Coachella Valley Weekly - November 23 to November 29, 2017 Vol. 6 No. 36

coachellavalleyweekly.com • November 23 to November 29, 2017 Vol. 6 No. 36

Jonas Udcoff & Jaci Fitzsimonds Gina & John Carey Josh & Linda Heinz Human Trafficking Cam pg3

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November 23 to November 29, 2017

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November 23 to November 29, 2017

POWER COUPLE JONAS UDCOFF & JACI FITZSIMONDS OF CORD MEDIA

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 Jonas Udcoff & Jaci Fitzsimonds......... 3 Gina & John Carey ................................. 5 Josh & Linda Heinz.............................. 6 Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting... 7 Anti-Human Trafficking....................... 8 Cam....................................................... 9 Backstage Jazz..................................... 9 Grooves At The Westin........................ 9 Consider This - Courtney & Kurt....... 10 Art Scene - Book Fair......................... 11 Pet Place............................................. 12 The Vino Voice ................................... 13 Club Crawler Nightlife....................... 14 Screeners ........................................... 18

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onas Udcoff and Jaci Fitzsimonds, owners of Cord Media, are the true definition of a Power Couple.

Together since 2007 and married since 2010, the couple met at work, through a friend.

They both came from television backgrounds, but it was their dream to have their own marketing agency. They pursued that dream until it became a reality, and are now celebrating 10 years of success.

“What started out as just Jaci and I working out of our home has grown to over 40 full-time employees with gross revenues of nearly $14 million,” said Jonas, 43, originally from Deerfield, Chicago, IL. “Our work is visible everywhere you go– from freeway billboards and TV commercials to mall and airport signage.

We’re also expanding our national profile by spearheading marketing efforts for new home developments in Seattle and Napa Valley, as well as for a host of casino clients throughout California and the Midwest.

Locally, we recently launched dynamic new websites for Leeds & Son and BIGHORN. Original clients like Family Development and Spotlight 29 Casino remain cornerstones of our business, and their decade-long loyalty speaks to the quality of our work and the caliber of our staff,” stated Jaci, 41, originally from Walhalla, ND. Cord Media has garnered a bevy of business accolades and awards over the years. “We’re very proud to have been named one of Inc. Magazines Top 5,000 companies, three years in a row. We’ve had a number of campaigns internationally recognized, including spots produced for Hard Rock Energy, Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs and The Living Desert. Locally and regionally, Cord Media has earned dozens of Addy Awards, including Best In Show two years in a row,” shared Jonas.

Jaci was named one of CV Weekly’s Top Women of 2013 as well as Palm Springs Life’s “40 Under Forty” in 2014, while Jonas was one of CV Weekly’s Top Men in 2015.

It’s not easy for a couple to work together and spend so much time with one another. I was curious as to how they deal with that. “We share an office so there’s a lot of collaboration, but we also bring very different skill sets to the table. Jonas is great with numbers and brokering deals.

My role is to make sure everything Cord does is creative and of the highest quality, and always executed to perfection,” shared Jaci.

The couple has an 8 year old daughter Jevin, and Jonas has a 13 year old son, Jett, from a previous marriage. They travel a lot for business so I asked them how they balance that with family life. “Love of family is what motivates us to work so hard, and travel is part of that. Being always on-the-go has become second nature to us, and those experiences are incredibly rewarding,” shared Jonas.

While the couple is always on the go with work they are also very involved with their children and the community.

“We’re both very much into working out and pursuing a healthy lifestyle. I’m very involved with a number of local charities and at our kids’ school. Jonas is a proud member of the local chapter of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO),” said Jaci.

With their lives being so hectic with work I wondered what a typical date night might be for them and what they enjoyed

BY TRACY DIETLIN

doing together outside of work. “Honestly, we’re pretty low-key when it comes to going out. On any given Friday night you’ll find us kicking back at Armando’s with some margaritas and just enjoying each other’s company,” shared Jaci. “But we also love seeing live music! We never miss a Stagecoach or a Coachella Fest. Whether it’s flying to Nashville for the CMAs or going to Wrigley Field for the Grateful Dead, music is a huge part of our life.”

When it comes to vacation spots, Jonas stated, “The desert is our home base, but we love unwinding by the ocean at our condo in Malibu. Jaci’s family also has a lake house in North Dakota, which is where we go to escape the summer heat.”

If they didn’t own Cord Media, Jaci said that she would have wanted to be an interior designer, while Jonas said he would’ve stayed in broadcasting.

When I asked what they feel their partner’s best traits are, Jonas replied, “Jaci is very passionate about everything she does. She is very generous in terms of sharing her time and talent.”

Jaci’s response: “In business and in life Jonas is super persuasive – after all, he did convince me to marry him!”

Finally, when I asked them what they feel is the most important thing that keeps their relationship solid, they replied, “We can separate our work life from our home life.”

They certainly seem to be doing a great job with both! www.cordmedia.com

Book Review ...................................... 19 PS Aerial Tramway Holiday Choirs... 19 Safety Tips ..........................................19 Haddon Libby.................................... 21 Dale Gribow....................................... 21 Sports Scene...................................... 22 Cannabis Corner................................ 22 Free Will Astrology............................ 23 Cannabis Corner................................ 23 Ask The Doctor................................... 24 Life & Career Coach............................ 24

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November 23 to November 29, 2017

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POWER COUPLE JOHN & GINA CAREY

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ohn and Gina Carey are one of the nicest couples you’ll ever meet.

They are also both extremely talented musicians that perform together and separately. Both are strong Christians with their feet firmly planted in their faith, which is more important now more than ever as John was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) months ago and has been undergoing chemo for the last several months.

John, 62, is originally from Chicago, Illinois and has 2 adult daughters and 1 son from a previous marriage. Gina, 45, was born in Chicago, but moved to LA with her parents when she was 2. She also has an adult son. They met at the Hip Kitty in Claremont, Ca and were married 7 years ago on Gina’s birthday October 17th.

Both musicians have had much success in their solo careers, but also enjoy performing together. They shared about that experience.

John: “We are both solo artists.

Performing together we give respect to each person that’s performing. There are no egos. When we first started out writing together it was hard because we are both strong opinionated producers, but then we began to learn each other and it’s much better now,” shared John.

“John plays a variety of styles of music, but his personal preference is blues. I play a variety as well, but my personal favorite is soul music. Because our styles of music are different, we have to decide whose style of music will have more weight in our sets.

Usually my husband will just say, ‘Baby play whatever, it doesn’t matter.’ He’s flexible and wants me as a singer to feel comfortable with the material that moves me. Because he is willing to be flexible, there is harmony.

We have both learned to compromise when coming together for the enjoyment of our audience. Therefore there is always peace.

Aside from playing together we don’t usually do too many collaborative projects, but on occasion we will utilize one another’s personal expertise. I sometimes sing background on his projects and he will play bass and guitar on mine. We will ask if we really need a second opinion. We never

offer suggestions without the other person asking for it. Respect is the key to working well together,” shared Gina.

How do they deal with working together?

“We give each other their space to create and let that person be themselves. We don’t try and control each other. He does him and I do me,” shared Gina. “What can be challenging sometimes is the musical styles we perform are different. We have a 17 year age gap so some songs he plays, I’ve never heard and some of the newer songs I like to play, he’s never heard. But watching my husband play that guitar is amazing! His fingers are like lightning! He’s so talented!”

“It’s a challenge sometimes, because we are both idealist,” shared John. “Picking songs can be hard because we’re both Libras and unselfish and we always want to please the other one first. But it helps us learn how to connect as a couple.”

John is a Graduate from Chicago Conservatory of Music and has performed with The Chi Lites, Tyrone Davis, Koko

BY TRACY DIETLIN Taylor and went to Japan with the Barry White Rhythm Section. He has also been nominated for several CV Music Awards over the last couple years.

John currently performs at Woody’s Palm House in Palm Springs on Sundays & Mondays, Big Rock Pub on Wednesdays, Shanghai Reds on Thursdays and Fisherman’s Market La Quinta on Fridays & Saturdays. All shows are from 7-10pm.

In 2006, Gina won a Black Music Award for Best Gospel Artist; in 2012 she won the Rising Stars of the Desert “Best Jazz Music Artist Award; in 2015 she was awarded Best Single for her song “Beautiful Music” by the GHP Virtual Music Awards; she won the CV Music Award for “Best Contemporary Artist” in 2015, 2016 & 2017. On August 31, 2016 she was selected as one of the Most Influential and Interesting Women in the Coachella Valley by CV Weekly. Last, to date, she has had 4 #1 charted singles on the UK charts. Since her professional music career began, she has had 13 CD’s and numerous single releases and 4 feature movie releases.

Other than singing, Gina enjoys writing, producing, directing and editing films, but most of all she loves reading the Bible and attending church on Sundays. She is the owner & CEO of Gina Carey Films and Gico Music. Her current filmography includes, “The Unexpected the Movie” (Feature Film, February 2016), “Aspire to Inspire” (Documentary, June 2016) and “The Assumptions” (Feature Film, February 27, 2017) and “The One Year Pact” a feature family comedy due to premier at the Camelot Theaters on February 12, 2018.She has a new screenplay “Acts of Kindness” casting in January and filming in March of 2018. “All of my films are written, produced, directed, edited, filmed and marketed by me. I am also the Executive Producer of all of my projects. They are self-funded as well. I currently do not have any financial sponsorship other than myself,” shared Gina.

John’s hobbies are playing the piano, watching sports on television and checking out new bands. Together they enjoy watching their favorite TV shows together, going to the movies, and listening to good

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POWER COUPLES

music at live venues and eating pizza at Pieology.

“For a date we usually enjoy early morning breakfast at Keedys, chicken and waffles and an early movie followed by a lunch,” shared Gina. “Our favorite vacation spots are Santa Barbra, San Diego and The South Coast Winery Resort and Spa in Temecula.”

John says his favorite gift from Gina is his Jimi Hendrix guitar, while Gina says that John gives her the gift of being supportive in all of her life’s goals by not trying to stop her from accomplishing them. “I love the random flowers too,” she said with a smile.

Dealing with cancer is very difficult on a couple. But these two are super supportive of each other. “I’m being supportive however he needs me to be. Allowing him to take the lead and be responsible for his choices and respecting them regardless of my own thoughts. It’s his body, his choice.

When we feel overwhelmed, we talk and deal with the issues head on. One day at a time. Our faith is strong in Christ and believing that Christ will heal and restore his body back to good health. We love each other therefore there is nothing that we cannot do hand and hand. Together we stand. Divided we fall, so we stand,” Gina shared with conviction.

I asked what each other’s best traits are.

John: “Gina is a go getter. Once she decides, that’s exactly what she’s going to do no matter the obstacle.”

Gina: “My husband is my favorite guitar player! I love his playing and I love his calm nature. He thinks before he moves.”

What do you they feel is the most important thing that keeps their relationship solid?

John: “Love and faith in each other.”

Gina: “Putting God first, love, commitment and allowing each person to be who they are. Understanding that even though we are married, God has given us both an individual purpose in life and it is our responsibility to support one another in that and not hinder one another from fulfilling our separate and coupled journeys.”

This couple has the Power of Prayer!

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November 23 to November 29, 2017

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POWER COUPLE JOSH HEINZ & LINDA LEMKE HEINZ

BY TRACY DIETLIN

BLASTING ECHO, 5TH TOWN, CONCERT FOR AUTISM BENEFIT

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here are many reasons that warrant Josh Heinz and Linda Lemke-Heinz as being a Power Couple. For starters they perform together in two of the valley’s favorite bands: Blasting Echo, where Josh, 42, is the Frontman and Linda, 46, plays keyboard and backing vocals; and 5th Town, where Linda shares Frontwoman duties with Chelsea Sugarbritches, and also plays a mean flute.

They also produce the Concert for Autism Benefit, which Josh started 10 years ago. The benefit grows every year, raising money for the Desert Autism Foundation.

This charity is close to their hearts as both of them have autistic children from previous marriages. Linda’s son Christopher is 15, and Josh’s son Harrison is 17. Linda also has two daughters from a previous marriage: 18 year old Jillian and 12 year old Katy. Together they have 4 year old Jack. Aside from being in two bands together they also have day jobs; Linda, originally from Texas, teaches music and Josh, hailing from Memphis, TN, works at an Art Gallery on El Paseo.

Together for almost 8 years and married for 3 ½, anyone who knows them, are able to see the love and respect they have for each other. The couple actually met at a parent’s support group.

“Linda and I met because we both have Autistic sons from previous marriages that were in school together. Linda had actually been to a few Blasting Echo shows before we officially met with a few other parents that have Autistic children. Blasting Echo at that time consisted of me, Jeff Fortson and Armando Flores. All of us have Autistic kids, so we were kind of known as ‘the Autistic father’ band in the Autism circles. We didn’t officially meet until one night at a parent’s support meeting that took place at Pump it Up. Harrison and Christopher were chasing each other around and we happened to be sitting on a bench beside each other when they came running by. Both of us were telling our boys to be careful. We had been told by their teacher that the boys had been friends in class, which is a rare thing in the Autism world. So at that moment I

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think we both became aware of who the other person was. We had that exchange of ‘Oh, your Harrison’s dad,’ and ‘You must be Christopher’s mom.’ In my mind I was thinking: ‘Wow! This woman’s beautiful! No way! I’ve got to get to know her!’” shared Josh with a smile.

