘80s Indie Rock on “Standing In The Sun” and “Do I Have The Time.”

“Standing In The Sun” shimmers like a lost Cocteau Twins song. Mayfield’s dreamy vocals ricochet between sunburst guitar licks and a gentle keyboard wash. “Do I Have The Time” echoes the ghostly Goth of Siouxsie And The Banshees.

The album closes with the slow-burn Psychedelia of “Seein’ Starz.” Here Mayfield is in the grip of a toxic love, but she kinda likes it.

Make My Heart Sing… is a great album, but it doesn’t satisfy the way “Tell Me” did. It’s nice that Jessica Lea Mayfield has the freedom to channel her inner Tammy Wynette on one song and acknowledge her devotion to Stone Temple Pilots on the next. Maybe the next album will manage a more seemless synthesis of her myriad influences.

May 29 to June 4, 2014

By rebecca pikus

MERRILL ORR

M

F

uck Barbies, I gotta play music.”

That’s a direct quote from a seven year old Jessica Lea Mayfield, right after she watched a video of the Foo Fighters’ song, “My Hero.”

By age eight, the Kent, Ohio native had gotten her wish. She was playing and touring with her family’s Bluegrass band, One Way Rider. Learning some easy guitar chord progressions 11 year old Jessica began writing her own songs.

Ten years ago, when she was 15, Mayfield recorded a homemade EP, White Lies. She only pressed 100 copies, but miraculously, one reached fellow Ohioan, Dan Auerbach.

As a guitarist and vocalist, Dan Auerbach was just beginning to make a name for himself in The Black Keys. A Garage Blues two-piece, consisting of Auerbach and drummer, Pat Carney, the duo had already released released three full-length albums and an EP.

art

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LARGER-THAN-LIFE SCULPTOR

errill Orr is a Master Sculptor who lives & works right here in our very own Coachella Valley -in La Quinta, Ca. He is a highly-approachable & affable artist whose charisma & openness attracts people immediately, & his good nature takes the intimidation factor out of art! Although originally from Ocala, Florida, Merrill has attained National -and International -- acclaim for his stone sculptures & Public Art. Throughout his art career, he has created stone & steel sculptures, ceramics, lighting, sculptural industrial furniture, sculpture gardens & set designs.

Merrill’s work is subtle yet bold, modern & contemporary. He has traveled extensively throughout his career. In 1981, Orr moved to Europe to study with Italian & German classical sculptors, where he mastered the art of Carrera marble. In 1995 he traveled to Asia to teach design & development in the manufacturing factories of Mainland China. There Merrill was responsible for art direction, concept, design & color for many products. Through his travels he discovered the impact of large-scale public works around the world, & the purity of marble in Italy.

The artist incorporates these impressions into his work, and utilizes a wide range of materials including steel, stainless steel, bronze, cast iron, aluminum, granite, marble, precious gemstones & metals, alabaster & rare woods. Although Merrill was very successful abroad, he missed his career in the Fine Art World. So in 1998, he returned to the U.S. to resume his career as a sculptor. It was stone that he was first drawn to -- the aspect of dimension that allows the viewer to “see” through their hands as well as their eyes.

Then Merrill Orr discovered the freedom of working with steel: “It allows me to do the unimaginable...I am able to create by using what has turned out to be a unique and obdurate material without losing the human touch. My pieces reflect my creativity, diversity and passion for

sculpting...”

Merrill has had representation in Fine Arts Galleries across the U.S. including New York, Illinois, Minnesota, California, Florida, Nevada, & Arizona. He is also represented in museums in Tokyo and in European galleries. His recent Exhibitions include the Indian Wells Art Festival (“Featured Artist”), Laguna Beach Art Festival, El Paseo Public Arts Exhibition, Calabasas Fine Art Show, & Long Beach Fine Art Show.

Merrill Orr also teaches Sculpture Classes in La Quinta, Ca for both children & adults. His website is: www.merrill-orr. com -- he can be contacted via email: info@ merrill-orr.com, or by tel. (760) 641-5203

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

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May 29 to June 4, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

PET PLACE Justice for Toby

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Janet McAfee

R

escued from Afghanistan, Toby became a symbol of comfort and happiness for U.S. soldiers and animal lovers throughout the world who helped bring this once starving pup to a loving home in Texas. Toby was rescued by a U.S. Army captain from a burning trash pit as a tiny, starving puppy in this war torn land.

Tragically, this precious dog became the victim of violence in our homeland when he was ruthlessly shot and killed by a neighbor on April 12, 2014.

In a war ravaged nation, Toby was a bright spot for the soldiers, a creature of joy in a place far from home who brought loving comfort to the troops. Dogs are family, reminders of our loving homes, our best friends, and protectors. Toby later brought that same love and companionship to his home in Texas.

Rachel Ries was an Army MEDEVAC helicopter pilot when she first met Toby in Afghanistan. Ries recalls, “He had already been rescued. Toby was the coolest dog ever. I always made him my priority when I rotated through...everyone else hated

georgoeus tortie

This lovely kitty will make a “purrfect” pet for some lucky person. This 1-yr-old girl is 7 pounds of playful joy. She’s cat ID#A1108461 at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644.

Cat adoptions $15

rotating through there. I made it a point to go there because of this dog. All the air crews, the navy surgical teams, the contractors, and the medical people knew him. The first time I met him he licked my face and we played fetch with an empty water bottle.”

When the military unit could no longer keep Toby with them, the options of euthanizing him or leaving him behind to fend for himself were unthinkable. Paws Unite People, a national organization that assists abused and neglected animals,

quickly arranged for Toby to come to the United States to be with the soldier who so loved him. The effort gained nationwide media attention, and Toby touched many hearts when he arrived here in January, 2013, to live with Rachel and her family.

Toby became a neighborhood celebrity.

By all accounts, he was a gentle animal, popular with every person and pup he met, trained to love and comfort others.

Like most rescue dogs, Toby showed love, wisdom, forgiveness, and a tendency to “live in the moment” happily with his American family.

Rachel Ries had already complained to the authorities about her neighbor’s threats. Michael Coulter had an encounter with Ries’ 15-yr-old son in February. The boy was walking with a friend into his backyard from the driveway when Coulter shouted at them that the next time he saw the white dog, he was going to shoot it in the head.

Coulter made disparaging remarks about Ries’ wearing her military uniform, and in a pattern reminiscent of bullying neighbors made numerous threatening remarks about their “Afghan” dog. Ries felt the local authorities neglected to take action to her reports of threats prior to the April 12 shooting.

Coulter has not been arrested or charged with any criminal offense in Toby’s killing, and the situation in Wilson County has become controversial. The

Cute terrier

POINTER MIX

This adorable pup is available now for adoption at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms.

This playful 9-lb boy is just 2-yrs-old and ready to have fun! He’s dog ID#A1110137.

Call (760) 343-3644.

This handsome male Pointer mix will make a great hiking buddy! He’s dog ID#A1109520 at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms.

Call (760) 343-3644 for shelter hours.

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Sheriff’s investigator reports this as a case of “self-defense”, and their office delayed providing a report with any detail. The initial report was only three lines long, and did not mention that Coulter smelled of alcohol, a critical fact since Texas law forbids discharging a gun when under the influence.

The results of necropsy performed on Toby indicate the dog was over 20 feet away from Coulter when shot, the dog was immobile at the time, and he was facing away from Coulter. I have reviewed witness statements from observers who report the trail of blood was only in Toby’s yard, and nowhere near Coulter’s property or the locked gate that separated the yards.

A San Antonio attorney, Robyn Katz, has stepped up to help Toby’s family. Rachel Ries wants a fair investigation. Because the Sheriff made prejudicial statements favorable to Coulter to the local media that could taint a jury pool, they are seeking a Grand Jury hearing in another county.

To follow this story go to Toby’s Facebook page “Justice for Toby” and hit LIKE. Almost 20,000 people have signed a petition at thepetitionsite.com asking that Wilson County provide justice for Toby and protect his human family from further harassment.

We hope that the telling of Toby’s story will create a climate of change for how we treat animals, not just in Wilson County Texas, but throughout this country. Animal cruelty laws need to be taken seriously and strictly enforced. No one should be allowed to maliciously kill someone else’s pet or a stray animal. Rachel would like to see Wilson County move forward with building the no-kill shelter that local taxpayers and rescue volunteers support. Toby’s rescue and journey home from Afghanistan was particularly heart wrenching and dramatic, but every homeless dog has a story and a sweet forgiving heart that yearns for a place like home. jmcafee7@verizon.net

May 29 to June 4, 2014

by Rick Riozza

Summer Wine at the Workshop Kitchen+Bar Palm Springs

W

hat a great idea to pair the inventive cuisine of Executive Chef and co-owner Michael Beckman at his Workshop Kitchen + Bar to some of PMDL’s summer wine portfolio picks for a gastronomic fun time of matching & pairing.

Workshop Kitchen + Bar is located in the historic El Paseo building on Palm Canyon Drive in the Uptown Palm Springs district known for its modernist architecture, retro art and chic decor. Workshop is the type of restaurant that brings to mind a stylish San Francisco eatery; its seasonal farm to table cuisine could rate as well with the best of the Bay area. In other words, this new Palm Springs restaurant is already on the culinary map and has made its mark in the league with the likes of Johannes, Tinto, Figue, Pinzimini and Copley’s—just to name a few.

