Coachella Valley Weekly - July 6 to July 12, 2017 Vol. 6 No. 16

coachellavalleyweekly.com • July 6 to July 12, 2017 Vol. 6 No. 16

JT Improv&Stand-Up Workshop

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NRBQ at Pappy&Harriet’s

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Kelly Derrickson

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716 On 111

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July 6 to July 12, 2017

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July 6 to July 12, 2017

BY TRACY DIETLIN

THIS IS HARD ROCK NOW! CREATING AUTHENTIC ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCES WITH A COOL VIBE SELECT PHOTOS BY LAURA HUNT LITTLE

Coachella Valley Weekly

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

760.501.6228

Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Domingo Winstead Classified Manager & Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Features Writer Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmons, Denise Ortuno Neil, Judith Salkin, Avery Wood Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Craig Michaels, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Janet McAfee, Rachel Montoya, Dale Gribow, Raymond Bill, Sam DiGiovanna, Rob Brezny, Eleni P. Austin, Noe Gutierrez, Sunny Simon, Dr. Peter Kadile, Bruce Cathcart, Lola Rossi, Laura Hunt Little, Flint Wheeler, Dee Jae Cox, Janet Newcomb, Patte Purcell, Rebecca Pikus, Morgan James, Esther Sanchez, Angela Romeo, Jenny Wallis Photographers Robert Chance, Chris Miller, Esther Sanchez, Laura Hunt Little, Lani Garfield, Scott Pam, George Duchannes Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

CONTENTS Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs......... 3-6 UCR Palm Desert - Lit Flicks................ 7 JT Improv - I Heart Myself................... 7 NRBQ at Pappy & Harriet's.................. 7 Kelly Derrickson................................... 8 Slim Man............................................... 9 Backstage Jazz - Art Of Jazz................. 9 Consider This - Chris Bell................... 10 Art Scene - Art Is Always ................... 11 Pet Place............................................. 12 The Vino Voice ................................... 13 Club Crawler Nightlife....................... 14 Good Grub - 716 On 111 ................... 16 Screeners............................................ 18 Book Review....................................... 19 Safety Tips...........................................19 Real Estate.......................................... 20 Haddon Libby.................................... 21 Dale Gribow....................................... 21 Sports Scene...................................... 22 Free Will Astrology............................ 23 Ask Jenny........................................... 23 Beauty with Dr. Maria Lombardo..... 24 Life & Career Coach............................ 24 Cannabis Corner................................ 26

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ard Rock Hotel Palm Springs opened in October of 2013. Many locals were hoping that it would become a local live music hub, however it took a while before that happened; about 2 ½ years in fact. A little over a year ago things started to change when Hard Rock International took over. In May of 2016, Esjay Jones, along with former HR Vibe Manager Richard Beas, had an idea to host live acoustic music in the lobby on Friday nights. It was such a success that in January of this year it expanded to Saturday nights as well. All of these changes are due mostly as a result of Hard Rock International Director of Marketing, Vince Koehle, bringing in Juan Rivera as the new General Manager about 7 months ago to whip things into shape.

There is a completely different feel at Hard Rock now; a different VIBE. As a frequent patron of the hotel and restaurant since they opened I have watched firsthand the changes that Koehle and Rivera have made and I am beyond impressed. If you haven’t been to Hard Rock recently, you must go there, as I know you will be impressed with your EXPERIENCE too.

I sat down with GM, Juan Rivera, and new Marketing Manager, Adam Levy, who just came on board about a month ago, to discuss all the excitement surrounding what I like to call THIS IS HARD ROCK NOW. I also spoke with some of the talent that is making Hard Rock the new music hub and entertainment destination in the valley: Esjay Jones, David Macias and Arial Trampway.

CVW: You have made such a positive impact since you came on board at Hard Rock Palm Springs what do you feel were your biggest challenges when you first got here?

Juan Rivera: “Being a Hard Rock we are a music centric brand and what I noticed when I first got here was that everyone in the valley was trying to be Hard Rock better than we did. I pulled all resources that I could and started rebuilding our reputation and brand and again it’s based on music because music brings everyone together.

The misconception that some people have is that because we’re Hard Rock we’re just rock but that’s not true, we try to cross over to all genres of music to have a little bit of something for everyone.”

CVW: What do you feel has been your biggest obstacle?

JR: “The biggest obstacle is the competition. You come to PS and it’s a music driven destination with all the festivals. You go to places like Pappy & Hariett’s which is a staple and a pillar and downtown PS like Las Casuelas and everyone has great music, but what I found was we didn’t have to compete with anyone; Hard Rock just wants to be part of the community and contribute to this destination.”

CVW: What do you think sets Hard Rock apart from the other music venues

and destination resorts at this point?

JR: “We’re lucky enough to hire great new people like Adam who came in with a lot of fresh new ideas with being from the community. What sets us apart is we’re always trying to go a step further and amplify everything we do.”

CVW: What accomplishment are you the most proud of over the last 7 months?

JR: “What I’m most proud of is now I do see us as becoming part of the community and it embracing us, which is due in large part to the amazing team we’ve put together. Hard Rock isn’t a building or just a name, it’s the people that work here; the front desk agents, the servers, the bartenders, the guests that come in and create such an incredible VIBE.” CVW: I’ve heard that you are known at HRI as the go to guy to come in and fix a location and then move on to fix the next situation. So my big question is- you’re going to be sticking around right?

JR: (laughing) “I’m sticking around. My goal is to build a great team and position this property as a destination not only for PS, but in CA and until my goal is met then I will be here.”

CVW: So Adam you just came on about a month ago and Juan said you have a lot of great ideas. Can you share some of those with us?

Adam Levy: “So one of my missions as the Marketing Manager is to create authenticity in the music scene here for the locals and one thing I feel as a local involved in the music scene here; you can spot when someone is trying to replicate or do something fake. If it’s not authentic it doesn’t have street cred. What I want to do is create AUTHENTIC music programming the community can support and get behind.

I want to create experiences that people are going to want to talk about when they leave and that’s what drives me and my vision and new ideas. So I think ‘how are people going to walk away from this event and what are they going to talk about and take with them. What kind of EXPERIENCE are they going to take with them.’

“The programming we have now is

already stellar with Esjay Jones running our Friday night Acoustic Lounge Sessions and David Macias running our Saturday Global Lounge Sessions. They both have their hand in the scene like no other entity, bringing in the best local talent and supporting them and paying them. They both serve as the best role models for musicians. They know how to make money as a musician and they can teach other musicians this and in my experience as a musician there is so much pay to play or just not getting paid at all going on. Here, they’re not only getting to play at the Hard Rock, but they’re being paid and walking away with more knowledge from working with Esjay and David who make an extra effort to work with all the musicians and take them under their wing, which is really special and that’s something no one else has. So right off the bat we’re coming in as the front runner for a great local music EXPERIENCE. “Now we are looking to take that further as we are having our first ‘rooftop rock show’ on the 4th of July, which we hope to be the first of many more; especially in season as it gets a bit cooler. The view from our rooftop terrace is phenomenal.

We recently got a sponsorship from Bose Speakers, so we now have a sound system that can carry to all outdoor spaces and the club. Ultimately my goal with live music here is to be the destination between LA and Arizona for bands to route through between those shows. Now that we have the resources and the local backing we can be that destination.

“We also have some other incredible things coming up with our DRG BRNCH, which has outgrown its space in The Kitchen Restaurant. We sell out every week and so we are going to move it upstairs in the ballroom where we can create a much bigger production space with a theatre where we can do all sorts of other events.

One of those events that we are flirting with is doing a Burlesque show; there isn’t one anywhere in the Inland Empire and the closest one is in Long Beach. The group that we’re meeting with is from Long Beach continue to page 5

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HARD ROCK continued from page 3

and they’ve been doing this for 10 years, so we’re looking forward to forming a partnership with them. We’re also looking to expand the DRG BRNCH brand to include more shows and possibly a cocktail hour show.

“Another thing I’m really excited about is bringing in our version of a Dive In movie, but every hotel does that so we want to go further and bring something more niche and cool and bring back that old fashioned horror host like an Elvira-like personality and have a curated horror act that’s kind of kitchy. We want to have a host and make it like the old drive in movies where you have the screen with trailers and trivia games during intermission and make it a real interactive experience so when people walk away they feel like ‘Wow!’ that was a really different EXPERIENCE. “Right now we also have DJ Paparazzi in our club and he cherry picks these awesome DJs that have niches, something that they do different. He recently had this all girl group that only spin on vinyl and they have a whole act where they switch off and it’s really entertaining. He’s running our programming in The Club and doing a great job.

“Basically we want people to come to Hard Rock and walk away feeling like they had the best EXPERIENCE, whether it was on a Friday or Saturday night hearing live music in the lounge, or the DJs in The Club, or cocktails and a Burlesque show on a Thursday night, or Arial Trampway’s DRG BRNCH on Sunday.”

JR: “The model of our brand is creating AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES THAT ROCK and that’s what we try to do on a daily basis is to make your next experience here better than your last.”

AL: “We invite everyone to come and grow with us and expand with us and have fun with us.”

(This article was being written while the ‘Rooftop Rock Show’ was taking place as we print on Tuesday so unfortunately we at CV Weekly were in production and had to miss out. The bands scheduled to perform were The Yip Yops, The Brosquitos and D Tension. What a great way to kick off their ‘Rooftop Rock Show’) You can also pamper your body and soothe your soul at The Rock Spa or enjoy a delicious meal at The Kitchen. Hard Rock PS is also the perfect destination for group events, weddings and bachelorette parties.

For more info go to: www. hrhpalmsprings.com. For reservations call 800-280-2971. Direct front desk 760-3259676.

FRIDAY NIGHT - “THE ACOUSTIC LOUNGE SESSIONS” with ESJAY JONES: CVW: What was the first date that you started dong the Acoustic Sessions event?

Esjay Jones: “The acoustic sessions started in May of 2016 as an experimental show for my birthday. It was received so well, that we continued the Friday night Acoustic Sessions and grew into the Saturday night ‘Global Lounge’ starting in Jan of 2017.”

CVW: This was your idea correct?

EJ: “These sessions were the brainchild of Richard Beas, who was the Hard Rock Vibe Manager at the time, and myself.

We are both huge lovers and supporters of music and wanted to bring a new experience to the Hard Rock Palm Springs.”

CVW: Can you share how it took off after Juan Rivera (GM) and Vince Koehle (HR International Director of Marketing) came in and the difference in working with Hard Rock now?

EJ: “Having a team that supports and pushes the activations is obviously a huge plus. Juan and Vince are a dream to work with - they understand the demographic and our vision for the Acoustic Sessions and have allowed me to steer the ship with their knowledge and guidance.

“This is a fantastic dynamic of people and I’m looking forward to even more success with Juan and Vince in the near future.”

CVW: How did it come about bringing David Macias on for Saturdays? Was he your pick?

EJ: “After the success of the Friday night Acoustic Sessions, Juan suggested that he would like the Acoustic Sessions to run on a Saturday night too.

“I did not want to lose the unique set up of the Friday night Acoustic Sessions, so I suggested that we have a ‘Latin Night’ but call it something that doesn’t limit us to only inviting Latino artists. The Hard Rock team put their heads together and came up with “GLOBAL LOUNGE SESSIONS” which enables us to showcase talent and music from all over the world. David was the obvious choice for my co-host; his work ethic is flawless and his unique style brings the brand to life!”

CVW: So can you share the difference between the 2 nights of music selections?

EJ: “Friday night caters more to the mass market with up-tempo pop, rock and singer/songwriter vibes where Saturday night embraces the sounds of the world including Latin Rock, Salsa, Flamenco and any other style of world music.”

CVW: It has become so successful. Did you know it would be such a hit?

EJ: “I believe that when you have a great product with an exceptional team alongside you, it’s bound to be a success!”

CVW: We hear that Hard Rock has quite a few new exciting things they are going to be implementing as well. Can you talk about how exciting it is to be part of all that is coming?

EJ: “Esjay Jones Productions in partnership with The Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs was recently welcomed into the Bose Professional family, so we are soon going to be branding these music nights as the “Bose Lounge Experience.” This sound system is going to elevate the experience we are already presenting, so I am ecstatic to be a part of this! We will also be holding Roof Top Rock shows and have brought Modelo USA in as a partner for our Global Lounge Sessions.”

CVW: Anything else you want to add

about Hard Rock?

EJ: “The Hard Rock Hotel in Palm Springs is a playground for those who want to eat, sleep and play. The live music activations are growing and you can expect to have the highest quality experience from every aspect of the hotel.”

SATURDAY NIGHT – “GLOBAL LOUNGE SESSIONS” with DAVID MACIAS: CVW: When did you start doing the Saturday night Global Lounge Sessions?

David Macias: “The Global Lounge Sessions is a concept that started at the beginning of this year. Esjay contacted me in December, after performing at the Acoustic Sessions that happens on Friday Nights, and presented me with the opportunity to Co-host Saturday nights with her. The first GLS took place on Jan 07, 2017.”

CVW: What does this residency gig mean to you?

DM: “To me, this residency is proof that hard work pays off when you stay true to your passion as an artist and, or, Musician.

I am grateful and humbled to be in a position and part of a team that procures an environment where new and upcoming artist can experience performing an intimate concert. I feel that it’s important to use the experiences we learn on the road and create something new based on what we have seen work, as well as what doesn’t work. I am fortunate to work alongside some amazing professionals and that means an opportunity to learn more about the elements of being a working musician. This residency means to me that we have the opportunity to collaborate as artists and create a scene that extends worldly through the power of Music.”

