Coachella Valley Weekly - December 1 to December 7, 2016 Vol. 5 No. 37

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coachellavalleyweekly.com • December 1 to December 7, 2016 Vol. 5 No. 37

Cheetah Day

pg 5

Diane Schuur

pg 9

Stevieraps

pg 9

Elaine Sigwald

pg 11

December 1 to December 7, 2016

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Coachella Valley Weekly

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

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

CONTENTS

Jimi Fitz - A CV Christmas........................ 3 Theatre - Meet Me In St. Louis................ 5 Cheetah Day at The Living Desert.......... 5 In Memory of Leonard Cohen................. 6 Slim Man................................................... 7 Backstage Jazz......................................... 7 CV Open Mic Competition...................... 8 Chicago at Fantasy Springs..................... 8 Diane Schuur............................................ 9 Stevieraps................................................ 9 Consider This - Beware Of Darkness..... 10 Art Scene - Elaine Sigwald.................... 11 Pet Place................................................. 12 The Vino Voice ....................................... 13 Club Crawler Nightlife........................... 14 Screeners................................................ 18 Book Review........................................... 19 Safety Tips.............................................. 19 The Sax Pack at the Westin................... 20 Haddon Libby........................................ 21 Dale Gribow........................................... 21 Sports Scene .......................................... 22 Ask Jenny ............................................... 22 Free Will Astrology................................ 23 Mind, Body & Spirit ............................... 23 Beauty With Dr. Maria Lombardo......... 24 Life & Career Coach ............................... 24

December 1 to December 7, 2016

JIMI “FITZ” FITZGERALD THE MAN OF MANY HATS BRINGS US A CV CHRISTMAS AT THE MCCALLUM

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t’s no secret that Jimi Fitz wears many hats in the entertainment business, but on Saturday, December 10 at The McCallum Theatre this multi-talented man will be performing front and center as the “Star in the Spotlight.” He will be surrounded by several close friends/musicians who will also be performing to bring us a fabulous CV Christmas concert including Barry Minniefield, brightener, Frank Di Salvo, Jimmy Palmer, John Carey, John Stanley King, Kaitlyn Farley, Kal David, Lauri Bono, Penny Unniversity, Ronnie King, Sergio Villegas, Steve Madaio and Will Donato.

This past September Fitz was chosen as one of CV Weekly’s Top 12 Men of 2016. This week I had the opportunity to interview this warm hearted and all around awesome individual and go a little more in depth than we were able to in his profile for the Men’s Issue.

CVW: You have performed alongside of many musicians at the McCallum but for this event you will be the “Star in the Spotlight.”

Are you excited to be front and center for this?

Jimi Fitz: “Since I have been on the McCallum stage hundreds of times presenting world class talent of course I am humbled and honored to be center stage for the first time as a performer with my own show surrounded by some of the valley’s premiere artists who call the valley home.”

CVW: What can people expect from this show?

Jimi Fitz: “My love of music and what I present to the valley each and every morning “THE PERFECT BLEND”. This night’s unique blend will be ROCK, POP, BLUES, JAZZ, LATIN and Christmas favorites.”

CVW: You’ve had a long relationship with the McCallum. Can you share a little about that?

Jimi Fitz: “I can share with you that The McCallum Theatre has been one of my most cherished partnerships. Our world class theatre has a staff of top professionals in this business who have been a pleasure to work with. As we enter our 18th year Wendy Jayne and I have made lifelong friendships and we hope to continue presenting memorable shows for years to come.”

CVW: Did you hand pick the other entertainers? And how did you choose?

Jimi Fitz: “Most featured artists for Dec 10 have been my friends for many, many years. I have either performed with them, them with me, recorded and written with or promoted.

I’m a fan of all who are part of this night so I will most definitely be soaking in the music and enjoying seeing friends being showcased in this performing arts center environment with great sound and lights.”

