Coachella Valley Weekly - August 24 to August 30, 2017 Vol. 6 No. 23

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coachellavalleyweekly.com • August 24 to August 30, 2017 Vol. 6 No. 23

Lynda Carter

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Jazz On The 12th Floor

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John Stanley King

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Crazy Coyote Tacos

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August 24 to August 30, 2017

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Coachella Valley Weekly (760) 501-6228

publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com coachellavalleyweekly.com facebook.com/cvweekly twitter.com/cvweekly1 Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Domingo Winstead Club Crawler Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Feature Writers Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmons, Denise Ortuno Neil, Morgan James, Avery Wood, Tricia Witkower Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Eleni P. Austin, Noe Gutierrez, Craig Michaels, Bronwyn Ison, Janet McAfee, Haddon Libby, Dale Gribow, Laura Hunt Little, Jason Hall, Raymond Bill, Sam DiGiovanna, Rob Brezny, Sunny Simon, Dr. Peter Kadile, Bruce Cathcart, Flint Wheeler, Dee Jae Cox, Patte Purcell, Rebecca Pikus, Esther Sanchez, Angela Romeo, Jenny Wallis Photographers Robert Chance, Chris Miller, Esther Sanchez, Laura Hunt Little, Lani Garfield, Scott Pam, George Duchannes Website Editor Bobby Taffolla Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

CONTENTS Comic Con Palm Springs 2017............ 3 CCPS Special Events Lineup................ 4 Lynda Carter in Concert at CCPS......... 5 Breaking the 4th Wall Magical Thinking.............................. 7 Jazz on the 12th Floor at Fantasy........ 8 The Iseley Brothers & The Commodores at Fantasy........... 9 Backstage Jazz - John Stanley King.... 9 Consider This - Mark Olson............... 10 Art Scene - Dave Falossi.................... 11 Pet Place............................................. 12 The Vino Voice ................................... 13 Club Crawler Nightlife....................... 14 Good Grub - Crazy Coyote Tacos...... 16 Screeners ........................................... 18 Book Review ...................................... 19

August 24 to August 30, 2017

SUIT UP FOR THE 2ND ANNUAL COMIC CON PALM SPRINGS AUGUST 25-27 BY AVERY WOOD

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he long-anticipated second annual Comic Con Palm Springs is happening this weekend, August 25-27. Last year, the event was a success and attracted over 15,000 people and founder Chris Spellman is confident that this year will be even more successful. “It is coming together great. It feels magical in a way as far as the diversity in attractions. I am actually looking forward to seeing how all the events do…especially the new ones as far as how the fans respond,” he says. “Attendees should expect a lot of new stuff that they haven’t seen yet.” Spellman is looking forward to the event himself, saying, “I feel like I’m going to be everywhere but most importantly I really want to be Hands-On with a lot of the creative fun things happening.” The biggest draw of the weekend is probably the attendance of Stan Lee, who will be signing autographs and taking photos on the convention floor. “He loves the event. He thought it was the best first year… Comic Con he ever had been to… he actually said that. He told the crowd that when he did one of his panels,” Spellman says. Not only will Stan Lee himself be there, but according to Spellman, this is going to be “the only convention on the west coast to have the Stan Lee museum,” which is a massive display of Stan Lee memorabilia and iconic contributions like collectible editions of his comics. Spellman indicates that Stan Lee’s team is integral to the event, saying, “They are bringing the biggest names in the comic book arena, so we just booked a huge person to the industry.” Among these prominent names is J. Scott Campbell, best known for his work on the cover art of The Amazing Spider Man. He has also worked as a writer and artist for many other series. They were also able to book Khary Peyton from The Walking Dead; Rob Liefeld, a comic creator who gained notability for his work on Marvel’s Deadpool; and Humberto Ramos, a comic creator and artist known for his work on The Spectacular Spiderman and The Amazing Spiderman and his comic series Crimson. In addition, Palm Springs local Lindsay Wagner, who played the lead character in Bionic Woman from 19761978, will be in attendance. Another feature that’s expected to be a big draw is Sean Rich’s Weaponry of Pirates of the Caribbean display. Sean Rich is also known for being the weapons expert on the TV show Pawn Stars. Other events include the Geekfest Film Fest, which will be showing science fiction, fantasy, fan films and other genres by an international array of filmmakers at the Comic Con; Twisted Toons,

in which many of the featured guests will read the script of Back to the Future in their pop culture personas; the CCPS Symphony Pop Live, which will display scenes from recognizable pop culture favorites while an orchestra plays the theme music; a Zombie Burlesque Show; Pop up Zombie Café; and a Zombie walk. There will also be an after party on both Friday and Saturday night. “BB’s going to produce the one on Friday and there’s going to be another one on Saturday with live bands and DJ’s… some of the talent will come and hang out,” Spellman says. The Zombie Walk is a notable event, put on by AZ Corpse Crew, led by Michael Aguirre. Aguirre’s team organizes Zombie Walks for many events like Comic Con Palm Springs where attendees are able to dress up and act like zombies. “It’s a gathering of people that enjoy the horror realm… they like the walking dead, shows like Z Nation. It’s a chance for [them] to go do something that they normally don’t get to do,” Aguirre says. “It’s a gathering of friends. We do a walk that starts at one location… like a parade. There’s a route that we travel at a set time on a set date and that’s what we do.” The Zombie walk will end at the Hard Rock Hotel for an after party and a poolside screening of Return of the Living Dead. Comic Con Palm Springs has once again partnered with Escape Room Palm Springs to include a Zombie Maze Room, in which attendees have to solve puzzles and evade zombies on a mission to cure zombie-ism. According to Spellman, the event was so popular last year that there was an hour wait to participate, at times. There have also been concerts added to the event including a musical performance by original Wonder Woman actress Lynda Carter, who has never before participated in a Comic Con. There will be musical performances by Chester Rushing, who appeared in Stranger Things and Logan; Troy Baker, a voice actor

from The Last of Us and Far Cry 4; and Tom Kenny and the Hi-Seas. Tom Kenny is best known for voicing the character SpongeBob SquarePants. Christopher Spellman believes that the event can have a positive impact on the local economy and talks about efforts he is making to form partnerships with local business and organizations and how he thinks they will be affected. One organization that Comic Con Palm Springs is in partnership with is Boo2Bullying, an organization that “provides outreach, education, mentoring, inspiration and support for youth and their families,” according to their website, and Spellman hopes that his event can help raise awareness for the issues that it addresses. Another nonprofit that Spellman is proud to be working with is Desert Arc a Palm Desert based non-profit organization that provides “opportunities for people with disabilities.” They provide services such as assisted living and vocational training. Comic Con Palm Springs is also in partnership with The Boys and Girls Club, Blaze Pizza and the Palm Springs International Animation Festival. A film from the festival will be airing at the event. Comic Con Palm Springs will be held at the Palm Springs Convention Center, located just two miles from the Palm Springs International airport and walking distance from the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel, which is offering room specials in association with the event. The Riviera Palm Springs is also offering room specials. The event was founded and produced by Christopher Spellman, who has been working in the entertainment industry for 18 years, with eight of those years being in the comic industry, and is promoted by BB Ingle. Tickets can be purchased on the website, www.comicconpalmsprings.com. Three day general admission is $60 in advance and $70 at the door. Three day VIP admission is $125 in advance and $135 at the door. One day entry is available starting at $35 in advance and tickets for all active military, police, fire, and EMT personnel are discounted.

Safety Tips ..........................................19 Haddon Libby.................................... 21 Dale Gribow....................................... 21 Sports Scene...................................... 22 Free Will Astrology............................ 23 Ask Jenny........................................... 23 Health & Fitness................................. 24 Life & Career Coach............................ 24

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August 24 to August 30, 2017

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LYNDA CARTER PERFORMS AT A SPECIAL CONCERT FOR COMIC CON PALM SPRINGS

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ne of the most exciting and anticipated events to take place at this year’s Comic Con Palm Springs is the musical performance of Lynda Carter, TV’s original Wonder Woman. The event will take place on Saturday, August 26 at 8pm in the Convention Center. This is Carter’s first time attending a Comic Con. She says she doesn’t believe in just sitting at a table and selling her autograph. She decided to do this Comic Con because founder Christopher Spellman offered her the opportunity to perform. For those that are only familiar with Carter as the iconic TV character, Wonder Woman, from 1974 to 1979, you might be surprised to learn about all of her other endeavors and accomplishments. She started singing at the tender age of 14 and by the time she was 19 was singing in Las Vegas, even though she was too young to be there and gamble. Ironically, there are now slot machines with her face on them in most casinos. In 1972 she was crowned Miss World. For over a decade she was the spokeswoman for Maybelline cosmetics. After taking time off to raise her two children, who now, are both successful adults, both with law degrees, she returned to performing. She has appeared in several other TV shows over the years including “Partners in Crime,” “Hawkeye,” “Law and Order” and “Two and a Half Men.” This year she has a role as the President of the United States on the popular CW series “Supergirl” and she will be seen in the upcoming “Super Troopers 2” movie. She has recorded several CDs including, At Last, Crazy Little Things and most recently The Other Side of Trouble. She is also involved in several charities and has been the recipient of numerous honors and awards including one given her this past May when she was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Alliance for Women in Media (The Gracies) for her pioneering role for women in television. A long-time advocate for equal and human rights, Carter has supported many charities including as a founding member of the National Race for the Cure (for breast cancer research), and for such other organizations as Father Martin’s Ashley, the U.S.O, Red Cross, Ronald McDonald House, God’s Love We Deliver, GLAAD and many other charitable organizations. Proud of her Hispanic roots (her mother, Juana Cordova Carter was of Mexican descent) she was presented the Raul Julia Award from the National Hispanic Arts Foundation in Washington, DC last year. In April of 2018 she will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which she expressed much excitement about during an hour long phone interview we had this week. Much of our conversation was like two old friends hanging out and not like a typical interview. One of the things I came

away with after our talk, is that Lynda Carter in her own personal life, is very much like the character she played on TV: strong in her opinions, a true supporter of other women, a nurturer, and a sense of humor I wouldn’t have expected. Married to husband Robert Altman for 33 years, I asked Carter what the secret was to having a successful marriage that has lasted that long with her being in show business. “Well my husband truly is a remarkable guy. He’s a well-educated, solid, brilliant, loving, tough, successful guy. We’ve been through a lot; trauma, difficult times, tremendous great wonderful times. When you go through things and you can talk about them and you both want the same things, you can get to the other side of it. If you can ask each other ‘what is it you need that you’re not getting from me’ and vice versa then you can get through anything.” I asked her if it ever gets old being called Wonder Woman? “Well now I have company,” she laughed. “We were trading emails yesterday (her and the current Wonder Woman Gal Gadot) and I told her ‘now I’m not alone. I’m not the only one.’ And she said ‘I’m so happy to be here for you.’ And we both laughed. Patty (Jenkins, the Director of the new Wonder Woman movie) and Gal and I have a soul sister triad.” I mentioned that I had read that Jenkins had asked Carter for her blessing on the movie and Carter replied: “She didn’t need it. Patty Jenkins did not need my blessing. She was happy to have it, but did not need it. She has it all and so does Gal.” When I mentioned that they couldn’t have cast a better successor for the Wonder Woman role Carter totally agreed. “What is the equal phrase for bromance?” she asked. I came up with ‘womance’ and the new term was coined as much laughter ensued between Carter and myself. “I have a soul sister womance with Patty and Gal,” she said with much affection. “ My daughter said to me the other day ‘Mom it’s like you’re in love with Patty Jenkins.’ And I said ‘I am.’ As far as I’m concerned we are joined at the hip and friends forever. I am their champion forever. They are incredible