CVW: What is your process for selecting the bands to perform?

DM: “The process for selecting the bands at the GLS is simple. We look for positive attitudes and charismatic personalities, mix that in with music that makes you dance and we have a good formula for fun! One of the visions of the GLS is to have music without borders, to be open to all the different styles and colors of music that exist. This allows us have acts from all genres and styles adding to the diversity that is Southern California. The GLS is an all ages event therefore, we do make sure that the acts are appropriate for everyone. We encourage everyone who’s ready to showcase their talent to contact Esjay Jones Productions and submit a press kit for the opportunity to perform at the GLS.” CVW: Do you try to be there every Saturday night yourself?

DM: “Yes, I am there every Saturday! I love what I do and the people that I work with so I look forward to every weekend.

It’s exciting to network with traveling artist and be a part of a unique vibe that comes alive at night for a few hours. You never know what is going to happen at any given Saturday night and I don’t want to be the one to miss it.”

CVW: Can you share your experience working with Esjay? (We just happen to

July 6 to July 12, 2017 love and adore her) DM: “Esjay Jones is an extraordinary person with the hardest work ethic of anyone I know in this industry; she puts the Rock in ‘Hard Rock’. I don’t think anyone can hype a room the way she does! It has been a magnificent experience working with Esjay, from day one I knew it was going to be a great ride working with someone who lives up to the term ‘team player’ and who believes in extending a hand as a friend and mentor in this labyrinth that is the music industry. I have learned a lot and I have seen many others learn from the knowledge that Esjay brings to this community of artists.”

CVW: What do you see for the future of Hard Rock and yourself?

DM: “I see fun, friendships, laughter, great music, amazing people, YOU, and more amazing music!!”

CVW: Anything else you want to add?

DM: “I would like to extend the invitation for everyone to experience the Global Lounge Sessions at least once and to be a part of the unique environment reminiscent of the MTV Unplugged concerts we all love. Thank you.”

SUNDAY – ARIAL TRAMPWAY Presents DRG BRNCH Sundays CVW: Whose idea was it to start DRG BRNCH there? And how did it come about?

Arial Trampway (aka Alfie Pettit): “I was approached by the Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs with their Director of F&B, Kristian Zambrana’s idea of doing a drag brunch in their restaurant The Kitchen. They asked me to put together a proposal, and then we kicked it around with their GM Juan Rivera and Vice President of hotel operations development for Hard Rock International Dale Hipsh, until we had a working start of what is now Arial Trampway Presents DRG BRNCH Sundays @ Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs. As far as the name goes, I of course came with my Arial Trampway Presents brand, and they had the idea of the DRG BRNCH abbreviation for the show. DRG actually stands for Divas of Rock and Glam, but of course works perfectly with the idea of DRaG as well.”

CVW: When exactly did it start?

AT: “Our very first show was on February 19th, 2017. The Hard Rock gave us a two week time frame to get things up and running. When you have two weeks to pull a show of this caliber together you really understand the idea of ‘it takes a village’. Between my team and the team at the Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs we really made it happen.”

CVW: How has it grown? (I know it’s sold out every week) AT: “By leaps and bounds, with blood sweat and tears. It’s been a lot of work, these things don’t just happen. Tons of credit goes to my executive producer David Reese, who really helped me conceptualize the whole thing and get it up and running.

It’s in a constant state of evolution; it just depends on what new and great idea comes up to be folded into the pre-existing show. continue to page 6

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HARD ROCK continued from page 5

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com As far as building an audience, it’s been a lot of beating the hell out of the internet, reaching into my pre-existing fan base at the same time as building an entirely new one, as well as TV spots, wrapping the Hummer in the Arial Trampway Presents DRG BRNCH Sundays @ Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs and turning it into the TrampMobile (our moving billboard), our Actual billboard of Arial Trampway greeting you as you come into town on HWY 111/ Palm Canyon, and of course periodicals like yours!”

CVW: Are you in charge of selecting the talent each week and do the performers change?

AT: “Both myself and my producer Ezra Zane do all of the scouting and bookings for the show. We find people by reputation, word of mouth, the internet, visiting other Southern California shows, you name it.

We are always on the lookout for new and exciting talent. We keep a constantly rotating roster of performers, so no show will ever look like the one before. But of course when you have great people you always want to work with them again, so we also maintain performer retention. You can bet if there’s someone amazing you’ve seen at our show, we’re making sure they will be back sometime in the near future as well. We pride ourselves in really giving our performers the rock star treatment, which drag performers don’t always receive at all venues.”

CVW: How do you feel about your partnership/relationship with Hard Rock?

AT: “I love being in bed with Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs, it’s a match made in heaven. I had premonitions of being at the Hard Rock years before. I’ve had a wonderful original art piece hanging on my wall for years with the Hard Rock logo splashed across the front. Having a show at the Hard Rock almost seemed inevitable.”

CVW: “I hear that Hard Rock is going to expand Arial Trampway Presents DRG BRNCH Sundays to a new bigger venue upstairs in that amazing room. How excited are you about that?

AT: “Very! Vektor Vodka came to me with the idea of sponsoring Arial Trampway Presents DRG BRNCH Sundays in a potential upstairs move, so we are thinking very expansive. We are hoping to be able to bring our guests the fully realized version of the experience that we had conceptualized from the beginning. A very elaborate stage show and production, with plenty of audience participation and interaction, and a pre and post cocktail and meet and greet set up in the adjoining foyer to really round out the whole experience.”

CVW: Do you bring ‘straight men’ up on stage every week and dress them up in drag to help raise money for charity, like you did this past Sunday with my husband Phil Lacombe and HRH Marketing Manager Adam Levy? That was SO much fun!

AT: “You mean our charity portion midway through the show, #PassThePurse, where we bring 2 unsuspecting guests up on stage, do them up quickly in fun drag, and have them parade around with me to a

special number where we open our purses to help collect money for our chosen charity for that Sunday. It’s not always straight men, we just try and choose people that we think would be fun, and the audience would get a kick out of seeing done up in frills.

“Since the beginning of the show we’ve done a local charity every week, Desert Aids Project (DAP) being one of them along with ACS, Animal Samaritans, HRC, etc., but we are moving to a 1 charity per month format where we will present a big check at the end of the month for that charity.

This month (July) our charity is AAP - Food Samaritans.”

CVW: You also recently competed for ‘Queen of the Desert’. Can you tell me about that experience?

AT: “Oh my god what an experience that was! My first pageant and it really is all the work it’s said to be. I won best gown, thank you to my drag momma and stylist Kevin Wiley, who made that amazing pink creation! The real winner of that event was DAP. I was able to raise $3,500 individually,

Chef Kalych E. Padro

and combined, all of us were able to raise $40,000 that evening. Not to mention the great awareness and exposure we were able to bring to DAP through the Queen of the Desert billboard, TV interviews, print and online adds we were able to share. It was a smashing success.”

CVW: Is there anything else you want to add?

AT: “Well for the month of August our local charity for #PassThePurse will be Angel View, so come share in our support for that. You can always visit my Alfie Pettit or Arial Trampway pages on FaceBook for upcoming event info, dates and times, and performer and charity line up on a weekly basis. I of course love when anyone gives me a shout out with the hashtag #DRGBRNCH, or @Arial Trampway. And that big crazy TrampMobile is around town available for Lyft (type in RALKE56085 to request), so be sure to take a ride in the big mean pink machine and post a picture with it and hashtag #TrampMobile! We love getting to connect with people in those ways.”

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July 6 to July 12, 2017

COMEDY FILM JOSHUA TREE IMPROV UCR PALM DESERT LAUNCHES NEW SEASON OF PAGE-TO-SCREEN SERIES LIT FLICKS & STAND-UP PRESENTS “I HEART MYSELF”

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oo hot outside? Chill out with UCR Palm Desert’s free summer movie series, Lit Flicks, featuring films taken from page to screen. The theme for our new season is young adult fiction, featuring three acclaimed examples of the genre.

We encourage everyone to read the books that inspired these great films.

After each screening, there will be a brief discussion facilitated by Tod Goldberg, director of UCR Palm Desert’s low-residency MFA program, to discuss the adaptation, what worked, what didn’t, and what was left out.

6 p.m. Wednesday, July 12 • To Kill a Mockingbird

Atticus Finch, a lawyer in the Depressionera South, defends a black man against an undeserved rape charge and his children against a culture steeped in prejudice.

6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9 • The Outsiders The rivalry between two gangs, the poor Greasers and the rich Socs, builds to explosive levels when one gang member kills a member of the other.

6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6 • The Perks of Being a Wallflower Socially awkward introvert Charlie, a freshman, is taken under the wings of two charismatic seniors who welcome him to the real world.

Screenings take place in the auditorium at UCR Palm Desert, 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive, Palm Desert. Attendance is free and open to the public.

Lit Flicks is sponsored by the UCR Palm Desert’s low-residency Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Writing for the Performing Arts. Because seating is limited, reservations are recommended at palmdesert.ucr.edu/events or by calling (760) 834-0800.

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ome play with us and discover selfawareness through fun Improv games and exercises.

Learn how Improv can help you be more present in your daily life.

Life is Improv. Improv is Life.

Also, get in touch with your inner funny bone.

Join us for a FUN evening with Improv teacher TAMI WOOD and special guest Comedian BOB RUFER and his 5 Secrets to Stand-Up Comedy.

“I HEART MYSELF” workshop will be held on Sunday, July 16, 2017 from 5pm-8pm at the Sun Alley Outdoor Stage - 61781 Twentynine Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree.

Your ticket includes refreshments, appetizers and wine. Ages 21 and over.

Purchase your Early Bird $25 tickets at iheartmyselfworkshop.eventbrite.com.

$30 at the door or stop by I Heart Joshua Tree Gallery at Sun Alley to register.

For more information call 760-774-2553.

Sponsored by I Heart Joshua Tree Gallery and tamiwoodcreations.com.

EVENTS NRBQ AT PAPPY & HARRIET’S

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

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RBQ may be the best band you’ve never heard of. The four-piece, whose name is an acronym for New Rhythm & Blues Quartet, formed in Kentucky back in 1966 and has been going strong in various permutations ever since.

Recently Omnivore Recordings celebrated NRBQ’s golden jubilee with the release of “High Noon: A 50 Year Retrospective,” it offers 106 songs that spans all facets of the band’s career. A truncated version arrived on vinyl as a two-record set just in time for this year’s Record Store Day. NRBQ likes to say their music encompasses everything from Sun Records to Sun Ra. They’ve successfully collaborated with disparate artists like Rock N’ Roll progenitor Carl Perkins, Country pioneer Skeeter Davis and Wrestling personality, Captain Lou Albano. High profile fans include Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt, (who had a minor

hit with the Q’s “Me And The Boys”), The Replacements, Los Lobos, Keith Richards and Paul McCartney.

Songs like “Flat Foot Flewzy,” “Rain At The Drive-In,” “Wacky Tobacky” and “Ridin’ In My Car” combine keen melodic instincts with sly, smart-assery and surprisingly sweet sentimentality. During three seasons of “The Simpsons,” NRBQ acted as the show’s unofficial “house band” thanks to the undying adulation of head writer, Mike Scully. Their music has also appeared on other TV series like “Space Ghost Coast To Coast,” “Weeds,” and “Wilfred.”

To celebrate their career retrospective the band is currently on tour. Friday July 7th finds them at Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace. Doors open for this All-Ages show at 7pm.

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July 6 to July 12, 2017

LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

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BY GEORGE GEMINI

KELLY DERRICKSON ‘I AM’

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was blessed enough to listen to an early recording of Kelly Derrickson’s second full length album, I AM, released on 4/13/17 through Star Tribe Records and recorded in Nashville, Tennessee. I hung out with the ravishing songstress and drummer/percussionist/co-writer on the album, Benny Cancino, Jr., in Kelly’s glorious backyard in Palm Desert, California. I was taken aback by the first cuts and the essence of the lyrical content. We listened to the album in its entirety. How lucky can a music writer be? Being able to sit there with the artists, while listening to the unreleased original music, with the artist watching your every reaction and expression. Before and after each song, Kelly, the 2015 winner and 2017 Coachella Valley Music Award nominee for ‘Best Country Band/Artist,’ explained the meaning of the lyrics and her intentions. It was truly an honor.

With the help of uber producer Ronnie King, Kelly has given life to a new sound, ‘Country Tribal Rock’. I AM is elevated from Kelly’s first album, Warriors of Love. She continues to be recognized and honored.

Derrickson is nominated in her hometown of Kelowna, Canada for ‘Best Band/ Musician’ in the ‘Best of Kelowna 2017’.

Derrickson will also be celebrating her new release with an album release party on Friday, July 21, 2017 at Two Eagles Golf Course in West Kelowna, British Columbia.

Below is my album review of I AM. 1. “I AM” (Mothernature) This is a great mid-tempo opening song;

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from the banjo intro to the end it’s catchy.

The clap beat is fitting and grabs the listener.

The song is currently at #25 & climbing the Top 40 Indigenous Countdown at the time of this writing. The lyrics are pertinent to what is happening right now around the world. The song was inspired by poems written by Kelly’s 12 year-old nephew Matthew Derrickson. Producer Chip Martin performs all instruments on this song as he does on much of the album. WOW! 2. “Turtle Island” Many indigenous communities refer to North America as Turtle Island. In this slower tempo song Kelly preaches the struggle the continent has endured and questions our ability to progress in the current environmental and political climate. She implores others to “stand up and be counted.” She uses ‘talk singing’ to communicate what the universe is telling us.