“Funny thing,” chimes in Linda, “years before that a special education teacher who taught both of our boys at different times said that I needed to meet Josh Heinz, too!”

I asked what it’s like not only having a blended family but raising two autistic children together.

“Having a blended family has been fine for us. Linda’s daughters are really great and it is a testament to what a great mom she has been to them that they have turned out so caring for their brothers. Jack was a miracle child. Totally unexpected, but such a great blessing for us,” shared Josh.

“When our two severely autistic boys are together, it is wonderful. They seem to calm each other. Josh is an amazing father and stepfather and seeing how he is with the children makes me love him more. Jack was a complete surprise baby and has brought us even closer together. Josh is definitely

the fun parent. He’s loving, energetic, funny and playful. I’m a lucky wife and mom,” boasted Linda.

I wanted to know how they deal with juggling being in two bands together.

“It’s great for a lot of reasons. We both have such a passion for making music, so we enjoy it immensely. We each get to compliment and lift up the other person.

For us, making music is tremendously therapeutic. It helps take away the stress day to day life brings. We both need and want it. I think that is a special thing to share. If only one of us was playing music, the other may not understand the passion.

But since we both do it, we both understand it,” shared Josh.

Linda concurs: “We love making music, songwriting, bouncing ideas off each other.

It’s a necessary outlet for our busy, stressfilled lives, and the fact that we get to do that with our close friends is the icing on the cake!”

I asked if it helps that they are both a Front person for the different bands and if they collaborate and take suggestions well from each other.

“I’ve learned a lot from him. I don’t consider myself a front person. He’s so natural, so real, so genuine. It is not an act or choreographed in any way. He’s like an open book on stage and loves connecting with the audience through his music. I still have a lot to learn from him. We make beautiful music together, literally and figuratively. It’s never about egos. We are a good team now, but not at first. Ask Josh about taking voice lessons from me,” Linda said laughing. “We are both strong people with our own ideas, but we really work well together now.”

“We both get to try and lift the other person up. In 5th Town, I just want to support her and the band to make the songs better and I think in Blasting Echo it is the same for her. There are no egos involved with it. I think in the bands, in music and in life, we collaborate great together. As far as music goes, it is a very cool, natural thing. Sometimes I might be walking around the house playing a new riff or song and

POWER COUPLES she will tell me what she likes. It gives me confidence. When she introduces a new song to me, I’ll give her some feedback. But generally, I try to see where she is coming from and what she is trying to achieve.

Then I just try to add to it to make the song even more exciting for her. There are always times each us may say ‘I wouldn’t do that’ or ‘I don’t like that,’ but at the end of the day we have open minds. We try it the other person’s way and then see what sounds best to the original author. Sometimes we bounce lyric ideas off each other as well. For sure, she has contributed a line or inspired me to write lyrics on several occasions.

And honestly, that is not limited to just us working that way. For the most part both bands are lucky in that all the members work that way,” insists Josh.

He continues: “Linda has such music knowledge, being a piano, flute and voice teacher. So certainly from a vocal stand point, I have listened to her a lot about vocal technique, practice and good habits that help me. I will literally be singing at a show and recite little instructions she’s given me in the back of my mind.

In life I think we work incredibly well.

There are always ups and downs or disagreements about how to handle this or that, but we work hard to approach those differences with understanding. The longer we’ve been together the easier I think that process has become. When you really understand and accept that your partner truly loves you, then you start to not take certain things as personal as you used to.

In our crazy household - 4 kids, 1 Autistic teenager, a 4 year old and two teen age girls - taking a deep breath and approaching things calmly almost always is the best way.

I think we have both gotten better about doing that.”

Putting on the Autism benefit is a lot of extra work so I wanted to know how they deal with the extra stress without wanting to pull each other’s hair out.

“She gives me the allowance to freak out for minute or two and then she gets me to calm down. The benefit is 3 or more

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months of lots of behind the scenes work and organization that takes up all the time that isn’t devoted to family, practice, work and playing shows, so it gets stressful. At the end of the day we just want it to be successful, so you try to see the other person’s perspective. Really, though, the benefit wouldn’t happen without all of our friends that help get gear, set it up, run the show, break it down, etc. We are truly fortunate to have such giving friends,” shared Josh.

“I stand back and let Josh do his thing and contribute where he needs me to. Next to my father, Josh is one of the hardest working men I know. He’s so organized and full of energy and deeply cares about helping others. He’s the reason the benefit has been more successful every year. I’m glad I can be a part of that and grateful that our friends believe in his vision, too,” shared Linda.

Josh says the best part of working

together is when they both hear the same thing for a song. “We get giddy with excitement. With everything else, the best part is that we get to share in the journey and in the results. Doing that with the one you love is a reward in itself.” However the most challenging is part is when they hear the complete opposite things for a song.

“Ultimately, whoever started the idea usually gets the last word.”

“Sometimes he gets a little down when he thinks things won’t work out the way he wants them to. That’s when I get to step in with my pompoms and say, ‘Go Josh, go!’

I’m his biggest fan, Linda said proudly.

Their two bands have also won a few awards: Blasting Echo won the CV Music Award for Best Rock Band in 2016, 5th Town won the CV Music Award’s Producer’s Pick for 2017 as well as the CV Music Showcase this year. “We are so lucky that we get to play with other people we collaborate well with: Armando Flores, Joe Wallace,

Chelsea Sugarbritches, Martin Barrera, Troy Whitford, and our former bandmate Jeff Mazur. Our 10th Annual Concert for Autism was nominated for Best Charitable Event this year, too,” shared Linda.

When the Heinz’ aren’t working they enjoy getting out of the desert even if it’s just for a day trip to Idyllwild. They enjoy visiting small towns, antique shopping and traveling to her home state of Texas.

“We like debating BBQ. We like grilling out ourselves and making good food that doesn’t cost us a ton of money. We like to sit back, relax and just talk and laugh. But most of all we enjoy watching Jack grow and experience things. That brings us a lot of joy,” said Josh with a big smile. “We talk about opening a BBQ restaurant with both Texas and Tennessee BBQ. We always argue about which is better. It’s Texas, just so you know,” said Linda with her famous smile.

I asked what a date night looks like for them. “Show nights are our date nights.

Once Jack gets a little older it is my mission to at least do a nice ‘dinner and movie’ night once in a while. We certainly could use it,” said Josh. “Not a lot of time to go out on dates with 4 kids in the house. But it’s perfect the way it is,” added Linda.

When it comes to hobbies Josh enjoys watching movies, documentaries and basketball and tennis. Linda likes watching spooky shows with the girls, watching and learning about science stuff (she’s starting to dabble in astrophysics), playing games on her phone and wrangling lizards. (They currently have 3 small lizards.)

I asked what they feel are their partner’s best traits.

Josh: “She is a great mother. The love for her children is awesome. She also has

CITY OF PALM SPRINGS HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING

THURSDAY, NOV. 30 IN FRANCES STEVENS PARK. HGTV “DESERT FLIPPERS” ERIC & LINDSEY BENNETT NAMED OFFICIAL TREE LIGHTERS! PALM SPRINGS TRULY IS LIKE NO PLACE ELSE DURING THE HOLIDAYS!

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ore than 500 residents and visitors are expected to come ring in the holiday season on Thursday, Nov. 30 in Frances Stevens Park at the Official City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting, featuring celebrity tree lighters Eric and Lindsey Bennett, the stars of HGTV’s “Desert Flippers,” along with Santa Claus and the Palm Springs City Council.

The festivities kick off at 4:30 p.m. prior to VillageFest and will feature free cookies and hot cocoa, traditional caroling from the

Palm Springs High School Madrigal Singers and Symphonic Orchestra, children’s craft activities followed by a visit from Santa Claus of course! Then it’s time for the lighting of the city’s magnificent 22-foot “green” Holiday Tree adorned in thousands of energy efficient lights. It all takes place at 5:15 p.m. sharp!

“The City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting has become a much loved tradition and kick off to our signature holiday event, the Festival of Lights Parade,” according to Mary Jo Ginther, Director of the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism. “Bring the whole family

and come celebrate the holidays Palm Springs style! You won’t want to miss the fun.”

CITY OF PALM SPRINGS HOLIDAY BANNER AWARDS SLATED FOR THURSDAY, NOV. 30, JUST PRIOR TO ANNUAL HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING About 50 students who participated in the 25th annual City of Palm Springs Holiday Banner Program will be celebrated for their uniquely original designs lining Palm Canyon Drive during the holiday season at the annual Banner Awards on Nov. 30 in the Uptown Design District.

November 23 to November 29, 2017 a great bullshit meter, and as a result she is very protective of those she loves and calls friends. She also has a great deal of patience. She teaches Autistic children music and that takes a lot of patience.”

Linda: “His genuine kindness, his energy, his love for his family and friends, and his drive.”

Finally, what do they feel is the most important thing that keeps their relationship solid?

Josh: “Communication, honesty and a common desire to make the other person happy.”

Linda: “Love and a common goal. We support each other 100% in everything.”

This couple is the real deal!

EVENTS

The ceremony, hosted by Mayor Robert Moon and Main Street Palm Springs President Joy Meredith, the co-founder of the program, will be held at 4 p.m. in Frances Stevens Park, just prior to the 5:15 p.m. lighting of the City’s spectacular 22-foot Holiday Tree.

About 100 banners, hand painted by students from Kindergarten to 12th Grade, are displayed along Palm Canyon Drive each year with over 50 new and original designs added to the collection annually. Almost 900 area students have submitted original drawings this season. The theme is “Winter Holidays, Palm Springs Style” with a special emphasis on Palm Springs landmarks. In addition, a popular People’s Choice Award is decided by the most “likes” on the Main Street Palm Springs Holiday Banner Facebook page. Voting is underway now.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible efforts of these talented students who bring our residents and visitors so much joy every year with their uniquely original designs during the holiday season,” said Meredith.

“These artistic banners are truly a part of the magic that makes Palm Springs like no place else and I invite everyone in the Coachella Valley to visit downtown this holiday season to see them for yourselves.”

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November 23 to November 29, 2017

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PROTECT & PREVENT: ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING COLLABORATIVE

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uman trafficking.

Human trafficking.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING! Read it again and say it out loud. Don’t be shy, don’t be afraid, and certainly, don’t be ignorant.

Human trafficking is very real. And, this may come as a shock; human trafficking is happening right now here in the Coachella Valley!

A modern form of slavery, human trafficking, is a growing, multi-billion dollar, global, criminal enterprise nearly surpassing illegal drug trafficking. Drugs can only be sold once, where as human beings can be sold over and over and over and over!

Human trafficking is almost everywhere, and is most prominently found in resort communities with high-profile events. Sound familiar?

The CV is a world-class destination with its music, art and film festivals, tennis and golf tournaments, White Party and Gay Pride Parade, to name a few of the many popular regional events.

Tourism is the valley’s number one industry, and in an area that caters to a wide variety of visitors, according to experts, there are indeed human traffickers here at work.

Sex and Labor - Human trafficking takes two forms: sex and labor. Combined, antihuman trafficking organizations estimate there are over 27 million victims of human trafficking globally.

Like it or not, aware of it or not, the CV is a hotbed for both forms of human trafficking.

Victims of sex and labor trafficking are made up of US citizens, foreign nationals, women, men, children and LGBTQ. Human traffickers prey on all ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds.

All trafficking victims have lost their personal freedom and are trapped in dangerous situations.

Generally defined, human trafficking is the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor, or the purpose of commercial sex acts through the use of force, fraud or coercion; or for the purpose of involuntary servitude, debt bondage or slavery, through force, fraud or coercion.

The International Labour Organization states human trafficking is 68 percent forced labor, 26 percent children, and 55 percent women and girls.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children estimates one out of six endangered runaways are likely child sex trafficking victims.

Although there are no “official” human trafficking figures calculated for the United States, according to the anti-human trafficking organization Polaris, victims in this country

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number into the hundreds of thousands and are comprised of adults and minors in both sex and labor trafficking.

Human Trafficking in Riverside County With a continued increase of sex and labor trafficked victims in Riverside County, the Sheriff’s Department formed the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (RCAHT) in 2010.

RCAHT is a multi-agency partnership that addresses the crime of human trafficking and assists victims through community organizations like Shelter From the Storm.

Serving the Coachella Valley, RCAHT collaborates with local law enforcement, the FBI, the US Attorney’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office and Operation SafeHouse.

The task force works closely with Million Kids and other outreach programs.