BY TRACY DIETLIN

women and mothers.” I asked her what she thought of Gadot’s performance and what she brought to the Wonder Woman character. “She brought the sweetness, the kindness, the realness and the humor to Wonder Woman. She was brilliant.” Carter truly has the real Wonder Woman mentality in her own life as a role model and advocate for women’s rights. “We don’t need men to be a feminist with us. We love our men and we want them to be who they are. We just want them to stand beside us and champion for us.” When asked what the most exciting moment of her career has been so far Carter replied: “Probably doing the music for the video game Fallout 4 was the most exciting. I wrote 5 songs for it and the video game was nominated for Best Original Song… we didn’t win, but that was out of thousands of songs. I knew she had been writing her own original songs for years, but I was curious how she got started in the video game business. “I started about 15 years ago. My husband bought a video game company and the guys over there asked if I would help them with voice overs and songs. So my husband said ‘I don’t know ask her.’ And they did and I said yes. Then they asked ‘what do we need to pay her?’ and my husband said ’you don’t have to pay her.’ And I told him…’Robert, I am a member of SAG. You have to at least pay me scale,’” she laughed. I asked her if she preferred acting or singing. “I enjoy both and get nervous doing both but I really do love the theatre and singing live on stage,” she shared. “There is no veil when performing live.” “We have 10 musicians that will be on the stage with me at the Comic Con show and I have a special guest, my daughter, who will be performing 2 duets with me. She just passed the bar and will be joining a top tier Washington D.C. Law firm starting

August 24 to August 30, 2017

COMIC CON PS

in October, so I’m really proud of her. Both of my kids performed on my latest album on a country song I wrote called “On the Other Side of Trouble.” Carter continues, “I have the most amazing writing team and singers and musicians that I work with. They have all either won Grammy’s or performed on Gold or Platinum selling records. So when I do concerts if I can’t get all of them on board then I don’t do those dates. Once you’ve worked with the best, why work with anyone less.” When I asked what genre of music she likes to perform most her response was interesting. “I have been put in a box my whole life; too tall, too pretty, you’re Wonder Woman, a sex symbol, blah, blah, blah. So when I’m on stage I can sing whatever I want. I don’t have to stick to just performing my hits… because I don’t have any (laughing), so I can just enjoy. My last album is full of all types of music. When I bring songs to my band I give them an idea of how I want it to go and they run with it,” she shared. She likes to do her own arrangements of popular hit songs. I was sworn to secrecy as she sang a song for me that she will be performing at the show. She asked me to guess the song. Being the huge trivia buff I am I was a bit embarrassed it took me a bit to guess the song. However, she took this popular Motown song and made it completely her own, which I loved! I can’t wait to see this iconic Wonder Woman perform in person. There are several ticket prices and packages to see Lynda Carter. See details below and go to www.comicconpalmsprings. com to purchase before they run out. ULTIMATE BACKSTAGE VIP PACKAGE $1200.00 includes: • Front Row VIP Table Seating •One Night Hotel Stay •Champagne and Beverages at the table •Backstage Pass to meet Lynda Carter •Autograph on any 1 item that you bring (Only 1 item) •One Personal Photograph with Lynda •VIP 3 Day Pass to Comic Con Palm Springs with parking •Collectible CCPS Lynda Carter T-Shirt, Badge, and Lanyard FRONT ROW VIP WARRIOR PRINCESS $400.00 Package includes: •Front Row Seats with VIP Entry •View Seating Chart •Pre-signed Autograph Photo of Lynda •3 Day VIP Pass to Comic Con Palm Springs •Collectible CCPS Lynda Carter T-Shirt -Lynda Badge, and Lanyard You can also purchase tickets to see Lynda Carter for 85.00, 55.00 & 35.00 at the Palm Grove Ticket Window in front of the Convention Center. These prices do not include entry into Comic Con, only the concert. Please go to www. comicconpalmsprings.com for more info and complete seating chart.

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August 24 to August 30, 2017

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SPECIAL EVENTS LINEUP

SYMPHONY POP LIVE!

STAN LEE PANEL

Primrose D FRI - 4:00PM & SUN - 12:30PM

ZoMBIE AFTERPARTY

Primrose D SUN - 2:30PM

LYNDA CARTER TOM KENNY & THE HI-SEAS Primrose D SAT - 8:00PM Separate Ticket Sold at PALM GROVE TICKET WINDOW

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26 FRI - 7:30PM Following the ZoMBIE WALK

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25 Symphony Pop Live! – 4PM in MAIN STAGE ROOM / PRIMROSE D Zombie Walk – 7PM in Front of CONVENTION CENTER Zombie Afterparty – 8:30PM at HARD ROCK HOTEL Tom Kenny & The Hi-Seas – 9PM at SPA RESORT CASINO CASCADE LOUNGE Late Night Zombie Movie – 10PM in MOJAVE

Primrose D SUN - 3:00PM

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CCPS Fashion Show with Project Runway Designer Christopher Straub: An Homage To The Eclipse –12:15PM in MAIN STAGE ROOM / PRIMROSE D CCPS Presents: Kid’s Costume Contest – 1:30PM – 2:30PM in MAIN STAGE ROOM / PRIMROSE D Lynda Carter – 8PM in MAIN STAGE ROOM / PRIMROSE D (Separate ticket can be purchased at the PALM GROVE TICKET WINDOW)

Spa Resort Casino Cascade Lounge FRI - 9:00PM

Saturday Night Anime Dating Game (18+) – 8PM in MOJAVE (MUST SHOW ID) Late Night Zombie Movie – 10PM in MOJAVE

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27 Symphony Pop Live! – 12:30PM in MAIN STAGE ROOM / PRIMROSE D Stan Lee Panel – 2:30PM in MAIN STAGE ROOM / PRIMROSE D CCPS Presents: Adult Costume Contest – 3PM in MAIN STAGE ROOM / PRIMROSE D

BB’s Costume Contest – 9PM at HARD ROCK HOTEL (Separate ticket can be purchased at door of Hard Rock Hotel)

SAT - 9:00PM

Tickets sold at the door


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A STAGE REVIEW OF ‘THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING”

August 24 to August 30, 2017

BREAKING THE4TH WALL

BY DEE JAE COX

“Life changes fast. Life changes in an instant. You sit down to dinner and life as you know it ends.” – Joan Didion f ever it can be said that an adaptation exceeded every expectation, Joan Didion’s stage play, based on an adaptation of her memoir, “The Year of Magical Thinking,” is that piece of literary art. Didion, a National Medal of Arts winner, Pulitzer Prize finalist and internationally recognized author of books, literary journalism and films, is a public figure that bares her soul and shares a journey so personal, that it is a roadmap for anyone seeking to find their way home from grief and loss. Coachella Valley Repertory, in keeping with their standard of excellent theatre,

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presented this One Woman show, August 11th through August 13th featuring acclaimed TV and film actress, Linda Purl. “The Year of Magical Thinking,” is Didion’s personal memoir recounting the sudden death of her husband, writer John Gregory Dunne and the unexpected illness and loss of her daughter Quintana. The title is derived from the notion that with magical thinking, the hope and belief that if someone does something differently, then an unavoidable event can ultimately be avoided. It is one woman’s story that is so easily identifiable by anyone who claims to be a member of the human race. The story is told with wit and intellect, taking the audience on a ride so personal, that I would dare anyone with a pulse to avoid the rush

of emotions that flood the senses during this profoundly intimate journey. Linda Purl, is the embodiment of perfection in her role as Joan Didion. Purl’s performance eloquently captures the depth of sorrow and intellectual wit of Didion’s words. She is without doubt the type of professional actress that is able to own any character and make it impossible to ever envision anyone else in the role. This show is a trifecta of theatrical excellence, a flawless script, a gifted performer and a director, Jenny Sullivan, who weaves the creative threads together and produces pure magic. It isn’t an easy task to stage a solo show with only one performer, whose every move will be appraised with the expectation that it be significant to the story, but Sullivan manages to accomplish this task with ease. Jimmy Cuomo’s simple set wonderfully fulfills the needs of the story without intrusion. Coachella Valley Rep has once more presented a top tier production. “The Year of Magical Thinking,” will no doubt have other incarnations on other stages and is one of those shows that anyone and everyone who appreciates the wonder of theatre should see, yet few performances will out do this one. “The Year of Magical Thinking,” is drama at its very best. The Year of Magical Thinking, was

presented by the Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre located at 69930 Highway 111, Suite 116, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270, August 11th -13th. For Information on upcoming shows: call 760-296-2966, or visit www.cvrep.org Dee Jae Cox is a playwright, director and producer. She is the Cofounder and Artistic Director for The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Project and coproducer of California Woman 411. www. californiawoman411.com.

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August 24 to August 30, 2017

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JAZZ ON THE 12TH FLOOR LOUNGE AT FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT & CASINO

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azz on the 12th Floor Lounge at Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino has successfully brought incredibly talented jazz musicians up close and personal to a gracious, enthusiastic audience this year. With complimentary admission, this month’s show will be held on Sunday August 28th from 2pm – 5pm. This month boasts three fantastic players, showcasing the fine talents of jazz guitarist Howard Paul, along with legendary touring and recording artists- jazz drummer Gary Novak and multi wood-wind player Bob Sheppard. I was fortunate to speak with Howard Paul about his personal career insights and highlights, as well as the upcoming show. Celebrated jazz guitarist Howard Paul has been fortunate to turn his love of music into an incredible career producing jazz guitars, playing jazz guitar, and lecturing on the history and artistry of the jazz guitar. Running the day to day operations of Benedetto Guitars in Savannah Georgia keeps Paul busy, however he believes strongly in preserving an important part of musical history by producing quality jazz guitars. “There’s a certain romance to musical instruments, particularly really finely made musical instruments,” he begins, then continues thoughtfully. “They are not just tools, but works of art if made properly. There is just not enough artistry left in the consumer world that allows really high grade instruments to be available. My company only makes about 100 jazz guitars per year. If we were trying to bust the doors down, we might do 150. There is no way to do what we are doing and do it at the level we are doing it and be a mass prod shop. It’s not the most lucrative way to make a living,” he laughs. “But I believe it really is something that needs to be preserved. And jazz guitars are really a microcosm of the musical instrument world and only been around since 1922 and only developed until the early 1950’s when electric guitars took over and became the popular instrument that they are today. There hasn’t been a lot