3. “1st Avenue North” Upbeat tempo with a fast walking pace, Kelly takes us to a place she called home.

She paints a vivid picture of a stable family life and loving household. She recalls the love and independence that was instilled in her. Loving the banjo again!

4. “Good Place” The album’s first ballad is laden with piano. The feeling of being content with where you are and with who you’re with.

There is comfort in this song, holding your loving partner and slow dancing is what I envision.

5. “Place I Call Home” Another great mid-tempo song kicking off with a snare-flam and bass beat, this is a great follow up to “Good Place” with more of a rock feel. Reminding her self of how good she has it. I can imagine the Stagecoach Festival crowd swaying back and forth to this song on the ‘Mane Stage’.

6. “Nobody’s Business But The Moon” Dark, moody & haunting ballad; the lyrics will definitely cause a stir; talking of redemption after being taken advantage of. You have to stop and read the lyrics on this one. It gave me chills. Storytelling at its finest!

7. “Higher Ground” Great drum and chant intro. Kelly once again challenges us to consider what we are going to do about the crimes against Mother Nature.

8. “Pine Needles and Rust” Once again Kelly takes us to another place. She transforms the lyrics to an emotional scene. We can relate to the story of having that person we looked up to and lost. Reminiscing of the things we used

to do but can no longer because of their loss. I can admit I broke down a bit for her conveyance of emotion while feeling my own pain of departed loved ones.

9. “Over Oklahoma” A song I want to see and hear performed live. I’m clapping my hands and singing along to the optimistic pulse; a song of hope and letting go. Acknowledging the need for change and making it happen.

10. “All I See Is Red” (10 Little Indians) You’ll recognize the intro “10 Little Indians” verse but it kicks into a rock song and incorporates the nursery rhyme cleverly. Kelly sings of the historical bashing of Native people and their heritage while ignoring the impression we make on our younger generations.

11. “Suicide Song” The closing song on the album is probably the most relevant. The suicide rate in First Nations & Native American communities is alarming. Approximately 40% of those who die by suicide are between the ages of 15 and 24. And among young adults ages 18 to 24, First Nations & Native Americans have higher rates of suicide that any other ethnicity, and higher than their respective general populations. Kelly tells the story of two young people who see no hope.

Kelly empathizes while encouraging others to keep fighting and “make it through the night”. The song was specifically written for the warrior children of her native land but can be applied to any young population.

Check out her video for “Suicide Song” at youtube.com/watch?v=OwGTEqVZrPA. I AM Executive producers: Grand Chief Ronald Derrickson & Kelly Derrickson Co-Executive producer: Chip Martin Produced by: Chip Martin Studios, Nashville TN kellyderrickson.com ronniekingmusic.com chipsongs.com twoeaglesgolf.com Photo Credit: Suzanne Le Stage Photography – Kelowna Okanagan Wedding Photography Graphic Design: Corina Bakke and Kelly Derrickson Makeup: Missy MacKintosh

SLIM MAN

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ASPHALT PLAYGROUND NOSTALGIA

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film producer in Palm Springs heard me sing some Rat Pack songs at a club.

He’s doing a documentary about Palm Springs, and asked if he could use my versions of the tunes.

I had already recorded three, so I went into the studio here in Laguna, California, to do more.

I just finished; I did 12 songs. I’m calling the CD Young at Heart, and it should be out soon. I’m hoping to fund the promotion and marketing by winning the lottery.

Let me check my tickets…

I also just started a podcast called Hobnobbin’ with Slim Man. The 10-word elevator pitch is…

“Conversations with creative people on both sides of the show-biz curtain.”

Well, that’s eleven words, but who’s counting?

I just uploaded the very first podcast to iTunes. It takes a week or so until it’s live, but it’s done. The initial episode features a conversation I had in Nashville with Robert Ellis Orrall, who is a legendary songwriter/artist/label owner, who co-wrote songs with Taylor Swift. He’s got some amazing stories, and I got them all recorded.

So…what do you do after you finish a CD, and start a podcast? How do you celebrate the Fourth of July?

Well, I walked down to the park near the studio. I saw something that got me thinking, and that’s dangerous for me because of my affliction, Attention Surplus Syndrome. You know the acronym. I think about things for too long.

I passed a playground at the park. It was lovely. There was a sliding board, a jungle gym, and swings and things. Everything was made of colored plastic, and it all sat on a cushy bed of wood shavings, so the kids wouldn’t hurt themselves when they fell.

And it got me thinking…This is the exact opposite of the early playgrounds. They were dangerous places that I’m convinced were constructed with the idea of thinning out the population of young people.

The old playgrounds were built on asphalt.

You know when you would push somebody on a swing and they would fly through the air and then get terrified by the height and leap off?

They landed on asphalt. Wouldn’t you think that

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somebody in the PTA would say something?

“Hey, I know wood chips are costly. But having asphalt as the surface for our playground seems a bit…cruel.”

The old jungle gyms were made of cast iron bars. This was to keep the local dentists busy fixing all the chipped teeth from when kids bashed their faces on the pull-up bars. The jungle gyms were dangerous, but nothing was more dangerous than the see-saw.

The see-saw was obviously designed by someone who didn’t like children. You don’t see see-saws on playgrounds anymore, so let me explain what a see-saw is…It’s a 20-foot wooden plank, with handles on each end. You balance the middle of the plank on a metal bar which is about 3 feet off the ground. One kid sits on one end of the plank, and another sits on the other end.

The idea of the see-saw is for one kid to gently go up as the other kid gently goes down.

This rarely happened. What happened was one of two things: one kid would be up in the air, and the other kid would be sitting on the ground and jump off, leaving the kid in the air to slam down to the ground and break his tailbone. Or a couple kids would jump on one side, and send the other kid airborne.

Only recently have seat belts, car seats, bike helmets, and water-wings come into existence.

Before that, it was every kid for himself. The adults were off having cocktail parties. They weren’t standing by the sea with binoculars making sure their kids didn’t get eaten by a Great White.

No. They were partying and dancing in the sand. They had fun.

As I watched the kids playing on the playground today, they were trying to have fun, loaded down with helmets and water-wings and knee pads and wrist-braces and mouth-guards and goggles, parents looking on like prison guards.

How are they gonna protect the kids from the fireworks tonight? Noise-reducing headphones, safety goggles, and fire repellant onesies?

Happy Fourth of July!

Who loves ya?

- Uncle Slimmy

BACKSTAGE JAZZ

July 6 to July 12, 2017

BY DEE JAE COX

THE ART OF JAZZ REVIEW

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magine a hot 1920’s summer evening soiree, surrounded by breathtaking art and cool Jazz mixing the sweet sound of music with the heat of the night. On June 19th, “The Art of Jazz” was the event that set the desert on fire and no one allowed the heat to hold them back from having a good time. The Art of Jazz, was coordinated

by Producer Patte Purcell and hosted by the Rebecca Fine Art Gallery, located at 68895 Perez Road, Cathedral City, and a member of the Perez Road Art District, which presents works from artists around the globe.

Rebecca Fine Art Gallery is owned by businessperson and art collector, Rebecca Pikus and featured the “This is Now” exhibit showcasing the works of 16 uniquely talented artists. Several rooms highlighted the various exhibits, as sweet jazz pulled attendees towards the back of the gallery.

The Coachella Valley Music Awards, produced annually by CV Weekly Publisher Tracy Dietlin and scheduled this year for July 23rd at the Palm Springs Riviera Hotel, was one of the sponsors for this event and some of their biggest award winners were featured performers for “The Art of Jazz,” including two time winner for “Best Jazz Vocalist” Slim Man, winner for “Best Jazz Instrumental” Alex Santana, and Inspirational Jazz/Blues artist Keisha D, Nominee for Best Jazz Vocalist. Also performing were Greg Vail, Tateng Katendig and Nathanial Scott.

Musical performances also featured Special Guest and Grammy Winner Ronnie King, a Multi-Platinum, Diamond Certified (more than 10 million units) Oscar and Grammy Nominated producer, composer, arranger, musician, humanitarian and CV Music Awards Winner for Best Producer and Pioneer Award recipient.

All of these incredible musicians made this an evening to remember.

The Art of Jazz was presented as a 420 Industry Party with 420 vendors and services available in the Gallery. It was an opportunity to mix and mingle and sample new products. THC beverage samples were also available to licensed medical marijuana patients.

Cannibas has long had an influence on Jazz dating back to 1920’s New Orleans when the Louisiana brothels brought in musicians (and inadvertently their cannabis) to entertain their clients.

California is a leader in today’s Cannabis (420) industry, which had previously

legalized the medicinal use of the drug through proposition 215 in 1996, and in 2016 Proposition 64 (the Adult Use of Marijuana Act,) legalized the sale and distribution of cannabis in both a dry and concentrated form for personal use. Now California is one of eight states where recreational cannabis usage is legal.

Another exciting Sponsor of the event was Melissa Etheridge’s line of products including her “Know Label” Cannabis Wine. The website describes this wine as being made with premium grapes from the Arroyo Grande valley and infused with premium cannabis flower from the Santa Cruz Mountains.

A portion of the proceeds from the event benefited the Palm Springs Orchestra. The Orchestra, led by world-renowned Maestro, Dino Zonic, draws upon the unique qualities and characteristics of the desert community to showcase great works of orchestral music with uplifting performances set in beautiful settings beneath the stars, as well as within the valley’s numerous outstanding performance venues.

Palm Springs is a destination location; a desert oasis that features some of the greatest artists and works of art that can be found anywhere in the country. The Art of Jazz showcased a collaboration of several of the communities’ businesses and artists coming together to create an evening of pure pleasure. The Desert never felt so cool.

(This article was written by Dee Jae Cox and first appeared in The Hollywood Times 6/20/17 and has been edited for CV Weekly

by Tracy Dietlin)

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July 6 to July 12, 2017

CONSIDER THIS

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BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

“LOOKING FORWARD: THE ROOTS OF BIG STAR” RECORDS) CHRIS BELL (OMNIVORE

I

t looks like 2017 is shaping up to become the year that the world discovers Chris Bell. In November, a long overdue oralhistory/biography, There Was A Light: The Cosmic History Of Big Star Founder Chris Bell, arrives. In August, a deluxe treatment of I Am The Cosmos, his only solo album, is being re-issued. But first up is Looking Forward, a collection of pre-Big Star music.

The story of the band Big Star is one of missed opportunities and bad luck. The Memphis four-piece should have been as big as the Beatles, (ok, at least the Raspberries), but their 1972 debut, “#1 Record” was virtually ignored by radio and the music industry. Music critics and discerning fans understood, and even though the band only released two more poorly distributed LPs, (that quickly went out of print), the legend grew.

Getting turned on to Big Star became a rite of passage for record store clerks and music geeks alike. By the ‘80s bands like the Bangles, R.E.M. and Replacements were either covering, name-checking or paying homage to the band that Chris Bell, Alex Chilton, Andy Hummel and Jody Stephens formed in 1971.

Their story rather elegantly unfolds in the 2012 documentary, Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me. But Looking Forward presages that genius era. To paraphrase Maria Von Trapp and the Sound Of Music, it starts at the very beginning, and that’s a very fine place to start. Christopher Branford Bell was born in Memphis, Tennessee in January, 1951. His British mother, Joan, met his dad Vernon, in England when he was part of a B-17 Bomber crew during World War II. The couple settled in his native Memphis following the war.

Chris was the fifth of six siblings, one brother and four sisters. As his family grew, Vernon opened a string of cafes and restaurants in quick succession. Chris grew up in an uppermiddle class section of town. As a kid, he was an avid comic book collector.

Although Memphis is the cradle of Rock, Roll, Rhythm & Blues, music didn’t really interest him until the Beatles exploded on the scene, after that he became obsessed. He quickly mastered the guitar and formed his first band, the Jynx, (the name was a sly homage to British Invasion stalwarts, the Kinks), in junior

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high.

It was in high school that Chris first crossed paths with Alex Chilton, who at age 15 wound up fronting the Box Tops. Their immediate success gave Alex license to skip school and criss-cross the country touring with the Beach Boys. In high school Chris formed Christmas Future with drummer Steve Rhea.

Chris’ talents were prodigious. As a guitarist, his style was clean and precise; he could switch from rhythm guitar to lead with ease. His songwriting skills were evolving exponentially; he was also a quick study in the recording studio. His youthful acumen did not go unnoticed by producer John Fry. Something of a wunderkind himself, John had begun recording music in junior high. A few years later he opened his own facility, Ardent Recording Studios in Memphis. John entrusted Chris, and other well-chosen acolytes with keys to the studio, allowing them unfettered, after-hours access.

Looking Forward features the three bands that immediately precede Big Star; Rock City, the Wallabys and Icewater. Of the three, Rock City is probably Chris’ best known combo, it featured Tom Eubanks on guitar and vocals, Chris on guitar, bass and vocals, Terry Manning on keys and vocals and future Big Star drummer Jody Stephens behind the drum kit.

The album opens tentatively with a Rock City cut, “I Think It’s Time To Say Goodbye.”

Scratchy guitar riffs slowly drift out of the speakers and are quickly eclipsed by a chunky backbeat, rumbling bass lines and electric power chords that shapeshift from phased to bendy. Although the lyrics are a study in equivocation, the straight ahead arrangement and instrumentation fall right in line with Blue Cheer’s version of “Summertime Blues” and the Creation’s “Makin’ Time.”