Sunset magazine featured Workshop as an Editor’s Pick; Zagat includes it in its “Top 9 in greater Palm Springs”; and Thrillist named the restaurant in their “Top 47 Restaurant & Bars in LA”, as well as their “Top 12 Best SoCal Restaurants Not in LA or OC”.

Chef Michael made the culinary scene in San Francisco while studying three years in programs at Kuleto’s and Il Fornaio.

Thereafter, he made the pilgrimage to Europe, landing in Geneva, spending a couple of years at a traditional countryside French restaurant and then on to Lyon to study and work under Michelin-star chefs.

Marcus Kempken is one of the desert’s wine wise guys who used to head up the wine program over at 3rd Corner Wine Shop & Bistro. For the last few years, he’s become one of the pre-imminent wine agents at the highly respected PMDL Wine Agency. Many of our great restaurants in the valley carry PMDL’s star-studded brands and labels.

The theme of “summer fare” dictated the food and wine selection. Chef Michael presented some gorgeous plates that included Octopus Carpaccio, Grilled Shishito Peppers, Babé Farm’s Roasted

Heirloom Carrots, Crispy Local Goat Cheese, Wong Farm’s Tomato and Burrata, Grilled Aspargus, and Pan-Roasted Texas Redfish.

And, Marcus brought to the table a wellconsidered array of rosés and whites: The French Domaine de la Petite Cassagne is from the Costières de Nîmes region nearby Van Gough’s starry night’s Arles. For all of you who enjoy that Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, and Mourvedre red blend, here’s the tasty rosé version that will be on Workshop’s wine list this summer It’s a very clean and complex rosé. And right out of the gate, here was a wine that went with every dish Chef Michael provided.

A serious but delightful quaff: Meld red berries, white melons, citrus, sweet herbs along with a waft of sea air and a dust of minerality—such a wide variety of taste sensations that straddled and wove through the diversity of the dishes.

As you can tell for this sampling, the Chef’s tasting menu reflected lighter fare and would be the delight of any vegetarian. But we meat eaters at the table were not complaining.

Indeed, Chef’s roasted Heirloom carrots prepared along with chopped dates, goat cheese, walnuts, chermoula, and green onions were rousing with the rosé and quite filling.

Anything by winemaker Paul Hobbs is always worth enjoying, so it’s no shock to be sampling his 2013 Crossbarn Chardonnay.

It’s produced from selected vineyards within the Sonoma Coast AVA that is known for pure concentrated fruit. This Chard shines from the stellar 2013 vintage with exhilarating aromas of pomelo, baked pear galette, and chamomile flower with a truly satisfying palette of apricots, lime chiffon pie, and white tea. Pretty fancy savors.

A fun engaging discussion as to which plate went best with this wine: The Octopus Carrpaccio, cooked sous-vide with pickled cauliflower fleurettes, peppers, cilantro, lemon & olive oil, or, the Crispy Local Goat Cheese atop braised lentils, glazed beet, and scallions. Well one thing for sure, the best bet is to order the Crossbarn Chard no matter what.

Marcus also included the absolutely delicious 2012 Lola Dry Riesling from the Santa Lucia Highlands. The wine community

is now well aware of the joys of dry—not the sweet—Riesling, with its crisp, juicy, and rich flavor profile. It has joined the summertime white wine triumvirate along with the Sauv Blanc and Chard, each bringing their unique white fruit profile to the table.

The 2012 Lola carries the best of both worlds: It’s lean and flinty with beautiful tropical fruit notes and balanced with a cleansing acidity. A great mouth feel with only 11% alcohol. It went wonderfully with Chef’s perfectly prepared Pan-Roasted Texas Redfish, served with sautéed fava tops and laid on a spread of grilled spring garlic grits.

A very impressive dish.

And yet another tasty and interesting varietal was presented: the 2012 Stolpman Vineyards Estate Rousanne, Santa Barbara.

You may recognize this Rhone varietal, often

blended with Marsanne in France, but the very reputable Stolpman in Santa Barbara County is blending their inventive mix with 91% Rousanne—and 9% Chardonnay, which gives lift and zest to the ripe Rousanne fruit.

There’s lime blossom, white stone fruit and brûlée flavors. Bienvenue Rousanne!

Both the Lola Dry Riesling and the Stolpman Rousanne can be found in the wine department at Jensen’s Markets Palm Springs and Palm Desert.

After sitting and enjoying the entire sampling experience, my son Paolo and I couldn’t resist, so we ordered up the WoodFired Fennel Sausage & Arugula Pizza. It’s already our favorite. So enjoy the Kitchen— plus the Bar. Workshop Kitchen + Bar, 800 N. Palm Canyon Dr. 760.459.3451

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May 29 to June 4, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

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 29 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 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 7pm 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/

The Deep Ones 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Frank Di Salvo 6pm JOHNNY ROCKETS; RM; 760-674-3120 O.G.R. Band 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/ Country Nation 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 THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 RFJT Presents Ted Quinn’s Variety Show 8pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760327-1161ext.230 Machin’ 7pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 8pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8-12am TERRA LAGO GOLF CLUB; IND; 760-775-2000 The Carmens 6pm 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 Foam Party 9pm

FRI MAY 30

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29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia Band 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Tara Fox and Lauren Barth w/ DJ Pearl Charles 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 BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pm 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 CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760-325-2600 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 Butchery Boys and Church of Confidence 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 San Fernando 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-9991995 Hindsite 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 Rancho Relaxo 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Lindi Ortega 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 The Hive Minds 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760327-1161ext.230 The Gand Band 6pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 T.B.A. 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm, Esjay Jones Sidebar Patio 7pm, Whitney Shay Sidebar Lounge 10pm, DJ J Dean Starlite Lounge 10pm ROC’S FIREHOUSE; PD; 760-340-3222 Stacked ( Pat Mahon, Carrie Wilson and Lisa Lynn Morgan ) 6:30pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 CV Weekly Presents 80’s Night w/ Long Duk Dong 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; 760-341-3560 Demetrious and Co. TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985

Agave Bluesmasters 9pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 Tilted@Night 10pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-3282300 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 Country Night w/ R Buckle Road and Big John 5:30pm 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 31 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 DJ Spencer Dunham noon poolside, High Life w/ DJ Day 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 BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-775-5566 DJ PWee BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Live Music 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm 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 DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760-325-2600 Alyce Bowie 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 The Hive Minds 8pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 DJ Colourvision w/ DJ Kid Wonder, 11am poolside, 9pm Lobby, BB’s Annual Memorial Weekend party 9:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Tribesmen,

Vanagons and In Viridian 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 San Fernando 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-9991995 Hindsite 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 Scott Carter 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, Three Chord Justice 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 10 Fold 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 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 DJ Shasta, Bikini Bar noon, Martin Ross, Starlite Lounge 6pm, J Dean Sidebar Patio, Whitney Shay Sidebar Lounge 10pm, DJ Shasta, Starlite Lounge 10pm ROCKYARD@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; Steel Imagination and Escape ( Tribute to Journey ) 7:30pm ROC’S FIREHOUSE; PD; 760-340-3222 Stacked ( Pat Mahon, Carrie Wilson and Lisa Lynn Morgan ) 6:30pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 CV Weekly Presents Perishment’s Record release Party w/ Brain Vat and Robotic Humans 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 The Mighty Delta-Tones 9pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 Long Duk Dong 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-3282300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-755-5391 DJ Hektik 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Pat Rizzo & All That Jazz Band 6:30pm

May 29 to June 4, 2014

VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & JB 1:304:30pm, 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 Chris Houchin 7-10pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Stanley Butler Band 7pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ PJ 9pm

SUN JUNE 1 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob & Allison 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Tony Adams 11am poolside, DJ Aaron Castle 2pm poolside, Slacker Sunday w/ Dirty Dave 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

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

continue to page 24

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Las Casuelas Terraza

O

ne of the most well-known restaurants in our valley is located downtown Palm Springs in the heart of the strip. Many would argue that any restaurant would succeed if it were in the right location, regardless of cuisine, service or ambiance. The Original Las Casuelas opened in 1958 in Palm Springs and Las Casuelas Terraza has been open for 35 years.

After my most recent visit, it is clear to me that Las Casuelas has found the recipe for success, allowing them to remain the hottest restaurant downtown after all these years.

As many restaurants are closing their doors or limiting hours with the ending of the season upon us, my friends and I waited

in a line that went out the door and wrapped around the building. Though we had made a reservation, the restaurant was packed for the holiday weekend. Fortunate to have arranged seating on the patio near the live music, we began with a large margarita and immediately felt like we were on vacation. This was not my first visit to this

By Raymond Bill restaurant, having lived in the desert for 25 years. However, this visit was unique in that I truly noticed how magical this place can be. The food, service and entertainment were in harmony, making this a memorable experience.

We began with appetizers. The ceviche was fresh with bright flavors of cilantro and lime. Upon our server’s recommendation, we also shared the black bean pizza with grilled chicken. This was not an item I would have ordered on my own but I will enjoy it time and again when I’m in Palm Springs.

More like a tostada, this pizza was loaded with tender chicken, cheese and black beans with bites of Anaheim chilies. I will also note the guacamole we shared was a large portion of chunky deliciousness. And for the first time in many visits, we received warm tortilla chips for our salsa and guacamole!

What a difference that makes.