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of effort to preserve what those original jazz guitars were and how they sounded so I feel a responsibility to maintain that art.” Add to Paul’s day to day business, performing consistently in jazz festivals and opportunities to tour the United States and Europe playing music, Paul finds himself immersed among legendary places and players regularly. “I love traveling,” he states enthusiastically. “There’s nothing better than touring Italy or Greece; any opportunity to play abroad and also in New York. There are so many musicians that come out to support one another out there. Places like Jazz Standard, Iridium, Bar Next Door, are all cool venues.” Changing focus, Paul says wistfully “I have played with a lot of groups, which is usually the case with jazz musicians. So part of it is not so much where we are playing, but who I am playing with. I have really enjoyed over the last 5 years collaborating with Bob James. Also I am a big fan of the jazz organ genre, so I have done quite a bit of work with B3 player with Tony Monaco. I am so fortunate to have worked with so many great names in jazz.” One would assume that this guitar

aficionado would have his hands completely full with these two huge pieces of his life, however Paul still finds time teach and offer lectures. “My favorite story to tell is the origins of Benedetto guitars.” he shares. “When Bob started building these in 1968 he didn’t know where to access the materials and it was a sort of a secretive, protected art form you would learn from an apprentice. If you didn’t have those connections, you had to disassemble and reassemble and repair and preserve those instruments to teach yourself. So in looking for those materials- the hard, dry curly maples and spruces, he started by cutting up his family’s kitchen table and then he went to his sisters bedroom set. His grandfather was a wood carver for Steinway piano and his father was a master cabinet builder, so the family kind of understood, but eventually he had to move on to find more materials.” With so many incredible activities, Howard Paul shares his secret to balancing his passions, his career, and his personal life. “I tell this to college jazz musicians. You have to have a partner in life. The most important thing to me is having a wife that has her own profession and life and would

EVENTS

be perfectly fine without me. We are able to spend a lot of time apart pursuing our passions because we are not busy trying to live one another’s lives. It has to be a partnership. Raising a kid was 50/50 for us. I jokingly tell people that I have been married 25 years , but it has been the best 6 yrs of my life because of the cumulative time we have actually spent together,” he laughs. “My wife is an attorney and also a semi-professional musician. We don’t play together because she is more classically oriented but she certainly understands what drives a musician to play as much as possible.” Looking ahead to the upcoming show here in the Coachella Valley, Paul exclaims, “I can’t even tell you how excited I am to be able to work with my friend Gary Novak who is one of the best jazz drummers in the world! Also I haven’t played with Bob Shephard ever before and to meet him for the first time, with his incredible reputation playing with Herbie Hancock’s band, wow! The two of them are absolutely world class. I really have no business playing on stage with them. These guys are legendary mainstream, touring and recording musicians, so to get them on stage for an impromptu set in front of a dedicated listening audience will really be great.” Jazz on the 12th floor lounge Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino Sunday August 28th 2pm – 5pm Complimentary Admission


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THE ISLEY BROTHERS & EVENTS THE COMMODORES BRING THEIR GREATEST HITS IN A NIGHT OF LEGENDARY POP AND R&B TO FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO

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he Isley Brothers and The Commodores are legends of R&B music. With decades of hits between them nobody comes close to matching their musical output and both superstar groups will be sharing the stage for one night of incredible music at The Special Events Center at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Saturday, October 7, 2017. The Isley Brothers formed in 1954 and almost immediately achieved success with their early iconic single “Shout.” The group continued to find acclaim with such classics as “Twist and Shout,” “Caravan of Love”

and won one of their four Grammy Awards with their hit “It’s Your Thing.” The group has more than two-dozen gold, platinum and multiplatinum singles and albums; countless awards; and was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. In 2003 they released their latest album Body Kiss, a sensual R&B album with pop influences featuring collaborations with Snoop Dogg and Li’l Kim. For three decades, The Commodores have remained a force in the music industry and just like their song “Brick House,” they have created a foundation that just won’t budge. In 1968 the group was formed while all the members were in college at Tuskegee Institute. After being discovered by Berry Gordy of Motown Records, The Commodores went on to sell over 70 million records for the iconic label. With hits like “Machine Gun,” “Easy,” “Three Times A Lady” and the Grammy-award winning “Night Shift,” The Commodores became a proven success. Today the Commodores not only stand as talented and successful musicians but as artists determined to continue their success into the future. Saturday, October 7th will see The Isley Brothers and The Commodores bring an R&B and Motown explosion to The Special Events Center at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino that is not to be missed. Tickets for the 8pm Isley Brothers and Commodores performance on Saturday, October 7, 2017 go on sale this Friday, August 25th for $79, $59, and $39 at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, via telephone at 800-827-2946 or online at www. FantasySpringsResort.com.

BACKSTAGE JAZZ

August 24 to August 30, 2017

BY PATTE PURCELL

JOHN STANLEY KING S

ome artists in this town are legends and John Stanley King is one of them. He and his brother Ronnie King just won the Pioneer Award at the CV Music Awards, which is another in a long line of awards he has won over the last few years. Historically the King family has been at the forefront of the music in the Coachella Valley. John’s easy going style which is a mix of jazz, soft rock and originals, is popular in many of the top venues in the desert. His entire band performs with him on his signature gig at Vicky’s of Santa Fe. He starts back there at the end of September. This hotspot has a real stage and great jazz. On Friday nights he performs with his band. All of his musicians are from LA. On Sundays he does the Great American Songbook from 6-9:30 with Rick Turner on piano. On Mondays he will be at the Cork Tree from 6-9. He still performs at Rancho Las Palmas on Thursday nights, which he calls his ‘acoustic evening’ from 6-10 pm, outside if weather permits. This is a spectacular setting. He’s been busy this summer taking time off to spend with his family while simultaneously recording his first CD in 8 years. It should be out in October in time for the season. I used to go hear John at Escena a few years ago. I would encourage him to record a CD, one night he pulled the master of his last one out from underneath his car seat. I almost fainted (knowing the cost and value of the master). He’s got his own recording studio in his home, which has allowed him to work on it non-stop. He also just finished a photo shoot. He also did a 4 camera shoot and is enjoying editing a video for his new CD. It will contain some live recordings, some originals, and cover tunes. He plans to sell it to his customers who request it. He just finished up an on radio interview

with jimi Fitz about his brief encounter with Glen Campbell. He’s worked with many great artists and celebrities over the years. His goal is to land some festivals that he can play in during the summer months, but for now he’s a happy man. John said he’d like to take this opportunity to thank Tracy Dietlin and Phil Lacombe for all the support they have given to him and the Coachella music scene. He’d also like to thank his fans for continuing to come out to hear him. I’ve always enjoyed John’s very ‘cool’ style and his friendship means a lot to me. Congratulations John for your Pioneer Award. You deserve it. Patte Purcell - Muze Muzic pattepurcell@yahoo.com 1-702-219-6777

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August 24 to August 30, 2017

CONSIDER THIS

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BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

OF THE BRIGHT SUN” (GLITTERHOUSE RECORDS) MARK OLSON “SPOKESWOMAN

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n “Remembrance Of Things Past,” author Marcel Proust famously bites into a Madeline cookie and is instantly returned to the sights, sounds, and tastes of his childhood. Sometimes listening to music transports you to another place. Not just where the music was made, but whatever surroundings or music inspired that music. Take spokeswoman of the bright sun, the new album from Mark Olson and his partner in music and life, Ingunn Ringvold. One spin conjures up images of the desolate desert, the frozen prairie of Minnesota, rustic Topanga Canyon, the hymns of Norway and the traditional sounds of Armenia. Mark Olson was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1961. His family were farmers and teachers, around age 12, he began teaching himself to play guitar. Following the untimely death of his father, he spent his teenage years with family in Los Angeles. He returned to the Twin Cities and immersed himself in the music scene. There was a thriving club culture in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Sounds ranged from the Psychedelic Soul of Prince to the Hardcore energy of Husker Du and the shambolic Punk of the Replacements. For Mark, musical inspiration came from classic Country like Hank Williams, Sr. and the Louvin Brothers, Country-Rock hybrids like Flying Burrito Brothers and Sir Douglas Quintet, plus Nashville Skyline era Bob Dylan. Connecting with like-minded musicians, Gary Louris and Marc Perlman, they formed the Jayhawks in 1986. The band made a splash in their hometown, releasing two critically acclaimed albums on local indie labels, Bunkhouse and Twin-Tone. By the early 90s they signed with Rick Rubin’s Def American label. The sludgey sounds of grunge reigned supreme in 1992 when the band released their rustic masterpiece, Hollywood Town Hall. Their sound felt like a breath of fresh air. The Jayhawks, along with Uncle Tupelo (which spawned Wilco and Son Volt), kind of invented the Americana, (or alt.country) strain of Rock N’ Roll. It seemed like a bracing antidote to the turgid, (albeit sensitive),

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

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down-tuned thrash that permeated the airwaves and MTV. The record received rave reviews and respectable sales; they gained even more exposure touring with Tom Petty. By their next album, Tomorrow The Green Grass, the Jayhawks seemed poised for greatness, but Mark was ready to slow down. He had recently married acclaimed singer-songwriter Victoria Williams and the couple had relocated to Joshua Tree. Following a tour with Neil Young in 1990, Vic had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Although she continued to write and record, her condition made touring precarious. Mark and the Jayhawks parted ways, in part so he could monitor Victoria’s health. Of course Joshua Tree is the perfect spot for creating music. Pretty quickly Mark, Vic and multi-instrumentalist Mike “Razz” Russell formed The Original Harmony Creekdippers. The trio self-released their homey debut in 1997, and doubled-down on their winning sound a year later with their sophomore effort, Pacific Coast Rambler. In 1999, they recorded a third album, Zola And The Tulip Tree. As the 21st century dawned Mark signed with respected indie label Hightone and released his first bona fide solo record, My Own Jo-Ellen. In 2002, he switched to another indie label, Dueltone, and December’s Child was credited to Mark Olson And The Creekdippers. 2004 saw the release of the final two OHRCD albums the surprisingly topical Political Manifest, and the more bucolic Mystic Theatre. Sadly, Mark and Victoria’s marriage dissolved in 2005. That also put an end to their musical partnership. Mark’s heartbreak was chronicled in the quiet atharsis of his 2007 album, Salvation Blues. Soon after he reconnected with Jayhawks co-founder, Gary Louris. The partnership of Mark Olson and Gary Louris yielded an excellent duo album, Ready For The Flood, produced by Black Crowes front-man, Chris Robinson, and released in 2008. The next year Mark released Many Colored Kite, and 2011 saw a full-fledged Jayhawks reunion that produced an album, Mockingbird Time and an extensive tour, (that included a set at the 2012 edition of Stagecoach). But ill-feelings resurfaced and the Olson-Louris partnership came to a rancorous end. Six years earlier, Mark had embarked on a solo tour through Norway and Sweden. After a show in Bergen, he met Ingunn Ringvold. A talented musician in her own right, she and Mark connected personally and professionally. Soon, she was accompanying him on djembe and acoustic guitar. She appears on both Salvation Blues and Many Colored Kite. Convoluted Visa issues kept the couple out of America and Norway. As they dealt with bureaucracies, they bided their time in Armenia. They fell in love with the