Rock City’s initial inspiration came from the British Invasion, but they pushed past those shagadelic parameters and incorporated myriad styles. Initially “I Lost A Love” feels like a lachrymose study in sadness, each verse is powered by plangent acoustic guitar, but everything amps up on the chorus, changing the tone to gritty and defiant, even as the words attempt a soothing reconciliation.

Even more ambitious is “The Answer.” The quiescent intro blends pastoral acoustics with spacey synths. Vaguely philosophical lyrics like “Look with me for the answer, climb the walls of your mind/Look with me for the answer, for understanding mankind,” are delivered with portent. Suddenly thunderstruck guitar kicks in over a hulking backbeat. The result is an unlikely fusion of primitive Garage Rock and the intricate sophistication of Prog Rock.

Both “Introduction” and “Sunday Organ” highlight the band’s instrumental prowess.

The former is knotty and complex, the latter soulful and ecumenical. Meanwhile, “Lovely Lady” is a jangly precursor to Big Star’s brand of effortless Power Pop. Pitching woo ‘60s style involves neatly turned phrases like “there are no words that could describe the poetry of you” Here, flowing harmonies crest over chiming electric guitar, ringing rhythm riffs and shaker percussion.

The final pair of complete Rock City tracks hint at vague Rock Opera aspirations. “The Preacher” is fueled by shifting time signatures, lush organ colors, fuzzy, stuttery guitar and ticklish handclaps. The mood feels apocalyptic as the lyrics paint a portrait of a man of the cloth who “speaks so eloquently.” A soothing piano outro feels deceptively contemplative, until careening electric guitars crash the party.

In contrast, “Shine On Me” is positively sunshiny. Splashes of mellotron cascade over a crackling beat, meandering through layers of acoustic and electric guitar, plus some lonesome pedal steel. The lyrics are surprisingly theistic; “We’ve all sinned in many ways, we all have our cross to bear/We’ll be on our own come judgement day, hopin’ that the Lord still cares.”

When Rock City ceased to exist, Chris briefly played guitar with vocalist Alan Palmore, Terry Manning on keys and bass and ex-Christmas Future drummer Steve Rhea as the Wallabys.

They are represented here with two tracks, “Feeling High” and “The Reason.”

The former is a jaunty and slightly verbose slice of British Invasion Pop. The melody is a sharp pastiche of Kinks, Zombies and of course, the Fab Four. The tune is anchored by rippling bass lines, pummeling drums and propulsive guitars. The lyrics send the listener down the rabbit hole, sketching a scenario that is “a dream different from reality.” that promises “roller-coasters in the sky and children on the clouds going by.”

The latter blends treacly vocals, lush mellotron, a shuffle rhythm and feathery acoustic filigrees. A romantic post-partum, the lyrics feel clingy and emotionally cloying. No wonder this guy got dumped.

The Wallabys gave way to Icewater. This time out the band included Steve Rhea on drums and guitar and Terry Manning on keys plus backing vocals. Future Big Star bassist Andy Hummel was added to the line-up, and when Steve started college, Jody Stephens pitched in on drums.

For Rock City and the Wallabys, Chris was willing to cede most of the spotlight, first to Tom Eubanks and later Alan Palmore, rarely taking the lead on vocals or guitar. Clearly, with Icewater he had more to say. “All I See Is You” offers a hint of the melancholy sunshine he fully mastered with Big Star. The crushing sadness of a broken relationship is leavened by the baroque instrumentation. Shimmery mellotron connects with tensile bass lines, a dropped rhythm and bare bones guitar.

Apropos of nothing, he offers this prescient

couplet, “It won’t be long before I’m gone, someone somewhere (will) say it’s time to go, won’t you please come home.”

“Looking Forward,” the track that gives this collection its name, is a perfect illustration of Chris’ studio acumen. The lyrics feel a bit unfinished; “when I’m walking down the street, I am thinking of your feet,” um, ok.

But the arrangement and instrumentation is surprisingly Bluesy. Trippy loop effects collide with shards of guitar slithery bass and rock steady beat.

“A Chance To Live” is a complete anomaly, not only do the lead vocals belong to someone named Jimbo Robinson, but the songwriter is listed as “unknown.” A chugging psychedelic rocker, the track sounds like the bastard child of Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” and the Amboy Dukes’ “Journey To The Center Of Your Mind.” It also features hilariously detailed lyrics regarding a wealthy milquetoast “who’s gonna die before he gets to live.” Until then he discovers the salubrious properties of cannabis! …the tune kind of collapses in on itself, but it’s fun while it lasts.

“Sunshine” is appropriately sun-dappled; honeyed acoustic guitars envelope a madrigalesque melody and lush vocals. The lyrics recall a lazy afternoon in bed.

Of course, the best tracks here are nascent interpretations of Big Star standards. Polished versions of “My Life Is Right” and “Try Again” appeared on “#1 Record,” Rock City takes a pass at both. The band manages to dirty up the pretty on “My Life…” creating a sturdier template for the delicate piano ballad.

“Try...,” which is credited to Chris and Alex Chilton is equal parts spare and gorgeous, featuring only Chris’ yearning vocals, layered acoustic guitars and wistful pedal steel.

Another sweet surprise is the “Psychedelic Stuff” a goofy hodgepodge of backwards guitar, a galumphing backbeat and echo-y keys.

Big Star completists are sure to rejoice over the album’s final four songs. They include alternate backing tracks for “All I See Is You” and “Feeling High,” plus the Icewater obscurity “Germany.” Also, an early version, sans vocals, of the Big Star classic, “O My Soul” features “(possible) guitars” from Alex Chilton.

When commercial success eluded Big Star, Chris Bell took it personally, quitting the band midway through sessions for their second, equally sublime effort, Radio City. For several years he abandoned music entirely. But an extended stay in Europe with his older brother David, rekindled his passion and he began to piece together a solo album, I Am The Cosmos.

He returned to the states in 1978, taking a job running one of his father’s restaurants, as he prepared to launch his a solo career. Sadly, two days after Christmas he lost control of his Triumph sports car, wrapping it around a light pole. He was killed instantly at the tender age of 27.

Looking Forward is a comprehensive view of Chris Bell’s formative years. Perhaps the world is finally ready to pay attention.

ART SCENE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

July 6 to July 12, 2017

BY ANGELA VALENTE ROMEO

ART IS ALWAYS

H

ot time summer in the City is no match for summer in the Desert.

Art again proves it is weatherproof and the epitome of sustainable tourism all year round!

Now through September 17, 2018, ART IS… Inc., a California Nonprofit and IRS 501 (c)(3) Corporation, in conjunction with the Westfield Mall, Palm Desert, has installed Wildlife. The works of recycled metal were created by area resident Christopher James.

The installation, located on the upper level near Aeropostal®, includes 10-foot long, 600-pound cheetah made from car bumpers, a raccoon, beaver, dragonfly, bird and hummingbird. On the lower level across from Express® stands an eight-foot bear. The work dovetails with Westfield’s summer program, CAMP Westfield. CAMP Westfield features activities for children and emphasizes recycling. “With that background, my work is a perfect fit,” noted Christopher. “Each piece is created from cast off metal – old wheel barrels, fly wheels propane tanks to trailer-hitch. Nothing is ever trash!” The works are available for sale with a portion of the proceeds benefitting ART IS…Inc. ART IS…Inc., was formed in May 2017 to promote art education and art awareness.

ART Is first event was an artist pop up showcasing the work of area artists. The second pop will be Sunday, July 8 from 11 am to 7 pm. The pop up will be at The Lounge, Westfield Mall, lower level.

Participating artists include fashion designer Aneka Brown, Painter Diane Morgan and Photographer Terry Hastings. The event will feature music and discussion. ART IS… encourages public discussion in the lounge area.

ART IS… has several other programs in the works including a forth coming CANstruction® project. “We will be announcing location for the can drive,” said Director Romeo. “The cans will be gathered and turned into a work of art. Thereafter the cans will be donated to local food bank

FIND FOOD. Those wishing to participate or sponsor this or any other even, can reach us at artiscanonprofit@gmail.com.”

Also opening this weekend is The 2017 Resident Artist Exhibition. Opening night is July 8th at the Joshua Tree Gallery. This year’s artists include Tom Birkner, Ryan Parra, Lisa Marie Rollins and Marium Rana.

In addition to works in the gallery, Marium Rana has a mural installation outside on the gallery wall. Lisa Marie Rollins, writer and playwright, will be giving a reading from her play Token on opening night.

The artists are part of the prestigious Joshua Tree Highlands Artist Residency. For over ten years more than 60 artists have participated in the program. The artists spend seven weeks working absorbed in the beauty of the Mojave Desert. The 2017 Resident Artist Exhibition is the culmination of the residency. This event helps to cement the High Desert’s unique place in the art world.

For more information on ART IS… Inc. and its upcoming event visit www. artiscanonprofit .com or Facebook at www. facebook.com/bringingarttoall For more information on the summer activities at the Westfield Mall visit www. westfield.com/palmdesert.

For more information on the Joshua Tree Highlands Artist Residency and Exhibition visit www.jthar.com.

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July 6 to July 12, 2017

PET PLACE

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BY JANET McAFEE

COOL SUMMER FUN AT VENUS DE FIDO

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re you and Fido missing out on trips to the dog park now that the scorching desert summer heat has arrived? Do you have a friendly, social dog?

Would you like to play with your dog in a cool and fun environment? Come visit Venus de Fido, a unique new business in Palm Desert, a health and wellness luxury spa for pets and people unlike no other.

As summer temperatures make playing outside stressful for pups and humans, the beautiful climate-controlled indoor dog park at Venus de Fido offers a variety of fun and healthy hactivities. With the ambiance and décor of an Italian village, the park is the perfect setting for monitored play groups, dog training classes, doggie birthday parties, doggie day care, “Fido and You Fitness” classes, and “Dine with Your Dog.” My dog, Enzo Ferrari, had a wonderful time working out with me at a FIDO AND YOU FITNESS class at Venus de Fido. He bounced with doggie joy as we made our way through the ten exercise stations, beaming with pride as he finally took a break after skillfully running through the Ladder exercise. Enzo excelled at standing on the balancing ball, learning to feel comfortable in unstable situations. At the next station, the human lift

MEET GEORGE This sweet Lab/Shepherd mix boy was left outside to suffer in 120 degree weather by the ambulance office in Coachella.

He is now at the county shelter, Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Petland Place, Thousand Palms. Turns out he is microchipped and was adopted from there as a tiny puppy in 2009. Owners contacted, but did not want him back! This lovely sweet 75-lb boy will give kisses if you visit him. Contact shelter (760) 343-3644, www.rcdas.org , refer to dog ID#A0610786.

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weights while the pup does a modified dog walk up the specially designed staircase.

Tabitha Davies, the facility’s friendly certified dog trainer, is the instructor for the training classes and Fido and You Fitness.

She explains, “I designed Fido and You Fitness with the goal of fostering mental and physical enrichment activities that increase the bond people have with their dog. Humans get a work out, while their dogs gain physical stamina and increase their confidence. Our class accommodates all levels of physical ability. All participating dogs are temperament tested and have updated vaccinations and rabies shots to ensure everyone’s health and safety.”

Looking for a cool place to relax and dine with Fido midday? Their new “Dine With Your Dog” program is offered every day of the week from 11AM - 2PM. The Cafe at Venus De Fido serves delicious drinks and tasty breakfast and lunch fare. Their menu features fruit smoothies, fresh baked goods, bagels, salads, and a variety of fresh sandwiches and wraps. When you purchase a meal at the café, bring along your dog and dine in the lovely dog park for $5. Or you can bypass the meal, and enjoy the park with Fido for $10.

Kelly Rose-Groves, Fido Services Director, welcomes you to come in for a tour. She enthusiastically explains, “Venus de Fido is the new “IT” place for Coachella Valley dog lovers. I love giving guests a tour and seeing their facial expressions upon walking them into our indoor air-conditioned dog park. Lovingly named Fido’s Forum, our dog

park was inspired by the Forum shops in Las Vegas, and it’s a sight to be seen! From the clouds in the sky, to the neighborhood façade complete with a full wall countryside mural painted by local artist Keith Blum, you think you’ve been transported to a beautiful Italian café and park. We have open hourly dog park play sessions pretty much every hour of the business day.”

In addition, Venus de Fido has doggie daycare services, private and group training classes, dog grooming, and a lovely dog retail shop. The humans are relegated to the right side of the 27,000 square-foot spa where they can indulge in a massage, facial, gym workout, or bask in the healing salt cave. Venus de Fido is quickly becoming the centerpiece of our Coachella Valley petloving community.

Like them on Facebook, and check out their website www.venusdefido.com for special events and programs. Call (760)8347070 for information about memberships and day-use costs. Venus de Fido is located at 73-600 Alessandro Drive in Palm Desert.

The pups give this palatial venue a 5-star “Woof”!

Jmcafee7@verizon.net

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THE VINO VOICE

BUTTERTOWN U.S.A.

W

hether you like or dislike California Chardonnay (and yes, I hear the angst from the Anything But Chardonnay crowd—to the sensitive clamor of shoppers searching out and buying a boatload load of it at the store), it has to be admitted that the success of this grape and wine is ever-present and is a fact.

And another thing: the Chardonnay flavor profile has ebbed and flowed from fruity to oaky, crisp to buttery, back & forth, and up & down, is now all over the charming Chard map! It’s no longer the pendulum swinging, it’s—hey! Get out of my way!