RCAHT’s goal is to coordinate services tailored to the characteristics and circumstances of victims, train law enforcement on investigation and detection, and educate the public while creating awareness to protect people from abuse and exploitation.

Protect & Prevent -SafeHouse of the Desert in Thousand Palms held a Protect & Prevent meeting last week that featured speakers Aimee Rangel and Patty Cardenas from the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office in Indio.

Rangel has been with the County’s Division of Victim Services for over 12 years. For the last 3 years, she has served as the Human Trafficking Advocate in the Eastern Region of the County.

Rangle partners with Riverside Family Justice Center (FJC) and collaborates with the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force. They get involved when the police are called and a crime is reported.

Rangle admits that collecting evidence and prosecuting human traffickers is a challenge and convictions are very few.

But, Rangel is optimistic that through wider collaboration, progress is being made to assist victims through the legal process to bring more human traffickers to justice.

Cardenas has been with the Riverside District Attorney’s Office since 2005. She has worked as an advocate in homicides, sexual assaults, child abuse and human trafficking cases in the Western Region of the County for 3 years. Cardenas is now a Supervisor in the Eastern Region of the Division of Victim Services in Indio.

Help for Victims - Rangel and Cardenas explained that Family Justice Center advocates are able to directly assist with a myriad of services that include, help with restraining and protective orders, relocation and family law assistance, information on rights as a crime

BY HEIDI SIMMONS

victim, guidance through the criminal justice system, contact local resources and counseling referrals, childcare, emergency assistance, and ongoing support while victims learn to cope, recover and serve as witnesses.

The advocates have been able to act directly, and extend more financial help since the Family Justice Center received the “Family Stability Grant” for two million dollars from the State of California.

The Indio Family Justice Center has advocates who work with victims, witnesses and their families throughout the criminal justice process and beyond.

Cadenas shared several stories of abused and victimized women whose lives were changed through the help and support of FJC. In one case, an abused woman and her children were able to get away from a dangerous situation after Cadenas was able to simply provide gas money and pay the registration on the woman’s car.

Another women escaped out-of-state with her kids – an illegal act. But, FJC helped her with paperwork and court orders. When the woman returned to California to testify in front of the judge, FJC paid for her to stay in a hotel so she wouldn’t have to sleep in her car.

Both Rangel and Cardenas have seen how little things can make a big difference in the lives of victims.

There are three Riverside County Family Justice Centers – in the cities of Indio, Murrieta and Riverside.

A Case For Human Trafficking - Ramona Quintana was at the SafeHouse Protect & Prevent meeting. She was there because she has a mission. Quintana is passionate about getting the message out to young people about the terrible reality of human trafficking.

Quintana believes her niece, Chantel Hollowell, was murdered by a man considered to be her trafficker. Quintana shared what she believes to be the circumstances around her niece’s death.

A beautiful girl, Hollowell was a star athlete and honor student at Palm Springs High School. In her second year at California State University, Long Beach, Hollowell met a man at a party who “groomed” her –- a

COMMUNITY

process of romantically wooing a victim with false promises and manipulation, and then transitioning the person into a dependent role.

(Traffickers use violence and drugs to gain physical and mental control over their victims.

They look for targets who are vulnerable, have low self-confidence, economic stress and emotional neediness.)

The man introduced Hollowell to hard drugs and took her to Las Vegas where the man wanted to start an escort service.

Hollowell became an escort.

After two years, Hollowell wanted out and to go back to school. She was looking forward to her future and left the man. But within weeks, she was found dead in her apartment, a fatal gunshot to her head.

When the police arrived at the scene, the man told them it was suicide. The police believed him and closed the case. It was 2006, and Hollowell was just 21 years old.

Four years later, the same man was accused by different women of assault and kidnapping.

He was convicted and sentenced to 13 years in prison.

Riverside police saw the connections and similarities to Hollowell’s case, and notified Las Vegas police. The man was then charged with Hollowell’s murder.

Last May, the man went on trial in Las Vegas. He was acquitted.

Importance of Educating High School Students - Quintana wants to develop a program that can be presented to high school students. She believes that educating young people about human trafficking and how traffickers seek and manipulate their victims is an important start to stopping the growing problem.

According to Quintana, after a human trafficking presentation at a valley high school, two students went to authorities regarding a man harassing them on Facebook, which lead to the discovery of 300 traffickers and 500 victims across the country!

It is not hard to imagine that if Hollowell had been made aware of human trafficking and grooming techniques while in high school, she might be alive today.

SafeHouse of the Desert Thousand Palms’ SafeHouse of the Desert will be holding quarterly Protect & Prevent meetings in February, May, August, and November every third Wednesday from 10:30am to noon. The meetings are open to the public.

If you or someone you know needs help please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1(888) 373-7888, or go to the Polaris Textline “BeFree”. For more information on grooming behavior go to the website EndSlaveryNow.org.

EVENTS

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY JASON HALL

CAM TO PERFORM AT PAPPY & HARRIET’S

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7 AT 9PM

N

ative Californian, Cam, didn’t plan on being a musician full-time. Music was always a big part of her life, but psychology is what she studied at UC, Davis. One day while meeting with one of her professors, the professor asked, “What would you regret not doing: music or psychology?” Armed with a new insight into her life, she set off to start her professional music career. She learned to play guitar while studying abroad and advanced her skills after a chance meeting with Canadian musicians while on a residency in Nepal.

Her interest in country music started while staying at her grandparent’s ranch in Oceanside. They would often play and perform country. This love of country combined with her love of pop music molded her sound. 2010 saw her first solo release on an independent label.

The album was mostly contemporary pop and promoted through bay area shows. Soon after, cam moved to LA and started perfecting her sound. She and Tyler Johnson started working together, and Cam started getting some notoriety. She composed songs for Miley Cyrus and Maggie Rose. She made another move to Nashville and started in a more country direction.

In 2015, she released the single “My Mistake” followed by her major label debut EP, Welcome to Cam Country. This EP along with her next single, “Burning House,” catapulted her into the main stream. Her major label debut album, Untamed, was the highest selling debut country album of 2015. This led to Cam touring in direct support of Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, and George Straight. It also solidified her as household name in country music. She just released her highly anticipated new single, “Diane,” ahead of an album due next year. She will be playing Pappy & Harriet’s on December 7.

Coachella Valley Weekly: When did you realize you wanted to be a musician?

Cam: “In 3rd grade I knew I wanted to be a singer. Then at one point I wanted to be a Supreme Court Justice, so I got off track. Then I joined choir and started accapella groups and started writing. I realized I needed to get a real job, but at 24 I asked my professor for advice. I was asked “what would I regret more.” So at 24 I started really taking it seriously.”

CVW: Growing up in the Bay Area, did you have a lot of access to country music?

Cam: “Actually my first experience with country music was with my grandparents. They had a horse ranch down in Oceanside. We would go there and they would play country… like Patsy Cline and stuff. Then in high school, everybody was listening to Dixie Chicks and Tim McGraw and Shania Twain. Guys on game days would wear boots with their jerseys. We were actually kind of in a cattle ranching area.

It was suburbs. It wasn’t super country, but I think country was very main stream then. We would go line dancing on Wednesday nights.

It was always around. When we went to San Francisco for concerts, there were never country concerts. We would go to St. Vincent, but you would still hear it on the radio.”

CVW: Who were your musical influences?

Cam: “Song writing, I really admire Indigo Girls, Paul Simon, Cat Stevens, and Randy Newman. Singing… I really love Patsy Cline and things that are really emotional. I’m not super great at guitar. I wish I were St. Vincent, but I’m not.”

CVW: I read you spent some time in Nepal.

What sort of effect did that have on you musically?

Cam: “There is something really meditative about music to me. I’m really obsessed with the puzzle pieces that make up the core of you.

There are experiences imbedded in you which shape you. That’s what I always try to tap into.

I really started experiencing that while I was in Nepal.”

CVW: You just released an amazing new single, “Diane.” Does that mean we can expect a new album soon?

Cam: “It does! Just in this little bit of time, it’s been getting a great response. I got a text saying ‘“Diane” is the shit!’ It’s exciting. It comes to radio the first week of December, then the album will come out in 2018. Diane puts out a narrative of ‘if you cheat, you’re going to get caught.’ It’s about being empathetic to people.

People should tell the truth. It’s about trying to work past something tragic in a relationship.

We’ve set up a ‘Dear Diane’ email, and in the past week alone, we’ve read about so many people going through this. I love that about country music…we talk about things that aren’t traditionally easy to talk about. A lot people go through this alone.”

CVW: Have you played Pappy & Harriet’s before?

Cam: “No. Okay, so, I got married there at Pioneertown. I’ve jumped on stage and sang with the house band before, but never played my own show there. I’m so excited. I love it there. I’m at this fun stage in my career where I’ve opened for all these huge stars and played huge arenas, and now I get to book my own tour with my own band. I get to play places I want to play like Pappy & Harriet’s. I love that small town desert vibe. Nobody cares how you look. Nobody cares if you’re dancing weird.

Everybody just wants to have a good time. It’s exactly the country music vibe I grew up with and love. Nobody gives a shit what you look like. It’s so free.”

Get tickets at pappyandharriets.com.

November 23 to November 29, 2017

BACKSTAGE JAZZ

BY PATTE PURCELL

RUTH RUIZ “RR CLASS ACT ENTERTAINMENT” OFFERS SOME GREAT HOLIDAY EVENTS on Bass, Doug Jackson (guitarist for Ambrosia)

I

t’s always great to see more live entertainment added in the desert. My friend and music promoter Ruth Ruiz “RR Class Act Entertainment” has stepped it up this season with some great entertainment events.

She just completed a one night show at Venus de Fido called ‘Sweet meets Sassy” with Jonnie Fox and the Satinettes and the Sensational Jewels. The 50’s music was a big hit.

Next up was her 2nd jazz concert at the Miramonte featuring Darryl Fitzgerald Walker which took place on Nov. 19. This time he did a Tribute to Al Jarreau, one of smooth jazz’s most beloved vocalists who passed last year.

Sax man Greg Vail (over 2 million CDs sold) began at 5 pm, at which time there were appetizers, and a goody bag for the 1st 100 people. At 6 pm, “Darryl F Walker Sings Al Jarreau” performed with the following line up of musicians: Winston Butts on drums, Bryant Simpson

JAZZ

on guitar, Carlton Triplett on keyboards, Derek Cannon- Trumpet and flugelhorn, Chuck Phillps- Tenor, Michael Carnahan -Alto and Tenor Sax, Jessica Taylor, Nicole Kubis, and Kathy Griffith all on Vocals, and Darryl -Bandleader/Lead Vocals.

At 8:15 pm to 10 pm., there was an After Party. Musician Johnny Meza and Vocalist Patrica Morris from the 5th Dimension performed.

And just added to her busy schedule is a Christmas event at Venus di Fido (an absolutely gorgeous venue) called simply “I’ll be home for Christmas” dedicated to all the service men and women. This event will feature the entire Desert Chamber Orchestra led by Maestro Christian Chalifour. Special vocalists include Slim Man and Kristi King, two of the desert’s favorites.

For information on ticketing for the December event, contact Venus Di Fido at 760834-7070. To contact Ruth Ruiz, RR Class Act entertainment at 760-777-2328.

BY LAURA HUNT LITTLE

GROOVES AT THE WESTIN

G

rooves at The Westin is a concert series featuring world-class smooth jazz artists in a beautiful resort setting under the stars at The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage. Two series each year, one in the Fall and one in the Spring, include 3-4 performances and a community event.

Community programs in the past have included fundraising for Desert Cancer Foundation and a performance by the Boys’ & Girls’ Club jazz band, Heatwave.

Grooves at The Westin producer Michael Paulo presented an enthusiastically-received class on Jazz improvisation to music students at Shadow Hills High School in Indio, Friday Nov 17th as part of the resort’s commitment to the community.

The Grooves at The Westin Fall 2017 series featured Euge Groove in October and Michael

Paulo with an all-star band featuring Gregg Karukas, Freddie Washington, Land Richards and Grammy award winning singer, Deniece Williams.

The final show of the season takes place on Saturday, November 25, starring sax man Gerald Albright. Dates have been set for the Spring series for February 10th, 24th and March 3rd with performers to be announced.

Shows take place on the resort’s Master’s Plaza overlooking the Pete Dye golf course starting at 7pm. Ticket prices range from $45 to $99. The $85 tickets include a VIP Reception to meet the artists and enjoy gourmet appetizers, wine and other beverages. The resort also offers a special threecourse dinner and seating for the show at Fireside Lounge on a patio table (weather permitting), neighboring the Masters Plaza. The cost is $99 plus taxes and gratuity. For those traveling in for the concerts, or local residents looking to enjoy a staycation for the concerts, special room rates are available. More information about tickets, dinner reservations and room packages for Grooves at The Westin are available at westinmissionhills. com/grooves.