culture and the music. Their travels heavily influenced their excellent 2015 album, Good-bye Lizelle. After several months on the road here and abroad, they returned to Joshua Tree and began work on Mark’s fourth solo effort, (and 17th album overall), spokeswoman of the bright sun. The record opens with the sunshiny charmer, “Dear Elisabeth.” Breezy bass lines connect with twinkly percussion jinglejangle guitar and sylvan strings. Sweetsour harmonies and the sweeping melody cushion lyrics that decry the gossipy nature of small towns. Mark cautions there’s “no one to write your soul” and not to dwell on the past, “don’t look back and pull the weeds.” Childhood memories are at the forefront on the title track And “Seminole Valley Tea Sippers Society.” “Spokeswoman...” blends dreamy strings, prickly qanon fills, rumbling bass and tambourine shake percussion. Stream-of-conscious lyrics reference a vivid dream Mark had about his Irish Grandma speaking Gaelic. Her spectral presence prompts him to confide “I like going where you’re going, doing all the things you like to do.” “Seminole…” is powered by kaleidoscopic mellotron, plucked strings, a propulsive rhythm and sidewinding acoustic and electric guitar. Lyrics like “Tall buildings in Iowa were made of stone, schools were made of stone, churches lovely sandstone,” draft off sharp recollections of Mark’s mother’s hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Musically, three tracks time-travel back to the Psychedelic ‘60s: “Time Of Love” blends jangly guitar, swelling strings, mellotron notes that shapeshift from lush to trippy, a galloping back beat and roiling bass lines. The lyrics insist that without love as an emotional anchor, it’s easy to lose “your peace of mind.” Thundering drums and nettlesome strings open “You Are All.” The intricate arrangement and candy-coated instrumentation echo Brill Building songcraft and Wrecking Crew musical prowess. But much like Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now,” the presence of “candy sand castles” and “a lollipop sky,” can’t camouflage the song’s melancholy undercurrent. “Nicola” offers an oblique recollection of the Topanga Bluegrass fest Mark attended as a teen. Something of an aural snapshot, it

captures that gray area between innocence and experience. Click-clack rhythms anchor swirling strings, chamberlain, dulcimer, plus Mark and Ingunn’s intertwined harmonies. A stand out song here is “Mary Frances Strong.” It’s a tender encomium to Mary Frances Strong, the author of the invaluable “Desert Gem Trails” book. Wistful and beatific, it opens with rattling bongos and folds into a pulsating rhythm accented by twinkling percussion and pastoral mellotron and chamberlain. Both “Gravity Loss” and “All My Days” gain emotional nourishment from the desolate surroundings of Joshua Tree, and the satisfaction of manual labor. On the former, Mark and Ingunn’s plaintive harmonies lattice over layers of plangent guitar, rubbery bass and cascading percussion. The desert is “Where my life starts again.” The latter is a handclap-y cha-cha-cha propelled by off-kilter percussion and ringing guitar. Passing by “the house we knew, painted once in June,” Mark is reminded of the sense of accomplishment that accompanies spilled paint, sweat-equity and the laughter involved in repainting a house. The album closes with “Death Valley Soda Pop Cool Down Dream.” The lyrics circle back to the same theme explored in the opening track: gossip and hearsay are toxic habits and abhorrent professions. Qanon notes dart and pivot through the suite-like melody, like a fluttery hummingbird, enveloping languid mellotron and chamberlain runs and rippling guitar; an ambitious finish to a wonderful record. spokeswoman of the bright sun was handcrafted in Joshua Tree. Mark created the songs on their back porch, he and Ingunn recorded their parts on a Nagra field recorder. He played acoustic and electric guitars plus the dulcimer, she handled mellotron, chamberlain and qanon, (the traditional zither-style instrument, prominent in Greek, Turkish and Armenian music). Superstar drummer Danny Frankel added all the percussive touches and Lewis Miller provided bass. Of course, special attention should be paid to Mark and Ingunn’s symbiotic vocal blend, which echoes ‘60s antecedents like Grace Slick and Marty Balin from Jefferson Airplane and Mama Cass and Denny Doherty from the Mamas And The Papas. Mark Olson has been making music professionally for more than 30 years, either as part of a band or a solo artist. Each album feels like a mile-marker charting the course of a richly nuanced musical journey. The inherent beauty of spokeswoman of the bright sun is it honors the past but continues to look forward. (Following their Australia/New Zealand tour, Mark and Ingunn will be playing a secret show in Joshua Tree on November 10th. Look for more details at markolsonmusic.com).


ART SCENE

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August 24 to August 30, 2017

BY ANGELA VALENTE ROMEO

CARVED IN STONE – DAVID FALOSSI

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e all have a language that we speak. Some of us may speak English. Some of us may speak French. Some may even speak Klingon. David Falossi speaks Stone. Stone has the ability to last forever. Early man used stone to start fire. He scratched into the stone to leave directions or tell a story. Sculpting in stone is a continuous of this long wonderful pedigree and perpetuates its air of mystery. Remember The Easter Island Moai stone sculpture dating back to the 1250 B.C.? We are still in awe of the carving of Michelangelo – The Pieta or David, still mesmerized. Modern day sculptors include Modigliani, Henry Moore and David Falossi. David creates work that reminds us of our connection to the earth. “I use stone because it is a link to the earth; its richness and varieties are a miracle in itself,” said the artist. All artistic mediums have inherent challenges. “I have found that carving stone is the most difficult of all the artistic mediums. The difficulty in the medium requires the sculptor to commit to a long and difficult process that yields a great reward,” said David. That commitment has been rewarded. David’s work has been shown in galleries and exhibitions. His son, Christopher, 17 has begun to follow in his dad’s footsteps. “Christopher sculpts desert animals. At recent the Indian Wells Arts Festival, he was the youngest juried in artist from artists from all over the world. He won third place in sculpture at that show and is already developing a following of art patrons who love his art,” said proud dad. David’s work incorporates, in addition to stone, fiberglass, glass, steel and water features. His artistic range follows his predecessors, classical realism to geometric abstraction. David has no preferred style. He works in many styles to keep it fresh and interesting. The body of David’s has one common theme – a feeling of humanity. To gift a sense of humanity to a nonliving element requires far more than technical skill. There needs

to be passion. David imbues his work with that passion. “When I combine materials I am symbolically creating the equation that makes all life possible. Through my artwork I share my message, and have carved in stone my understanding of our place in this incredible world,” continued David. David is part of the upcoming Highway 62 Artist Open Studio Tour. The tour covers two weekends in October, October 14 -15 and October 21 –22 2017. “We do the art tour because we enjoy sharing our home studio with our collectors. It is an opportunity to showcase my home studio that I built, along with the stunning desert landscape,” said David. For more information on David Falossi visit www.falossistudios.com For more information on the upcoming Highway 62 Artists Open Studio Tour visit www.hwy62arttours.org.

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August 24 to August 30, 2017

PET PLACE

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BY JANET McAFEE

DEVON & DIXIE: A DELIGHTFUL DUO

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f they could talk, two precious pups, Devon and Dixie, would tell you there is a special bond between mother and daughter in the canine world. That bond has been cemented during the 3 years they have been together. They look so much alike that newcomers have a hard time telling the 10 pound dogs apart. They move as if they are one, sleep together, eat together, and happily play together. Devon and Dixie appear to be a Terrier Chihuahua blend. Dixie’s story, as we know it, began in a housing tract under construction in Thermal. Workmen in the area spotted the tiny dog for two weeks as she darted between the buildings. She was emaciated from hunger and thirst. Her parched throat was relieved when small amounts of water trickled down the street from nearby sprinklers, but there was no food. There were no residents in the area, and the complex was surrounded by the stark desert containing coyotes and other dangerous predators. Jim Hartman was on a job at the complex when he spotted the dog. An ardent dog lover, he tried to catch her, but she was skittish and in flight mode. Jim returned to the site the next day armed with dog food and a crate. A couple of the workers helped

MEET AXEL

Jim corral the dog into a gated yard. The starving dog dashed inside the crate to eat the food, and Jim closed the door. The dog was safe. Jim always had dogs growing up as a boy in the Coachella Valley. His first adult dog was an amazing Australian Shepherd named Blue. Blue was his best buddy who would joyfully run with Jim when he went mountain biking. His dogs were always rescues. He could not bear to think of a defenseless animal suffering from homelessness or abuse. Jim was shocked when he saw how this dog’s bones protruded, and realized she could not have survived much longer. He bought a large burrito, and she gobbled down the entire meal in seconds. She had no collar and was not microchipped, and Jim concluded she was abandoned. Dixie started to gain weight, but it was not until six weeks later that he realized her expanding belly contained growing puppies. A week later, Jim came home from work to find Dixie snarling at his other dogs as she protected two tiny newborn pups. He found a great home for Danny, the male pup. Jim describes Dixie and Devon who are now seeking their forever home. “Initially,

they are shy when you first meet them. Once they get to know you, they are really affectionate. They snuggle under the bed covers at night, a trait that is often a Chihuahua thing. The magic words that make them go wild with happy excitement are ‘dog park’. They love to run in the park, and they are a popular pair at the Seely Dog Park in La Quinta.” Jim explains, “I care about all dogs, but I feel a special responsibility for a dog I rescue, and I wasn’t about to risk their being euthanized at a public shelter. Dixie and Devon will make wonderful pets for a dog experienced owner. Because they love

human attention, the best home would be with a retiree or someone who works at home. They are active little pups, and will entertain you with their games and antics.” Both dogs are very attached to Jim, but dogs live in the moment, and quickly transfer their love and allegiance. Devon and Dixie faithfully attended many Loving All Animals’ adoption events only to be passed over for the “white fluffies” and more pure breed looking rescue dogs. They made sure their foster Dad understood they should remain together when they are adopted, even if that means a longer journey to find the right home. Dixie is now almost five years old, and Devon is almost three. The happiness of two dogs who love each other (and their humans!) promises to bring great joy and love to your home. To meet Dixie and Devon, contact Loving All Animals at (760) 834-7000, www.lovingallanimals. org. Their adoption package includes obedience training classes from dog trainer extraordinaire, Tabitha Davies. Double the fun, and adopt this pair of bonded pups together. Jmcafee7@verizon.net

“East Meets West”

“Planet Venus” - Venus De Fido - “where east meets west”

This 4-yr-old fellow is 20 lbs of doggie love! Axle would like a home where he gets lots of human love and attention. Currently in dog training class. Rescued by Loving All Animals, call (760) 834-7000 for more info.

MEET CRAIG Sporting a mischievous mustache, 1-yr-old Craig is quite the character. This fellow is full of love and affection for both humans and other felines. Rescued by Loving All Animals, www.lovingallanimals.org (760) 834-7000.