Avoiding the common yet safe selections from the Combinations section of the menu, we all ordered from the House Specials section. I ordered the Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo: 5 large shrimp sautéed in garlic and butter with rice and vegetables. This entrée was offered with soup or salad and I opted for a very tasty, slightly spicy bowl of chicken tortilla soup. It was full of flavor and crisp tortilla strips; I could have enjoyed this as my meal! The only downside to my meal was peeling the shrimp, though in their defense, the menu clearly states “shrimp still in their shells” so I knew what I was in for. The flavors were spot on and the rice was soft and moist, unlike the dried out Spanish rice I receive at most other Mexican restaurants.

My friends raved about their dishes as well, which included a chimichanga the size of my head (well maybe not that big) and

their Camarones Chipotle which, as the name implies, is a generous portion of peeled shrimp served with a mildly spicy chipotle sauce. For the bacon lovers (and who isn’t?) the Camarones Diablos offers large shrimp wrapped in savory bacon and served with rice and vegetables, finished with a spicy diablo sauce. We often order carne asada and fajitas but this visit was a day we decided we would try something we had never tried before. I don’t know that I will ever go back to my old favorites.

We had to finish with dessert, though there was little room after the amazing feast presented before us. My friends would share a decadent chocolate fudge brownie topped with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream while I chose a lighter treat of tequila lime flavored sorbet. Desserts were beautifully plated and were far too much for us to finish.

Whether you are looking for a great place for margaritas, live music with friends or a romantic dinner for two, Las Casuelas Terraza is a place for locals and tourists alike. I would recommend trying this restaurant again for the first time and if you are willing to step out of your comfort zone to try some new things, you may discover what makes this restaurant a piece of Palm Springs’ history.

Located downtown on South Palm Canyon, north of Baristo, Las Casuelas is open seven days per week offering lunch and dinner and breakfast on weekends. Learn more about this restaurant and the Delgado family at www.lascasuelas.com

CIGAR & TEQUILA The Terraza Patio at DINNER Las Casuelas Terraza WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18TH ~ 8:00 PM Evening will include tequila and cigar pairings with carnitas bar. Cigars provided by Tinder Box.