We’re making our wine this way and that!

There’s enough room in California and the rest of the world to keep everyone around the wine profile wheel a happy Chardonnay camper.

Chardonnay classically tastes like lemon, apple and pear. It’s not considered an aromatic wine with many characteristics.

In a warmer climate like California, you’ll get tropical fruit thrown in—no surprise if you get ripe peach, apricot and mango as well. However a Chard may well have the broadest range of variations of any varietal.

In its original home, France, 1) In Chablis region, the wine is very crisp, stony, with green apples/pears, and chalky—refreshing and tart as can be; 2) in beauteous Burgundy, where famous vineyards and classic wines reign supreme, the perfect taste storm triangle exists: perfectly situated oak, acid

and fruit that can go on for miles.

California on the other hand can splendidly serve up a buttery, oaky, rich, fat, fruit cocktail with baked apple on the side! You know who you are! If your mouth just watered reading that last sentence— well, I’ll see you here at the store in a few.

And apparently, it’s about the butter!

Just the anticipation of chewing down a rich buttery wine works reveille to a chomping Chard cavalry. Obviously there is no actual butter added; but the winemakers’s process of utilizing different ages and degrees of toasted oak barrels, and, working the process called “malolactic fermentation,” where tart-tasting malic acid converts into softer-tasting lactic acid, churns up the buttery nature in the wine.

If you ever go to a winery when they are crushing Chardonnay grapes, you’ll notice the place smells like a big apple crush, especially in cooler climates. That’s the malic acid you smell. And when the “malo” process begins, Stacy Vogel, head

July 6 to July 12, 2017

BY RICK RIOZZA winemaker at the famed Miner Vineyards, poetically observes, “Heavenly aromas surround the winery with not only vibrant orchard smells but complex layers of creamy wafts.

Subjectively, of course, enthusiasts of this lush medium to full-bodied style can differ a bit as to what indeed is the “butter note”. Are we talking the scent of buttered popcorn, vanilla pudding, butterscotch, buttery pie crust, crème brûlée, brioche, or what exact scent butters you up?

Along with the new world wave of winemakers challenging conservative Chardonnay choices, marketers have also joined in the game with the naming of their

buttery product. Listed below, I’ve included the names on the labels of factual wine— and, those that are of the “fake news” variety. Can you pick the real ones?

So—how about we start with simply, Butter; or, Buttercream; Cream; La Crema; Cream Tangerine; Buttermelt; Pattymelt; Butternut; Butter Brothers; Butterworld; Butter Pecan; Mack the Butter Knife; Butterfinger; Vanilla Puddin; Buddahyour-face; Churning; Butter Milk; Butter Cream Frosting; Butter Cookies; Imperial Margarine; Butter Imperiale; and finally— wait for it, I Can’t Believe it’s not Butter!

Of the 20 or so listed above—how’d you do? Any Chard fan in town probably knows the veracity of the Butter brand and so many of you buy the stuff by the case. You all enjoy it because it’s like the traditional buttery Rombauer brand—at half the price! And although Total Wines & More offers and sells—rather successfully, the Buttercream, Cream 15, Melt, and Vanilla Puddin among others similarly priced with similar butter-tinged nuances, the Butter brand crowd keeps coming in continually!

The phenomenon is rather interesting: so I analytically checked out our “Buttery Chardonnay Section” (yep!—that’s right!) and guess what I discovered: Most of the buttery-themed Chards check in at around 13 to 14 percent alcohol. On the other hand, Butter checks in at almost 15%! There you go!—Rancho Mirage/Palm Desert is lovingly known for its retiree population (along with their ubiquitous sweet-tooth) that, along with the notion that “liquor is quicker” kinda explains things.

Okay—so I’m not a big sociologist; certainly all ages and types buy the Butter.

And when Butter came out bigtime in the market place four years ago or so, at that great $12 to $15 price, it was a total hit; rich, bold and luscious and tasty. Probably a bit more lively vanilla than “butter”, as I recall, but again everyone loved it for the price.

There may have been a glitch this year: Wine Spectator gave the 2015 Butter Chardonnay 87 points—not bad of course but so many more Chards scored higher.

The review stated, “Casts Chardonnay in a pleasing fruit cocktail essence: Pure, moderately rich and persistent, if somewhat cloying on the aftertaste. Drink now470,000 cases made.” I’m not sure if “fruit cocktail” is a butter tinged nuance flavor but they sure produced a lot of it and it will probably all be sold by the next vintage.

This summer at Total Wine & More in Palm Desert, I’m often pouring and conversing at the wine bar engaging customers to sample a very nice selection of wines. And we’ll be showcasing many of the buttery wines I’ve listed above for comparison. Come check out the real ones.

Cheers!

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July 6 to July 12, 2017

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THUR JULY 6 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bobby Furgo & Co 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Discoteca w/ DJ Victor Rodriguez 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Trio w/ Francesca Amari, Bill Marx and Doug MacDonald 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJs 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Barry Baughn and Bob Gross 6:30pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760-3656633 Open Mic Night 7pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Chris Lomeli 7pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Punk Rock Night 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Slim Man 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Country Night w/ Neil Morrow 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Rosie Flores 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Upper Class Poverty and Nuclear Cowboys 8pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Solo Flyt Swing 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 The Smooth Brothers 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 T-Bone Karaoke 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Anthony DiGerlando Show 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Robert Salisbury 5-6pm, Jersey Gold 6:30pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Derek Jordan Gregg 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Elaine Woodard 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 8pm

FRI JULY 7

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29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Bill & Bob Duo 6:30pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 TBA 10pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm

AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 The Carmens Duo 6:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Friday Night Sour Hour w/ Pink Lemonade Drag Show 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Nicky Saponaro, Pedro Le Bass, Amavida, Bassnurds and Jakkz 9pm BEER HUNTER; LQ; 760-564-7442 TBA 9pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Garratt Wikin and the Parrotheads (Jimmy Buffet Tribute) 8:30pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 TBA 6pm THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 Karaoke 9pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 DJ Double A 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 ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Gina Carey 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 The Myx 8:30pm THE HARD ROCK HOTEL PS; PS; 760-3259676 Esjay Jones Presents: Acoustic Sessions w/ Porsia Camille and Avenida 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Drag Queen Bingo 6pm, Phil’s Annual Birthday Bash w/ Grand Scovell, Throw the Goat, The Bermuda and Drop Mob 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Dana Larson 7pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 The Whiskey Blues Band 8pm LA QUINTA BREWERY;PD; 760-200-2597 TBA 7pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Slim Man 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Kool Breeze 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 DJ Jerry 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm

MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 TBA 5-8pm 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 DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-3450222 TBA 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 NRBQ and Patsy’s Rats 9pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Hive Minds 9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 Michael Keeth 7-10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOLANO’S BISTRO; LQ; 760-771-6655 Michael Madden 6-9pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Demetrious and Co. 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 TBA 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo & Dennis Michaels 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-755-5391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Meet the Corwins 5:30pm, The John Stanley King Show 8pm WANG’S IN THE DESERT; PS; 760-325-9264 Karaoke 8:30pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 TBA 6-10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 Alyce Bowie 8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Rob Martinez and Todd Ashley ft. Lisa LaFaro Weselis 6:30-10pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallett 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 9pm

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SAT JULY 8

THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 TBA 9pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev & MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; Bill 6:30pm 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Highlife w/ DJ NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke Day 10pm 8-1:15am AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327Cabaret on the Green Open Mic 7:30pm 4080 Med Band 9pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 7:30pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Rich 0222 TBA 6:30pm Brandon & Friends 9pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The BEATNIK LOUNGE; JT; TBA 9pm Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, Grateful Shred BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 The and Mapache 8pm RoadRunners 8:30pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-7757:30pm 5566 DJ 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar 6-10pm Karaoke 9pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Ghost of Sunset PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am Strip 9pm CHILL BAR; PS; 760-327-1079 TBA 9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 TBA 7-10pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 ROCKYARD@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm Weekend Warrior and 4NR (Foreigner Tribute) 7:30pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Blues 8-11pm TBA 6pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760-365- SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens 6633 Dana Larson & Friends 6-9pm 8-11pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 TBA SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK 8:30pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 THE HARD ROCK HOTEL PS; PS; 760-325Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm 9676 Esjay Jones Presents: Global Sessions w/ SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron David Macias and Ocho Ojos 8pm James 6pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Shrouds, SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin DieSineGration, Bluesome Gruesome and DJs Music 10pm 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 TBA 6pm PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345- TBA 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm Dennis Michael 6:30pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760TBA 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm 328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-755LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Slim Man 5391 DJ Hektik 10pm 6pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Rose LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325Mallett & Barney McClure 5pm, Johnny Meza 2794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the and Co. 7:30pm afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Ladies Night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live w/ Dirty Desert Entertainment 9pm Entertainment 5:30pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 Mighty Sweet LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Nothings 8pm Kool Breeze 9pm

July 6 to July 12, 2017

THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Chris Lomeli 7pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth noon-4pm poolside, 7-11pm Fireside Lounge WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 The Stanley Butler Band 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm

SUN JULY 9 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 TBA 11am poolside AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Bartland w/ DJ LF, Richie Rich 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Sunday Brunch w/ Mikey Reyes’ Acoustic Movement 10-2pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Radio 60 3-6pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760-3656633 Dana Larson &Friends 5-8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 KCLB 93.7 Presents: Death in Pretty Wrapping, Sunday Funeral and Spankshaft 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Ted Herman’s Big Band 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Open Jam 6pm continue to page 20

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July 6 to July 12, 2017

GOOD GRUB

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THERE’S A NEW FLAVOR COMING TO TOWN: 716 ON 111

R

esidents of The Coachella Valley should prepare themselves for a new flavor in town. The Hoffman Family of Palm Springs, has announced the opening of 716 On 111, a new restaurant located in the former space of the beloved Dickie O’Neil’s, at 2155 N. Palm Canyon Drive.

716 on 111 will be An American Cuisine style restaurant that fuses the mouth-watering taste of Buffalo, NY with the exciting addition of a brand new and remodeled Dining Room, Bar and Patio.

Specialties will include a modern flare on good old fashioned flavorful home cooking along with, daily specials, happy hour deals, hand crafted cocktails and a wine list to suit most everyone’s taste buds.

You may have by now noticed not only the facelift of the building and property at 2155 N. Palm Canyon, but also their LED lighting in which we can change remotely

16

to suit any occasion. Their lighting is just a slight “taste” if you will, of what the Hoffman’s and 716 On 111, have in store for our Palm Springs locals and Tourists alike.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact David & Christopher Hoffman at 760-656-0163 or email at 716on111@gmail.com. www.facebook.com/716on111

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July 6 to July 12, 2017

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July 6 to July 12, 2017

SCREENERS

“THE HOUSE” CRAPS OUT NOW PLAYING: THE HOUSE

Considering how much we need laughter in our lives right now, it’s indeed sad to have to say just how bland this attempt at a comedy is, considering the OK premise, fast pace and talented leads who have rightfully earned the good will of an adult

18

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BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

No. 272

audience but cannot save this hollow shell of a film. It’s hard to know just where this painfully flat enterprise jumped the tracks and lost its comic mojo. Was it the direction (Andrew Jay Cohen) or screenplay (Andrew Jay Cohen again and Brendan O’Brien) that betrayed the potential? I say “both of the above.”

The simple premise has mom Kate (Amy Poehler) and dad Scott (Will Farrell) repurposing their daughter Alex’s college fund to the admittedly lame idea – “what could possibly go wrong?” -- of backing and operating an illegal casino in the half-empty mini-mansion of their gambler-addicted, divorcd neighbor’s home.

There is an accurate emphasis on the feeling of middle-class bitterness and despair that permeates our still great country. Kate and Scott may lament the system that exploits them, but they have no problem doing the same to their friends and neighbors. They never have a moment of self-realization that they are the system.

Besides the lack of laughs, what’s equally surprising is the gratuitously inserted bloody violence in this failed moral fable that’s really about more hypocrisy and greed than generating laughter.

NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER: BIOW-UP (1968)

In 1968, Michelangelo Antonioni’s first English language film stunned global audiences with its existential tropes, color palette and meticulous design. Much more than a look at London’s counterculture at a specific time and place, this film played with notions of what is real and what is seen in art and life. Is there meaning in the random dots of enlarged film emulsion? Remember all the enlarged photos of the Grassy Knoll at the moment of JFK’s assassination? Did we find a shooter hiding behind the trees?

Maybe, but is there a way to know for certain?

The simple plot follows part of day in the life of a successful London fashion photographer (David Hemmings) who, during a random walk in a verdant park takes snaps of two lovers, and unknowingly photographs what may be a murder.

Many questions regarding this incident remain unanswered. The ambiguity of the narrative is part of the great allure of this extraordinary film that was life changing for so many of who experienced it on its initial releases.

Not so much a murder mystery as it is a psychological one. How will the photographer cope with his new understanding that what one sees may not in fact be real? Even after enlarging film frames multiple times, he is not certain he sees a dead body, that is, until he goes back to the park, finds the body and touches the man’s face. For reasons never made clear, he never calls the police. But when he goes again to the park, the body is gone.

When a mime troupe enters the park and pretends to play tennis, the “ball” sails over the fence and the mime players and audience all stare at the photographer to retrieve and toss back the imaginary ball.