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Weekly Movement & Meditation Classes Esoteric spiritual workshops - this Saturday 8/26/17 Yoga for Seniors 10am Saturdays(weekly)$10 “This Side of Consciousness ” Transformation workshop “Drumming” by Walking Crow 12p-3p Tickets are $25. Please call our Concierge to R.S.V.P. for this workshop. Come back for Monday “R&R” - Reset and Restore Com Yoga, Feldenkrais, Tai Chi, Belly Dancing Classes are $10 per person. Free with membership

73600 ALESSANDRO DR . PALM DESERT 760-834-7070 VENUSDEFIDO.COM


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THE VINO VOICE

BY RICK RIOZZA

THE SUMMER ASCENDS WITH SANGRIA

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ood memories of refreshing Spanish sangria bring to mind a concoction of lively tasty wine with a keen balance of tart and fruity flavors. The welcoming sangria needs to revive the spirit and awaken the senses. Fortunately, for all that’s good in sangria, you’ll wish to stay away from the poorly made stuff. There are so many prepared wine cocktails on the market now with the convenience of chilling and opening up at a moment’s desire, we sometimes forget that we can spend a little quality time to prepare one of the best wine punches of all time. And it’s a very summer fun thing to do in the kitchen with our laid-back desert sensibility. The Spanish and Portuguese—with all the hot weather of their own, have been enjoying a fruity wine punch for ages. With all of the fancy and professional mixologists about town, we can imagine some pretty inventive creations involving fruity wine and fresh fruits; but there are some essential ingredients: Purists may want something made with a red Spanish wine such as a Tempranillo or a Garnacha that provide moderated fruit flavors and can bring on some nice complexities. Plus, they’re both so reasonably priced and found in every store. But let’s remember, one of the main points of making sangria is to use the leftover wine from a prior meal or party—so any wine will do. Summer stone fruits, oranges and lemons, wedges or sliced are the usual harvest fare. A particular fruit pairing that works well with red wine without throwing in a bunch of fruit are using only apples and lemons. The bitterness of the lemons and the crisp freshness of the apples work great against the rich red wine. On the other side of things, a more dessert-y punch would be to use peaches and pineapples. Some folks will add the cut fruit immediately to the mix; some, will only use the fruit as a

garnish in the glass. Of course what supplies the heft to the drink are small portions of spirit and liqueur. By tradition, that means Spanish brandy and the orange flavored triple sec. Cognac, gin, and vodka can always replace brandy, but generally speaking the punch will require some sort of orange liqueur, such as Cointreau. There is something to say about the orange tinge of flavor in the red sangria. In the Basque area of northern Spain, there’s a very similar punch where they use syrup sweetened with dried fruit, cinnamon, and juniper berries. Very flavorful and complex. Other nuanced sangria recipes include adding a certain amount of dry rosé to your regular potion of red wine. This lightens the blend a bit; an especially good idea when it’s really hot out. It’s good to remember this notion when you find that the type of red wine you’ve used was a tad too fullbodied for your desired punch. Some enthusiasts will spend the time to get the “perfect” blend of flavors just from the wine and the spirit/liqueur. They will then put the mix into the fridge overnight to allow the punch to knit together. The next day, they may add a bit of orange juice,

August 24 to August 30, 2017

some high-quality orange soda, or just some carbonated soda, to taste or adjust the sweetness. This could also affect the “texture” of the sangria—so be cautious; but hardly problematic as we’re simply making a wine punch: have fun! As you can discern, the beauty of this drink is that there is no exact recipe. It’s a great opportunity to explore your innerartistic talents as a mixologist! And just when you were considering your red wine concoction, realize that there is another world of white sangria. As you can imagine, it’s light, zippy, and perfect under the summer sun. Any white wine will do, but as opposed to using your favorite Chardonnay, I would advise picking a zesty and aromatic white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc, Torrontés, Albariño, Chenin Blanc, Riesling or Pinot Gris. If you were to pair your white sangria to a seafood platter, you would do well to use the Spanish Albariño—it’s always the perfect match! You can use nearly any kind of fruit to garnish the white sangria as you would your red. But you’ll notice though that limes, lemons, berries, peaches, and apples especially shine with the white. As opposed to using an orange liqueur, this time

vodka, gin, or white rum does very well, with maybe a hit of 7-Up or club soda. Of course for those real sangria enthusiasts, the French Calvados—apple brandy, is the quintessential liqueur to use. With all of the best intentions in mind, sometimes we just didn’t get around to preparing our favorite sangria punch in time for the party—but we’re jonesin’ for it none-the-less. The nation’s number one brand import from Spain is Cruz Garcia Real Sangria, $6.99, on the shelves with its colorful label and its iconic triangular shaped bottle isn’t bad in a pinch. But we’re all a little skeptical about a traditional “fresh fruit wine” being sold all bottled-up. Now the 2nd most popular bottled sangria raging through our country is Eppa Superfruta Sangria, $10.99. It’s a very “modern” sangria that is Certified Organic both as to grapes and fruit that include pomegranate, blueberry, blood orange, and açaí juices. It does have those puckering tannins—which is a good thing, but I recommend adding at least some lemon wedges and a dash of Sicilian orange liqueur to your glass. ¡Salud!

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August 24 to August 30, 2017

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THUR AUGUST 24 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 Oasis: EDM & House w/ Bvss Tactic, Gouda, Dxsko and Sxclsv 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-7766533 Barry Baughn and Bob Gross 6:30pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760365-6633 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 JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Punk Rock Night 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Country Night w/ Rye Bothers 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 Psychic Ills 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Local Hip Hop Sesh w/ Cino, D-Generate, Mad Mexican, Osmosis and B.A.P. 8pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 TBA 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 Wayne Boyer 6:30pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Derek Jordan Gregg 6pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 DJ SafeT 7pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Elaine Woodard 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 8pm

FRI AUGUST 25

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29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia Band 6:30pm

ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Alex Pasternak 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 Gilmore and Bryan Show 6:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Friday Night Sour Hour w/ Pink Lemonade Drag Show 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Burning Bash 6 w/ Stevie Crooks, Cakes, Kayves, Robotic Humans and more 9pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Running Down a Dream 8:30pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 TBA 6pm THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 Karaoke 9pm

LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 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; 760345-0222 TBA 6:30pm

PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Big BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775- Bad Rooster 8pm 5566 DJ Double A 8pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Karaoke 7:30pm Butler Trio 6-10pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT Rockstar Karaoke 9pm CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Dirty Perreo w/ J Patron, Cholo Bueno, Ocho Ojos, Million, CLUB 5; IND; Tribesmen, Brightener, Amavida and Slic Vic 9pm Kayves, Toen Troubles and Graveyard School 9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 Michael Keeth ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228- 7-10pm 1199 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; 760-776Blues 8-11pm 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/ Stray Monroe and Frank Eats the Floor 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Cody White and the Easy Ride w/ Hundred Forms and Sunday Funeral 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; 760345-6466 Bob Allen 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Dana Larson 7pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 8pm LA QUINTA BREWERY;PD; 760-200-2597 TBA 7pm

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; 760-3413560 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; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm


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WANG’S IN THE DESERT; PS; 760-3259264 Karaoke 8:30pm

THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Shurper Fuzz Night 9pm

WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 Lisa & The Gents 8pm

HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm

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

SAT AUGUST 26 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev & Bill 6:30pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Stronghold Reggae 10pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Cabaret on the Green Open Mic 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Super Sonido w/ Alf Alpha and Los Pleyboyz 9pm BEATNIK LOUNGE; JT; TBA 9pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Laurie Morvan Band 8:30pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-7755566 DJ 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CHILL BAR; PS; 760-327-1079 TBA 9pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm 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; 760-7766533 Live Music 6pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760365-6633 Dana Larson 5-8pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 TBA 8:30pm

HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Bob Allen 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 TBA 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Kool Breeze 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Fluid in Motion 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Your Overlords (Led Zepplin Tribute) 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 TBA 6:30pm

August 24 to August 30, 2017

SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 TBA 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 TBA 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Dennis Michael 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 DJ 10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 Lisa & The Gents 8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Mark Gregg and Andy Cahan 7pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-3285955 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 AUGUST 27 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Blond Ambition DJ Set 11am, Intoxica Radio Live w/ Howie Pyro 9pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm continue to page 20

PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, Three Chord Justice 8pm 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 TBA 9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 TBA 7-10pm ROCKYARD@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; Playground and Damage Inc (Metallica Tribute) 7:30pm 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

THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm

SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens 8-11pm

THE HARD ROCK HOTEL PS; PS; 760-3259676 Esjay Jones Presents: Global Sessions w/ David Macias and The Brosquitos 8pm

SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm

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August 24 to August 30, 2017

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GOOD GRUB

BY DENISE ORTUNO NEIL

CRAZY FOR CRAZY COYOTE TACOS

M

ost of us have little rituals when we drive out of town. We lock up the house, and maybe for some of us with a touch of OCD, check it again, and again. Gas up the car, check the tires, and then finally, we are on our way. But for

me, one other thing that I do, is make sure not to eat before I leave. Not because I’m on some cruel starvation diet, but because I’m preparing my belly for a pit stop for something spicy and ultra-tasty, only 15 miles west of Palm Springs off the I-10. I’m talking about Crazy Coyote Tacos, just a smidge outside of Cabazon, in Banning. I’m sure that you’ve seen the small, shack like building while whizzing past the Morongo Casino and Outlet Stores. Perhaps you’ve even stopped by Crazy Coyote and tasted the flavorful fare yourself, and if you did, you understand how delicious their food is. It is owned by the Miller family, and has been going strong for the past 17 years. The family, being from the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, infuses Native American cooking, with Hispanic influences resulting in deeply rich, complex flavors. It is amazing what they pump out of their little kitchen. It’s always a little breezy in Banning, making braving the elements slightly tricky with the eateries walk up window and outdoor only dining. But it is totally worth it. The menu consists of Mexican favorites including tacos, burritos and quesadillas, and is priced moderately. To mix it up a bit, Crazy Coyote offers their beef or chicken tacos in regular or giant size variations (I

am addicted to their chicken). The regular comes with optional onions, cilantro and salsa, and the giant size has all of that, plus creamy guacamole, cheese, and of course, a larger tortilla. To compliment your chosen

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dish, you can select mild or hot salsa, and if you want to step up to the hot, hot level, just order a side of their Ghost Pepper salsa…got leche? Their quesadillas also come in either size and are oozing with cheese. You can add rice and beans to your order to make it more of a meal, although the giant will surely fill you up. Their Chili Verde Burrito is so succulent, the pork dissolves with every bite…it is my favorite burrito there. If you want to take home a bit more than a taco to go, Crazy Coyote has you covered. Guests are able to order savory chicken or beef by the pound as well as homemade tortillas to go, so you can make your own crazy creations at home. It doesn’t matter if you’re making a pit stop while driving on your way out of town, or just have a craving for some seriously tasty tacos and don’t mind a little drive. Crazy Coyote Tacos will make your taste buds howl for joy! Crazy Coyote Tacos is located at 13033 Malki Road, Banning CA 92220 For more information call (951) 8492000.