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November 23 to November 29, 2017

CONSIDER THIS

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

COURTNEY BARNETT AND KURT VILE

“LOTTA SEA LICE” (MATADOR/MILK RECORDS/MOM+POP RECORDS)

B

ack it 2014, it felt as though music publications couldn’t get enough of distaff artists like Haim, Lana Del Rey and Lorde. But the real discovery that year was Courtney Barnett. The 26 year old Australian native broke through in America with her long-player debut, The Double EP: A Sea Of Split Peas.

Born in Sydney, Australia, in 1987, she grew up in an artistic household, (mom had been a ballet teacher and dad worked as a screen printer). Courtney and her brother were exposed to Classical music and Jazz, but they were both obsessed with Pop culture.

She began playing guitar at age 10 and cycled through a series of bands in her teen years. Following a brief stint at Art College in Tasmania, she decided to pursue music as a career. To make ends meet she worked as a bartender in Melbourne.

By 2012 she recorded her first EP, I’ve Got A Friend Named Emily Ferris and released it through her own Milk! Records label. A few months later she followed up with another EP, How To Carve A Carrot Into A Rose. Her musical style split the difference between confessional singer-songwriter angst and Punk-tastic Garage Rock. Her caustic vocal delivery and wry observations earned comparisons to Bob Dylan, Lou Reed and Liz Phair.

The American cognoscenti caught on pretty quickly. She was invited to perform at the prestigious College Music Journal (CMJ) showcase in New York. In Los Angeles, KCRW, the a la mode public radio station that broke Beck, Coldplay and the Black Keys put her music in heavy rotation. One of her first champions was DJ/music supervisor/ musician/renaissance man Gary Calamar.

In 2014, esteemed indie label Mom+Pop signed Courtney and released her EPs together in one album. The track “Avant Gardener,” (a droll retelling of an allergy attack that necessitated an ambulance ride), became a break-out hit. By the end of the summer she was headlining at Pappy & Harriet’s.

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

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The following year, she released her first official full-length record, sometimes i sit and think and sometimes i just sit. Not only did it deliver on the promise of “Double EP...” but it was equal parts clever and introspective, incorporating myriad musical genres wrapped in memorable melodies.

Clearly a protean talent, she managed to sidestep the dreaded sophomore slump. That year she was nominated for a Grammy (Best New Artist), and won a broader audience playing Coachella in 2016. As she began woodshedding for a third album, she struggled a bit with writer’s block. It was a pleasant surprise to find out that singer-songwriter Kurt Vile had written a song expressly for her.

She had opened for him in Melbourne a few years earlier and the pair became fast friends.

Born in 1980, Kurt was the third of 10 kids and grew up in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania.

His Bluegrass-lovin’ father gave him a Banjo at age 14. Kurt played it as though it was a guitar. Inspired by “raw, real music” from Beck, Pavement, Neil Young, Smog, Tom Petty and John Fahey, he became particularly enamored with the musicians associated with the Drag City label. Hoping someday he would be added to a roster that included Royal Trux and Stereolab. He immediately began writing his own songs.

At age 17, he self-released his first cassette. To make ends meet, he worked as a forklift operator. He briefly moved to Boston, but returned to Pennsylvania in 2003. It was around then that he connected with pal Adam Granduciel in Philadelphia. The pair formed the band The War On Drugs in 2005.

Although he was fully committed to his solo career, Kurt would remain with TWoD for three years. Serving as their opening act on tour.

His debut, Constant Hitmaker arrived in 2008, released through Gulcher Records. It acted as a kinda-sorta greatest hits gathering his early, homemade recordings together on one CD. A year later, a vinyl-only release entitled God Is Saying This To You… served as a clearing house for even more lo-fi music. He sort of flooded the market in 2009, releasing The Hunchback EP in April and his second fulllength CD, Childish Prodigy, in September. The latter marked the beginning of his association with respected indie label Matador.

2010 saw the release of another EP, Square Shells, but his real breakthrough came the following year with his fourth official longplayer, Smoke Ring For My Halo. It topped critics’ lists in magazines like Mojo and Uncut, and made waves with online tastemakers Pitchfork. It also hit #154 in Billboard’s Top 200.

Since then Kurt has slowed his roll considerably, long-players like Walkin’ On A Pretty Daze and b’lieve I’m Goin’ Down arrived in 2013 and 2015, respectively. There were also a few more EPs, So Outta Reach, It’s A Big World Out There (And I Am Scared),

Jamaica Plain, and The Spotify Sessions.

Courtney first became familiar with Kurt when she bought a vinyl copy of his Smoke Ring… album. His songs totally resonated, at a time when she was unemployed and slightly depressed. Not long after she began dating Jen Cloher (the pair are now married). So the record also served as a soundtrack to their early days as a couple.

When Kurt and Courtney went into the studio to record that first song, their chemistry seemed so natural they decided to make an entire album together, mystically entitled Lotta Sea Lice. Their inaugural collaboration, “Over Everything” is the opening track.

Rangy prairie dog electric guitar riffs tangle with sweet acoustic arpeggios over a rock steady beat and rumbling bass lines. Courtney and Kurt trade verses, almost overlapping, as they share their private songwriting rituals.

It’s casual and conversational and sets the tone for the whole record.

The album’s nine tracks are pretty evenly split between each songwriter, plus a couple of surprising covers. Kurt’s contributions include “Continental Breakfast” and “Blue Cheese.” On “Continental...” sun-dappled acoustic filigrees envelope spiky electric licks.

Kurt laconically drawls the first verse like a Keystone State-Lou Reed. Courtney is equally deadpan, returning his voluble volley. There’s a Jabberwocky charm to the stream-ofconscious lyrics like “I walk like a bruised ego along shorefront property un-owned to me, but I’m feeling inferior on the interior Don’t ya see/Guarded and sentimental (and after all it’s just a rental) like better luck performin’ telekinesis on a priestess.”

Their harmonies coalesce on the Countrytinged “Blue Cheese,” improbably echoing Glaswegian Post-Punkers the Vaselines.

Boinging bass lines intersect with tart banjo runs, baritone guitar, train whistle-y harmonica and a choogling rhythm. As their dissonant vocal blend hugs the hairpin curves of the melody, the lyrics reference Chinese rock n’ roll, Tina (the girl that supplies the “reeferina”), some titular blue cheese up “your woo-hoo” and name-checks comedian Tom Scharpling.

“Let It Go,” one of the two tracks written

by Courtney is a shambolic shuffle powered by a martial cadence and some sparkly guitar.

The verbose verses, which they trade in dovetail fashion, come directly from real email conversations they exchanged during their

long distance writing process. The thematic gist seems to advocate a “don’t sweat the small stuff” philosophy and gets downright meta on the mechanics of songwriting; “What comes first, the chorus or the verse?”

Ironically, there is no chorus until the end of the song.

“On Script,” her other contribution, weds crisp electric riffs to a kinetic rhythm that breaks in ¾ time. Non-sequitur lyrics feel murky and opaque, and oddly, Kurt is largely absent from this fractious track.

They each tackle a song from the other’s back catalogue. Kurt applies his gangly deadpan to “Outta The Woodwork,” which originally appeared on Courtney’s Double EP... debut. Anchored by a cowpoke beat, his grizzled guitar riffs lasso the see-saw melody.

They duet sweetly on the chorus but the end result feels soporific.

Meanwhile, Courtney re-brands Kurt’s “Peeping Tomboy” As “Peepin’ Tom.” Weirdly, she pumps the brakes on the original’s effervescent tempo. Her sunburst acoustic guitar riffs equal his, but the original remains lighter and more airy.

Ironically, the most interesting track here is Courtney and Kurt’s version of Jen Cloher’s “Fear Is Like A Forrest.” The prickly guitar chords that open the tune share some musical DNA with Tom Petty’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” (R.I.P. TP!) But the guitars quickly downshift into darker riff-age that echo Neil Young’s scabrous backing band, Crazy Horse.

Here their vocals intertwine over scraggly guitar and a tick-tock beat. Even the lyrics feel slightly more erudite; “Books waiting to be written, lovers waiting to be loved/Songs Here underneath my fingers waiting to be sung! Nothing will be written, not one lover will I love/No song will I be singing If it’s will I’m running on.”

The album closes with Courtney and Kurt’s version Belly’s Modern Rock classic, “Untogether.” While the original was shimmery and ethereal, C&K recast it as scruffy sing-a-long. It’s pleasant but nonessential, almost as though they’re mouthing the words without parsing their meaning.

Anyone hoping for a 21st century version of Lee Hazlewood and Nancy Sinatra, or a more cosmopolitan Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris, or even an outlier Sonny & Cher are bound to be disappointed. Courtney and Kurt’s vocal blend is too similar to be distinctive. Meanwhile, her biting wit is completely absent. In its place is some clever wordplay that sort of leaves the listener wanting more.

It’s not unreasonable to expect two prodigious talents would raise each other up. Lotta Sea Lice doesn’t do that. Courtney and Kurt seem to be treading water. This record is the aural equivalent of a nice sorbet, cleansing the listener’s palette until the real meal is served.

ART SCENE

THE ART OF THE BOOK

O

n November 30th the ART IS Gallery and Cultural Center will host a book fair featuring authors from the Coachella Valley. Visitors will have the opportunity to browse from a wide range of books and have an opportunity to meet with the authors.

The Desert Authors Book Fair is collaboration between The Palm Springs Writers Guild, which meets monthly at the Rancho Mirage Library, and ART IS, located at Westfield Palm Desert Mall, Upper Level near Macy’s. Both organizations are 501c(3) nonprofits supporting the arts in the Coachella Valley. Their collaboration is an example of the ever-expanding arts community in the Coachella Valley. It is also an opportunity for residents to experience the richness of the local artist community.

Among the authors featured at the fair, is Palm Springs resident, Ulrike. She is the author of several books. Her latest book is Better Living Through Right Thinking: 10 actions to improve your health, wealth, and happiness. The book continues her teaching of the metaphysical philosophy that explores the questions of being, existence and reality.

“I’m a metaphysics teacher, who has taught for 30 years. I started writing six years ago with my first book, … Because You Can. I want to share with my readers what I know about living a better, more healthy life,” said Ulrike. “In my latest book I condensed the material into ten actions, to give the reader a guideline so they can actually apply these teaching to their lives.”

Continued Ulrike “It is important to me that people understand that nothing is mysterious, everything we experience in our lives is because we created it, liking it or not.”

Prostitutes, Virgins and Mothers: Questioning Teachings About Biblical Women is the work of La Quinta resident, Dr. Paula Trimble-Familetti. An advocate for women’s rights, she is a former instructor at Chapman University and is a regular contributor to the Desert Sun News. The book explores the importance of women and their contributions to the Bible, not as prostitutes, virgins or mothers, but as

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

November 23 to November 29, 2017

BY ANGELA ROMEO strong women.

“I say in the beginning of the book, ‘No matter what else I do I must write this book,’” noted Trimble-Familetti. “The expected backlash challenging long held beliefs can be very threatening. I wrote the book to challenge some of those beliefs.

Consider the story of Bathsheba - I was taught that she was a temptress who caused a great man of God to sin. When I read her story it sounds like rape to me. That is how I interpret her story in my book.”

“A grumpy couple came to an event and I am sure they came to hate me and my message. At the end of my presentation the woman bought a book. I asked to whom she wanted it signed. ‘To me,’ she said with a look of defiance at her husband, ‘I’m the woman!’ Change is possible. Yes, I am compelled to write.” Trimble-Familettie is more than up to the challenge of change.

And celebrating women is the central focus of Always a Woman, a collaboration of writer Carol Mann and watercolorist Lynn Centeno.

“Our collaboration began in 2011 through a program called Ekphrasis, defined as using words to comment on a visual work of art, presented by the National League of American Pen Women, Palm Springs Branch. Prior to the event, artists submitted pictures of their visual art on the NLAPW website and writers chose a submission on which to write. I selected a watercolor by Lynn titled Girls Night Out,” said Carol. “Two years later I wrote about her watercolor I Care Not. This lead to our book of original poetry and art to tell a woman’s story and honor her journey.”

“We reflected on the self, on love, on life, and on the many roles a woman plays.

The book recognizes and values a woman’s journey and her many achievements. It offers inspiration and comfort. All Ways A Woman makes a unique keepsake book for women for themselves and for the special women in their lives,” continued Lynn.

The Desert Authors Book Fair is Thursday, November 30th from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm at ART IS Gallery and Cultural Center, Westfield Mall Palm Desert.

For more information about the Writer’s Guild contact www. palmspringswritersguild.org.

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November 23 to November 29, 2017

PET PLACE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY JANET McAFEE

AVOIDING HOLIDAY HAZARDS FOR PETS

W

hile we gather this week with friends and family to celebrate Thanksgiving, our 4-legged family members often linger hopefully near the table. Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s Eve will soon arrive in quick succession.

Christmas trees are going up, parties are planned, and holiday lights are brightening our desert. However, this time of year also sees a dramatic increase in emergency trips to the vet. In the frenzy of activity, we may overlook the dangers that certain holiday plants, foods and decorations pose to cats and dogs.