He does, and then eventually walks away to the sound of the tennis game. He and we hear the smack of a ball on a racket and the patter of running feet. The final shot before end credits is of the photographer standing alone in the middle of the park’s green expanse and then fading out.

The movie is best remembered by many not for the remarkable series of black and

white stills during enlarging process – (almost a stand-alone movie itself) -- but for the silly romp the photographer has with two teenage girls on a roll of background paper in his studio. At the time, this was the first, albeit very brief inclusion of pubic hair in an internationally distributed feature film.

Generous extras round out this superb 4K digital transfer of perhaps the most important and influential film of the 1960s. I liked Blow Up of “Blow-Up”, a 2016 documentary on the making of the film. Also included are vintage interviews with Antonioni, David Hemmings and Jane Birkin (one of the teen girls). There’s a fascinating 2016 conversation between photo curator Philippe Garner and actor Vanessa Redgrave.

A must have title for the home library.

Criterion. Blu-ray.

THE BRIDGE AT REMAGEN (1969)

In this stirring, action-filled tale of a desperate battle in the waning days of World War II, George Segal is a war-weary combat team leader charged with taking a bridge over the Rhine during the Allies’ final push into Germany; Robert Vaughn is his German opposite number, who’d rather blow up the bridge than have the Americans capture it, thus ending the last great German stand in the West.

The following photo of the real Remagen Bridge was taken by my father (a combat surgeon in Patton’s 94th Infantry Division) shortly after the bridge was destroyed.

The solid direction by John Guillermin (The Towering Inferno) is greatly enhanced by Stanley Cortez’s masterful cinematography. The one and only Elmer Bernstein composed and conducted the rousing score. Besides George Segal and Robert Vaughn, co-stars include the always reliable Ben Gazzara, Bradford Dillman and E.G. Marshall. Twilight Time Movies (Limited Edition). Blu-ray.

Comments? robinesimmons@aol.com

BOOK REVIEW

CULTURE CLASH

-----------------------------------------------------

“THE CONFUSION OF LANGUAGES”

BY SIOBHAN FALLON FICTION -----------------------------------------------------

T

here is so much discord in the Middle East at this very moment it seems impossible to resolve. The Muslim population is at war not only with the world but itself -- Sunni vs. Shia.

Islam is a challenge for Westerners to understand. Its very name means “Submission” which is in total contrast of our quest for liberty and pursuit of happiness. In Siobhan Fallon’s debut novel, The Confusion of Languages (G.P. Putnam, 326 pages) two American women find the Arab culture a difficult lifestyle to manage.

The story is told by Cassie Hugo, whose husband is a career military man stationed at the American Embassy in Amman, Jordon. The couple has lived in Jordan for nearly two years. They have been unable to conceive a child, and the stress of trying to get pregnant, and being in a foreign country, has taken a toll on their relationship.

When a beautiful American couple arrives in Jordon with their baby and becomes part of the embassy family, Cassie finds herself host and mentor to Margaret, the young wife and mother.

The women have little in common, but form a bond as outsiders. Cassie believes she has not made friends at the embassy because she is not old, nor young, and she has no children. Maybe

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July 6 to July 12, 2017

BY HEIDI SIMMONS it’s because she’s really a controlling, angry bitch.

Margaret is different from the other embassy women. She is uncomfortable around other mothers and women, much like Cassie. Margaret is blond with blue eyes and she refuses to cover her hair or any of her skin, which is an affront to some – most - Muslim men.

Women who are immodest are seen as “asking” for trouble.

But Margaret wants to win hearts and minds by being herself. She believes if she is kind, generous and friendly to both Arab men and women, she will be a good example of what Americans are really like. Margaret’s baby boy, Mather, is like an ambassador. Both Arab men and women want to squeeze his chubby little legs.

Against Cassie’s advice and warnings, Margaret continues to do all the things the embassy recommends not doing. She goes out shopping uncovered with the baby, she learns to drive, she gives away money, feeds stray cats alone at night and she makes friends with the men around her apartment building.

When Margaret and Cassie’s husbands are deployed to Italy for special NATO training, Cassie is flattered that Margaret’s handsome husband has reached out to her to keep watch over Margaret.

But soon Cassie becomes jealous, possessive and unable to control Margaret. They argue and Cassie leaves Margaret to her dangerous ways.

With Cassie off her back, Margaret decides to travel with her baby to see Jordon’s ancient ruins and historical sites. For the first time in her life, Margaret feels free to explore the world un-

judged.

However, in due course, Margaret indeed finds herself in serious trouble and worse, the cause of trouble for others. Cassie offers to help, call in the US Marines, get their husbands involved, but Margaret insists on handling the situation herself, but the cultural differences are too vast.

With Cassie watching the baby, Margaret goes off to make things right, but she is never seen again.

The Confusion of Languages is a well-told story and is reminiscent of the hugely successful novel Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Author Fallon, uses the trope of a found diary to tell Margaret’s side of the story after it’s discovered and read by Cassie.

When Cassie first shares her interpretation – and judgment -- of Margaret as a wife, mother and friend, Cassie portrays her as a woman who is aloof, simplistic and ignorant. But when we enter Margaret’s head and hear her story in her own words from her diary, we find her to be just the opposite. Margaret is intelligent, brave, honest

SAFETY TIPS

and very sympathetic.

The story is told over several hours on May 13, 2011. It takes place during the Arab uprising.

The military husbands mention a new Benghazi embassy and the rapidly changing politics in the region.

Recent history and current events make The Confusion of Languages timely, informative and very compelling.

Fallon includes the cultural differences in a living, breathing way. She quotes a Muslim author who writes that men are weaken by women and therefore can never be civilized. Whaaat?

One of the reasons I was drawn to this book is because I, myself, am challenged by, and curious about Islam’s culture and treatment of women. I read all that I can for a better understanding, but still have difficulty accepting the notions of “total submission” and “modesty” practices.

Is it too much to expect men to be strong and have self-control under all circumstances involving women?

When women are treated as equals, only then we will have a just and noble society for all.

The author, with personal knowledge and writing prowess, lures the reader into this fascinating kingdom of religious repression.

Fallon’s narrative provides a clear window into a cultural that is the antithesis of everyday American life.

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

2-4-6-8 WHEN SHOULD I EVACUATE?

I

f you are asked to evacuate during a wildfire when should you evacuate? 2, 4, 6 or 8 minutes or hours after it develops?

“Significant wildfires have begun very early this season and it will only get worse in July, August, Sept. and of course during Santa Ana wind season,” says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.

“Now is the time to start pre-planning on what to do before a wildfire strikes near.”

If by chance you are near a wildfire, you may be asked to evacuate. Here are some things you should know if you find yourself in that situation: When should I leave? It is wise to leave the area as soon as an evacuation orders are given.

Don’t wait until the last minute. This will help you avoid being caught in a fire, smoke or traffic. This will also help firefighters keep roads clear, which allows them to work without obstacles.

Where should I go? Call your friends or family who live outside the threatened area and see if they can offer you a place to stay during the evacuation. Start making those contingency plans now. Your local fire department or city officials will also have designated evacuation shelters.

What should I take with me? Prepare an emergency kit well before a fire strikes. This kit should include things like a first aid kit, a three-day supply of non-perishable food and three gallons of water per person, spare keys and cash and medication. If time allows, you should pack easily carried valuables, chargers for your cell phone,

laptop and anything irreplaceable such as family photos and important documents.

What about my cat, dog, bird, lizard? Ask friends and family if they can shelter your animals during an emergency. Keep a list of 24-hour numbers for pet-friendly places such as animal shelters, pet boarding facilities and veterinarians.

Plan ahead!

What should I wear? If you need to go outside while there is an active fire nearby, put on some protective clothing like sturdy shoes, cotton clothes with long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and gloves.

Wildfires will be a topic we will cover more through the summer months. For more Info visit: calfire.ca.gov/communications/downloads/fact_ sheets/Evacuation.pdf Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

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July 6 to July 12, 2017

CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 15

LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company, in the afternoon, Hot Rox, in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Sunday Night Jam Session w/ Jos Burrell 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Sunday Band 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Sunday Jam Session w/ Morgan Alise James 8pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 The Myx 6pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 The Chris Gore Group Pro Jam 7pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 John Stanley King and Trio 6:30pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 Alyce Bowie 8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Rob Martinez and Scott Carter 6:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 John Carey & Friends 6pm

AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Bill Marx 6:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Mix It Up Monday w/ DJ LF and Friends 9pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 No Mouth Brakes Comedy Hour 8pm, Karaoke 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Larry Capeloto 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Open Mic 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Industry Night w/ DJ Tone 2pm-close SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 T.B.A. 6pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Mike Costley’s Showcase 6:30pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Dude Jones 6:30-9:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Motown Mondays 6pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Dude Jones 9pm

TUE JULY 11

MON JULY 10 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Luminators 6pm

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29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Lliam Christy 6pm

ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and Dancing 9pm THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 Karaoke en Espanol 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Chuck Alvarez 6:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Drag Queen Bingo 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm INDIAN CANYONS GOLF RESORT; PS; 760833-8700 DJ Randy Johnson 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Michael D’Angelo 6:15pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Acoustic Open Mic 7pm

REAL ESTATE

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WED JULY 12 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Daniel Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Acoustics w/ Johnny Ashby 7pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Jam w/ Doug MacDonald & Friends 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Totally Radical 90’s w/ DJ Richie Rich 9pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 The Smooth Brothers 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 6-10pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 TBA 6pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 Karaoke 7:30pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 TBA 6pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Open Mic Nite hosted by Josh Heinz 8pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm

INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Open Mic w/ Rich Bono & Poupee Boccaccio 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live Music KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic hosted by Amy Angel 6:30pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 TBA 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Mikael Healey 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Roger & Friends 7pm 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 SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 The Myx 6:30pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Acoustic Sessions 7pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Mike Costley Band 6:30pm TJ’S; PD; 760-345-6744 Derek Jordan Gregg 9pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Barry Minniefield 6:30pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 80’s DJ Night 6:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Will Champlin and Jody Cortez Project 6:30pm

BY BRUCE CATHCART

CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS his past week a friend on FaceBook posted that her Smoke Detector/Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector had gone off in her house. Since she did not see or smell smoke she posted, “What can I do to get it to stop beeping?” Of course her friends immediately offered advice such as “hit it with a hammer” or “change the battery”. Of course I had to be the concerned “parent” and inform everyone in FB land that CO was an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that initially is non-irritating… and yes, IT CAN KILL YOU! According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention 400 Americans die each year from CO poisoning while 20,000 visit emergency rooms and 4,000 end up in the hospital from exposure to CO. Of those who die or become seriously ill the majority of the time it takes place while they are sleeping or passed out while being “under the influence”. On July 1, 2011 it became a California State Law that all houses with either an attached garage, fireplace, or gas heater or gas appliance have a CO detector… so it is very likely that we all have at least one CO detector in our home. So what do you do if your CO detector goes off? The first thing you do not do is ignore it!

Before I get to what you should do when your CO detector goes off, let’s take a look at the sales data for homes in the Coachella Valley for the month of May. According to the Desert Area MLS as of 7/1/17 there were 1,333 pending transactions of residential properties here in the Coachella

PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Ladies Night w/ Mark Gregg 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Two Step Tuesdays w/ Cinch 6-10pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Douglas McDonald Duo 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Mike Costley Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 TBA 8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Karaoke 6:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 John Boliver and Yve Evans 6pm

Valley in the month of June. That’s up from the 1,133 pendings in the previous month (May) and up again when compared to the same time last year when we had only 917 pending sales. In May there were 1,057 solds and we were down just a bit in June with 1,024 solds. This is yet another increase over last year when we sold only 963 homes in June 2016. Our year to date sales total for 2017 stands at 5,640 homes compared to the same time period last year when we had sold only 4,914 homes. Statistically we ended our first six months in 2017 exceeding last year’s sales by over 13%. We are continuing this trend for our third straight year starting off with higher volume of both pendings and solds.

According to the Desert Area MLS “Statistics” the average home sale price and median home sale price for ALL HOMES in the Coachella Valley are up 7% this year when compared to the same time period for last year. This is an excellent trend for our valley and even though I estimate that the majority of the homes here in the Coachella Valley are still about 15% below the high market values that we experienced in 20067, this positive data indicates that the Coachella Valley real estate market and home values here continue to improve. Our inventory of homes for sale was down significantly again this month with 3,622 homes available on July 1, 2017 compared to 4,050 homes available on June 1, 2017. While we usually experience a “seasonal” drop in inventory this time of year as many sellers take their properties off the market for the summer

months, this is the fourth such drop in as many months in the total number of homes for sale in the Coachella Valley. With home sales staying strong already this year through June there may soon be a shortage of homes for sale in our market place. Check back next month and we’ll see if this trend continues and what that will mean for prices and sales for July and August.

It is 2:00 AM and your properly placed CO detector right outside your bedroom door is emitting and intermittent beeping. It takes you a minute or two to focus and you realize that your CO detector has gone off. How do you feel?

Do you have a headache, are you dizzy, weak, have an upset stomach, feel like vomiting, are vomiting, feel weak or are confused? Basically, do you feel like you have the flu? According to ADT Home Security, if you have any of these symptoms and are alone get out of your house and into the fresh air immediately. If you are not alone you must get everyone else in the home up and out of the house. Yes, you should be dialing 9-1-1 on your cell while you are moving! Tell the 9-1-1 operator what your situation is and they will send the appropriate assistance. But what if you wake up and feel perfectly OK? You still take this matter very seriously! If you are not alone, get everyone out of the house and into the fresh air. Then go back into the house, open all the doors and windows to get air ventilation into the house and turn off your gas appliances (water heater, oven/stove, furnace, and fireplace). After the home has been properly ventilated reset your CO detector. If the detector does not go off again, call a qualified technician to inspect

and repair any problem. If the CO detector goes off again (and still no one is showing any of the above flu like symptoms), continue venting the home and call your local fire department. The emergency personnel will advise you when it is safe to re-enter your home.