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August 24 to August 30, 2017

17


August 24 to August 30, 2017

SCREENERS

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BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

No. 279

NATIVE BLOOD NOW PLAYING: WIND RIVER

Screenwriter Taylor Sheridan (HELL OR HIGH WATER, SICARIO) makes his directorial debut on this compelling, and

violent new thriller a set on Wyoming’s visually spectacular and remote Wind River Indian Reservation. The character-driven who-dun it features terrific performances by Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen. Olsen plays a rookie FBI agent opposite Renner’s more experienced U.S. Fish and Wildlife officer investigating a crime on an Indian reservation. Cory, Renner’s character, is a tracker whose job is to dispatch wolves and mountain lions that kill livestock on the reservation. One day, while doing his job, he finds the body of an 18-year-old native girl dead and frozen on an isolated

snowfield. The FBI sends Jane (Olsen), a rookie agent from Las Vegas, to the scene. She quickly realizes she’s way out of her depth in this community steeped in government mistrust. Filmmaker Sheridan lived on an Indian reservation while researching the screenplay, but he doesn’t emphasize the poverty, government mistrust and despair of reservation life. However, he makes his point via an early shot of an upside-down American flag at the entrance to Wind River. The movie does not ignore relevant current social issues but adeptly does it through the conventional tropes of a murder mystery Near the beginning, a title card announces the story is inspired by true events, at the end, just before final fade out, Sheridan tells us that missing person cases aren’t even tracked in native communities. Is the point of the movie that native lives matter? I don’t know. But the beautifully crafted and bloody story sure held my attention. Now playing Palm Desert’s Tristone10 .

community. When a dangerous crime wave hits the beach, legendary lifeguard Lt. Mitch Buchanon (Dwayne Johnson) leads his elite squad badass lifeguards on a mission to prove you don’t have to wear a badge to save the bay. Joined by a trio of hot-shot recruits including former Olympian Matt Brody (a ripped Zac Efron) they ditch the surf and go deep undercover to take down a cold-blooded drug queen (Priyanka Chopra) in order to “save” their beach. The movie is pretty much what you expect if you’re familiar with the TV version. There’s some nice action sequences and random bits of snappy, self-aware dialog mainly from Johnson at Efron’s expense. Penis jokes and images don’t add a lot to the movie experience, but it’s still fun to see “The Hoff” and Pamela Anderson make cameo appearances. AND FINALLY…

NEW BLU FOR THE HOME THEATER: BAYWATCH (EXTENDED CUT)

18

Seth Gordon’s action comedy is set in Florida’s fictional Emerald Bay beach

With the death of Jerry Lewis this last weekend, there’s been talk that his controversial and much maligned, but mostly unseen – and unreleased – film THE DAY THE CLOWN CRIED will find a posthumous and receptive audience that will claim the disturbing holocaust fable a dark masterpiece . The other Lewis story making the rounds is that his longstanding association with raising money for a muscular dystrophy cure (almost a billion dollars) is a result of his guilt when someone pointed out that his spastic comedy persona was offensive to those suffering from the debilitating disease. It would be interesting to know the truth behind his remarkable philanthropic achievement. Comments? robinesimmons@aol.com


BOOK REVIEW

FOUND IN TRANSLATION -----------------------------------------------------

“DEVILS IN DAYLIGHT” BY JUNICHIRO TANIZAKI FICTION

----------------------------------------------------here are great works of literature all around the world. The challenge is to not only find these wonderful stories, but to get them translated. Over the last several months, some of my favorite reads have been translated works (See CVW Book Review column Quick Sand, The Teeth of the Comb, A Man Called Ove.) It’s my bad, irresponsible even, when I forget to credit the translator. I am certain it is a major challenge to do that job well. Not only is it necessary to have a total understanding of two languages, but also requires great writing skill, comprehension of word nuance, subtext, and multiculturalism. Devils in Daylight by Junichiro Tanizaki (A New Directions Book, 95 pages), translated by J. Keith Vincent, is a new telling of the late literary genius’ novella. Academic and scribe Vincent, digs in with a fresh translation of Tanizaki’s psychological thriller inspired by Edgar Allen Poe and Lady Murasaki. The story is a first person tale about a writer, Takahashi, whose wealthy, mentally unstable, friend, Sonomura, calls late at night asking his pal to please come witness a murder with him!

T

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August 24 to August 30, 2017

BY HEIDI SIMMONS Takahashi believes his friend is suffering from some kind of psychotic break, but agrees to go, hoping to put a stop to the madness once they are together. But, just the opposite happens. Sonomura tells him how he saw a beautiful women and a young man secreting a note plotting the murder of an older man. After they drop the note, Sonomura picked it up and discovered it was written in code, which he was able to decipher. Takahashi, still believing he might be able to help his friend regain his faculties, agrees to search out the clues that lead to the murder site. The two find the location, and much to their shock, witness the murder and the disposal of the body. However, there is no evidence of a crime and they are stuck living with the horror of what they have seen. The two speculate about the woman and her young male friend; are they lovers, master and servant, boss and employee? They assume it is not the first time the two have killed and wonder about recent wealthy industrialists who have gone missing. Sonomura is so taken by the beauty and sophistication of the murderess; he tells his friend that he plans to find the women and become her lover. Takahashi refuses to be a part of his plan and warns his friend about the potential danger. Sonomura promises he will never share that Takahashi’s was a witness. After some time, Takahashi receives a letter

from his friend that states he has fallen prey to the mysterious woman and the young man. Somomura once again asks Takahashi to come witness his murder. Sonomura begs Takahashi not to call the police or inform anyone because it is his last wish to be killed by the beautiful, mysterious woman he loves. Out of respect for his friend, and curiosity, Takahashi goes to witness his friend take his last breath at the hands of the woman. Takahashi, thinking it’s all behind him, receives a letter from the woman and the young man inviting him to come collect an inheritance Sonomura has left for him. This is a suspenseful psychological thriller. The two friends argue and debate their circumstances. Sonomura is bored with life. He is alone with no family. He wants to feel alive and challenged. Takahashi cannot deny his

SAFETY TIPS

TWO SIDES OF A SIZE-UP

A

s firefighters, when we arrive at a structure fire or brush fire or incident we perform a “size up.” Size-up is the continuous process of gathering information that will assist us in making efficient, effective and safe decisions on the fireground or other emergency incidents. A proper sizeup helps us effectively request and deploy resources and personnel. It’s important to conduct periodic size-ups until the incident is completed. We call this situational awareness. This protects personnel working the incident and any members of the public who are affected. We’ll call this side A. But there is another important side to properly sizing up; we’ll call this side B. Side B is the importance of properly sizing up people. Unfortunately, many of us are unable to learn the art of sizing up people. For many, their ability is often obscured by something that is just as toxic and dangerous as the effects of smoke: the ego. Consumed too much by themselves, they are blind toward the needs of others and often judge them negatively. Side B size-up is just as important as a side A size-up. It is the process of gathering information that will assist us in making effective, safe and sound decisions when dealing with others, both personally and professionally. Like fire conditions, people are dynamic in nature and constantly changing. On the fire ground, we know to watch for changing fire conditions, signs of roof collapse, flashover, power-lines, etc. People are no different: moods change, life-changing events happen, health issues arise, promotions are earned. Both change frequently, sometimes with notice, but many times unexpectedly. An effective size-up of side B (people) requires you to maintain enough situational awareness to: • Be empathetic. Try to understand where others are coming from. We all have different perspectives, histories and life experiences. That’s OK! Rather than judging someone for their choices, challenge yourself

arguments, but things are not always as they seem. Translator Vince is a professor of Japanese and comparative literature at Boston University and has been acknowledged for his translation of Japanese literature. In the “Afterword,” Vince shares how he came to title the translation of Tanizaki’s work, Devils in Daylight, and the connection the author had to the work of Poe who was very popular in Japan. Vince points to the similar literary style and the use of the code from Poe’s “The Gold Bug.” With that information, I reread the Poe story, and, yes the homage is present and delightful! Tanizaki was born in 1886 and died in 1965. He was a popular Japanese novelist, writing about eroticism, obsession and destructive behavior. Vince also writes about Tanizaki’s film career and how fiction was frowned upon by Buddhists because it’s not real. All very fascinating. I get the impression Vince could have said much, much more on the subject. Regardless of the scholarship and literary connections, Devil in Daylight is a captivating and thrilling novella. Kudos to Vince for translating a great story and capturing the spirit of Tanizaki’s original work.

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA to understand what factors in their background may have led to those choices. • Maintain personal power properly. If you’re in a position of power, you need to be even more careful about how you judge others, because your words and actions carry more weight. • “Keep ’em separated...” That song rings true. It’s common for us to make a judgement call about a person when we should really be judging a specific action. Before you write someone off as having a bad work ethic because they showed up late or failed to meet a deadline, make an effort to understand the specifics of the situation. Remember Management 101: “Separate the person from the behavior.” • Keep an open mind. Much has been written about the battle to get the fire service to accept new tactics and science-based changes. A closed mind can kill us when it comes to fire, and it can be just as dangerous with people. Don’t blindly accept everything, but remain open to new trends, opinions and technology that can change how we judge people. • Don’t be a know it all—unless you know it all. Unfortunately, people often form strong judgments based on first impressions, a few facts and preconceived beliefs. Strive to be a student of human behavior. You might be surprised how much your perceptions change over time. • Avoid extremes. Sometimes we get carried away, forming overly optimistic or negative judgments about others. Just like sounding a roof to ensure it’s stable before we go on it, sound your thoughts and make sure they’re stable. • Call for back-up. We all have neighborhoods in our battalions that are rough; when things look too dangerous, we wait for the police department to arrive. Our minds can be equally dangerous. Know when to go in and know when to get out and call for back-up! We’ve trained extensively on how to perform proper “side A” size-ups with great effectiveness. I’m confident if you put an equal amount of effort into performing size-ups on “side B,” you’ll have greater success on the incidents of “life.” Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

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August 24 to August 30, 2017

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CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 15 BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Bartland w/ DJ LF and Friends 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Sunday Brunch w/ Giselle Woo & Friends Live Music 10-2pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 TBA 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888-999-1995 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; 760365-6633 Dana Larson 6-9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company, in the afternoon, Hot Rox, in the night MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 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; 760327-4080 Sunday Night Jam Session w/ Jos Burrell 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Sunday Band 7:30pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm

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SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 The Myx 6pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Darci Daniels and Reggie Vision 7pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 TBA 8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-5655512 Rob Martinez and Scott Carter 6:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 John Carey & Friends 6pm

MON AUGUST 28 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Luminators 6pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Bill Marx 6:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 TBA 9pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox 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; 760341-3560 T.B.A. 6pm

THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-5655512 Dude Jones 6:30-9:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Motown Mondays 6pm

TUE AUGUST 29 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia Band 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 Pleyhouse w/ Alf Alpha 9pm THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 Karaoke en Espanol 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-7766533 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 JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 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 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; 760327-4080 Acoustic Open Mic 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Ladies Night w/ Rock-A-Holics 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Demetrious and Co. THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-5655512 Acoustic Sessions w/ Lance & David 7pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 John Boliver and Yve Evans 6pm

WED AUGUST 30 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Daniel Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Uncle Abe Presents: Heatstroke a Monthly DJ Night 9pm 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 TBA 6-10pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 TBA 6pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760228-1199 Karaoke 7:30pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-7766533 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 JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Live Music KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic hosted by Amy Angel 6:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox 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 8pm1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 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; 760341-3560 The Myx 6:30pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Katheryn White 6:30pm TJ’S; PD; 760-345-6744 Derek Jordan Gregg 9pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-5655512 80’s DJ Night 6:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Valerie Geason 6:30pm


HADDON LIBBY

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August 24 to August 30, 2017

A Parallel in History: Prohibition

CRYPTOCURRENCY

A

t present, there are nearly 1,000 non-government alternate currencies in existence with Bitcoin being the largest player in this emerging area of finance. Termed cryptocurrencies, these decentralized ledger-based monetary systems are in theory tamper-proof. For comparison, the U.S. Dollar is a centralized government-issued monetary system. Decentralized monetary systems are not new. The first monetary unit that operated similar to a Bitcoin was created by the Mesopotamians around 3,000BC and called the shekel. A shekel was a commodity unit where a specific amount of grain or precious metal had a conversion value if traded for a different commodity or purpose. The first manufactured coins were made by cities around the Aegian sea like India and China around 700BC. Paper money came into being 1,400 years later in the trading villages of China where merchants kept ledgers as it was too bulky to ship coins back and forth. By the 11th century, the Chinese government saw the value of a centralized monetary system and issued a mandate that the only allowable currency was state-issued. A few hundred years later in England, the Royal Mint served as a depository for

large gold and coin reserves. This worked well until the mid-1600s when King Charles I seized these monies as a loan for the Royal Court. From this point forward, merchants preferred using financial intermediaries as a place to store their gold. At this point, various intermediaries began issuing their own paper notes which merchants could trade amongst each other in the completion of commerce transactions. In the 1800s, the United States had more than 5,000 different bank notes issued by various banks. Each bank note was backed by a specific amount of gold. It was only in 1913 that the Federal Reserve came into existence and became the one central currency of the United States. Fast forwarding to the 1980s, cryptographer David Chaum invented a ‘blinding algorithm’ that allowed for the secure, confidential and unalterable exchange of information between two parties. With this, Chaum moved to the Netherlands and formed the first cryptocurrency - DigiCash - a company that went bankrupt within ten years. About this time, Wei Dai published a white paper explaining how cryptocurrencies could work on a decentralized basis. Shortly thereafter, one of Chaum’s former associates, Nick Szabo, released a cryptocurrency named Bit Gold. Bit Gold did not gain traction as other more