One of your dinner party guests might be tempted to give Benji a sample from his plate. Sugar, chocolate, turkey bones, gravy, and avocados can be harmful to a dog. Onions, garlic, raisins, grapes, and nuts, (particularly walnuts and macadamia nuts) are very dangerous when consumed by a dog in large quantities. If you’re hosting a large party, keep the critters in a back room.

Keep that bowl of holiday candy off the coffee table where a pet can reach it.

Chocolate in particular is very dangerous for animals. Candy and gum containing the artificial sweetener xylitol are very

MEET TJ & MILLER This pair of bonded brother kittens are 5 months old and full of antics. Miller and TJ say, "Two cats are more fun than one! Adopt us both and double the joy."

Rescued by C.A.N. (Coachella Animal Network) (760)250-8181

MEET OPHELIA This gorgeous 4-yr-old girl is a Huskie/Shepherd mix, 50 lbs of doggie love. Ophelia would like to be the only dog in your home. Rescued by www.lovingallanimals.

Call (760) 834-7000.

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hazardous.

Poinsettias are not as toxic as we once believed, however sampling a leaf from one can make your dog mildly ill or cause swelling to the skin; worse than poinsettias are holly, lilies and mistletoe. A kiss under the mistletoe might add romance to your holiday, but it can cause erratic behavior and even cardiovascular collapse when ingested by your pet. Mistletoe berries can also be hazardous.

Dr. Lillian Roberts of Country Club Animal Clinic sees a dramatic influx of patients this time of year. She advises, “Avoid ornaments or decorations that are small and easy to swallow, as these can quickly lead to intestinal blockage and emergency surgery.

This also includes tinsel, ribbon, and small

loose bells that cats find irresistible. I once x-rayed a dog only to discover an entire glass ornament sitting in his stomach. Surgery was needed to get the ornament out.”

Dr. Roberts offers these tips to keep your animals safe and healthy: Unplug Christmas tree lights and other electrical decorations when you are not home. Cords may attract kittens and puppies, and if chewed when plugged in can be very dangerous.

Make sure anything you add to the water under your tree is not poisonous. Pets WILL drink from this bowl.

You can feed your dog turkey in moderation, but don’t include the skin, bones or gravy.

If your dog has a sensitive stomach

or food allergies, don’t share any of your holiday meal.

Make sure visitors don’t leave gates, doors, and windows open, allowing animals to escape.

Refrain from surprising someone with an animal as a gift. Let people experience the joy of selecting a pet of their preference.

Accompany them to a shelter to adopt and pay their adoption fee. Visit the Coachella Valley Animal Campus at 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644, www.rcdas.org. For information on adopting a rescue pet, call Loving All Animals at (760) 834-7000, www.lovingallanimals.org. Rescue animals bring love to your home this season and throughout the year.

Keep your vet’s contact information at hand. Contact Country Club Animal Clinic at (760) 776-7555. There is only one 24hr animal hospital in the Coachella Valley which is VCA, 46920 Jefferson, just north of Highway 111, Indio (760) 342-4712. Contact the 24-hour Pet Poison Helpline at 800-2136680.

I wish you and your pets a safe holiday season and a happy 2018!

Jmcafee7@verizon.net

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THE VINO VOICE

November 23 to November 29, 2017

BY RICK RIOZZA

QUICK PICKS FOR HOLIDAY KICKS

D

o people still use the term “kicks” as in the tune—“(Get your kicks on) Route 66”? Anyway—in and out of holiday tunes that are already frolicking through our household are some of those classic songs that help get the party started. And when it comes to the morning of the great meal, with some of the visiting family and friends jumping into the kitchen (requested or not!), we will always welcome them with a nice flute of sparkling Prosecco!

Remember—we’re simply prepping the Thanksgiving or holiday meal in a.m. hours, so there’s no need for Champagne, no need for hefty alcoholic cocktails (Bloody Marys excepted, of course), or even those sweet and fun breakfast ports or craft brew porters.

Wait and chill them up for the big meal.

What is desired is a festive beverage that will fuel and enlighten the heart and senses keeping everyone happy and enjoying their tasks. ‘Secco is a bubbly that is not sugary sweet but has some light fruit sweetness— barely, and carries flavors of almonds, and is just a touch bitter, which works really well as you’re munching through comforting culinary schemes.

Quick as can be, one can dash off to Trader Joe’s or Total Wine & More for very a nice “sweet-pak” i.e., 3 to 4 bottles, of Prosecco for less than $7 a bottle. That’s enough to go around with participants happily focused on their endeavors and no one’s suspect about what Veneto hillside vineyard supplied the grapes.

For those of us enthusiasts who may well think about such things, a more higher-end Prosecco at dinner time or for an afterdinner dessert toast, great quality ‘secco can be found for under $20. I’m big on the Tommasi”s Filodora sparkler that boasts an elegant taste profile of fresh citrus, white peach and pear, along with an airy effervescence, reminiscent of a big-bucks bubbly. The single-vineyard Bisol “Crede” Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superior DOCG at $25 is also a treat. (By the way—you Asianfusion stir-fry types, a chilled Prosecco is the sexy choice.)

A couple of years ago around this time of year, the sub-heading of this column’s title was “Where’s all the fuss about Beaujolais Nouveau?” Of course, I answered myself with, “Well—there’s not much of it around town. Where have all the Beaujolais Nouveau parties gone?—long time passing.”

And nothing’s new.

“It’s Beaujolais Nouveau time” is the slogan for ad campaigns and marketing material when on the third Thursday of November , the entire planet frolics French and celebrates the season’s current wine harvest, the bottling—and simultaneously, the uncorking of the youngest wine on earth!

I remember such big bashes at French restaurants and grand hotels all over, even around town here in Southern California

so far from France. The gathering of wine folk back in the 90s was an event more on pomp and impression than the quality “new” wine from Beaujolais that was being served, although, in very good vintages, actually, Nouveau is a decent young table wine.

Whether one finds it lore or not, the six week old wine was traditionally deemed a window into the value and the quality of the current vintage—especially around the Burgundy area, just north of Beaujolais! Good news! The best reporting out of Bourgogne tells us the 2017 vintage is the bomb!

So with reverse logic, that news may tell us that this year’s Beaujolais Nouveau is reflective of some very good wine with the more substantial Beaujolais, BeaujolaisVillages, and “Cru” Beaujolais, to be released next year. Why not grab the 2017 Nouveau on its release this week—and now you can be our next wine critic!

Wine Spectator Magazine has officially revealed its Wine of the Year culminating a week-long countdown of their top ten wines.

I’m especially liking the #9 2015 Pahlmeyer Chardonnay Napa Valley —but at the hefty price at $75, my pocketbook doesn’t share my palate’s exuberance; #7 2014 Chateau Canon-La Gaffelière St. Emilion ($61)— Bordeaux—yeah!; #4 2012 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino ($65); #3 2014 Chateau Coutet Barsac ($37)—sauntering up to Sauternes!; and, #2 2014 K Syrah Walla Walla Valley Powerline Estate ($45)

And now, the number one wine, accordingly, is the 2014 Duckhorn Vineyards Three Palms Vineyards Merlot. Wine Spectator proclaims: “Merlot is back and deservedly so. Despite the comic derision heaped on the variety in the popular film Sideways, Merlot can make extraordinary wines in California. Duckhorn’s Three Palms bottling in the excellent 2014 vintage is ample proof. 2014 Three Palms is an elegant expression of Merlot, loaded with red fruit and spice flavors that are supported by medium-grained tannins.”

I’ve personally been a fan of the Three Palms Merlot going back to when Sterling Vineyards was sourcing it in the 80s. Man!— that was always tasty Merlot at a reasonable $15 or so price back then. I continue to recommend this Duckhorn currently, but at its “modern price point” of $90 or so, it’s more of a year-end treat for those so inclined.

So for those so inclined, or you wine nerds, or, those just off your sommelier’s exam know already the Three Palms Vineyard is located just south of the town of Calistoga—a warm area; whereas Merlot is typically grown in cooler conditions. Fortunately the rocky volcanic soil there influences the vines to set down deep roots, resulting in grapes bursting with concentrated fruit flavors.

Unfortunately for many vino purchasers, when Wine Spectator publishes their winning results, both the enthusiasts and wine investors are quick to grab up and affect the wine’s availability. Okay early birds—it’s all yours! Cheers!

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November 23 to November 29, 2017

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THUR NOVEMBER 23

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bobby Furgo & Co 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Hot Club of Palm Springs 6pm, Discoteca w/ DJ Victor Rodriguez 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Closed AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Bricktoyaface Presents: Dessert w/ DJs Dxsko and Amavida 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Barry Minniefield 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George Christian 6-9pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Denny Pezzin 7-10pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Barry, Bob and Riz 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 LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox

LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Country Night w/ JB & The Big Circle Riders 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 Closed PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 DJ Worden 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 VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Robert Salisbury 5-7pm, Tony Patler Project 7:30-11pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Alex Santana 5-8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 DJ 7pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Elaine Woodard 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 8pm

FRI NOVEMBER 24

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29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Fast Heart Mart 6:30pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ D Rad 5pm, The Adobe Collective 7pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Oldies Night w/ Mark and Francesca 6:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Friday Night Sour Hour w/ Pink Lemonade Drag Show 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 The Seven/Six Presents: The 3rd Annual Leftovers Party w/ DJ Aaron G, The Flusters, Noa James, Million, Sonstormer and DJ Mick Mag 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Barry Minniefield 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Rock-AHolics 8:30pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 DJ Double A 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George Christian 6-9pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Denny Pezzin 7-10pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DESERT FOX; PD; Angel and Buddy Greco Jr. 8pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm

EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Gina Carey 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 The Myx 8:30pm THE HARD ROCK HOTEL PS; PS; 760-3259676 Esjay Jones Presents: Acoustic Sessions w/ Bellstarr and Dirty D w/ Jetta King 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Rewind Vol 3 w/ Jae Rawkwell 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Keisha D 7pm 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 5-7pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 TBA 8pm LA QUINTA BREWING CO.; PD; 760-200-2597 TBA 7-9pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Common Ground 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 CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Barflys 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 Gennine Francis 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Grateful Shred 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 PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Scot Bruce: Elvis the Early Years 8pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 TBA 9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 Michael Keeth 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 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; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm

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November 23 to November 29, 2017

SUN NOVEMBER 26

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; 760-345-2450 Common Ground 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 80’z Allstars 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; 760-3274080 Heavy Revel Band 9pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev & Bill 6:30pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 On the Rocks 6:30pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ William Reed 11am poolside, Highlife w/ DJ Day 10pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Meat AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; Puppets and Porcupine 9pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm Karaoke 7:30pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND Cabaret on the Green Open Mic 7:30pm COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter Karaoke 9pm 7:30pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 A.J. BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Super Lambert Sings Sinatra 8pm Sonido w/ Alf Alpha 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Barry Minniefield RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Chalice 9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 Courtney 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Moving in Chambers 6pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers Stereo 8:30pm 8pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-775SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S 5566 DJ 9pm MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey Blues 8-11pm 6-10pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am 8-11pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK Tuzzolino 5:30pm CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George Furgo 9pm Christian 6-9pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm 760-200-1768 Denny Pezzin 7-10pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron CHILL BAR; PS; 760-327-1079 TBA 9pm James 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Baker 6pm Music 10pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm 3560 TBA 6pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 1199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm TBA 8pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm Dennis Michael 6:30pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760Jack Ruvio 6pm 328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm FOX & THE FIDDLE; PD; 760-888-0111 Live VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-755Music 7pm 5391 DJ 10pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 365-6633 Dana Larson 5-8pm Rose Mallett & Co. 5-7pm, Kal David, Lauri THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 TBA Bono & The Real Deal 7:30-11pm 8:30pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 One Night Only Drag Battle 7pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 USO/ Veterans Event: 30 Miles Out 2-7pm, VooDoo THE HARD ROCK HOTEL PS; PS; 760-325Hustlers 8-11pm 9676 Esjay Jones Presents: Global Sessions w/ David Macias and Giselle Woo 8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 The Refills 7pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Mick Rhodes and the Hard Eight, Charlie Overbey, Sunday WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Funeral and Andrew Victor 9pm Michael Keeth 6pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 The Carmens 7pm The Stanley Butler Band 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm VENUS DE FIDO; PD; 760-834-7070 Michael D’Angelo 6-9pm, Carl Davis Dance Lesson 7pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Meet the Corwins 5:30-7:30pm, John Stanley King Show 8pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Boys Night Out w/ DJ House Whores 7pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 5-7pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 TBA 8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Rob Martinez and Todd Ashley ft. Lisa LaFaro Weselis 6:30-10pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallett 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 9pm

SAT NOVEMBER 25

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Aaron Castle DJ Sets 11am poolside, Intoxica Radio Live w/ Howie Pyro 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Brunch w/ Trish Hatley and Barney McClure 11:30am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Bartland w/ DJ LF and Friends 7pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Brian Denigan 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 TBA 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm 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 LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Mark Gregg 5-9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 3:30-7:30pm, Mikael Healy 8pm continue to page 20

15

November 23 to November 29, 2017

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November 23 to November 29, 2017

17

November 23 to November 29, 2017

SCREENERS

SEASON’S GREETINGS

W

ith Thanksgiving coming early this year, it’s not too soon to consider two Christmas themed movies that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

THE MAN WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS Bharat Nallari (“Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day”) directs this lushly and appointed, dreamlike journey that led to the creation of Ebenezer Scrooge (Christopher Plummer), Tiny Tim and other iconic characters from “A Christmas Carol. We understand how Charles Dickens (Dan Stevens) mixed

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BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

No. 292

THE STAR

real life elements with his extraordinary imagination to conjure up the unforgettable characters and an enduring tale, forever transforming the holiday season into the celebration we enjoy today.