$35 {

plus tax & gratuity includes cigar charge

{

To RSVP call 760-325-2794

or stop by our hostess stand.

~~~ M U S T B E 2 1 T O AT T E N D ~~~ 20

May 29 to June 4, 2014

A PIZZERIA THAT’S SO MUCH MORE Not only are we “one of the top pizza joints in the US”, as named by Zagat, we also have an amazing variety of cast-iron dishes, salads, house-made gelato, and a beautiful assortment of wines and craft beers.

Do yourself a favor and try pizza for the very first time.

CALL OR CLICK FOR RESERVATIONS:

760.341.4222 or www.michaelspizzeria.com

Located at The River at Rancho Mirage

Where Bob Hope Drive meets HWY 111, next to Starbucks 71-800 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

*Free Margherita Pizza with the purchase of any pizza. Limit one per person, per visit.

Must present ad at time of sale. Dine-in only. Expires 8.31.14

CVW

The Pampered Palate

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BRING IN THIS AD FOR

May 29 to June 4, 2014

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Movie Reviews with Robin E. Simmons

TEACHERS SPAR & SPARK

WORDS & PICTURES A big favorite at the 2014 Palm Springs International Film Festival – I think there were a total of three sold-out screenings – Fred Schepisi’s engaging adult romantic melodrama about two teachers at a Maine prep school who battle each other and their own demons satisfies because of the undisputed chemistry of the two leads.

Clive Owen is Jack Marcus, an aggressive, gifted, honors English teacher who preaches the power of the written – and spoken – word. For a while, he manages to hide his serious drinking problem that threatens to destroy his world. When Juliet Binoche’s Dina Delsanto the new art teacher arrives, Marcus is energized and soon there’s an open debate in the school about whether words or pictures have the greater power.

It’s a battle between the dominance of the left and right brain. Delsanto is already an acclaimed abstract artist, but she no

22

longer paints because of painful, crippling rheumatoid arthritis. But soon she is forced to paint again when the war between the two teachers becomes a school-wide event.

One of the most amazing scenes in the film is crippled Delsanto painting in a way that cleverly allows her to spread paint as she wishes on a large flat canvas. (In actual fact, Binoche is an accomplished artist and what she paints in the film is her striking original art.)

Gerald Di Pago’s original script is richly detailed and tight. And it stays on track.

It is a welcome relief to idiotically flat so-called romantic comedies like Adam Sandler’s BLENDED. Di Pago is a veteran screenwriter (he wrote the cult fave SHARKEY’S MACHINE). He was also a high school English teacher and understands the specialized angst of curious young coed students and self-satisfied, sometimes glib teachers ensconced in a semi-closed setting. The world of the story rings true as does the push-pull fascination between the two teachers who we hope will somehow get together and find healing for the pain they experience. I’m giving nothing away here as that is the core question the movie asks. If you like intelligent, adult romances, don’t miss this great looking, emotionally satisfying film that massages both halves of your brain’s hemispheres. Opens June 8 at Cinema’s Palm d’Or. NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER: VISITORS Friedrich Nietzsche said, “The truth is ugly: we have art so as not to perish from the truth.” It’s a great quote. A version of that phrase is on some of the poster art for director Godfrey Reggio’s latest movie.

But it alone does not elevate the movie to the level of art. In fact, I’m not sure that calling this strange, arty, pretentious conceit a “movie” is fair because the popular use of that term conjures up the notion that there’s some kind of flow to the images that connect to a greater meaning or story.

Screeners No.114 ALAN PARTRIDGE

Book Review

I loved Reggio’s KOYAANISQATSI brilliant 1982 non-narrative film about “life out of balance.” It was at the time avant-garde, experimental and powerful with images that were beautiful and sometimes searing. The final effect was an emotional and spiritual epiphany that made real what we somehow already suspected but had not yet widely defined. And Phillip Glass’ great score was a perfect fit to the stunning cinematography of Ron Fricke.

I had high hopes for Reggio’s newest film and had read glowing reports of how it offered “the audience an experience beyond information about the moment in which we live.” Don’t all films in some nebulous way do the same thing or at least strive to tap into some facet of the zeitgeist?

The sad truth is that VISITORS is a major fail. Yes, the black and white cinematography is stunning in a 4K digital projection, but the final result is 80 tedious minutes composed of only 74 shots where nothing really happens in the near motionless images. The term “motion picture” is not really applicable here as there’s not much in motion the picture. There are a number of not particularly interesting close-ups of barely moving facial portraits, starting with an impressive gorilla head shot. There are some landscapes and “dancing” fingers.

Glass’ score is effective but delivers no meaning or meditative enhancement to the obtuse mages. I discovered later that the “dancing” fingers represented hands on a smart phone or computer although there is no such device in the frame. The final shot of a tiny, full-color earth rising from the desolate moon’s pale horizon is, at this stage of our collective image consciousness, rather obvious and decidedly trite. This Stephen Soderbergh presentation is a meditation aimed, according to director Reggio, at the “atmosphere of the soul.”

Good luck with that. What is obviously meant to be spellbinding and transcendent was for me a test of my tolerance. But please don’t take my word for it. As with any art (if this is indeed art), meaning is in the eye of eye beholder. You have been warned. Cinedigm. Blu-ray.

May 29 to June 4, 2014

By Heidi Simmons

Small Town Sex Crime Vengeance

A

The first time I saw Steve Coogan perform his alter ego, the inept, self-aggrandizing TV interviewer “Alan Partridge,” I immediately thought of self-important Piers Morgan.

This full-blown British farce tracks smalltime but infamous radio DJ Partridge when his fellow DJ Pat Farrell (Colm Meaney) discovers he’s about to be fired, holds the station hostage inadvertently making Partridge the siege negotiator to the police.

Unbeknownst to Meaney’s Farrell, it’s Coogan who’s crashed the station’s new North Norfolk Digital executive meeting and successfully pleaded the case for Farrell’s firing instead of his own.

The Partridge character first appeared more than 20 years ago as a vain, self-serving BBC sportscaster on the popular faux radio show “On The Hour.” Since then Coogan has incarnated the pathetic, eccentric, self-absorbed doofus on a number of shows including the silly Brit TV talk show “Knowing You, Knowing Me” and the sitcom “I Am Alan Partridge.” For those who have followed the backstory, there’s still a vestige of sympathy for Partridge even though he killed a guest on live TV, had a nervous breakdown in Dundee and wrote his vanity book “Bouncing Back” that failed to catch on with the public. Admittedly, there’s a lot baggage to Partridge’s personal oeuvre, but you don’t have to know any of it to laugh out loud at this stand-alone, surreal, chapter of his desperate, off-kilter life. I loved seeing Coogan’s Partridge dashing about in his Kia sponsored car with the garish radio station ad painted on the side and I relished waiting for the moment when Meaney’s Farrell discovers Partridge is responsible for his firing. This is not for everyone, but for those who get it, this is pure gold. It is as the UK movie poster declares: “12 hostages.

24 hours. 1 partridge. On air. Under siege.

Out of chat.” A sequel has already been announced. Magnolia. DVD. robinesimmons@aol.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

CVW reader suggested that I needed to include more male authors in my column after what he perceived as numerous weeks of only female authors. He added that he never reads woman writers. So I set aside the “chick-lit” and over the last several weeks, sought out some testosterone driven works of fiction. In Andrew Vachss’ Aftershock, (Pantheon, 354 pages) masculinity runs amok.

The story is about Dell, who has given up a career as a globe trotting mercenary, contract killer and French Foreign Legionnaire to marry Dolly. He can hardly believe his good fortune that such a beautiful and educated woman would agree to marry him knowing what he is. The two must give up their past and make a new start with new names and a new town.

Dell will do anything to ensure Dolly’s happiness. Even if it means resuming his old habits of killing people for such little infringements as trespassing or harming something Dolly loves. Dell is so good at murdering people in clever, secretive ways that the authorities are either stumped or come to the exact conclusion Dell has set for them. Clues point in every direction but Dell’s.

aftershock By andrew vachss fiction As far as Dolly knows, their little town is perfect and Dell plans on keeping it that way.

Dolly becomes a confidante and friend to local high school kids. They regularly come to Dolly and Dell’s home to hang out and talk. On the last day of school, one of the girls, Marylou, shoots and kills a boy in the hall and injures two others. The case seems clear and she is arrested for murder.

Although the incident is all caught on school surveillance cameras, Dolly can’t believe Marylou could do such a thing.

Marylou, also known as “Might Mary,” is a star athlete with a scholarship to the university of her choice. She’s never been in trouble and is a good student. Why would she risk her future?

Dolly is distraught and wants to help Marylou any way she can. She tells Dell they are the only ones who can do something since Marylou’s family is made up of drunkards and deadbeats. Worse yet, Marylou admits her crime.

Poor Dolly. Dell just can’t stand to see her unhappy. With the wisdom of a trained killer, he gets to the bottom of the crime.

With copious amounts of cash, generous friends and a willing attorney, Dell becomes a private investigator who alone discovers a shocking conspiracy.

Their sleepy little dream community has an ugly underbelly. There is a secret society that has been preying on young girls for over a decade and the authorities have chosen to look the other way. Thirty-six girls have been raped and those are the ones who went to the police. All the girls were between the ages of 11 and 14.

Thankfully, the killer with a moral compass is setting things right. By God, Dolly will have her paradise restored. What appeared to be an impossible situation to defend becomes a trial the prosecution cannot win. Dell is going to get justice for Marylou and personally handle the gang of raping hoodlums.

The jury, as well as the community, is finally forced to stand up and face the ghastly reality. Among them is a clan of misogynistic terrorists who have openly allowed the dehumanization of women.

To acquit Marylou is to stop debasing the female population. What will the jury do?

Aftershock is told in a first person narration like diary entries only without any dates. Dell is an Asperger bully who clearly believes he is above the law. If Dolly only knew? Or perhaps she does and gets off on just how far Dell will go for her.

There are no chapters in this meandering, convoluted journal of a killer. Although a compelling story lurks underneath, it is more of a lecture on sex crimes and the legal challenge to prosecute rapists. The laws and sex crimes are written as if the author cut and pasted them into the diary. Vachss tells us so much about mercenary training and lifestyle, at times the book is like a manual.

Aftershock is not a clever psychological or suspense thriller. It is not an exciting courtroom drama. It is not an interesting case study of a tormented killer trying to make right with the world. All these elements are present in the text, but Vachss fails to weave an engaging tale.

The dialogue is dull. There is too much meaningless description. The information becomes tedious and redundant. However, the mystery is fresh, if you can stand to wade through all the fragmented exposition.

Aftershock fails to answer the most obvious questions of the plot: If those in authority let the secret society continue for a decade or more, are the former rapists of the community now in positions of power concealing their involvement? Ignored in the story: Why did the gang want to degrade the young girls in their town? For power?

Control? Or is it an unnamed religious cult?

These would have been fascinating plot points for Dell to discover. Maybe that’s why Dell didn’t learn anything about himself. He can’t see the motive of others, nor does he understand his own.

There are serious questions and concerns raised in Aftershock about rape and how it is used against women in this country and around the world. If these issues were cleverly imbedded within a well-told story, Aftershock would be powerful and meaningful work. Sadly, the issues are lost in a failed narrative structure.

The author is an attorney who represents children and his wife has written a nonfiction book about sex crimes. Vachss has written over 23 books and the sequel to Aftershock is due out in June. Maybe Vachss should try writing from another voice.

Perhaps a little distance will help the author get a better picture.

23