DALE GRIBOW ON THE LAW

AUTO ACCIDENT: FAQ BY CLIENTS

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haron from Palm Springs asks: In 2017 you stated that law is an Information Gathering Game. Why is that true for an auto accident? DG: “In my radio show “Accidentally Yours” I informed my listeners to write down all the facts of how the accident happened and what was hurting them from the top of their head to the bottom of their toes. Your lawyer needs this and your memory is better after the accident than it is 6 months later. Use your cell phone to take pictures of the damage to cars, your injuries, the other driver’s license and insurance card. Get statements of wits and the other drivers statement. Go to the ER or Urgent Care for a checkup. Travel by ambulance is better than driving to the hospital, as it validates the seriousness of the injury and provides the information your lawyer will later need to get you a fair settlement. Many victims do not want to spend money on the hospital, ER or an ambulance. They do not realize they will get it back in the settlement. The victim that talks to the defense lawyer or adjuster puts his lawyer at a disadvantage as it provides INFORMATION to the defense. A client does not always remember what they told the adjuster and it is not just what

they said but what the adjuster/attorney THOUGHT he heard them say.” Arturo from Indio asks: Why take down Social Media? DG: “Checking Social Media is the latest trick used by the defense in Accidents and the DA in DUI cases. The other side will Google you and check your Facebook to gather information on you. They may contact your Facebook friends to get negative information about you. For instance IF you post you were just in an accident and thus were 1 hour late for golf or tennis it arguably suggests you were not hurt that badly. If you blog/post about going dancing, to the beach or on a ski vacation while you are still seeing a doctor this might suggest you were ok and thus faking your injuries.....or so the defense would argue. We all know one can be injured and still play tennis or golf, but with some pain.” Dave from La Quinta asks: I waited a week to see my family doctor who said “go home and soak in a hot bath and come back in a month or two.” The next month the doctor said the same thing and I returned 2 months thereafter. After 3 visits over 6 months I was discharged with a bill of $600 and the insurance company is only offering me $1000. Isn’t my case worth a lot more since I was in pain for 6 months and am still

conventional intermediaries like PayPal filled the space. In 2009, an anonymous group released Bitcoin to the public. By using blockchains, users were able to authenticate the validity of a transaction without a central authority monitoring transactions. Instead, duplicate bitcoin ledgers were kept on dozens of servers and updated every ten minutes making it seemingly impossible to manipulate. For new value submitted into the system, record keepers known as miners are required to prove the work. What makes bitcoin so difficult to corrupt is that it requires the simultaneous creation of quintillions of blockchains to dozens of computers around the world a virtual impossibility. At present, there are approximately 16.5 million bitcoins in existence out of a theoretical limit of $21 million; currently valued at $4,000 per bitcoin, bitcoins theoretically represent $66 billion in US Dollars.

Bitcoin has come under heavy criticism as it has proven to be an effective way for criminals and other bad actors to launder money as it is virtually impossible to know where the bitcoins come from if the holder of those bitcoins does not want you to know. With nearly 100,000 merchants currently accepting Bitcoin as a payment option and stock exchanges making markets for the exchange of Bitcoins into US Dollars, we may be nearing an era when government manipulation of currency values could become far more difficult. Then again, governments could shut down decentralized monetary exchanges like Bitcoin rendering these alternative currencies worthless. Whatever the eventual outcome, cryptocurrencies like driverless cars and drones appear to be here to stay and may change the world in ways that we cannot yet imagine. Haddon Libby is an Investment Advisor, Fiduciary and Managing Partner at Winslow Drake Investment Management and can be reached at 760.449.6349 or HLibby@ WinslowDrake.com. Call or email him for a second opinion on the efficacy of your current money management team.

hurting? DG: “If you don’t see a doctor on a regular basis the value of future treatment is lowered substantially and the case may not be financially worthwhile for an attorney. In other words, the insurance company will argue if you were really injured you would have found a way to get medical care. You should see a doctor you have never seen before so there are no skeletons in your closet when this doctor prepares a medical report. In addition you need to treat with a doctor that knows how to write a medical/ legal reports. If you delay treatment, the insurance company will argue the treatment may not have been from this accident and ask how do we know the treatment is from this accident. The insurance company thinks all claims

are false. They ponder whether you slipped and fell while running around the pool or fell in your shower and said I will say it is from the recent accident.” If you have any questions regarding this column or ideas for future columns please contact attorney Dale Gribow: 760-837-7500 or dale@dalegribowlaw.com. DALE GRIBOW “TOP LAWYER” - Palm Springs Life(Accidents) 2011-17 “TOP LAWYER”- Inland Empire Magazine Nov 2016 PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating

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August 24 to August 30, 2017

SPORTS SCENE

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BY FLINT WHEELER

SOME FUN WITH MAYWEATHER – MCGREGOR…

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n their own, Mayweather and McGregor are equally incredible. Mayweather is arguably the most skilled pound-for-pound boxer ever and McGregor is the top draw in mixed martial arts, both with egos and bravado that would make Trump blush. Part of that appeal is the gigantic betting market generated by this fight, and a generous slice of that handle is coming from the long list of prop odds for Mayweather vs. McGregor betting – many of which are ridiculous. Below are some of the most off-the-wall MayweatherMcGregor odds available for gambling: Pre-fight props For some, it’s amazing that this fight is closing in on the scheduled August 26 date. With two combustible combatants, a number of things could have spoiled this bout before fight night – and still might. At Bookmaker.eu, “Yes” the bout will be canceled before fight night opened as a +350 underdog (No -550) back in June and month before the fight was at +600, with “No” a hefty -1,350 chalk before the prop was pulled from the board. Another interesting prop bet out there was, “Will either fighter test positive for performance-enhancing drugs?”, with “Yes” opening at +300 (No -1,100) and shifting to +555 with “No” ballooning to -7,100. While this prop is no longer taking action, the recent rash

of UFC superstars dinged for PED’s could give value to the “Yes”, with guys like Brock Lesnar, Jon Jones and most recently Junior Dos Santos testing positive. If someone should pee some PEDs, it will likely come out after the fight with so much money already tied up in this event. BetOnline.ag is taking wagers on whether Bieber will carry Mayweather’s belts to the ring (Yes +150/No -180), if Bieber will wear a hat (Yes -170/No +140) or sunglasses (Yes -220/No +180) during the pre-fight parade and if Lil Wayne will wear a shirt (Yes -200/No +160). J.R. Smith is definitely betting the “No” on this one. Those Bieber props may be a no-action grade after the singer’s recent comments about Floyd’s chances of knocking out McGregor, telling TMZ, “I don’t think so” when asked if Money could KO Conor. Floyd Mayweather Sr. fired back, stating that Biebs “don’t know Floyd like I know him.” There’s a good shot Bieber is watching this one from home. The final pre-fight prop bet you can make before the bell sounds is “Will Mayweather and McGregor touch gloves?”, which SportsInteraction.com has priced at “Yes” -257 and “No” +176. Mayweather touched’em up with Andre Berto and Manny Pacquiao in his last two appearances but McGregor, who did touch gloves with Eddie Alvarez in his most recent UFC fight, shunned Diaz in both

meetings as well as Jose Aldo. We could have a solid edge for the underdog “No” at plus money. In-fight props There are thousands of ways to wager on the outcome of this fight, from outright winner odds to round props, Compubox scores to method of victory. All of those offerings are pretty common for a big prize fight. Here’s where things take a turn for the absurd. TopBet.eu is taking action on whether McGregor will resort to his MMA tactics and land a kick at any time during the fight, setting “Yes” as a +1,000 long shot (No -2,000). You can also bet on whether he’ll hit Mayweather with an elbow, with “Yes” at +800 (No -1,600). My favorite stipulation with these props is that a kick or elbow “before or after the fight doesn’t count”. You can also wager on whether a fighter “Will be warned for a low blow?” (Yes +141/ No -196), “Will either fighter lose their

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mouthpiece during the fight?” (Yes +500/ No -1,357), “Will either corner throw in the towel?” (Yes +377/No -714), and “Will a fighter get knocked through the ropes?”, which only has a “Yes” option at +1,100. One of the big discussions heading into the bout was the number of pay-per-view buys the fight would record, with the price tag at $100 a pop. Mayweather’s 2015 fight with Pacquiao set the all-time PPV record with 4.4 million views. Bookmaker.eu opened betting on “Will Mayweather-McGregor break that mark?”, with “Yes” set at -270 (No +215). That has risen slightly, with “Yes” now paying out at -270 (No +250). You can also wager on if the fight will crack 5 million PPV buys, with “Yes” going off at -165. And it wouldn’t be a prop betting circus without getting President Trump involved. BetOnline.ag has the Over/Under on “Trump Tweets” on August 26 at 6.5, with the Over at -150 (Under 6.5 +120). That includes both the @POTUS and @realDonaldTrump accounts, so there could be some meat with the Over at a buck and a half. Taking a quick glance, both accounts send out about four tweets a day but get a little quieter on the weekend (when the President is golfing). G’Luck - Enjoy the fight J


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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Week of August 24