CVW: Of all the hats you wear and have worn in this business including radio personality, recording artist, live performer, booker/promoter, producer, which do you enjoy the most?

Jimi Fitz: “It’s tough to name just one because I get a lot of pleasure and satisfaction from so many aspects of what I get to do. I Love them all. I’m so fortunate to be able to communicate positive messages and play great, multi genre music on the airways. I feel so alive when I’m writing new material and recording new music and collaborating with a great team including my talented wife WENDY JAYNE. There’s nothing like the adrenaline pump of a live performance. Promoting other talent is such an honor for me. There are so many nights of watching someone I’m promoting connect with an audience and thinking that I’m lucky just to be able to be in this business. As long as I’m involved in any way I’m happy.”

CVW: Tell us a little bit about your position at CV 104.3 and how that came about and plans for the station for the future?

Jimi Fitz: “We have so many plans for the future too numerous to cover here but I hope you’ll stay tuned and follow our growth. My position as Morning Personality is to wake up our valley with a unique blend of music, some lighthearted fun, interviews, news and anything else I can cram into a 4 hour radio show that I think is relevant to the day. I create the show as I go along having a blast doing it.

The rest of the day includes smooth favorites and of course we are so happy to have Patrick Evans as our afternoon personality 2PM-6PM. He sounds great and gives lots of interesting info on your favorite smooth hits including his popular feature FRANK at 4!”

BY TRACY DIETLIN

CVW: You also came up with the brilliant idea to bring a skating rink to The River. How did that come about?

Jimi Fitz: “As a New Yorker I have always loved Rockefeller Center especially the joy that’s spread by bringing so many people together for the holidays. Last year while doing the tree lighting at The River along with our holiday show with Santa, Mrs. Claus, music, etc. the thought came to me that the only thing missing is an Ice Rink that would create our own Rockefeller Center right here in the center of the valley. When it was presented to the owners they were as excited about the idea as I was. We got right to work and with a great team effort here we are open for the holidays. I hope everyone will come and enjoy so that this becomes an evergreen for the community!”

CVW: And you also did a music series at The River earlier this year. Will that be returning in Spring? And if so what can we expect?

Jimi Fitz: “Yes we are going to do 6 shows this year between January and April and have 4 of them booked. I’m trying to mix it up with different flavors and musical neighborhoods.”

CVW: I know you support several charities but which one is your priority and why?

Jimi Fitz: “I don’t prioritize. When it comes to charities they all do amazing work and I try to help as many as I can in many different ways.”

CVW: Who do you most admire in the business and why?

Jimi Fitz: “There’s another tough question.

I admire anyone who puts themselves out there in any capacity in the business with honest intentions and a great work ethic. I also admire executives who are willing to step out of the box and take chances. I know many in the business and those are the special individuals who make this business so great!”

CVW: You had a couple videos on MTV back in the day when they actually played them. Can you tell us a little about that time in your career?

Jimi Fitz: “It was such an exciting time for me. My first video was “NO GOOD FOR YOU”.

The late TOMMY WOLK (T-BONE), CHRIS PARKER (STUFF) and Pete Cummings recorded this with me. It was one of the first music videos to be played in regular rotation on MTV. That led to a record deal and international distribution and a Hit Record in Italy with my song “AUDIO/VIDEO”. The video to “AUDIO/ VIDEO” was played in regular rotation on MTV in the U.S. and became a music video hit in Italy with viewers of DEEJAY TELEVISIONE (CANALE 5) becoming their channel’s theme song video.

I was playing all of the clubs in New York City at The time with my band “FITZ and THE NEW YORK BAND” and touring up and down the East Coast. It was a very exciting time in my career.”