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continued from page 19 FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Hal Sweasey 6pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 DJ Colourvision w/ Kid Wonder 11am poolside INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Ted Herman’s Big Band w/ Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOHNNY ROCKETS; RM; 760-674-3120 Live Music 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Bob Allen 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 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 PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Memorial Weekend Sunday Funday w/ Whiskey & Knives, 13 Scars and Subourbon Outlaw 8pm 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 Donatos’ Art of Sax 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 ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Supa James & The Bigster Annual B-day Bash 10pm

MON JUNE 2 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bonny Jean 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Rad noon poolside CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Hal Sweasey 6pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 The Carmens 7pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 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 Hot as Hell Pool Party w/ Zulluu 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 T.B.A. 6pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770

T.B.A. 7pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Michael James & 3sum 9-2am WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Art of Sax 8-11pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallet 6:30pm

TUE JUNE 3 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Ballard 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Mikole Karr’s Jazz Quartet 6pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 Vinyl Sessions 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-992-0002 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; 760-3456466 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

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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 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 JUNE 4 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 CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-992-0002 Rose Mallet 5-9pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Sonny Evaro 6pm HAMILTON’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL; LQ; 760698-8303 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8:30-12:30am

THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Open Mic 8pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 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; 760327-1161ext.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

SHOP AT RALPH’S AND FOOD 4 LESS - RAISE FUNDS FOR VARIETY THE CHILDREN’S CHARITY OF THE DESERT

V

ariety the Children’s Charity of the Desert has partnered with both Ralph’s and Food 4 Less in their Community Contribution Programs. By enrolling in the programs and designating Variety of the Desert as the selected beneficiary, Variety will earn ongoing donations each time participants shop at either store and show their Rewards cards.

Ralph’s and Food 4 Less, which are both owned by Kroger’s, have committed to donating up to $2,500,000 each to eligible non-profits located in California. The programs will continue through August 31, 2014, and may be extended at that time.

In order to participate, anyone wishing to support Variety should follow these steps: 1. Visit: www.ralphs.com and www. food4less.com.

2. Register with both stores by clicking “account registration” and entering the requested information. There will be an option to link the current Rewards card or create a new Rewards account.

3. At the bottom of the “account summary” page, select “enroll” under Community Rewards, type “Variety” and click the button that appears next to “Variety the Children’s Charity of the Desert.”

(Some items are not included, such as alcohol, tobacco, pharmacy, postage stamps, gift cards, gift certificates, lottery and promotional tickets, fluid milk and milk products, fuel, CRV and Sales Tax.) Funds raised for each charity are based on a sliding scale of household monthly purchases ranging from 1% for $200 per month of eligible purchases to 4% for over

$500 per month of eligible purchases.

Participating non-profits will receive their payments quarterly.

Ralph’s and Food 4 Less Community Contribution Programs Benefit Variety of the Desert.

For more information or assistance in enrolling in the program, please contact the Variety office at variety@varietyofthedesert or 760-773-9800, or visit www.ralphs. com/topic/community/#/communitycontribution-2.

ABOUT VARIETY OF THE DESERT: Variety the Children’s Charity of the Desert is a 501 (c) 3 organization which is

Mrs. California Christy Van Der Westhuizen Raises Awareness and Funds for the Alzheimer’s Association

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hristy Van Der Westhuizen lost her beloved Grandma Jean to Alzheimer’s disease just two years ago, but for many years watched as this illness slowly took away her grandmother’s independence and personality.

“I decided that I could not sit by and just watch this disease continue to affect the millions that it claims in its path,” said Van Der Westhuizen, marketing director for Mission Hills Senior Living. “To honor my own grandmother’s fight against Alzheimer’s disease, in 2009, I made caring for those with this illness and other forms of dementia into my career and got involved in the Alzheimer’s Association. I knew I had to do something!”

Currently reigning as Mrs. California, Van Der Westhuizen has made the Alzheimer’s Association her charity, and her active involvement includes raising funds and awareness throughout Southern California, particularly the Coachella Valley where she lives.

Most recently, Van Der Westhuizen (center) joined Alzheimer’s Association Coachella Valley Regional Director Anne Gimbel (left) and Latino Outreach Coordinator Teresa Segovia at the Westin Mission Hills for a fund raising Spa Soiree that drew dozens of supporters out for a relaxing evening of spa treatments, hors

d’oeuvres and refreshments.

Donations benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, the leading voluntary health organization for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through

the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. For information about the California Southland Chapter, visit www.alz.org/socal or call toll-

May 29 to June 4, 2014

Community

dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and well-being of underprivileged and special needs children in the Coachella Valley. All programs and funds benefit local children and families. Variety the Children’s Charity has been known for its international influence since its creation in 1928. Locally, their office is located at: Variety Club of the Desert – Tent 66 74-040 Hwy 111 Suite JJ-4 Palm Desert, CA 92260 For more information, please email info@varietyofthedesert.org or call 760773-9800, or visit their updated website at www.varietyofthedesert.org.

Community free: (800) 272-3900.

The Coachella Valley Regional Service Center is located at 69730 Highway 111, Ste. 100. Call (760) 328-6767 for information about local programs and services.

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May 29 to June 4, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Reception Announced for Milton W. Jones, Publisher of Palm Springs Life

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reception celebrating the life of Milton W. Jones will be held at the Hilton Palm Springs on Wednesday, June 4, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Jones, publisher of Palm Springs Life, owner of Desert Publications Inc., and president of the Jones Agency, passed away on Wednesday, May 21, in his home in Palm Springs. He was 84.

Jones was born in Los Angeles and moved to Palm Springs from Newport Beach in 1957 to open Center Pharmacy in Cathedral City. After becoming disenchanted with the pharmacy business, he went on to sell ads for local radio station KDES. There, based on client requests, his role grew to include providing additional media services, such as writing news releases, taking publicity photos, and planning advertising budgets.

This experience led Jones to open his own advertising agency. By 1959, he and partner Bud Taylor launched the Taylor/Jones Agency.

It was during this time Jones met and married the love of his life, Rita — a native Vancouverite, who relocated to Palm Springs in 1946. Their son, Franklin W. Jones, was born in 1962.

Milt Jones is credited with pioneering sports marketing and special events in the desert. In 1963, the Taylor/Jones Agency handled the Frank Sinatra Celebrity

Invitational and Bob Hope Classic programs.

He also marketed and merchandised the Colgate Dinah Shore, becoming friends with Dinah along the way. (It has been said that Jones golfed with Dinah, dined with Lucy, photographed Marilyn, and partied with Frank.)

In 1965, Jones became the publisher and owner of Palm Springs Life, merging the

it’s your nickel

obituary

magazine and the agency into one company, Desert Publications Inc., and turning the glossy, monthly lifestyle publication into a profitable venture. Two years later, Jones started publishing Desert Guide, the Coachella Valley’s first visitor publication.

Through the years, Jones has owned magazines, restaurants, radio stations, bus shelter systems, airport displays, and several other related businesses. He has shared deep and meaningful relationships with most of the area’s key business leaders and has served as a marketing liaison for many of the valley’s cities and hospitals.

He was also publisher of San Francisco, the city’s premier monthly magazine, from 1970 to 1978, and played a leading role in the formation of the national City and Regional Magazine Association. In 2002, the organization presented Jones with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Jones was honored this past February with “A Legend in Advertising Award” by the American Advertising Federation.

Jones has built Desert Publications Inc. into what it has become today, including the Jones Agency (an evolution of the Taylor/Jones Agency) — which handles advertising, public relations, and marketing for numerous clients throughout the Coachella Valley, California, Arizona, and Mexico — and a host of publications: Palm

Springs Life magazine; Palm Springs Life’s The Guide; GuestLife, a series of in-room guidebooks in Monterey/Carmel, Albuquerque/Santa Fe/Taos, and El Paso; the McCallum Theatre program; a series of guides for Newport Beach, and Pebble Beach: The Magazine. Desert Publications Inc. is also a partner in publishing the monthly San Diego magazine and annually produces Food + Wine Festival Palm Desert and Fashion Week El Paseo.

Jones was a past president of the Desert Press Club; former vice chairman of the board of Palm Springs Savings Bank; member of the Committee of Twenty-Five and O’Donnell Golf Club; founding member of Palm Springs Economic Development Corporation; founding member of Indian Wells Desert Town Hall; and founding board member and secretary of Canyon National Bank in Palm Springs. He was the first recipient of the Dolores Hope Perpetual Guardian Angel Award from St. Theresa School in 2011.

A stalwart promoter of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, he has spent his life highlighting the area as the world’s greatest in which to live, work, play, and visit.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Milt’s memory to your favorite charity.

By john Paul Valdez

Ask For the Help You Need. HOPE for Homeowners and KYHC.

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he valley is showing every sign of improving economically on so many levels. This has not, however, been without great personal sacrifice and cost to us all. Many homeowners have given up their homes to foreclosure or short sold because of the dire economy, and a general inability to wait out the economic storm.

That’s bad news.

The good news is that although it has been almost 6 years since the collapse, the monies that were allotted to Keep Your Home California are still out there, and the way those programs qualify applicants has become more streamlined as well as the way the program works in conjunction with your loan servicer. In plain English, ask for the help you need and deserve. It is not your fault the economy failed.

Within the KYHC program are several options. Some help with payments on a mortgage while one is on unemployment seeking a new job to secure their future in the home they want to keep. Other programs make a single payment in an effort to bring your loan current. There is even a program for Principle Reduction, which attempts to pay down the underwater amount up to 100K so as to make your payments more manageable.

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These programs really do exist, and while they were the subject of massive fraud attempts by small “financial” offices claiming to assist one in obtaining this free government assistance, one should not be discouraged if you have held on long enough to stay in the game. Don’t ever pay anyone to assist you in applying for this program.

The money is there because Kamala Harris the CA District Attorney fought for that money fiercely as California was hardest hit in the nation with the bubble that burst.

As with most governmental things (it took the government 6 years to say the

word AIDS back in the day), the agencies that are set up to distribute this help can’t roll back the clock six years, but there is no reason not to try to get the help you need now. Like The Affordable Care Act, getting the program started has not been ideal to say the least, but help is indeed here now.

Google Keep Your Home California, and pay attention to those signs on the freeway that suggest you call for hope or help with your home if you are in trouble on your mortgage. The banks were all made whole in the first few days of this nightmare to the tune of billions and billions of dollars

at taxpayer expense, so for you to get a few months mortgage assistance is merely a professional courtesy at this point.