This fun interpretation of a slice of Dickens’ life and creative process is a celebration of imagination and creativity and how one can repurpose real life incidents that can touch others in a timeless and even profound way. Don’t miss this beautiful film that is an instant holiday classic. Christopher Plummer’s Scrooge is one for the ages.

with a moral bent will engage and delight younger viewers and might even amuse older siblings and their patient parents.

NEW BLU FOR THE HOME THEATER: GIDGET (1959)

I enjoyed this decidedly quirky but heartfelt animation about a little brave donkey named Bo who longs for a grander life beyond the daily grind, literally, at the village mill.

When he finally finds the strength to break free, he teams up with Ruth, a lovable sheep who has lost her flock and Dave the Dove who has big ambitions. Along with three wisecracking camels and some eccentric stable mates, Bo and his friends follow the Star and become unlikely heroes of the first Christmas. Nice digital animation from Cinesite Studios. Timothy Reckart directs from Carlos Kotkin’s sometimesclever screenplay.

I was a little surprised, but not offended, by the holy hijinks in this overtly Christian slapstick cartoon. This harmless family fun

18

Sandra Dee stars in this dated, but innocent coming-of-age teen romantic comedy set on sun-drenched Malibu beach.

It’s fun watching Gidget’s first awakenings to being attracted to boys and dealing with her clueless parents (Arthur O’Connell and Mary LaRoche).

This great looking, full original widescreen Cinemascope title is a brandnew 4K restoration transfer of the first big-screen escapades of the spunky California teen who finds comedy and romance in sand, surf and smooching with “Moondoggie” (James Darren) and “Big Kahuna” Cliff Robertson. The original surfer girl/beach bum movie was adapted from the book by Fred Kohner who was inspired to write the novel by his daughter Kathy’s love of both surfing and the characters who populated a local Southern California beach hangout near their Pacific Palisades home. TwilightTimeMovies. Blu-ray. Edition limited to 3,000 units. robin@coachellavalleywekly.com

BOOK REVIEW

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November 23 to November 29, 2017

BY HEIDI SIMMONS

ILLUSION AND ENLIGHTENMENT -----------------------------------------------------

“WHY BUDDHISM IS TRUE”

BY ROBERT WRIGHT NONFICTION

----------------------------------------------------hat is true and what is real?

These seem like easy questions to answer. But, we live in a world where “fake news” and “alt facts” obstruct and spin reality. We are living in crazy and stressful times. Why Buddhism is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment

by Robert Wright (Simon & Schuster, 321 pages) shares a way to reexamine our reality.

What Wright reveals in his book is a way to rethink our lives and reconsider how we function in this world as human beings with the help of some basic Buddhist philosophies.

Wright was raised a Southern Baptist, but he does not consider himself a Christian, nor does he claim to be a practicing Buddhist.

As an “evolutionary psychologist,” Wright begins with how natural selection has shaped our brains “to mislead and enslave us.” That is to say, nature is only concerned about insuring our genetic material is delivered to the next generation. Wright says our brains have built in thoughts and feelings that delude us so we are motivated to survive and pass on our genes.

As higher thinking, conscious mammals,

W

these delusions can come in the form of anxiety, despair, hatred and greed, which cause us to be more competitive or hostile to others, and can bring about a sense of being dissatisfied. These feelings can then direct us to feel hopeless, or can corrode our character, and this leads to suffering.

But Wright points out that these feelings of despair and angst are just illusions if we consider them carefully.

This is where Buddhism as truth comes in. Buddhism teaches that pleasure is fleeting while suffering is a pervasive human condition. Wright says the word for suffering can also be translated as “unsatisfactoriness.”

Our lack of satisfaction often drives us to bad behavior and unhappiness.

Wright argues that Buddhism can liberate our minds from the illusions that keep us from living fully, and help us recognize what is really true and important in our daily lives, and this is best done through “mindful meditation.”

Wright says that Western and Eastern Buddhism practice is very different. Eastern Buddhists tend to be secular and don’t meditate; only the monks do. Mindfullness, he says, is a western practice.

Ultimately, Wright argues that with meditation we get a handle on what is “true” and what is illusion, and begin to see the world and ourselves differently. We can look at our weaknesses and deal with them directly in the

process of meditation.

With regular mindfulness, we can observe and experience our feelings more clearly and honestly, and cease being enslaved to negative feelings. As we better understand where and how these feelings affect us on a daily basis, humans can become more compassionate, thoughtful, and empathetic.

Shifting our perspective dispels the illusions.

I like Wright’s worldview and his enthusiasm for a more mindful future.

He suggests that we humans have moved towards tribalism -- religious, social and political -- creating more chaos, resentment and bloodshed. He believes with minimal enlightenment, and acknowledgement of our human condition, it could be what moves humans to a more peaceful world.

Religion is definitely a part of Wright’s narrative, and I appreciated seeing religion in an evolutionary way. He quotes Henry James and discusses the desire human beings have

to find the truth.

But, before we can change the world, Wright insists we must start with taking a closer look at our own feelings and perceptions.

Wright feels confident that with regular meditation people can start to live a more contented life and better see the amazing beauty of the world that surrounds us.

Author Wright teaches courses in science and religion at several universities.

His previous books “The Moral Animal: Evolutionary Psychology and Everyday Life” and “The Evolution of God” reveal Wright’s own thoughtful evolution and maturity. The author’s intellectual and philosophical growth is part of the joy in reading “Why Buddhism is True.”

Wright writes with wit, charm and selfdeprecation, which makes his narrative easy to follow, understand and accept. He is a regular guy thoughtfully considering our human condition. Wright is not trying to convert anyone, yet he is making a significant attempt to bring humans to higher consciousness.

And, this is what Buddhism seeks.

Perhaps it is time to reconsider the nature of world religions and formulate a new paradigm that celebrates and respects the beauty of all living things on this planet.

EVENTS SAFETY TIPS HOLIDAY CHOIRS PERFORM ON

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA TRAMWAY’S PINES CAFE STAGE BY CRAIG MICHAELS

A

decades-long tradition kicks-off December 1, at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway when holiday choir season commences. You can catch the holiday cheer every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through December 15th with show times at 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The shows are complimentary with regular Tram admission.

Guest will hear a different middle or high school choir perform holiday favorites at the Tram’s Mountain Station each week. For the 2017 holiday season, the Tramway is proud to present the following line-up: · Fri. Dec. 1 – Jurupa Valley HS Chamber Singers · Sat. Dec. 2 – Rubidoux HS Chamber Choir · Sun. Dec. 3 – Palm Springs HS Madrigals & String Quartet · Fri. Dec. 8 – Desert Ridge Academy Concert Choir · Sat. Dec. 9 - Martin Luther King HS Chamber Singers & Show Choir · Sun. Dec. 10 – Encore HS for the Arts Madrigals · Fri. Dec. 15 – The Lions’ Pride Chamber Singers (Cathedral City HS) This holiday tradition has special meaning to some of the band teachers involved. Brian Holm, Choral Director of Martin Luther King High School, recalls, “Our choir has performed at the Tram for at least a decade. But back in

WHEN BLACK FRIDAY COMES…

B

the ‘70s, I performed there as part of my own high school choir, so I have quite a history with the Tram.” He adds, “We love sharing our music with Tram audiences, especially in such an amazing setting.”

Performances are on the Pines Café Stage with food and beverage service available from either the Pines Café or the Lookout Lounge. (Note: The 5:00 p.m. performance on December 3rd is outside on the Desert View Terrace as part of the tree lighting ceremony.)

Open seating (no reservations taken).

Written by: Craig Michaels Productions (760) 880-3848

lack Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, when holiday gift buying begins. Sales offering big discounts lure customers into stores, often beginning in the early hours of the morning.

“Unfortunately, Black Friday is a day when shoppers may become victims of crimes and injuries,” reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.

People should be alert and aware of people and the surroundings around them, and their vehicles. Park in a location that is closest to the store or mall if shopping when it is dark; try to park near lighting. Be careful of other motorists as they may be distracted. Purses should be worn in a way that it is close to the body and difficult to snatch. If carrying a wallet it should be kept in the front pocket or the inside pocket of a coat or jacket.

Carrying too many bags may also prove dangerous in many ways. If possible, leave children at home during Black Friday. The crowds of people can easily overwhelm a child who may get hurt or become lost. If you must bring a child, it is important to hold onto small children to avoid separation.

Know where fire/emergency exits are in

stores and malls. If you’re sick, do us “all” a favor and stay home! Bring hand sanitizers to help combat germs. And mostly - put away that cell phone and be cognizant and courteous of others. When you’re on your cell phone you lose all situational awareness around you and become easier prey to become a victim.

“Most importantly, be patient and be kind,” reminds Chief DiGiovanna.

Now that’s a bargain!

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November 23 to November 29, 2017

CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 15

NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 T-Bone Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Sunday Night Jam Session w/ Jos Burrell 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Sunday Band 7:30pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 The Judy Show 7pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 The Myx 6pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Darci Daniels and Reggie Vision 7pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 John Stanley King & Trio 6-9:30pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Gennine Francis 6-9pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 TBA 8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Rob Martinez and Scott Carter 6:30pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 John Carey & Friends 6pm

MON NOVEMBER 27

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 CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox

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LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Mark Gregg 5-9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healy 8pm 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 SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Randy Seymon 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 T.B.A. 6pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Mike Costley’s Jazz Show 6:30-10pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 The Mighty Sweet Nothings 6:30-9:30pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Motown Mondays 6pm

TUE NOVEMBER 28

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Michael Lowe 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Casey Golden 7pm, Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Gilmore & Bryan Show 6:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and Dancing 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Chris Lomeli 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Big Rock Big Blues Jam 7pm

BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Michael D’Angelo 7-10pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm 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; 760-366-2250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healy 8pm 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 RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 The Woody’s and DJ Abba-Nero 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Randy Seymon 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Cinch 6pm

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PUMPING SERVICE

Septic Tank & Grease Trap Pumping Sewer & Drain Cleaning Odor Control

760-404-6325

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VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Mike Costley’s Trio 6:30-10pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Alex Santana 5-8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Acoustic Sessions w/ Lance & David 7pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Yve Evans and John Bolivar 6pm

WED NOVEMBER 29

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Daniel Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Uncle Abe Presents: Heatstroke 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 “What are we doing” w/ After-Two, A.Lara, Brightener, Hello Existence and Sara Groban 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Chris Lomeli 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 The Smooth Brothers 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Johnny Meza 7-10pm COACHELLA VALLEY BREWING CO; TP; 760-343-5973 Live and Local w/ The Sieve and The Saddle and Adam Gainey 5:30-8pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Jack Ruvio 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm

ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 Karaoke 7:30pm FOX & THE FIDDLE; PD; 760-888-0111 Live Music 7pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live Music LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healey 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm 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 SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 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 VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Barbara Morrison Piano 4:30-6pm, Barry Minniefield 6:30pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Mikole Kaar 5-8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Dude Jones 6:30pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Valerie Geason 6:30pm

HADDON LIBBY

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

November 23 to November 29, 2017

HATERS CAN BE PLAYERS

T

he dating app Hater which launched earlier this year, recently released a list of the most disliked foods by state amongst the people that use their dating app. Hater attempts to match players, (aka people looking for dates) based on what they dislike.

Based on their research, people in California have a real dislike towards ChickFil-A most likely due to the company’s stance against same-sex marriage. Over in New Mexico, they simply dislike Chicken Nuggets while Oregon has a general disdain for Fast Food. Over in Alabama, they do not like the norovirus-friendly Chipotle chain.

In the land of Starbucks and Seattle’s Best (aka Washington), people hate K-Cups while Nevada has a thing against La Croix canned sparkling water. Other hated drinkables include Kombucha in Arizona, Chai Lattes in Pennsylvania, Matcha Tea in South Carolina and gas station wine in New Jersey…this from a place that gave us White Castle pseudo-burgers.