CVW: Who have you most enjoyed performing with? continue to page 5

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December 1 to December 7, 2016

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December 1 to December 7, 2016

CV CHRISTMAS continued from page 3

Jimi Fitz: “I’ve had many memorable nights on stage at some amazing venues. Some of the ones that stick out the most are country music nights even though I’ve played many great rock venues in several cities. One, when I got to sing with my long time friend WILLIAM LEE GOLDEN (OAK RIDGE BOYS) his sons Rusty and Chris, THE GOLDENS in the historic pay per view “THIS COUNTRY’S ROCKIN” at THE PONTIAC SILVERDOME. And the other being the grand finale of THE GRAND OLE OPRY On Tour at THE CAPITAL CENTRE LANDOVER MD (D.C.) singing with ROY ACUFF , MINNIE PEARL, GRANDPA JONES, BILL MONROE, THE GATLIN BROTHERS, DOTTIE WEST, SKEETER DAVIS and many more. To be on the same stage with all of those country legends was very inspiring.

Sharing bills with Johnny Cash as a performer, producer and promoter rank way up there on my Memorable scale.”

CVW: You also do the Lexus Jazz event.

When is that held?

Jimi Fitz: “The first weekend in May. This will be the 4th year at THE INDIAN WELLS TENNIS GARDEN and we hope to announce the lineup and a couple of surprises soon!”

CVW: Unfortunately I had to miss the event during Desert Trip where you brought Lisa Fisher here who used to be the long time backup singer for The Rolling Stones. How did

PALM CANYON THEATRE

that come about?

Jimi Fitz: “I’ve been a fan of The Rolling Stones forever and have seen Lisa with them several times since 1990. A couple of years ago she started doing her own concerts with a new band and I wanted to be a part of it.

Lisa opened for TOWER OF POWER last year at The Tennis Garden and blew everyone away.

We had her back at The McCallum Theatre earlier this year and the same thing. People were in awe of her. Long story short I wanted to take advantage of Lisa being in the desert for those Desert Trip weekends and reached out to see if she would be willing to perform her own concert the night before the Stones appearance the 2nd weekend. She ended up not performing at Desert trip because of previous commitments. Her replacement in the Stones, Sasha Allen came to her concert at The Renaissance IW that night along with Keith Richards, Patti Hansen, Charlie Watts, Daryl Jones and Tim Reis. Lisa and Sasha did an impromptu version of “WILD HORSES” that brought down the house. That was the handing off of the baton from Lisa after being with the Stones 27 years to Sasha. It was a magical music history moment.”

CVW: You’ve had such longevity in the business in so many facets. What advice would you offer to young performers trying to make it?

PERFORMS MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS

THEATRE

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he Palm Canyon Theatre Company is hoping you will “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” as the holiday season rolls in and the cast of Meet Me in St. Louis sings the song made famous by the 1944 movie and the Broadway musical of the same name.

In 1990 the Broadway rendition was nominated for Tony Awards for Best Musical; Best Book, Hugh Wheeler; Best Original Score, Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane; and Best Choreography.

Meet Me In St. Louis shares the story of the Smith family as they each find their way living in St. Louis, Missouri. The patriarch, played by J. Steger Thompson, and matriarch, played by Suzie Wourms, are raising their five children in American traditions. Their love and loyalties are tested when Mr. Smith announces he is moving the family to New York. Family members include Lizzie Schmelling as Esther; Kate Antonov as Rose; Sadie Paiz as Tootie; Natalia Fernandez as Agnes; and Abel Rodriguez as Lon. The story reaches its climax on Christmas Eve, and ends with a picturesque finale at the 1904 World’s Fair.

Memorable songs include “The Boy Next Door,” “A Raving Beauty,” “The Trolley Song,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Whenever I’m with You,” and “A Day in New York.”

Meet Me in St. Louis is directed by Dr. William “Bill” Layne. Musical direction is by Steven Smith, who will lead a live trio during the production.

The show is choreographed by Andrea Bellato with costume designs by Derik Shopinski. Sets and lighting designs are by J.W. Layne, co-artistic director of PCT. Meet Me in St. Louis is part of the Palm Canyon Theatre’s 20th Anniversary Season. The musical opens Friday, December 2, and runs three weekends through Sunday, December 18.