Carbon Monoxide gas is a very serious issue.

If you do not have a CO detector currently in your home, get one! They are relatively cheap (about $30) and some models just plug into a wall socket. Install it where it will wake you up if it goes off… and if it does go off, well don’t just hit it with a hammer.

Join me each month this year as we keep a close eye on our Coachella Valley real estate market. If you have a real estate question or concerns please email me at the address below.

Bruce Cathcart is the Broker/Co-Owner of La Quinta Palms Realty, “Your Friendly Professionals” and can be reached by email at bycathcart@laquintapalmsrealty.com or visit his website at www.laquintapalmsrealty.com.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

HADDON LIBBY

July 6 to July 12, 2017

BOO-YAH!

I

n the United States, our most popular sports are football, baseball, basketball, golf and tennis. Thinking beyond our often xenophobic shores, which sports are the most popular globally?

TotalSportek tried to determine the most popular sports in the world using thirteen criteria such as global base, television viewership, average player salary, and team revenues.

Coming in tenth was Ice Hockey due to its global reach across the Northern Hemisphere.

The National Hockey League ranks fifth in revenues amongst all sporting leagues but has not had great success in warmer climate regions.

Globally popular, boxing came in ninth and is the only combat sport to make the top ten.

Upstart MMA comes in a respectable 14th.

During the Olympics, boxing consistently ranks amongst the most popular events for ticket sales and television viewership.

Golf came in eighth just behind Formula 1 car racing. Golf’s challenge to becoming more popular is that a great percentage of the world’s population does not have the economic means to play in the sport causing viewership to lag other sporting options.

Meanwhile, Formula 1 has 550 million people watch at least part of their racing season while

generating approximately $2 billion a year in revenues.

Sixth place went to Rugby due to its strong following in all English speaking nations except for the United States. Their World Cup ranks behind only the FIFA World Cup in terms of ticket sales and viewership.

Track and Field comes in fifth as the people of most countries around the world can participate. Television viewership swells every four years when the Summer Olympics command huge global viewership levels. While few professionals get rich from this sport, this sport reaches all corners of the globe.

Tennis ranked fourth. The global popularity of tennis is proven in that 45 countries have players ranked in the top 100 male or female players in the world. When it comes to revenues, top players like Roger Federer and

DALE GRIBOW ON THE LAW

ACCIDENT MYTHS BUSTED

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eing an accident victim does not mean you hit the lottery. As a matter of fact these “soft tissue accident cases” have substantially decreased in value over time. Unless you have more than a simple whiplash with only 2-3 months of treatment, many lawyers will not take the case.

You must see a doctor or go to the ER right after the accident because time matters.

If you do not do so and later realize you have an injury the insurance company will ask “how do we know it is from this accident”...and then refuse to pay.

If you cause a serious crash your auto insurance company will not cancel you immediately and at worst must wait for the expiration date.

If your friend borrows your car it is not their insurance that kicks in. Remember, insurance always follows the car.

However, if their auto insurance or that at fault driver’s policy is minimal, than your insurance can kick in under the underinsured auto portion of your policy.

If damages to the not at-fault driver are valued at more than $15,000, the at-fault driver (not owner) is still responsible for the additional amount. The innocent driver can decide not to accept the money and to sue, attach wages and assets, and s/he can renew

the judgment every 10 years. Bankruptcy is the only answer.

Protect yourself by purchasing Uninsured Motorist (UM) /Under Insured Motorist (UIM) coverage. Because of all the uninsured cars in the CV you must have this coverage.

The UIM kicks in when the at-fault driver has inadequate insurance. For example, if the at-fault driver has a $15,000 policy and your injuries are worth $100,000, you would collect their $15,000 and then $85k from your carrier.

You do not have to buy a million dollar policy to have that coverage. Many insurance companies will allow you to purchase an Umbrella policy after you have a certain amount of coverage i.e. $250k. The umbrella policies are very inexpensive and I purchased a $3M policy for a few hundred dollars. The trick is to find out what limits your insurance company requires that allows you to purchase an UMBRELLA policy Many believe that with NO insurance they can still collect from the at fault driver who rear ended them causing major injuries.

Under case law if you are NOT insured you can’t collect for anything other than the cost of medicals.......and not pain and suffering.

Many clients do not realize that it does make a difference how many traffic tickets you have had. Not only will it affect your

Serena Williams, rank amongst the wealthiest of all athletes. Additionally, nearly one billion people around the world follow the sport.

In a bit of a surprise, Cricket comes in third.

That’s right, cricket. The rules include hitting a ball and tapping stationary sticks with some matches lasting many days; the length of some matches make baseball seem like a sport for people with ADHD. Cricket commands 2 billion fans with fanatical followings in India and Pakistan.

The Cricket championship ranks behind only the FIFA World Cup for Soccer and the Rugby World Cup in terms of television viewership.

Second place goes to Basketball with professional leagues in the United States, China, Turkey, Italy and dozens of other countries. This sport generates nearly $5 billion in revenues from the United States alone with

some of their top players like LeBron James earning more than $50 million annually once endorsement deals are considered.

The most popular sport in the world goes to Football aka Soccer in a runaway victory. Nearly 4 billion people tuned in for the World Cup in 2014 with more than 700 million watching the final match. More than 50 countries have professional leagues while the English Premier League alone earned $5 billion last year.

Thirty of the fifty most valuable franchises in all of sports are soccer teams. Only American Football and Baseball had higher revenues.

What about American sports like Football and Baseball?

American Football ranks at the top in terms of team revenues but has very little popularity outside of the United States resulting in a 13th place finish. Similarly, baseball (12th place) has great revenues but struggles to gain footing outside of the United States, Japan and Central America. Due to greater global reach, volleyball came in ahead of both sports with an 11th place finish.

Haddon Libby is an Investment Advisor, Fiduciary and Managing Partner of Winslow Drake Investment Management and can be reached at 760.449.6349 or HLibby@ WinslowDrake.com.

insurance rates but California’s DMV can suspend your license based on your record.

Here is their criteria: 4 Points allowed in a 1 year period 6 Points allowed in a 2 year period 8 Points allowed in a 3 year period An accident equals 2 points against the at fault driver.

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, CALL A TAXI OR UBER.......IT IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN HAVING AN ARREST OR ACCIDENT AND CALLING ME .......SO DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER.

DALE GRIBOW “TOP LAWYER” - Palm Springs Life (DUI/ ACCIDENT)2011-2017 (California’s Prestige Magazine) “TOP LAWYER”- Inland Empire Magazine Nov 2016 Perfect 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating

21

July 6 to July 12, 2017

SPORTS SCENE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY FLINT WHEELER

MLB BASEBALLS JUICED ACCORDING TO STATS.. .

F

acing a 1-1 count with one out and runners on first and second base in the bottom of the first inning Friday night, Toronto first baseman Justin Smoak annihilated an 89.9 mile-per-hour Doug Fister two-seam fastball into the left-centerfield stands at Rogers Centre to deliver his Blue Jays an early 3-0 lead over the visiting Boston Red Sox. Interestingly enough, the Sox would go on to defeat the Jays 7-4 in 11 innings on Friday. But this contest would be more remembered for Smoak’s first inning laser than Boston’s impressive come-frombehind victory. That’s because Smoak’s 22nd dinger of the season made Major League Baseball history as the 1,070th home run hit during the month of June, the most bombs the sport has ever witnessed during a single month in its existence.

When the curtain finally fell on both Friday night and the month of June, a grand total of 1,101 home runs had been hit over the previous 30 days. Baseball’s historic power surge was led by 21-year-old Los Angeles Dodgers rookie Cody Bellinger, who blasted an incendiary 13 home runs during the month of June. Not only are those 13 jacks tied for third-most by a rookie in a single month in MLB history, but they are the most hit by a rookie in a single month

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since Mark McGwire crushed 15 homers in May of 1987.

However, with a significant increase in home run totals comes a significant increase in questions and scrutiny. And many around the sport are asking just what, exactly, is the primary reason why so many balls are flying out of the yard this early in the 2017 season.

Some would be quick to point the finger at performance-enhancing drugs, but baseball’s austere drug-testing program combined with the fact that no single player is currently anywhere close to challenging the single-season home run record should serve as enough contradictory evidence to rebuff those claims.

Others would point to the fact that it’s a new era in baseball, one in which only three outcomes truly matter: the home run, the walk and the strikeout. The sport is no longer placing an emphasis on defense, base-running or batting average. It’s all about either sitting guys down or taking guys deep. The sport simply no longer values anything in between.

And then there is theory number three, which states that the balls are juiced.

Said Boston Red Sox pitcher David Price to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale this past week when asked if he thought MLB’s

baseballs were juiced, “One hundred percent. We have all talked about it.”

“There’s a lot of people unhappy with the baseball, and I’m getting some feedback,” New York Mets pitching coach Dan Warthen told Yahoo Sports. “You’re seeing guys going opposite field, breaking their bats, and the balls are flying out. It’s the balls. They’re throwing harder with it, and they’re getting less movement, so they’re just hanging there. There has got to be some investigation.”

Whatever theory with which you

subscribe as it pertains to the meteoric rise in baseball’s most fan-favorite highlight, it’s important to note that from a betting perspective, none of this has slipped past the Las Vegas bookmakers.

More home runs should translate into more runs, which should then translate into more overs. But as of the morning of July 1, MLB Overs held just a slight edge against Unders to the tune of a 594-545 overall record (.521 for overs).

This data suggests that, while home runs are certainly on the rise, the bookmakers are well aware of what is taking place around Major League Baseball. So where can we look to find an edge when it comes to MLB totals and the soaring home run rate?

Translation: Bet cautiously. Las Vegas is already ahead of the curve with regards to tweaking the over under numbers. However there still may be a bit of value on Unders in the foreseeable future. Because as baseball teams continue to shift their respective strategies, we need to be prepared to do the same. And at some point, when these home run totals begin to regress to the mean, Unders should start cashing at highly favorable rate early on in that process.

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Week of July 6

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Unless you were raised by a pack of feral raccoons or a fundamentalist cult, now is a perfect time to dive in to your second childhood. Is there a toy you wanted as a kid but never got? Buy it for yourself now! What were the delicious foods you craved back then? Eat them!

Where were the special places you loved? Go there, or to spots that remind you of them. Who were the people you were excited to be with? Talk with them.

Actions like these will get you geared up for a fullscale immersion in innocent eagerness. And that would be just the right medicine for your soul.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): What I wish for you, Taurus, is toasted ice cream and secrets in plain sight and a sacred twist of humorous purity. I would love for you to experience a powerful surrender and a calm climax and a sweeping vision of a small but pithy clue. I very much hope that you will get to take a big trip to an intimate turning point that’s not too far away. I pray you will find or create a barrier that draws people together instead of keeping them apart.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In Dr. Seuss’s book, Horton Hatches an Egg, an elephant assumes the duty of sitting on a bird’s egg, committed to keeping it warm until hatching time. The nest is located high in a tree, which makes the undertaking even more incongruous. By the climax of the tale, Horton has had to persist in his loyal service through a number of challenges. But all ends well, and there’s an added bonus: The creature that’s born is miraculously partbird, part-elephant. I see similarities between this story and your life right now, Gemini. The duty you’re carrying out doesn’t come naturally, and you’re not even sure you’re doing it right. But if you keep at it till it’s completed, you’ll earn a surprising reward.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): It’s prime time for you to break through any inhibitions you might have about accessing and expressing your passion.

To help you in this righteous cause, I’ve assembled a batch of words you should be ready to use with frequency and sweet abandon. Consider writing at least part of this list on your forearm with a felttip pen every morning so it’s always close at hand: enamored, piqued, enchanted, stirred, roused, enthused, delighted, animated, elevated, thrilled, captivated, turned-on, enthralled, exuberant, fired up, awakened.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Matt Groening, creator of the cartoon series The Simpsons, says that a great turning point in his early years came when his Scoutmaster told him he was the worst Boy Scout in history. While this might have demoralized other teenagers, it energized Groening. “Well, somebody’s got to be the worst,” he triumphantly told the Scoutmaster. And then, “instead of the earth opening up and swallowing me, instead of the flames of hell fire licking at my knees -- nothing happened.

And I was free.” I suspect you may soon be blessed with a comparable liberation, Leo. Maybe you’ll be released from having to live up to an expectation you shouldn’t even live up to. Or maybe you’ll be criticized in a way that will motivate your drive for excellence for years to come.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Nineteen of my readers who work in the advertising industry signed a petition requesting that I stop badmouthing their field. “Without advertising,” they testified, “life itself would be impossible.” In response, I agreed to attend their re-education seminar. There, under their tutelage, I came to acknowledge that everything we do can be construed as a kind of advertising. Each of us is engaged in a mostly unconscious campaign to promote our unique way of looking at and being in the world. Realizing the truth, I now feel no reservations about urging you Virgos to take advantage of the current astrological omens. They suggest that you can and should be aggressive and ingenious about marketing yourself, your ideas, and your products.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In 2003, the American Film Institute announced the creation of a new prize

© Copyright 2017 Rob Brezsny

to honor acting talent. Dubbed the Charlton Heston Award, it was designed to be handed out periodically to luminaries who have distinguished themselves over the course of long careers. The first recipient of the award was, oddly enough, Charlton Heston himself, born under the sign of Libra. I hope you’re inspired by this story to wipe away any false modesty you might be suffering from. The astrological omens suggest it’s a favorable moment to create a big new award named after you and bestow it upon yourself.