Rather than blame government all day long for what they don’t do well, get the help you need in ways it does in fact work.

I know many families that have benefitted more recently, and encourage people to apply before they throw their assets away needlessly.

Questions and comments to: JohnPaulValdez@gmail.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Haddon Libby:It’s alllocal

The 4-1-1 on 420

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ccording to the United Nations, marijuana is the most popular drug in the world. They estimate that nearly 250 million people are active users of this drug. It is most popular in Australia and New Zealand followed by the United States and Canada. In Afghanistan, marijuana recently overtook heroin as their primary cash crop.

In the United States, marijuana is the third most popular recreational drug behind alcohol and tobacco. Law enforcement efforts against marijuana cost the United States $10 billion a year while leading to 740,000 arrests.

Government surveys found that 100 million Americans have tried pot with 25 million having used it in the last year and

14 million currently using it. Other studies report that 50,000 people a year die from alcohol poisoning and 400,000 people a year die from tobacco use while there are no reported deaths from an overdose of marijuana as this drug is nontoxic.

With all of this as a backdrop, eighteen years after the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes, the California State Assembly is finally ready to regulate the cultivation, production and sale of marijuana.

Assembly Bill 1894 (AB 1894) creates rules to govern the medical marijuana industry. Bill author, Assemblyman Tom Ammiano of San Francisco, says “Marijuana has never been regulated…as (is) any other business.” The state left it to the cities to deal with things. “Cities and counties don’t know what to do or what they can do. Police are unsure how to respond.”

AB 1894 will create a division inside of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to regulate the business. This is important as the lack of statewide regulation has meant that the federal government has occasionally come into the state to enforce federal laws as marijuana is still classified as a Schedule 1 drug alongside LSD and heroin at the federal level.

The Obama administration has made it clear that the Attorney General and Drug Enforcement Agency will be less active at

enforcing federal laws against marijuana in states where there is effective oversight.

Once regulation of medicinal marijuana is in place and effective, it is believed that California will move toward legalizing marijuana for recreational use as is the case in Colorado.

In Colorado, a state that legalized the use of marijuana in 2000, medicinal marijuana is not taxed while recreational marijuana receives a 27.9% state sales tax along with some local taxes. Legalization is expected to create at least $67 million in new taxes in its first year. As Colorado has approximately 1/8th the population of California, a similar tax system in our state could create $500 million a year in taxes.

People over 21 years of age in Colorado can buy up to one ounce at a time while visitors can buy no more than 1/4 of an ounce. A motorist is considered DUI if the THC level in their blood is higher than 5 nanograms. For most people, it takes three

May 29 to June 4, 2014

hours after lighting up and a little longer with THC-laced food to have THC levels that are considered safe for driving.

Attorney Alan Dershowitz reminds people that “The federal government still takes the position technically that you’re violating federal law if you’re complying with the state law. But the Obama administration, I believe, has recently taken a turn on its approach to drug enforcement.” That technicality is a big risk to those involved in the marijuana business as a grower or seller can be sent to jail for life under federal law.

The Obama administration states that it is there intent to focus on trafficking and keeping the drug out of the hands of those under twenty-one.

Dale Gribow On The Law

DUI ARREST OVER MEMORIAL DAY?

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F you or a friend were cited/arrested for a DUI last weekend, then these are some of the important Things you need to know.

The issues presented by a DUI are confusing to the uninitiated and the same questions are asked over and over again even though I write on this topic often and explain these facts to potential and actual clients. Most people do not realize an arrest for a DUI kicks in two separate proceedings.

One is the court and the other is DMV. Do not confuse the two. The outcome of one does not affect the other.

If DMV later suspends your license it is for a 4 month period. After 30 days of a license suspension you can apply for a Restricted License. To get that license you must have your insurance person file an SR 22, pay a reissuance fee and show proof of enrollment in a DUI class. In the CV the class is normally the Awareness Program.

In order to save your Driver’s License or driving privileges you (or better yet your attorney) must request a DMV hearing within the 10 days of the arrest date.

In addition you should request a DMV Identification Card since your physical driver’s license was taken during the STOP And SNATCH when they confiscated your

license. At the same time ask for a DMV printout of your driving record…that will cost you almost nothing. You will need to show this to Riverside County Drinking Driving Program if/when you are ordered to attend a DUI class.

It is well-known by the legal community that DMV is not always as organized as one would expect. Do not rely on a telephone call alone to them requesting the hearing within 10 days. DMV employees will say you will be contacted later but that often does not happen and then it is too late and they claim there is no record of your requesting a hearing. When we request a hearing for you we ask for a STAY which freezes the suspension that takes place 30 days after you receive the citation/arrest. We follow that up with a letter to DMV memorializing our requests. After requesting the stay you will receive a white Temporary License good until after the DMV hearing.

You should immediately take down your social media sites until the case is over.

The DA’s do not need to hire investigators anymore. They can go to your Facebook site or Google you and learn everything about you.

Remember the 10 day time limit to request a hearing starts from the date of the

issuance of the ticket/arrest that is listed on the Pink Order of Suspension/Temporary Driver’s License Endorsement which is the administrative per se form. The DMV hearing is an administrative per se hearing which means in essence you are presumed guilty unless you can prove the contrary.

The PINK temporary license is good for 30 days unless you request a stay/freeze.

On most cases the court or DMV will order you into a Drinking Driving Program and you will have to show them your California ID card…….so get it NOW! I always preach that People Don’t Plan to Fail, They Fail to Plan. Hopefully this article will allow you to intelligently do so.

If you were arrested or were the victim of a drunk driving accident, please feel free to call me personally for a free consultation over the phone or in person which is offered to my Coachella Valley Weekly readers. Just mention this column.

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

Dale Gribow has been “Rated” TOP LAWYER by Palm Springs Life Magazine from 2011-2014 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 killed by a drunk driver while jogging recently.

If you have any questions regarding this column or ideas for future columns please contact Dale Gribow Attorney at Law at his NEW number 760 837 7500 and or his new email: dale@dalegribowlaw.com

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May 29 to June 4, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

safety tips

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

We’ve all met a Snake!

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his is the time when snakes are more common around us and I’m not talking about those ‘certain’ people in our lives! Rattlesnakes are not confined to rural areas reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. They have been found in urban areas, in lakesides, parks, and at golf courses.

There are several safety measures that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of startling a rattlesnake. Never go barefoot or wear sandals when walking through wild areas. Wear hiking boots. When hiking, stick to well-used trails and wear over-the-ankle boots and loose-fitting long pants. Avoid tall grass, weeds and heavy underbrush where snakes may hide during the day. Do not step or put your hands where “

you cannot see, and avoid wandering around in the dark. Rattlesnakes can swim. Be careful when stepping over the doorstep as well.

Snakes like to crawl along the edge of buildings where they are protected on one side. Never hike alone. Always have someone with you who can assist in an emergency. Do not handle a freshly killed snake, it can still inject venom. Teach children early to respect snakes and to leave them alone.

For additional Rattlesnake Safety visit: www.fishsniffer.com/guest/030630rattlesnake. html Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Gaemer Girl

by mrs. fett

The GLASShole Experience

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t’s been three months since I have started using Google Glass. Since that time, my Glass has become a natural daily appendage, and way more useful than my appendix. My glass learns who I am, behavioral patterns, food patterns, repetitive interests, food preferences. But it wasn’t until recently, that a seamless, and great technologically advanced experience, turned into fear for my safety, paranoia, and discrimination.

It seems that the latest major update, and the recent announcement inviting new explorers into the Glass program by public sale, brought more than just more explorers...

Stories have been popping up everywhere, about new explorers, using Glass to record, document, or otherwise invade privacy on multiple accounts.

I became used to people approaching me about my Glass. The most frequent question being “What are you seeing right now!” as they become inches from my face trying to see an image in the small cube on my face.

I would tell them the amazing features, and uses of the new device, and how it can impact the future for many different areas, and fields.

Now, I am met with faces of fear and disgust, even going so far as denying me service in stores. The most notable experience was at a Bubba Gump in San Francisco CA. Upon entering the gift shop, I was denied service by the cashier, stating he would only validate my parking IF, I take off Google Glass, and never put it on again!

Confused, I asked him why he would ever say such a thing, and what he knew about them.

He stated he knew nothing about what they actually DO, he just saw some things in the news, and saw that restaurants and bars locally had decals in their windows stating

Don’t Be

CLUELESS IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY

by Diane Marlin-Dirkx

EVENT Calendar

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Google Glass was not allowed.

So what is the cause of this mass paranoia, and how do we stop it? Cell phones with cameras created the same reaction when they were first released, and now, are not only a necessity in everyday life, but an imperative part of the mobile development process for any company. If the fear comes from unwanted recording, when does violence towards those become the expression that it is unwanted in that establishment?

Google released an official statement regarding these attacks, and the steps they would like to see Explorers use in handling them. Simple guidelines, like, “If a person is curious, don’t snub your nose and walk away, talk to them, and inform them about the product you are wearing.” If cell phones are not allowed to record where you are at, than Glass is not allowed to either. Pretty simple rules to follow.

I don’t see Glass being on the head of every adult in the next ten years, and I don’t see them causing the IRL SkyNet. I do see them as a tool for intimidation, and shady behavior if they are being used the wrong way. But that is in the user. Not the tech on their face. This discrimination needs to stop here.

ou just don’t give up, do you? It’s almost summer; we’ve endured triple-digit temps in May, and next with thanks to Rodgers and Hammerstein, guess what is twirling your personal “Carousel.” “June is bustin’ out all over!” That’s the spin— and we’re stickin’ to it. Let the snowbirds dip their beaks in the cool waters of other climes they call home, jump the Bomb to breathe the surfer-fresh Air in the Pacific, snare and fry fresh-water Walleye in the Land of Lakes, give sailing orders on-board on the Atlantic , as in, “who’s turn is it to bail or get ale?” No, my hearty summer-ites. This Desert Paradise is a 12-month contract. And you refuse to lie under a tree watching the ice melt and the swizzle spin in your Slurpee. Let us entertain you. Read on.

Friday, June 6, 7pm. “Masterpiece,” first staged at the Palm Springs Art Museum’s 75th Anniversary Gala received such critical acclaim that it has been brought back to be performed live on the stage of the Annenberg theater for this special reprise of Live It Up Productions’ extraordinary cast of Broadway-credited performers who will take you on an remarkable journey paying tribute to some of the world’s most celebrated pieces of classic art. Ticket, $10, proceeds from the event will jointly support programs and services of the Desert AIDS Project and the Palm Springs Art Museum.

For tickets call the theater Box Office at 760325-4490.

Sunday, June 8, 4 – 6pm. Big night for Broadway! Big afternoon for Angel View!