Jimi Fitz: “First and foremost hard work and sacrifice. Keep doing it and be true to who you are as an individual. Own your own character and personality. Good intentions reap huge rewards. Listen to your inner voice and realize you will skin your knees along the way but the magic moments that happen allow you to feel truly alive.”

CVW: You’ve had a long career in show business. What has been your most precious moment?

Jimi Fitz: “I don’t think I can name just one; probably the latest one and the next one that will come. I hope to have many precious memories the night of Dec 10 at The McCallum Theatre!!”

This performance of jimi FITZ and Friends and “A CV Christmas” on Saturday, December 10, is sponsored by Desert Lexus, General Air Conditioning and Plumbing, CBS Local TV 2, CV 104.3FM. The show starts at 8pm. Ticket prices for this performance are $67, $47, $37 and $27.

Tickets are available at the Theatre’s website at www.mccallumtheatre.com or by calling the McCallum Theatre Box Office at (760) 340ARTS. The McCallum Theatre, located at 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert CA 92260, accepts payment by cash, personal check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL EVENTS CHEETAH DAY AT THE LIVING DESERT

FUN DAY OF ACTIVITIES PLANNED ON DECEMBER 4 IN HONOR OF THE CHEETAH

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Regular show times are 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7 p.m. on Thursdays. Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m. Tickets are $32-$36.

Student tickets are $15, with valid ID; student tickets must be purchased at the Box Office.

For tickets, call the Palm Canyon Theatre Box Office at 760-323-5123 or order online: PalmCanyonTheatre.org. The Palm Canyon Theatre is located at 538 North Palm Canyon Drive, at the corner of Alejo Road and Palm Canyon Drive. Box Office hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information call 760-323-5123.

oin The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens on Sunday, December 4 to help celebrate International Cheetah Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To mark the day, The Living Desert will have numerous cheetah spot conservation learning experiences, such as the popular cheetah run and educational and interpretive carts, as well as a special opportunity to hear from Peter Gros, Cheetah Conservation Fund trustee and co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. Throughout the park, guests will be encouraged to get #loud4cheetahs, and help do their part to help save endangered species around the world.

Learn more about the cheetah, Africa’s most endangered cat, and how you can raise awareness and call attention to the plight of the fastest mammal on Earth. The cheetah is not only the fastest, but oldest of all of the big cats, having survived more than 3-million years. Today, there are fewer than 10,000 left of the majestic animals in the wild.

International Cheetah Day is just one of a number of events being held this year at The Living Desert during the “Year of the Cheetah.” The initiative kicked off earlier this fall with a launch of the enhanced cheetah exhibit and conservation outpost where guests can get up-close and personal with the cheetahs through the new observation window.

“International Cheetah Day is the perfect day for us to honor these fascinating animals and help raise awareness of their plight,” said Allen Monroe, President/CEO of The Living Desert. “Our Year of the Cheetah events have generated an enormous amount of interest from members and guests and we look forward to continuing that as we celebrate the cheetah on their special day.”

The Living Desert is home to five cheetahs. Ntombi, aged 17, has lived at The Living Desert since 2010; Pula, aged 15, has lived at The Living Desert since 2011; and three 2-year-old sisters – Sudi, Kali, Bela who came to The Living Desert earlier this year.

International Cheetah Day is free for members or with paid admission. The Living Desert is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call (760) 346-5694 or visit: www.YearoftheCheetah.org or www.

LivingDesert.org.

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December 1 to December 7, 2016

IN MEMORY OF

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BY LISA MORGAN

LEONARD COHEN’S “CLOSING TIME” AND OTHER MEMOIRS BY BOBBY FURGO

“I don’t consider myself a pessimist.