As part of the festivities, tell yourself about what makes you special, amazing, and valuable.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Here’s your riddle: What unscratchable itch drives you half-crazy? But you’re secretly glad it drives you half-crazy, because you know your half-craziness will eventually lead you to an experience or resource that will relieve the itch. Here’s your prophecy: Sometime soon, scratching the unscratchable itch will lead you to the experience or resource that will finally relieve the itch. Here’s your homework: Prepare yourself emotionally to fully receive and welcome the new experience or resource. Make sure you’re not so addicted to scratching the unscratchable itch that you fail to take advantage of the healing it’s bringing you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The best way to go forward is to go backward; the path to the bright future requires a shadowy regression. Put another way, you should return to the roots of a triumph in order to find a hidden flaw that might eventually threaten to undo your success. Correct that flaw now and you’ll make it unnecessary for karmic repercussions to undermine you later. But please don’t get all solemn-faced and anxious about this assignment. Approach it with humorous selfcorrection and you’ll ensure that all goes well.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Are you familiar with the psychological concepts of anima and animus? You’re in the midst of being intoxicated by one of those creatures from inner space. Though you may not be fully conscious of it, you women are experiencing a mystical marriage with an imaginal character that personifies all that’s masculine in your psyche. You men are going through the analogous process with a female figure within you. I believe this is true no matter what your sexual orientation is. While this awesome psychological event may be fun, educational, and even ecstatic, it could also be confusing to your relationships with real people.

Don’t expect them to act like or live up to the very real fantasy you’re communing with.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): As a recovering save-the-world addict, I have felt compassionate skepticism towards my fellow junkies who are still in the throes of their obsession. But recently I’ve discovered that just as a small minority of alcoholics can safely take a drink now and then, so can a few save-the-world-aholics actually save the world a little bit at a time without getting strung-out. With that as a disclaimer, Aquarius, I’m letting you know that the cosmos has authorized you to pursue your own brand of fanatical idealism in the coming weeks.

To keep yourself honest, make fun of your zealotry every now and then.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The potential breakthrough I foresee for you is a rare species of joy. It’s a gritty, hard-earned pleasure that will spawn beautiful questions you’ll be glad to have awakened.

It’s a surprising departure from your usual approach to feeling good that will expand your understanding of what happiness means. Here’s one way to ensure that it will visit you in all of its glory: Situate yourself between the fabulous contradictions in your life and say, “Squeeze me, tease me, please me.”

Homework: What was the pain that healed you most? What was the pleasure that hurt you the worst? Testify at FreeWillAstrology.com.

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

ASK JENNY

July 6 to July 12, 2017

BY JENNY WALLIS

"WHAT BOTHERS ME IS HOW SHE ACTS WHEN SHE IS AROUND HIM."

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ear Jenny, I have a friend, a very close friend, and she has been dating the same guy for about six months. I often go out with them both, I guess you could say I’m a little bit of a third wheel, but that really does not bother me. What bothers me is how she acts when she is around him.

Sometimes she seems like a completely different person. She always asks him what he wants to do, she is always asking him for his approval, it’s as though she doesn’t feel that she even matters; or at least that her opinion doesn’t matter. It makes me sick to see a friend who is so confident with herself, so smart and so independent be ridiculous and pathetic around a guy.

Every time I see them together it gets worse and worse. But when she is not with him it’s like the person I used to always know. I have told her that her personality change bothers me and I have told her how she acts when she is with him, but she still does it. It is almost getting worse. What do you think I should do about this? I am so grossed out about this! Tell me your opinion, - Vicki.

------------------------------------------------Hi Vicki, Sounds like you have a bad case of the “even though it is none of my business I still want to control the situation” blues. To begin with, your friend is not you, to put it another way, your friend is just that, your friend. So why are you letting what she does or how she spends her time bother you? You explained that her attitude when she is around her boyfriend is not what you are used to seeing in her. Her attitude is actually annoying and honestly, it bugs you.

I can totally understand that Vicki. But do you really think I am going to tell you that you are in the right here?

I understand the situation however, it is quite normal to have these feelings come up inside when a person we are close with seems to act totally different when

they are around another person. Look at the situation, you have a friend who has someone in her life and you don’t approve of how your friend acts, the operative word here is YOU. When there is something going on in someone else’s life that annoys us, it is only because there is something wrong going on in our own life that annoys us. Usually, we either choose not to see it or don’t look deep enough. Why don’t you take this opportunity to look inside yourself for something that is not making you happy.

Everything in this situation has to do with you. It really doesn’t have to do with anyone else, not your friend, her boyfriend, anyone. Your friend possibly has her own insecurities within herself. But they are hers. She will address her issues when she is ready, when she sees them.

Please remember Vicki, we are all on our own paths, even if you see something in someone you want to change, remember that. You are not on the same journey.

The only thing that has to do with you is you. More simply put, the only thing that is your business is your business. Good luck with everything, of course, it is going to be alright, it already is. Just step back and stop looking outside of yourself for answers, answers are always inside.

Have a great day and thanks for writing in.

- ♥Nameste Jenny Don’t forget to follow Jenny on askjennynow.com. Contact her at (760) 505-0952

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July 6 to July 12, 2017

BEAUTY

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

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 lombardocosmeticsurgery.com or call 760-610-8990. Dr. Lombardo will be writing a bi-weekly column for CV Weekly.

GET RID OF THAT “TURKEY GOBBLER” UNDER YOUR CHIN!

T

here is a new and very exciting product available to treat the fullness under your chin. It’s called Kybella® and it’s not surgery! It’s a medicine injected into the fat that sits under your chin (sub-mental fat) and actually dissolves it….

Permanently!

The youthful face has a distinctly defined jawline and a sharp angle from the chin down onto the neck. When there is excess fat in this area the sharpness is dulled and not only does the person look heavier but older as well!

One of the most common patient complaints is the fatty chin, or “turkey neck”, or “gobbler” and until now surgical liposuction and face/neck lift were the only options to address it. It tends to run in families, so if you look in the mirror and are starting to see “my mother’s neck” looking back this may be the solution for you.

The active ingredient in Kybella® is deoxycholic acid, a naturally-occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat.

When injected into the fat beneath your chin, Kybella® causes the destruction of fat cells. Once destroyed, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat.

Most people experience a reduction in the fullness over the course of 4 – 6 weeks.

The makers of the product recommend 2 – 4 treatment sessions but every individual is different. Once the desired aesthetic response is achieved with Kybella®, retreatment is not expected.

Before receiving Kybella®, you will discuss with your doctor any medical conditions you have and any previous or planned face/ neck surgeries. This product is not used for treating loose, hanging skin but it can have an effect of skin tightening. Kybella® injection is tolerated well by patients and most describe a sensation of heat or mild discomfort. Usually ice packs are given to relieve this temporary sensation and it resolves quickly. All patients return after 6 weeks to evaluate the results of the treatment and can opt to do additional injections for further improvement.

The cost varies on the number of injections required and the amount of fat being treated.

The average person will spend ~$600-$1000 per treatment session. The best way to get all your questions answered about Kybella® is to ask! Call Dr. Maria Lombardo at Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery 760-610-8990 to set up an appointment and find out if this new, amazing treatment is right for you!

LIFE & CAREER COACH

BY SUNNY SIMON

YOU GOT THE JOB.. NOW WHAT?

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s I watched Laurel waltz in my office, I sensed I was about to receive an exciting news flash. She smiled brightly and proclaimed those four words I love hearing, “I got the job.” We fist bumped, did our happy dances around the floor and fell back into our chairs smiling. My client took a moment to compose herself and then brought up a pertinent question. Laurel wisely inquired what she should do next.

All too often job candidates think once the offer is in hand their work is over. No so folks. Get ready for a new laundry list of action items beginning with thanking those who were helpful during your job search. Inform your friends and supporters of your new position.

Tell them how much you appreciated their assistance. Don’t forget the remainder of the network you’ve worked so hard to establish. Let them know about your new job and continue to stay in touch. In the future if you spot news on any of your contacts, write and acknowledge it. Continue to endorse others on LinkedIn and congratulate them when they share good news.

Before you begin your first day with your new employer, set some time aside to do some soul searching. What changes do you want to make as you begin a new chapter of your career? Ask yourself what improvements could make you a more valued employee and colleague. Are you

utilizing your present capabilities effectively?

What about self development? Should you be learning new skills through seminars and selfstudy?

Although you’ve been told about the awesome family culture and supportive management at your new company, beware of existing politics. The best piece of advice a mentor once gave me is, “Be politically astute, but never political.” Stated differently, there will be political land mines, know where they are buried and steer clear of them.

Once you comprehend the lay of the land, get involved, join committees and make friends.

Go about adding the value you promised during all those behavioral interviews. Remember how you touted your horn? Well now is the time to be a team player by joining the brass section and working in concert with your fellow employees.

A final action item: Stay motivated, engaged and flexible. When change comes your way, (and it will) embrace it gracefully with a positive attitude.

So you got the job. Congratulations! Enjoy the new experience and never stop growing your career.

Sunny Simon is the owner of Raise the Bar High Life and Career Coaching and the author of the blog www.lifeonthesunnyside.net

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July 6 to July 12, 2017

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CANNABIS CORNER

BY RUTH HILL R.N.

GATEWAY DRUG OR GENETIC VARIATION?

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ne of the difficult stigmas that plagues us after sixty years of Reefer Madness is the belief that cannabis is a gateway drug and leads to addiction and drug abuse of all kinds. It keeps us mired in myths especially when the government hides science and prohibits research.

Policies get flipped and changed all the time. Too many eggs lead to high cholesterol clogging our veins. Now we learn the cholesterol in eggs is good cholesterol needed by pregnant mothers to make hormones. Too much wine leads to alcoholism. Now a little red wine can be beneficial to a healthy heart.

The way to remove stigmas is to stand up to fear and prejudice by throwing knowledge and science in its face, boldly calling out peoples’ ignorance. Truth is ignored for many reasons, lack of exposure, family upbringing, religion, cultural influences, government policies and false media. There is less excuse for ignorance in the Internet world.

So this article is an attempt to blow holes in your belief that cannabis is a gateway drug. Science is my friend and hopefully will enlighten you. More than a quarter of the U.S. adult population is hooked on alcohol, cocaine, nicotine, amphetamines or some other substance.

An LA Times 2000 article explains how in 1990, a researcher first linked a gene called DRD2 later nicknamed the “pleasure-seeking” gene to severe alcoholism. UCLA studies of brain tissue showed that individuals with the “A1 variation” of the DRD2 gene have significantly fewer dopamine receptors in pleasure centers of the brain. (The same year an Israeli scientist discovered the endocannabinoid system).

There is evidence that the black market is the child of drug addiction in young adults.

When the Harrison Act of 1914 started the national drug prohibition only one quarter of one percent (0.0025) were abusing drugs. In 1961 when the UN Conference on drug abuse added cannabis in its Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, what followed was a perfect storm for drug traffickers. Marijuana smokers were introduced to younger and younger Americans. The black market was able to ensure masses of genetically predisposed young people into a lifetime of addiction. arxmi.org When the Israeli scientist Dr. Mechoulam,

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discovered the endocannabinoid system, which identified the “pleasure seeking” receptors as CB1, he created the link in our genetic makeup that requires persons with DRD2 variations to take phytocannbinoids to balance hemostasis. Much more research needs to be done on this if we ever declassify cannabis. There are some reputable studies that examined the effects of recreational use in states that legalized marijuana and showed reduced use of drugs, reduced crime and reduced auto accidents.

The April 2017 edition of Pain News Network reports that previous studies have found a significant decline in use of opioid medication by patients who use marijuana and that marijuana users are not at greater risk of alcohol and drug abuse. States with medical cannabis laws had a 24.8 percent lower mean annual opioid overdose mortality rate compared with states without cannabis laws. cannabisnurses.org A June 2015 study by the National Institute of Drug Abuse found that although alcohol “significantly increase lane departures/ minimum and maximum lateral acceleration; these measures were not sensitive to cannabis. Drivers under the influence of marijuana “may attempt to drive more cautiously to compensate for impairing effects, whereas alcohol-influenced drivers often underestimate their impairment and take more risk.” www.marijuananews.org.

These facts are not to suggest that recreational drug use is without dangers. The black market in drugs has the same effect as prohibition on alcohol. Cannabis needs to be regulated just like any food, herb, or spice.

Prohibition causes crime, violence and racism.

Education is the antidote to stigmas.

Recreational users need to know that until the federal government legalizes cannabis the black market supports drug lords and terrorism. Medical cannabis is cultivated for specific uses not to create stoned individuals.

However, there is no lethal dose of cannabis.

That is a known fact worldwide. Draw your own conclusions but base them on facts not innuendo and fear. For more information on the impact of Prop. 64 visit Lanny Swerdlow at: marijuananews.org Respond to hilruth@gmail.com Private Education on the 3rd Sunday of every month.

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July 6 to July 12, 2017

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July 6 to July 12, 2017

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