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Welcome to Swami Moonflower’s Psychic Hygiene Hints. Ready for some mystical cleansing? Hint #1: To remove stains on your attitude, use a blend of Chardonnay wine, tears from a cathartic crying session, and dew collected before dawn. Hint #2: To eliminate glitches in your love life, polish your erogenous zones with pomegranate juice while you visualize the goddess kissing your cheek. #3: To get rid of splotches on your halo, place angel food cake on your head for two minutes, then bury the cake in holy ground while chanting, “It’s not my fault! My evil twin’s a jerk!” #4: To banish the imaginary monkey on your back, whip your shoulders with a long silk ribbon until the monkey runs away. #5: To purge negative money karma, burn a dollar bill in the flame of a green candle. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): A reader named Kameel Hawa writes that he “prefers pleasure to leisure and leisure to luxury.” That list of priorities would be excellent for you to adopt during the coming weeks. My analysis of the astrological omens suggests that you will be the recipient of extra amounts of permission, relief, approval, and ease. I won’t be surprised if you come into possession of a fresh X-factor or wild card. In my opinion, to seek luxury would be a banal waste of such precious blessings. You’ll get more health-giving benefits that will last longer if you cultivate simple enjoyments and restorative tranquility. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The coming weeks will be an excellent time to cruise past the houses where you grew up, the schools you used to attend, the hotspots where you and your old friends hung out, and the places where you first worked and had sex. In fact, I recommend a grand tour of your past. If you can’t literally visit the locations where you came of age, simply visualize them in detail. In your imagination, take a leisurely excursion through your life story. Why do I advise this exercise? Because you can help activate your future potentials by reconnecting with your roots. CANCER (June 21-July 22): One of my favorite Cancerian artists is Penny Arcade, a New York performance artist, actress, and playwright. In this horoscope, I offer a testimonial in which she articulates the spirit you’d be wise to cultivate in the coming weeks. She says, “I am the person I know best, inside out, the one who best understands my motivations, my struggles, my triumphs. Despite occasionally betraying my best interests to keep the peace, to achieve goals, or for the sake of beloved friendships, I astound myself by my appetite for life, my unwavering curiosity into the human condition, my distrust of the status quo, my poetic soul and abiding love of beauty, my strength of character in the face of unfairness, and my optimism despite defeats and loss.” LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The Witwatersrand is a series of cliffs in South Africa. It encompasses 217 square miles. From this area, which is a tiny fraction of the Earth’s total land surface, humans have extracted 50 percent of all the gold ever mined. I regard this fact as an apt metaphor for you to meditate on in the next 12 months, Leo. If you’re alert, you will find your soul’s equivalent of Witwatersrand. What I mean is that you’ll have a golden opportunity to discover emotional and spiritual riches that will nurture your soul as it has rarely been nurtured. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): What I wish for you is a toasty coolness. I pray that you will claim a messy gift. I want you to experience an empowering surrender and a calming climax. I very much hope, Virgo, that you will finally see an obvious secret and capitalize on some unruly wisdom and take an epic trip to an intimate turning point. I trust that you’ll find a barrier that draws people together instead of keeping them apart. These wonders may sound paradoxical, and yet they’re quite possible and exactly what you need. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Psychologist James Hansell stated his opinion of psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud: “He was wrong about so many things. But he was wrong in such interesting ways. He pioneered

© Copyright 2017 Rob Brezsny

a whole new way of looking at things.” That description should provide good raw material for you to consider as you play with your approach to life in the coming weeks, Libra. Being right won’t be half as important as being willing to gaze at the world from upside-down, inside-out perspectives. So I urge you to put the emphasis on formulating experimental hypotheses, not on proving definitive theories. Be willing to ask naive questions and make educated guesses and escape your own certainties. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You’re entering a phase of your astrological cycle when you’ll be likely to receive gifts at a higher rate than usual. Some gifts could be big, complex, and catalytic, though others may be subtle, cryptic, or even covert. While some may be useful, others could be problematic. So I want to make sure you know how important it is to be discerning about these offerings. You probably shouldn’t blindly accept all of them. For instance, don’t rashly accept a “blessing” that would indebt or obligate you to someone in ways that feel uncomfortable. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You are currently under the influence of astrological conditions that have led to dramatic boosts of selfesteem in laboratory rats. To test the theory that this experimental evidence can be applied to humans, I authorize you to act like a charismatic egomaniac in the coming weeks. JUST KIDDNG! I lied about the lab rats. And I lied about you having the authorization to act like an egomaniac. But here are the true facts: The astrological omens suggest you can and should be a lyrical swaggerer and a sensitive swashbuckler. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): I invite you to eliminate all of the following activities from your repertoire in the next three weeks: squabbling, hassling, feuding, confronting, scuffling, skirmishing, sparring, and brawling. Why is this my main message to you? Because the astrological omens tell me that everything important you need to accomplish will come from waging an intense crusade of peace, love, and understanding. The bickering and grappling stuff won’t help you achieve success even a little -- and would probably undermine it. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Stockbrokers in Pakistan grew desperate when the Karachi Stock Exchange went into a tailspin. In an effort to reverse the negative trend, they performed a ritual sacrifice of ten goats in a parking lot. But their “magic” failed. Stocks continued to fade. Much later they recovered, but not in a timely manner that would suggest the sacrifice worked. I urge you to avoid their approach to fixing problems, especially now. Reliance on superstition and wishful thinking is guaranteed to keep you stuck. On the other hand, I’m happy to inform you that the coming weeks will be a highly favorable time to use disciplined research and rigorous logic to solve dilemmas. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In the coming days, maybe you could work some lines from the Biblical “Song of Solomon” into your intimate exchanges. The moment is ripe for such extravagance. Can you imagine saying things like, “Your lips are honey,” or “You are a fountain in the garden, a well of living waters”? In my opinion, it wouldn’t even be too extreme for you to murmur, “May I find the scent of your breath like apricots, and your whispers like spiced wine flowing smoothly to welcome my caresses.” If those sentiments seem too flowery, you could pluck gems from Pablo Neruda’s love sonnets. How about this one: “I want to do with you what spring does to the cherry trees.” Here’s another: “I hunger for your sleek laugh and your hands the color of a furious harvest. I want to eat the sunbeams flaring in your beauty.” Homework: Each of us has a secret ignorance. What’s yours? What will you do about it? Testify at Freewillastrology.com. ---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

ASK JENNY

August 24 to August 30, 2017

BY JENNY WALLIS

".. HE IS REALLY BEGINNING TO GET ON MY NERVES."

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ear Jenny, Recently I have found myself getting angry at my boyfriend for no reason. Sometimes he does just average normal things that he has always done since we have been together, the past year and a half, and I am reacting differently than I ever have before. To put it very bluntly, he is really beginning to get on my nerves. It is the strangest thing, I used to think that we were the perfect couple, I mean, we had so much in common and we’re always getting along. We had fun together whatever we did. It seems as time has gone on, he is beginning to annoy me. I think that it is probably me more than it is him and I am letting him under my skin. But I wanted to get your opinion on this. Thanks, Joelle -----------------------------------------------Hi Joelle, I am glad that you have decided to focus on you being the problem instead of your boyfriend. It is always you, it is never the other person. What the other person does, how they act, how they annoy us, that is all them, how we respond is all us. It sounds great that you are ready to take accountability for your feelings; I wish more people were like that. It could be so many different reasons why he is beginning to annoy you when he is only doing the same things he used to always do. It could be as easy as you and he having unresolved issues and things are starting to bubble up for the smallest reasons. Or the two of you have been together for a good amount of time and of course, it is very common, you two would do certain things that bother the other person. Frankly, that is very natural and happens often. If you are going to let that define your feelings or sweep them under the rug, that is a decision that you have to make. It could be as simple as asking yourself if you would like to live with the feelings

that you have right now or not. Is your boyfriend important enough to you that you would actually choose to explore your feelings? Because they deserve that. Please know, Joelle, that if you do not explore your emotions, and you just get rid of your boyfriend, which is probably the easiest thing to do, they will follow you; probably, right into your next relationship and then the relationship after that. Our feelings are funny that way, they demand to be heard. And if not addressed, they will stay with us for years and years and years. Another way you can look at this is maybe, you have certain thoughts and emotions and judgments about relationships, that is why you project these feelings. What ever the cause, your thoughts need to be addressed. You said it best when you said you knew that it was about you. This goes for everyone Joelle, not only you, you have to figure yourself out a little bit more. Regarding this relationship, ask yourself if your boyfriend is important enough to you to explore your feelings? If he and the relationship are not worth it, get out of the relationship. I promise your feelings will come with you to the next one, no matter how fabulous the guy is. I think that you should be happy these feelings arose within you, because now you know what your work is. I invite you to consider the possibility that he was only put in your life so that you could learn more about yourself. Remember that the way a person treats us or the way they act toward us is their journey, their path. But the way we respond and the way we let them make us feel, that’s ours.

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August 24 to August 30, 2017

HEALTH&FITNESS

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BY MAUREEN FOREMAN

HOW TO STAY AS HAPPY AND RELAXED AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN!

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s a therapist who practices Cognitive Behavior Therapy, there are some basics that I help my clients practice in order to reduce Anxiety and Depression: 1) Recognize the things that are beyond your control and stop ruminating about them. When you catch yourself repeatedly thinking about (or repeatedly telling friends about!) the injustices you have suffered... … STOP! ……Now replace those thoughts right away with an image of the happiest moment you can remember (the birth of your child, swimming in the ocean, tasting the perfect pie, your current art project). Literally replace those thoughts every time they pop up ... do not let it take hold or linger. Keep happy images around you. Keep happy music around you. Close your eyes and let your imagination build a beautiful place to be. 2. Choose being happy over being right! Let yourself lose arguments sometimes. Let the other person‘s interpretation of an event or choice of restaurant stand once in a while. Don’t automatically challenge or add to things other people say... especially when it is doesn’t really matter. Or simply agree to disagree and change the subject. Don’t attend every fight you are invited to! 3) Jump off the Could-a, Should-a,

Would-a Train! Coulds, Shoulds, and Woulds are based in the Past or the Future… to which you have absolutely no access!! Stay in the present. Keep your mind focused on here and now: sights, smells, sounds that are happening right this minute will pull you out of past regrets and future worries faster than anything else. And don’t forget to sit still and listen to yourself just breathe... every day ... many times a day! 4) Talk Less/ Listen More. You will be amazed when you really spend time listening to the lives of others, how your life suddenly takes on much better proportions and feels more manageable. When in doubt, turn on your compassion and really listen to what others are saying instead of trying to solve their problems or engaging in the popular sport of “Competitive Complaining” by trying to outdo their complaints with stories of how your life is much worse! 5) Hang out with Positive People! Try making friends with people who actually like their lives... You will be amazed at how much better you feel around them and how you begin to feel more comfortable saying that you actually like a lot of parts of your own life too! Remember: What we think about and talk about IS who we are... and that is something we definitely have some control over!

LIFE & CAREER COACH BY SUNNY SIMON

A PAY CUT PAYS OFF

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everal weeks ago I wrote a column regarding factors to consider when deciding on a job offer. Bottom line, the decision should not be based exclusively on compensation. Granted we all want to make top dollar, but dismissing other items like benefits, commute, career growth and company culture can sometimes have an undesirable result. Yesterday I received some validation on that column in the form of an email from a past client. A few years back, during a tougher economy, Diane found herself laid-off. She embarked on a long job search before she landed. Reluctantly she accepted a pay cut, but her decision paid off. She wrote: “After proving myself, the company gave me an extra $2,000 per year salary increase. This is actually larger than any raise I ever received working at another bank. Each year since I joined, I’ve been granted a $500 Christmas bonus. It’s truly a blessing. Although I took a pay cut initially, my happiness outweighs the larger salary I once received. I found my HOME!” Sure, no one wants to take a pay cut, I don’t recommend it, but there are times when happiness trumps take home pay. Diane was pleased about more than the financial increases she received since joining the company. She further explained: “Never in my entire life have I worked at a corporate headquarters where I

had the opportunity to meet and speak with the Vice President and CEO. It’s pretty mind blowing to be inside the elevator with top executives on a regular basis who converse with me and know me by name.” Upon reading that last line I smiled. Being more than a number can make a difference. Diane came from a large financial institution, and as mega-corporations are structured, it is highly doubtful in that setting the CEO is going to smile and greet you by name. Included in Diane’s email was a sentiment about the culture: “Despite our growing size, we receive a catered lunch once per month and pastries and fruit every Friday.” Okay, if you work in Silicon Valley and get a free lunch daily, this might not sound impressive; however, it means something to Diana. She realizes the company is growing yet maintaining a culture of appreciation. Do you feel you’ve found your home about your current employment situation? If the answer is yes, I applaud you. If you are shaking your head in dismay, perhaps it’s time for you to find a place where a great job combined with culture of recognition and appreciation feels like home. 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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