I think of a pessimist as someone who is waiting for it to rain. And I feel soaked to the skin.” Leonard Cohen It was his reality - soaked to the skin with a very open and public swim against the tides of manic depression. Perhaps pain is the axis point for many artists, but no one recycled the struggle and agony of the human experience like Leonard Cohen. While some of our creative heroes can pale off stage in comparison to their public image, Cohen was the real deal - the purest definition of authenticity according to many who knew him. Understated and under celebrated for much of his career, Leonard Cohen had 15 year old girls weeping during his performance at Coachella Music and Art Festival in 2009.

Proof of his authenticity and humanity rests in those who recorded and toured with Cohen during his sudden rise in 1988 and who were there for him as his body began to fail him. Bobby Furgo, a highly respected songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and recording artist living in California’s high desert, was one of those people. Though it took him a while to process his grief, he was finally able to share with CV Weekly this weekend much of the footprint Leonard Cohen left on his life and those closest to him.

“I started with him on the ‘88, I’m Your Man Tour. It came with a marked increase in popularity and sales. It was the beginning of everything it seemed. When we flew to Germany for the first European tour, we were met with television cameras in the air port.

That had never happened before. His album was as big as Pink Floyd’s The Wall and U2’s Rattle and Hum. It was a big deal. It was a shock to me because we had rehearsed hard for two weeks before we went, and honestly,

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the songs were all sounding the same. Then all of a sudden the guy was huge. It was my first big gig at 36 years old...I didn’t know just how big it was. It has turned out to be a very gracious calling card for the rest of my life.”

“I got to record on The Future. Leonard wrote a song called “Closing Time” for me to play fiddle on. We flew to Toronto to do a music video for it and it went quickly and very well. I then went with him to the Juno awards (the Canadian Grammys) and it won for best video. Leonard also won Vocalist of the Year. He jokingly said, ‘Only in a place like Canada would a guy who can’t sing be awarded this honor.’ Gordon Lightfoot, Buffy Sainte-Marie, k.d. Lang and Celine Dion were all there. I was really hoping to catch a glimpse of nominee, Neil Young, but he never showed.”

“In ‘93, he went into Austin City Lights and, completely sober, expressed his feelings about the world. It was breaking his heart.

His biggest concern was how we all needed to learn how to love one another. Learning to be kind was his core message. It touched everyone.”

“Leonard treated everyone the same in all walks of life. I remember we walked by a guy in Amsterdam who was homeless. Leonard said, ‘Excuse me my friends,’ and then walked into a McDonalds and bought him a meal.

The crew and the band were treated the same as himself. He would only travel with us. He wouldn’t take limos and didn’t want special treatment. We traveled together and stayed at the high end places like the Ritz or Four Seasons, each with private rooms. The crew got the same treatment as the band.”

“Once in a while he would loosen up – he had a great sense of humor – but most of the time, he was very guarded, and censored every word. Leonard made it very clear that we were his missionaries. We were not in ‘show business.’ He was extremely urgent about that in the '93, for The Future tour. He said, ‘I have a very important message I have to give to everyone. We are missionaries.

Don’t act like we’re part of showbiz. We’re presenting messages that are beautiful.’

There were songs like "Democracy" and "Dance Me to the End of Love" (referencing the dance of life). He was not religious, but he was very spiritual, especially in regard to the condition of man – the 'human experience' that he always referred to.

Leonard recommended, ‘If you are Catholic, if you are Jewish or if you are Presbyterian, just be a good Catholic, Jew or Presbyterian.

Embrace it, but don’t be looking for a secret answer – there’s no secret answer.' " "It's public information that Leonard's dad died when he was 9; he was a tailor and in the garment business. Leonard carried on that tradition along with his old school traditions. He was well read in the bible both new and old testament. You would never catch him speaking trendy; he was very formal in his speech, as we all know. He was writing books and poetry but he joked that he could meet more women if he sang. He never picked on anyone except himself or himself as a Canadian. He'd say things like, ‘How do you get 100 wild drunken Canadians out of your yard? You ask them, Can you all go home please?' " "Leonard was, as many know, manic depressive. He also suffered from stage fright. Historically they say it’s a great

stimulus to greatness. But in recent years, Leonard told me that it had been lifted from him. I said, 'Wow, that must be from all that good hard work.' By hard work, I meant discipline (all the work he'd done spiritually).