I will take issue with Hater for listing CocaCola as something that Hawaiians dislike. I have been to Hawaii a lot for business and can state with certainty that they do not

hate Coke. My guess is that there are not that many Haters app users in Hawaii. The same can be said for Alaska and their stated hatred of Voss Water.

When it comes to pizza, Delaware has a thing against Hawaiian Pizza, Michiganders do not care for cold pizza, New Yorkers will look funny at you if you order ranch dressing with your pizza while Virginians hate to dab their off grease from their slices. Along these lines, people in Massachusetts are not fond of mayonnaise on french fries. As a side note, did you know that people in Utah mix mayo with ketchup to create fry sauce? Utah’s food hate is Balsamic Vinegar.

In the land of cannabis (Colorado), I was surprised to find that flaming hot Cheetos were their food hate. Wouldn’t you think

that this state would sell the most munchies?

It is well known that Texans like their steak - just don’t cook it to well-done. In the land of potatoes (Idaho), they have issues with Dim Sum while Maine feels the same way toward Asian Fusion Cuisine. North Dakota is leery of tapas while chilly Minnesota hates beans.

It should be no surprise that West Virginians think tofu is sent from the devil while Vermont abhors spray cheese. Illinois has an issue string cheese, the Milk State of Indiana his suspicious of Charcuterie, North Carolina does not like cottage cheese while Mississippi wonders why people eat sour cream - they prefer their cream whipped.

Up in Montana, they are not fond of Pumpkin Spice while their neighbor Wyoming thinks the whole gluten-free movement is

hooey. Next door in Nebraska, chili peppers are not a favorite while Iowa has issues with Quinoa and Arkansas feels the same about cilantro.

Oklahomans dislike veggie burgers… probably because there is not enough meat in them. Georgians have a thing against tuna salad…probably due to too much fish.

Rhode Island serves as the home of yachts, old money and the mob and dislikes capers.

Nebraska hates shellfish which makes sense given that they are about as far from the ocean as you can get in the contiguous forty-eight states.

New Hampshire’s slogan is ‘live free or die’ which is probably why they dislike expensive cocktail drinks.

From my family to yours, please have a festive Thanksgiving.

Haddon Libby is the Managing Partner and Founder of Winslow Drake Investment Management and can be reached at 760.449.6349 or HLibby@WinslowDrake. com. For more information, visit www.

WinslowDrake.com.

DALE GRIBOW ON THE LAW

THANKSGIVING IS FOR GIVING THANKS FOR WHAT YOU DON’T HAVE

Y

ou ask “didn’t you mean that Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for what you do have?” I assume we all give thanks at Thanksgiving dinner and go around the table to say what we are thankful for.

During the year we have all driven less than carefully at times and had too much alcohol to drive. We should be thankful that we did not get in an accident and hurt ourselves or an innocent victim and/or got arrested for a DUI. We must all remember you do not have to be drunk but rather under the influence or impaired.

But for the grace of god an accident or arrest could have happened to any of us during the year. The police only arrest a small percentage of those driving while impaired.

Every year I get the same questions......... such as Patti from PS asks: I have read your weekly articles and seen you on TV and you always say that “Law Is An Information Gathering Game.” Why is that true for an auto accident or DUI arrest?

In my weekly radio show “Accidentally Yours” and weekly legal column “Dale Gribow On The Law,” I inform my listeners/ readers to write down all the facts of how the accident or arrest happened. Include what hurts from the top of the head to the bottom of their toes. Your lawyer needs all

the info and your memory is better after the accident/arrest than it is months later.

With an accident you should go to the ER or Urgent Care for a checkup. Traveling by ambulance is better than your driving to the hospital. 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, ambulance or car rental. They don’t realize they will get it back in the settlement.

The client who talks to ANYONE, puts his lawyer at a disadvantage as it provides INFORMATION to the other side. A client does not always remember what they told the adjuster or police and it is not just what they said but “what the adjuster/attorney/ police THOUGHT they heard”.

Gina from CC asks: Why remove Social Media?

Checking Social Media is the latest trick used by the other side’s lawyers/ DA’s/adjusters etc. in Accidents and DUI cases. They will Google you and check your Facebook to gather information on you. They may also 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, skiing while you are getting medical care, 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.

With an accident, 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 report.

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 my recent accident.

Thus we should all give thanks at this time of the year for everything we have and have not had happen in the last year.

Questions or ideas for future columns, contact attorney Dale Gribow:760- 8377500 or dale@dalegribowlaw.com.

DALE GRIBOW “TOP LAWYER” - Palm Springs Life(Accidents) 2011-18 “TOP LAWYER”- Inland Empire Magazine Nov 2016 PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating

21

November 23 to November 29, 2017

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SPORTS SCENE

BY FLINT WHEELER

THE 5 GREATEST COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF ALL-TIME

L

isting the 5 greatest college football players of all-time sounds simple, but with over 125 years of history to sift through, the task is a lot more difficult than it sounds. With every new season, a new group of talented players take the field, but very few of them become legends. We took those legendary players are narrowed it down to the best of the best. Being a star player is meaningful, but being an iconic one is even truly rare. These players made the most of their college experiences, and they’ll be remembered forever.

5. Tony Dorsett, RB, Pittsburgh (1973-76) Tony Dorsett is a little guy who ran fast and made a lot of defenders miss him. He played at Pitt when the Panthers were relevant on the national scene. He led Pitt to the 1976 national championship while earning the Heisman Trophy. He made first-team AllAmerican three times (1973, 1975 and 1976), and he finished his career with 6,082 rushing yards, a record that would stand until Texas’ Ricky Williams broke it in 1998. Dorsett was eventually the No. 2 overall pick of the Dallas Cowboys in 1977, who he went on to have a Hall of Fame career with.

4. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida (2006-09) Considering his success on and off the football field, it’s pretty strange that any debate involving former Gators QB Tim Tebow stirs up such a mix of emotions. He’s one of the most loved and hated players to ever play the game, but you can’t deny his success as Florida’s quarterback. He played a role in the Gators’ championship season during his freshman season in 2006 and followed that up as the first sophomore to win the

CANNABIS CORNER

A SEEKER’S REVIEW OF MOONLIT MOVEABLE FEAST

A

few weeks back we interviewed Barbie Sommars for our Cannabis Corner. We talked a bit about me not having experience in cannabis consumption with exception to smoking when I was in high school for a very short time. She invited me to her high dining experience, Moonlit Moveable Feast. I decided to jump into the cannabis culture headfirst. I went to see Dr. Kao at Greensight in Rancho Mirage and see if cannabis would be good for me. My concerns were being consistently paranoid when I was high. That was the main reason I stopped. It turns out cannabis can be used to prevent mild anxiety if the right strain is used. Also, I found cannabis may be helpful to my accident induced headaches. With my recommendation in hand, I was ready for my first experience with cannabis consumption at Moonlit Moveable Feast.

I pulled up to the venue and immediately knew this was going to be a great experience.

It was off the beaten path in the middle of Joshua Tree. It was an art compound like none I’ve seen. In the entrance were 2 glass blowers making trinkets and smoking devices. I stopped to watch a bit since, although I wasn’t a smoker, I’ve always love glass art. I’ve always found pipes to be beautiful and intricate.

After receiving a “Deadhead” skull necklace charm (for free!), I went inside to find Barbie.

Barbie gave me a tour of the compound and introduced me to the chef, Sabrina Phelps. I arrived before sunset and was lucky enough to grab a few terpene infused martinis from Levi Strom of Awakened Topicals. I figured this would be a great way to start my cannabis

22

consumption. I soon learned terpenes are sort of the essential oils of cannabis and contain no psycho active properties. I was okay with just the flavor of cannabis and the psycho active properties of Tito’s vodka though.

My first foray into consumption came in the form of a winter squash soup with sage infused cannabis oil. It was perfect timing.

This 1st course came right at sunset. It also acted as a catalyst for conversation. I was taken aback by the “dos” and “don’ts” of cannabis verbiage. I asked about thoughts of “recreational” legality, and was quickly corrected. It is “adult consumption,” “not “recreational.” I found out it is very important to refer to cannabis consumption as the laws refer to it. There is still a heavy gray area when it comes to cannabis laws. Many states are

Heisman Trophy. While he never picked up the second Heisman, he was always in the running and also led Florida to the 2008 BCS championship. Tebow finished with some gaudy statistics, including 88 touchdown passes and 57 touchdown runs. He was only intercepted 15 times in four years.

3. Barry Sanders, RB, Oklahoma State (1986-88) During Barry Sanders’ first two seasons at Oklahoma State he was pretty much an unknown as the backup to Thurman Thomas. Once he got his chance to be the featured back, Sanders delivered what many consider the greatest single season in college football history. Sanders rushed for 2,628 yards while averaging 7.6 yards a carry and cruising to the 1988 Heisman Trophy. He also had 42 touchdowns when you include his outstanding performance in the Holiday Bowl that season. Sanders left for the NFL after the season. In addition to his glorious college career, Sanders excelled at the pro level, and is widely recognized as one of the top running backs in NFL history.

2. Archie Griffin, RB, Ohio State (1972-75) The only two-time winner of the Heisman

Trophy, Griffin was a workhorse for Woody Hayes’ Buckeyes, amassing 5,589 rushing yards (second in Big Ten history) on 924 carries. He led the Big Ten in rushing in 1973 (1,577 yards), ’74 (1,695 yards) and ’75 (1,450 yards) and averaged a robust 6 yards per attempt for his career.

1. Herschel Walker, RB, Georgia (1980-82) Herschel Walker was the best running back to ever play the game, and he exploded on the scene as a freshman at Georgia in 1980, the same year the Bulldogs won a national championship. Walker followed up his amazing freshman season with 1,891 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns; however, he finished second in the Heisman voting to USC’s Marcus Allen. He finally won the coveted prize his junior year, when he rushed for 1,752 yards and 16 touchdowns. Walker discovered a way to skip his senior season and turn professional with the new USFL. While he would have given Archie Griffin a run for multiple Heismans, his early departure does not detract from his greatness.

BY JASON HALL legalizing medical and recreational use, but federally, it is still illegal. This also led to the “flower” sampling area of the compound. I may be an amateur, but this term was obvious.

I did giggle a bit at the term, since I always referred to it as “weed” or “bud.” Smoking weed has become “flower tasting.” It made me feel like I was in a crowd full of families and the parents were trying to be clever with their wording so that the children didn’t know the adults were talking about smoking weed.

After a half hour of conversations with the most accepting and intriguing people I’ve had the pleasure to spend time with, I realized my initial anxiety was weaning. I was worried about this crowd being a bunch of elitists who didn’t except somebody who wasn’t “in the know.” I couldn’t be more wrong. Everybody was eager to talk and intrigued by the notion of me going from no cannabis experience to this high dining experience without batting an eye.

We all slowly made our way to the outdoor dining table and continued our conversation over the 2nd course, a super food salad, and a sound bath emanating from the building next door. The whole experience was very

soothing… or maybe it was the winter squash soup and martinis kicking in.

The third course was an amazing roasted chicken breast with an infused pomegranate salsa. Sabrina Phelps was introduced to us by our gracious hosts Keiko. She explained the meal and talked about how there was a very low dose of cannabis in the meal. It was only 10mg of THC. I have no idea what this meant except for apparently it was more than likely the martinis kicking in. After Sabrina, we listened to Royce Robertson of Joshua Tree Coffee Company explain the complexity of coffee and what they had available. This seemed like a perfect way to end dinner. I took full advantage of the coffee and sat down to enjoy some live music.

My night ended with a journey out to the sound telescope. A gentleman had an array of telescopes to look at the full moon, and had one that transformed light into sound. Side note, the moon has a beautifully eerie sound.

Once everybody was done with their coffee and exploring, they all sort of congregated to the telescopes and “flower sampling” area. I was not ready to dive that deep on my first experience, so I used the opportunity to politely make my exit. I couldn’t be more surprised at how extremely accepting this community was. Let alone the great company, the experience of a high-class dinner under the full moon, in the middle of the desert, at an artist compound, was the most enjoyable way to spend my evening.

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Week of November 23

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In alignment with the current astrological omens, I have prepared your horoscope using five hand-plucked aphorisms by Aries poet Charles Bernstein. 1. “You never know what invention will look like or else it wouldn’t be invention.” 2. “So much depends on what you are expecting.” 3. “What’s missing from the bird’s eye view is plain to see on the ground.” 4. “The questioning of the beautiful is always at least as important as the establishment of the beautiful.” 5. “Show me a man with two feet planted firmly on the ground and I’ll show you a man who can’t get his pants on.”