Toucan’s Tiki Lounge and Angel View will present the first annual pre-Tony Awards Party benefiting Angel View Outreach, a program providing free benefits and support to children living with disabilities. The party takes place before the live Tony’s telecast begins. “Last year, “Kinky Boots” garnered top awards for the best musical,” notes Walter Johnson, MD, president of Angel View. “The inspirational true story had a tagline that inspired us, ‘When you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world.’ That’s so relevant for people who live with disabilities! Tickets are $35 to include a hosted bar, hors d’oeuvres, and entertainment; for $50, guests also get a walk down the runway and the chance to win the “Kinky Boots” trophy. Everyone is encouraged to decorate their highest heels, dress in “Kinky Boots” attire or desert

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May 29 to June 4, 2014

casual. Each ticket includes a 20% coupon good from any Angel View Resale Store.

Toucan’s Tiki Lounge, 2100 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. More info, call 760320-2440 for tickets; 760- 413-3432 for sponsorships.

Saturday, June 14, 10am-2pm. Get into your gear guys, you know the drill! It’s time to show your stuff with helmet and padding and muscles in the “Desert Bowl – Battle for the Ball” Fundraiser. What’s the game?

It’s a 7-on-7 semi-pro football tournament sponsored by Desert Chiefs Football. Wanna play to benefit the Desert Hot Springs JAA Football and Cheer Program? Entry fee, $10. Wanna watch? Entry is free with all food proceeds benefitting the program.

Desert Springs High School, 65850 Pierson Blvd., Desert Springs High School. For more info, call 760-660-4697.

Tuesday, June 17 thru Monday, June 23. Only 7 days, but the Palm Springs International ShortFest –Short Film Festival & Film Market is long on talent, powered up on creative vision and one of the most acclaimed short film showcases in the world. Now in its 20th year, the ShortFest in Palm Springs will unspool over 300 short films from more than 50 countries. The Short Film Market will feature more than 3,000 films to buyers industry and press, with nightly receptions, seminars, master classes, scheduled one-on-one meetings, free to filmmakers who attend. For more info, call 760- 322-2930. Email: info@ psfilmest.org

Friday, July 4, 7:30pm. Lights! Action!

Extraordinary Sound Effects! Spectacular Firework Displays are in our future as we celebrate Independence Day by tossing the tea into the drink and all the sparkling fire we can muster into the blackened night skies on July 4 as we let it be known that we are liberating our country from that island across the pond, aka merry olde England.

(Sill the best of friends, it was an amicable divorce.) The event is a benefit for the AIDS Assistance Program serving cocktails and hors d’oeuvres included. RSVP and Advance purchase required, $100. O’Donnell House, Palm Springs. Info, call 760-325-8481, or www.aidsssistance.org.

Sunday, July 13, 11:30 – 2:30pm You’ll want to save the Date for the Annual Pets on Parade Luncheon at the Desert Princess Resort benefiting the Humane Society of the Desert and The Pegasus Riding Academy!

And submit your POP Ad by June 20, 2014, for the Pets on Parade Book. Naturally, your Fido, Fifi, stallion, macaw, four-or- clawfooted, furred or feathered beastie is the cutest, smartest, lovingest pet in the parade on this Earth. So, put your honey where the money is. Enter the Pets on Parade “cutest pet” photo contest to benefit two non-profit 501 © (3) organizations, namely Pegasus Riding Academy for the Handicapped, and the Humane Society of the Desert. The Winner of the Cutest Pet Contest will be featured at the 16th annual luncheon honoring animal activist Lindi Biggi, and on the August 2014 cover of Palm Springs Life. For more information, call 760636-9400, 760-329-0203 or 760-770-0424.

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.

Have a safe, spectacular summer! ‘Read on’ in September! “Don’t Be Clueless” wants to remind you that press releases should be in to the Coachella Valley Weekly at least two weeks ahead of the scheduled event! Thanks!

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May 29 to June 4, 2014

Health & Fitness

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Do You Want to Be Healthy?

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re you one of those people who want to be healthy and not just feel healthy? That’s what I thought. Me too! If I gave you a prescription for a single activity that could help you get to your ideal body weight, while strengthening your heart muscle, lowering your cholesterol, reducing your risk for diabetes, and assisting you with balance, flexibility, and stamina all with little to no impact to your skeletal system, would you be interested?

The good news is that I have that prescription. There is a single aerobic activity that has the ability to do all those things and more. While building your body into the healthy framework you desire and helping you feel and look younger. It sounds too good to be true doesn’t it? Well it’s not and guess what….it’s swimming.

Swimming offers something no other aerobic exercise does: the ability to work your muscular system, your cardiovascular system, your respiratory system, and more all without harsh impact to your skeletal system. Gone are the days when you have to run through foot pain or bike while

your knees throb. When the human body is submerged in water, it automatically becomes lighter. When immersed the body bears less impact on the framework making the pool an ideal place to workout stiff muscles and sore joints while burning calories.

Have you ever seen a flabby fish or a weak looking competitive swimmer? Me either.

Swimming provides a unique element to a workout that you don’t get while walking, jogging, or biking so you can look and feel fit. Water is twelve times denser than air and provides resistance with every move you make. Resistance exercise is the best way to build muscle strength and tone.

Swimming as well puts the body framework through a broad range of motion that helps joints and ligaments stay loose and flexible. Range of motion is imperative to a healthy lifestyle. The body is made to move and your range of motion determines your ability to go and do the things you want.

If you are one of those people who wants to be healthy not just feel healthy. If

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Personal Trainer Karen Creasey

Week of May 29

you want to get to your ideal body weight while strengthening and toning without unnecessary impact. Swimming could very well be the answer.

PALM SPRINGS’ FIRST SENIOR ASSISTED-LIVING VILLAGE FOR LGBT COMMUNITY AND FRIENDS TO OPEN THIS SUMMER

For more information, for swim lessons, or to speak to a trainer call us at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center 760-565-7467.

Community

Stonewall Gardens Scheduled to Welcome Residents by Mid-Summer

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tonewall Gardens, Palm Springs’ first senior assisted living village for the LGBT community and friends, is scheduled to open in mid-summer 2014.

Located at 2150 N. Palm Canyon Drive in the burgeoning Uptown neighborhood of Palm Springs, the 24-unit community will be operated by Northstar Senior Living, one of the premier providers of senior living in the country.

Originally built as a 1950’s bungalow style resort, Stonewall Gardens will offer stylish midcentury modern design, beautiful desert landscaping, and serene water features. Located close to shopping, restaurants, and entertainment venues for music and art, the campus will consist of two one-bedroom apartments, two shared apartments, and 20 deluxe studios. The Uptown area of Palm Springs is emerging as a neighborhood with new and existing restaurants, hotels, and communities.

Stonewall Gardens is close enough to the vibrant Uptown Design District while still being quiet and secure.

“Stonewall Gardens will offer assisted living services with levels of care for all activities of daily living, medication and health needs,” explained Steven Kregel, Chief Operating Officer at Northstar Senior Living. “A full-time licensed nurse and 24hour professional care staff will cater to

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residents’ needs so they can enjoy resortstyle living to the fullest, with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

Amenities include an open air dining setting with Executive Chef prepared meals, outdoor entertainment area for BBQs and parties, and a patio with every apartment.

Additional highlights: open ceilings with exposed wood beams, large bathrooms and energy efficient windows, flat screen TVs, and ample parking for guests. Educational, social & recreational programs will also be available.

Construction and renovations have been underway since late March, and while several other LGBT retirement and/ or assisted living communities have been discussed in the past, Stonewall Gardens is a reality.

Regarding the need for an assisted living community with a focus on LGBT seniors, Kregel stated, “LGBT seniors in cities across the country are facing a lack of housing options as they age. As the number of older adults increases, as well as the number of LGBT seniors living openly, so does the need for more housing options that allow older LGBT people to live in a safe, supportive environment.

Many LGBT seniors face open discrimination as a result of their sexual orientation so they often go back in

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

the closet when choosing retirement communities and assisted living facilities.

With the large LGBT population in Palm Springs, this is a community that is truly underserved. We are changing that.”

“The opening of the Stonewall Gardens in the Uptown area is really exciting news for the City,” said John Raymond, Director of Community & Economic Development for the City of Palm Springs. “Not only is the product itself much needed, the City Council decided over a year ago that filling vacancies and redeveloping properties in the North Palm Canyon and South Palm Canyon Drive areas was a priority. The opening of this facility inches us closer to seeing that happen.”

Kregel added: “As an LGBT-centric community, we anticipate that the majority of our residents will be of that background.

However, our community is one of inclusion, and if a non-LGBT person or couple wishes to make Stonewall Gardens their home, we would welcome them.”

Entrance fees for Stonewall Gardens start at $3,500, and monthly fees begin at $3,850 based on the level of care required for each resident. Reservations/deposits are currently being accepted and a model is expected to open for tours in late July 2014.

To inquire about availability at Stonewall Gardens please visit stonewallgardens.com.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): “When I was young,” wrote French author Albert Camus, “I expected people to give me more than they could -- continuous friendship, permanent emotion.” That didn’t work out so well for him. Over and over, he was awash in disappointment. “Now I have learned to expect less of them than they can give,” he concluded. “Their emotions, their friendship, and noble gestures keep their full miraculous value in my eyes; wholly the fruit of grace.” I’d love to see you make an adjustment like this in the coming months, Aries. If you do, the astrological omens suggest you will experience a blessing like Camus’.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Some earthquakes happen in slow-motion. These rare events occur 22 to 34 miles down, where tectonic plates are hotter and gooier. Unlike the sudden, shocking jolts of typical temblors, this gradual variety can take many days to uncoil and never send dishes flying off shelves up here on the earth’s surface. I suspect your destiny will have a resemblance to this phenomenon in the coming months, Taurus. Your foundations will be rustling and rumbling, but they will do so slowly and gently. The release of energy will ultimately be quite massive. The realignment of deep structures will be epic. But there will be no big disturbances or damages.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I suspect that some night soon you will have a dream of being naked as you stand on stage in front of a big audience.

Or maybe not completely naked. There’s a strong possibility you will be wearing pink and green striped socks and a gold crown. And it gets worse. In your dream, I bet you will forget what you were going to say to the expectant crowd. Your mouth will be moving but no words will come out. So that’s the bad news, Gemini. The good news is that since I have forewarned you, you can now do whatever is necessary to prevent anything resembling this dream from actually occurring in your waking life. So when you are called on to show what you’ve got and make a splashy impression, you will be well-prepared.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): When I slip into a meditative state and seek insight about your future, I have a reverie about a hearty sapling growing out of a fallen tree that’s rotting on the forest floor. I see exuberant mushrooms sprouting from a cowpie in a pasture. I imagine compost nourishing a watermelon patch. So what do my visions mean? I’m guessing you’re going through a phase of metaphorical death and decay. You are shedding and purging and flushing. In the process, you are preparing some topnotch fertilizer. It won’t be ready for a while, but when it is, a growth spurt will begin.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “Dear Diary: Almost everything that was possible to change has changed these past 12 months. I am not kidding and I am not exaggerating. Getting just one of my certainties destroyed would have been acceptable; I long ago became accustomed to the gradual chip-chipchipping away of my secure foundations. But this most recent phase, when even my pretty illusions of stability got smashed, truly set a record. So then why am I still standing strong and proud? Why is it I’m not cowering in the corner muttering to the spiders?