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): It may seem absurd for a dreamy oracle like me to give economic advice to Tauruses, who are renowned as being among the zodiac’s top cash attractors. Is there anything I can reveal to you that you don’t already know? Well, maybe you’re not aware that the next four weeks will be prime time to revise and refine your long-term financial plans. It’s possible you haven’t guessed the time is right to plant seeds that will produce lucrative yields by 2019. And maybe you don’t realize that you can now lay the foundation for bringing more wealth into your life by raising your generosity levels.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I used to have a girlfriend whose mother hated Christmas. The poor woman had been raised in a fanatical fundamentalist Christian sect, and she drew profound solace and pleasure from rebelling against that religion’s main holiday. One of her annual traditions was to buy a small Christmas tree and hang it upside-down from the ceiling. She decorated it with ornamental dildos she had made out of clay. While I understood her drive for revenge and appreciated the entertaining way she did it, I felt pity for the enduring ferocity of her rage. Rather than mocking the old ways, wouldn’t her energy have been much better spent inventing new ways? If there is any comparable situation in your own life, Gemini, now would be a perfect time to heed my tip. Give up your attachment to the negative emotions that arose in response to past frustrations and failures. Focus on the future.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): So begins the “I Love To Worry” season for you Cancerians. Even now, bewildering self-doubts are working their way up toward your conscious awareness from your unconscious depths. You may already be overreacting in anticipation of the anxiety-provoking fantasies that are coalescing. But wait! It doesn’t have to be that way. I’m here to tell you that the bewildering self-doubts and anxiety-provoking fantasies are at most ten percent accurate. They’re not even close to being half-true! Here’s my advice: Do NOT go with the flow, because the flow will drag you down into ignominious habit. Resist all tendencies towards superstition, moodiness, and melodramatic descents into hell. One thing you can do to help accomplish this brave uprising is to sing beloved songs with maximum feeling.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Your lucky numbers are 55 and 88. By tapping into the uncanny powers of 55 and 88, you can escape the temptation of a hexed fiction and break the spell of a mediocre addiction. These catalytic codes could wake you up to a useful secret you’ve been blind to. They might help you catch the attention of familiar strangers or shrink one of your dangerous angers. When you call on 55 or 88 for inspiration, you may be motivated to seek a more dynamic accomplishment beyond your comfortable success. You could reactivate an important desire that has been dormant.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): What exactly is the epic, overarching goal that you live for? What is the higher purpose that lies beneath every one of your daily activities? What is the heroic identity you were born to create but have not yet fully embodied? You may not be close to knowing the answers to those questions right now, Virgo. In fact, I’m guessing your fear of meaninglessness might be at a peak. Luckily, a big bolt of meaningfulness is right around the corner.

Be alert for it. In a metaphorical sense, it will arrive from the depths. It will strengthen your center of

© Copyright 2017 Rob Brezsny

gravity as it reveals lucid answers to the questions I posed in the beginning of this horoscope.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): We all need teachers.

We all need guides and instructors and sources of inspiration from the day we’re born until the day we die. In a perfect world, each of us would always have a personal mentor who’d help us fill the gaps in our learning and keep us focused on the potentials that are crying out to be nurtured in us. But since most of us don’t have that personal mentor, we have to fend for ourselves. We’ve got to be proactive as we push on to the next educational frontier. The next four weeks will be an excellent time for you to do just that, Libra.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): This is your last warning! If you don’t stop fending off the happiness and freedom that are trying to worm their way into your life, I’m going to lose my cool. Damn it! Why can’t you just accept good luck and sweet strokes of fate at face value?! Why do you have to be so suspicious and mistrustful?! Listen to me: The abundance that’s lurking in your vicinity is not the set-up for a cruel cosmic joke. It’s not some wicked game designed to raise your expectations and then dash them to pieces.

Please, Scorpio, give in and let the good times wash over you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Journalist James A. Fussell defined “thrashing” as “the act of tapping helter-skelter over a computer keyboard in an attempt to find ‘hidden’ keys that trigger previously undiscovered actions in a computer program.” I suggest we use this as a metaphor for your life in the next two weeks. Without becoming rude or irresponsible, thrash around to see what interesting surprises you can drum up. Play with various possibilities in a lighthearted effort to stimulate options you have not been able to discover through logic and reason.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Let’s observe a moment of silence for the illusion that is in the process of disintegrating. It has been a pretty illusion, hasn’t it? Filled with hope and gusto, it has fueled you with motivation. But then again -- on second thought -- its prettiness was more the result of clever packaging than inner beauty. The hope was somewhat misleading, the gusto contained more than a little bluster, and the fuel was an inefficient source of motivation. Still, let’s observe a moment of silence anyway. Even dysfunctional mirages deserve to be mourned. Besides, its demise will fertilize a truer and healthier and prettier dream that will contain a far smaller portion of illusion.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Judging from the astrological omens, I conclude that the upcoming weeks will be a favorable time for you to engage in experiments befitting a mad scientist. You can achieve interesting results as you commune with powerful forces that are usually beyond your ability to command. You could have fun and maybe also attract good luck as you dream and scheme to override the rules. What pleasures have you considered to be beyond your capacity to enjoy? It wouldn’t be crazy for you to flirt with them. You have license to be saucy, sassy, and extra sly.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A snail can slowly crawl over the edge of a razor blade without hurting itself. A few highly trained experts, specialists in the art of mind over matter, are able to walk barefoot over beds of hot coals without getting burned.

According to my analysis of the astrological omens, Pisces, you now have the metaphorical equivalent of powers like these. To ensure they’ll operate at peak efficiency, you must believe in yourself more than you ever have before. Luckily, life is now conspiring to help you do just that.

Homework: What’s the most important question you’d like to find an answer for in the next five years?

Tell all: Freewillastrology.com ---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

November 23 to November 29, 2017

CANNABIS CORNER

BY RUTH HILL R.N.

HOW THE TV MEDIA ADDS TO THE MYTHS OF MARIJUANA

L

ast week the Laura Ingraham Angle, a show on Fox News, started a new section called, “The Arbiter,” where Laura plays the judge between two opposing views. Her first subject was “Should marijuana legalization be expanded?” She chose this topic because last Thursday, in Los Angeles, the State of California announced the new regulations, which take effect on January 1, 2018, for legalizing recreational use of marijuana.

Leo Terrell, a Civil Rights Attorney, argued to expand use. Horace Cooper Attorney, the Co-Chair of Project 21, a National Center for Public Policy Research, argued to ban expanded use. Both gave the most incompetent arguments. It begs the question, why did Laura picked attorneys instead of scientists, biologists, or physicians? Maybe she could not find any scientist to oppose the expanded use.

This is an all too common trait of the news media, they ask opinions of the most uninformed public. Do you want to hear from lawyers the benefits of cancer treatment? Cannabis is a plant which has been used for over 5,000 years for medicinal purposes. It has been illegal worldwide for only around 90 years when the signatures of the League of Nations, banned Indian Hemp and the preparations derived thereof.

Attorney Cooper was all over the map in his discussion. He knows how to filibuster and conflate with misinformation. His argument to ban was because marijuana causes poor learning and our education system is failing due to our kids smoking marijuana. What does primary education have to do with the subject? Everyone agrees anyone under 21 years of age should not smoke marijuana.

Attorney Terrell argued that the states should be the testing ground for making marijuana laws and not have the federal government interfere. Cannabis is a plant.

Are we going to argue that food should be governed by the state and not the federal government? What about Banking?

Laura Ingraham is not the only journalist to focus on recreational cannabis. Bill O’Reilly, 60 Minutes, and many commentators on TV, when asked about legalization focus only on

smoking pot. Dr. Mark Siegal from Fox News, responded to the opiate crisis by sharing this scenario. He did not want to fill a percocet prescription for a new patient. Instead he referred his patient to a pain interventionist.

That is a physician who advocates surgery, steroids, and internal pumps.

Dr. Siegal gives the impression internist cannot manage pain. Who does he think we go to, a revolving door of doctors? Let’s all get on a merry-go-round and get off at the next doctor stop. Dr. Siegal is a national TV consultant, and did not once talk about the 25,444 peer review articles in the Pub-Med, a repository for scientific studies. Research shows medical cannabis can get patients to stop their opiates. Nor did he mention referring his patient to a cannabis specialist, or palliative care physician.

Representative Steven Cohen is one of the best advocates to listen to as he argues for legalizing cannabis. He grilled Obama’s Drug Czar last year, Michael Botticelli. It was a stunning rebuke to our current drug policies. Rep. Cohen used facts and logic vs. the innuendo and hyperbole of those in our government and TV media. See his testimony on YouTube.

Politics is the cause of cannabis’ illegality not science. Cannabis has a nine per cent probability of addiction like anxiolytics or drugs like ativan or valium, yet our doctors order an antianxiety drug without reservations. Alcohol has a 15%, tobacco a 32%, and opioids a 30+% chance of addiction. Read Paul Armentano’s book, “Marijuana is safer, so why are we teaching people to drink,” for an authoritative look at the safety of marijuana/cannabis.

We should be grateful in this Thanksgiving time that we have a publisher who will dedicate her newspaper to exposing the disinformation about cannabis, medical or otherwise. In this time to reflect on our gifts from God I am grateful for: opening my mind and eyes to the science of cannabis, my gift of writing so that I can share my cannabis knowledge, my ambition for advocating cannabis to users who are suffering. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Send questions to hilruth@gmail.com

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November 23 to November 29, 2017

ASK THE DOCTOR

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BY DR PETER KADILE

Dr. Peter M. Kadile is Board Certified in Family Medicine. He has an integrative, osteopathic medical practice and is also known as the local, house call doctor; Desert House Call Physician. He is on staff at Eisenhower Medical Center and medical director for Serenity Hospice. His office is located in beautiful Old Town La Quinta, 78-100 Main Street, Suite 207, La Quinta, CA 92253. (760) 777-7439. DesertHouseCalls@aol.com. deserthousecalldoc.com.

THANKSGIVING DINNER!

T

urkey and Tryptophan - It is commonly thought that eating turkey will cause sleepiness because it contains tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid that enters the brain and forms serotonin, which then gets converted to the sleep inducing hormone melatonin.

But research has shown that turkey doesn’t trigger sleep anymore than other foods.

Gram for gram, cheddar cheese actually contains more tryptophan than turkey does.

So why do we get sleepy after eating a big Thanksgiving meal? It has to do with the large amounts of carbohydrates and alcohol associated with the celebration. The large amounts of stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, deserts, cocktails, beer and wine will trigger the release of insulin which will lower your blood sugar. The sudden decline in blood sugar can cause lethargy and drowsiness. The insulin will also remove most amino acids from the blood, except tryptophan, allowing tryptophan to enter the brain and ultimately form melatonin.

So basically, any big meal containing

tryptophan and a lot of carbohydrates can trigger sleepiness, not just turkey. And don’t forget, if alcohol is part of your Thanksgiving dinner, it can also trigger sleepiness.

Cranberries are a staple of the Thanksgiving meal. Cranberries do have health benefits.

The cranberry is best known for its role in preventing urinary tract infections.

The high level of antioxidants called proanthocyanidins (PACs) in cranberries helps to stop certain bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract, thus preventing infection. Recent research has shown that cranberry capsules, not cranberry juice, are effective in treating urinary tract infections.

Cranberries may be helpful for heart health by helping decrease inflammation and may help slow progression of tumor growth of certain cancers.

The antioxidants in cranberries also have dental benefits by preventing bacteria from attaching to teeth and preventing gum disease.

LIFE & CAREER COACH

BY SUNNY SIMON

WHY YOU SHOULD ENJOY THE JOB HUNT

W

e can see the economy is revving up and judging by my inbox, many employees are poised to take advantage of newly created positions by readying for a job search. Granted, leaving the comfort of a job you can do with your eyes closed for the unknown can be a little intimidating, and perhaps a bit scary. Don’t let that deter you. Revising your resume and taking a long hard look at your career path can be exciting and exhilarating.

The good news is, there are multiple reasons to enjoy the hunt for a new position.

As companies expand, they require strong performers and that’s where you enter stage right. With all the movement in the workforce you can shop around and find the best match.

It is a documented fact that almost 80% of jobs are filled through networking, so I suggest networking is where you begin. Come on, don’t give me that eye roll. It will be fun. Think of it this way, networking gives you the chance to reconnect with former colleagues. It’s holiday time, so check in with them, wish them the best and let them know your future plans.

Not only will they be pleased to hear from you, these individuals from your past can introduce you to new contacts thus expanding your outreach and increasing your connections.

Now, about that resume. Does it bore you to tears, or have you done a stellar job of touting your accomplishments? Take time now to think about the success you have achieved and pump up that resume by documenting your true achievements. Let your future employer know what you bring to the table in terms of skills and experience. If you suck trying to get this in writing, no worries you can hire a career coach to assist you.

Preparing to leave an old job behind enables you to connect the dots to your career goals. Focus on the big picture and see what new doors will open for you. It is time to move up in the ranks? Look for that dream position.

Thinking about relocating? Review the out-ofstate opportunities. You might find a company willing to pay all or at least some of your relocation expenses.

Whether you are in the early, mid or late stages of your career, your gut will tell you when it’s time to stick your toe in the water.

If you feel the hour is now, draw up your plan, cast your net and have fun. Good luck and may all your efforts be rewarding. In the meantime, have a Happy Thanksgiving!

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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