Have I somehow found some new source of power that was never available to me until my defenses were totally stripped away? I think I’ll go with that theory.”

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): About 32,000 years ago, squirrels in northeast Siberia buried the fruits of a flowering plant deep in their burrows, below the level of the permafrost. Then a flood swept through the area. The water froze and permanently sealed the fruits in a layer of ice. They remained preserved there until 2007, when they were excavated. A team of scientists got a hold of them and coaxed them to grow into viable plants. Their success has a metaphorical resemblance to a project you will be capable of pulling off during the next 12 months, Virgo. I’m not sure what exact form it will take.

A resuscitation? A resurrection? A recovery? The revival of a dormant dream? The thawing of a frozen

© Copyright 2012 Rob Brezsny

asset or the return of a lost resource?

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): For German physicist Arnold Sommerfeld, the good news was that he was nominated for the Nobel Prize 81 times. The bad news is that he never actually won. Actor Richard Burton had a similar fate. He was nominated for an Academy Award seven times, but never took home an Oscar. If there is anything that even vaguely resembles that pattern in your own life, Libra, the next 12 months will be the most favorable time ever to break the spell. In the next few weeks, you may get a glimpse of how it will unfold.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “I should have kissed you longer.” I hope you won’t be replaying that thought over and over again in your imagination three weeks from now. I hope you won’t be obsessing on similar mantras, either, like “I should have treated you better” or “I wish I would have listened to you deeper” or “I should have tried harder to be my best self with you.” Please don’t let any of that happen, Scorpio. I am begging you to act now to make any necessary changes in yourself so that you will be fully ready to give the important people in your life the care they deserve. If you do so, you will be free of regrets later.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “Longing, what is that? Desire, what is that?” Those are questions Louise Gluck asks in her poem “Prism.” Does she really not know? Has she somehow become innocent again, free from all her memories of what longing and desire have meant to her in the past?

That’s what I wish for you right now, Sagittarius. Can you do it? Can you enter into beginner’s mind and feel your longing and desire as if they were brand new, just born, as fresh and primal as they were at the moment you fell in love for the first time? If you can manage it, you will bestow upon yourself a big blessing.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You could really benefit from engaging with a compassionate critic -- someone who would gently and lovingly invite you to curb your excesses, heal your ignorance, and correct your mistakes. Would you consider going out in search of a kick-ass guide like that? ideally, this person would also motivate you to build up your strengths and inspire you to take better care of your body. One way or another, Capricorn, curative feedback will be coming your way. The question is, will you have a hand in choosing it, or will you wait around passively for fate to deliver it? I highly recommend the former.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Now would be an excellent time for you to dream up five new ways to have fun. I’m not suggesting there’s anything wrong with your existing methods. It’s just that in the next few weeks, life will conspire to help you drop some of your inhibitions and play around more than usual and experience greater pleasure. The best way to cooperate with that conspiracy is to be an explorer on the frontiers of amusement and enchantment.

What’s the most exciting thing you have always wondered about but never done? What interesting experiment have you denied yourself for no good reason? What excursion or adventure would light up your spontaneity?

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Now is an excellent time to transform your relationship with your past.

Are you up for a concentrated burst of psychospiritual work? To get the party started, meditate your ass off as you ponder this question: “What fossilized fixations, ancient insults, impossible dreams, and parasitic ghosts am I ready to let go of?” Next, move on to this inquiry: “What can I do to ensure that relaxed, amused acceptance will rule my encounters with the old ways forever after?” Here’s a third query: “What will I do with all the energy I free up by releasing the deadweight I had been clinging to?”

Homework: I dare you to give a compliment to someone you’ve never praised before. Tell me about it at Freewillastrology.com.

Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

May 29 to June 4, 2014

Mind, body & Spirit

by Bronwyn Ison

FLEXIBILITY, DO YOU HAVE IT?

O

ne of the most common statements I hear as a yoga instructor is, “I am not flexible so I can’t do yoga.” Two objections to this statement --- You do not have to be flexible to partake in yoga and the word “CAN’T,” should be removed from your vocabulary. Yoga is not about flexibility. It is about showing up on your mat. Breathing.

Doing your best with your breath and setting clear intentions.

It isn’t really all that germane whether or not you can touch your toes. In fact having to be flexible to engage in yoga is a myth. Yoga is so much more than a physical practice.

You can be or become mentally, emotionally and spiritually flexible. This is paramount in enhancing your personal growth and yoga practice. Going with the flow of life can be adventurous. This of course is if you are willing. How would you identify yourself?

Do you find it hard to laugh at things that challenge your opinions or routine? Do people in your life describe you as inflexible?

Or, perhaps you are open-minded, flexible and have the ability to be light-hearted and silly.

Our own flexibility can be a teaching moment to others such as our family, children, friends and our co-workers.

Consider the next time something new is proposed to your emotional flexibility? This is the perfect time to be honest with your self. When a different plan, idea or concept is brought to your attention are you reactive or open? If you go with the proposed plan are you angry and resentful? Do you find yourself desiring to cling to the original plan?

Do you feel stressed or aggravated? Possibly you have never pondered these questions.

Recognize next time you are approached with a new idea or concept – can you be flexible in your thinking? Think of coloring outside the lines. Doing something that renders you uncomfortable (of course with out being dangerous). This will likely be an adventure because it is something different.

You will recognize that you will bring greater awareness to accepting change with out

judgment of self.

Consider waking up earlier to begin your day with a short yoga practice. Moving through a few yoga postures can be exactly what you need to gain a jumpstart to your day.

Simply follow these steps towards cultivating openness and emotional flexibility: Try something new every day ~ Take a different route to work or try a new food.

Slow Down ~ Take a few moments to catch your breath. Be fully present!

Listen ~ Most of us do not listen. If you are good listener you can be emotionally available.

Meditate ~ Try doing this before you leave the house. Visualize your day.

Think before you speak ~ Pause and be sure you understand what the person is conveying to you. Hence, think of your response before you react.

Gravitate to your yoga mat ~ Just get on your yoga mat!!!

Conquer the myth that you have to be flexible physically to begin a yoga practice.

This is generally the number one reason people do not show up to practice. Once you cultivate a regular practice you will gain greater flexibility physically and mentally.

Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga in La Quinta. www.e-volveyoga.com

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May 29 to June 4, 2014

Life & career Coach

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Sunny Simon

Job Interviews: Just the First Step in the Process

N

othing makes me happier than to receive a call from one of my clients announcing all the hard work expended in creating a dynamic resume scored a job interview. My first reaction is to offer up some hearty congratulations. What happens next is fairly typical. Candidates tend to surge ahead by launching into a guessing game dialogue. Worries come bouncing through the phone lines as they try to evaluate whether the commute might be a hassle or if the starting salary will be generous. At this point I dole out a bit of sage advice I gleaned long ago from one of my mentors. I remind them there is no decision to be made until an offer is on the table. Those words put the entire scenario into perspective.

Scoring the job of your dreams is a discovery process. Upon being selected to interview, the next step is simply to prepare for the meeting which is an exchange of knowledge and ideas. Preparation is imperative. I urge candidates to be confident and bring their “A game” to an interview but I also counsel, and this may sound counterintuitive, that a certain degree of emotional detachment is prudent. Avoiding the urge to fast-forward to the bottom line of “if they pick me should I say yes,” eliminates stress and relieves pressure. By staying in the moment inhibition melts away and you

become relaxed, sincere and interesting.

The interviewer will view you as totally engaged and your stock will rise, helping to eliminate your competition and propel you to the short list.

Whether you feel lukewarm or over the moon about an opportunity to meet with a potential employer, take full advantage of the invitation. Job interviews are rarely a waste of time. When coaching clients in the job search mode I support accepting all invites to interview, even if a few negatives crop up during an initial phone screen.

Most recruiters capitalize on their interview hours. The applicant may not be an ideal match for the job at hand, but it is possible another more suitable opening exists or is slated in the near future. Another advantage is increasing your interviewing expertise.

Several opportunities to present your job skills and experiences in a professional setting boosts your comfort level.

You have nothing to lose and possibly much to gain if a hiring manager from a company across town indicates he wants to meet. Decision time comes later. You just scored an opportunity to learn more and practice your interviewing skills. Go for it!

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

beauty

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

May 29 to June 4, 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.

What exactly is the HCG diet?

I

t’s been around for years, since the 1950’s to be exact. We’ve all heard about it but what is it and how does it work? HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a hormone produced during pregnancy. One of its functions is to ensure the growing fetus receives enough nutrients to grow and develop normally.

It allows the mother’s body to use stored body fat for nutrients and energy despite her intake. This is why women can have “morning sickness”, not eat and the baby does not suffer. Pregnancy is the only time HCG is found in the body.

Dr. ATW Simeons discovered in the 1950’s that small doses of HCG given to overweight individuals (men and women) decreased their appetite, and made them lose inches specifically around their hips, thighs, buttocks and stomachs. Today millions of people have used HCG for weight loss. The HCG Diet has also been used for weight loss in obese persons as well as those wanting to shed a few unhealthy or unwanted pounds.

However it is used, the HCG diet weight loss program works.

How Does It Work?

When HCG is taken, the body is able to tap into its stored fat and utilize it. When combined with a calorie restriction diet, the person is subsisting more on their stored fat than on what they are eating. They are burning 3500-4000 calories of stored fat daily, which can amount to losing about 1 pound every day!

Many people want to know if they can be comfortable on a calorie restriction diet of 500 calories per day. One of the benefits of HCG is that a person can feel comfortable eating only 500 calories per day while taking the HCG injections. While on the HCG diet, appetite is suppressed and most patients feel as if they are stuffing themselves on 500 calories a day. Trying this very low

calorie diet without the use of HCG would lead to trouble within 2-3 days. Side effects of starving yourself include insomnia, lethargy, headaches, loss of mental clarity, severe fatigue, and on and on! While on the HCG diet patients sleep sounder and usually feel better than they did before they started the HCG diet.

What Can I Expect?

If the protocol is followed, you can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per day – an average of 20 pounds lost by the 23rd day. A person on the HCG diet can expect to eat 500 calories a day of protein, fruits and vegetables.

The HCG is injected daily for 23 days. The program can be followed for 40 days in some cases. Maintenance after the diet is important. The HCG Diet is considered one of the fastest and safest ways to lose weight and keep it off. It’s not just quick weight loss.

The HCG diet is a new way of eating food and a new way of thinking about health.

If you are interested in learning more about the HCG program call Dr. Maria Lombardo at 760-610-8990 to schedule an appointment today!

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