He said, 'No, it was by grace.'"

"Like Johnny Cash, he liked black, and would never wear a Rolex. He drove a Honda. When he passed, he had a 95 Nissan Xterra in his driveway that he couldn’t drive anymore because of his physical disabilities.

He was very depressed about not being able to go anywhere. He’d always been able to go anywhere. The pain was terrible at the end.

He had a couple of compression fractures in his spine, had cancer and was allergic to pain killers. He had to white knuckle it or use edible marijuana. And he was not able to sleep. I was one of the only ones he’d call in to visit for a long time."

"I had always been drawn to darker music. Leonard gave me a vehicle to ride on that I loved 100 percent. He taught me how to record. He even gave me a lesson in poetry. He said, 'Just read the words, don’t act it out or sound dramatic, just tell the words.' Leonard took us all to atmospheres and things we never felt before as individuals or as a band."

"I recorded with him earlier this year, and I had the best conversation I've had in my life with anyone. He was frail and in very poor health. He was in an orthopedic chair having trouble standing let alone walking. He weighed about 110 pounds and told me he’d almost died a month or two before. But his mind was crystal clear. He was really leaning into his recording projects and his writing.

My favorite joke of the day was when he was bragging on how good looking his son Adam was (he was very proud of both his son and daughter). He said, ‘When Adam goes into a bar, he doesn’t just leave with the prettiest girl, he leaves with everyone.’ I asked him, 'Man, you’re writing with such great understanding of the bible and Christianity what’s your take on Jesus?' He said he loved Jesus with all his heart. He was someone who cared for and rooted for the little guy – the underdog."

Bobby Furgo has recorded, toured and/ or played with Eric Burdon and The Animals, Nancy Sinatra, Lee Hazelwood, Pat Boone, Love and Rockets, Grant Lee Buffalo, Dolly Parton, Freddy Fender, Gene Pitney, Hank Thompson, James Burton, Jim Dickinson, Wanda Jackson. He has made appearances at Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall and played on Jay Leno, the Tonight Show, and the Grammy winning movie, The Wonder Boys. You can find him doing what he loves most, most of the time, with the music and memories of his dear friend still in his bones.

Few musicians on this earth can play with the intuition and respect for the song as Bobby Furgo, and one can only assume Mr. Cohen saw that from the beginning.

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BACKSTAGE JAZZ

SLIM MAN

LAUGH LOUD & LAUGH OFTEN

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t’s hard to get people to agree on anything these days. But I’m sure we can all agree on one thing…we could use a little laugh. So I Googled “funniest joke in the world.” And here it is…

Two hunters are in the woods when one of them collapses, passes out cold. The other guy panics and calls 911. He screams, “I think my friend is dead!” The operator says, “Calm down. I can help. Let’s make sure he’s dead.”

There’s a silence, and then a gunshot. Then the guy says, “OK. Now what?”

That’s the funniest joke in the world, according to Wikipedia. A psychologist named Richard Wiseman ran an extensive experiment.

He launched a website, people submitted jokes—41,000 of them—and 1.5 million people voted. And that joke was the big winner.

But not according to Oxford University. They did a study, and here are their Top 3 jokes…

I went into the doctor’s office. I told him, “I can’t stop singing ‘What’s New Pussycat’! What’s wrong with me?” The doctor said, “You have Tom Jones Syndrome.” I asked him if it was common.

He said, “It’s not unusual.”

Three guys are stranded for years on a desert island. They find a magic lantern. They rub it and a genie appears. He grants them each one wish.

The first guy wants to go back home. Poof! He vanishes. The second guy wishes for the same thing. Poof! He vanishes. The third guy looks at the genie and says, “I’m so lonely. I wish my friends were back here.”

A man goes to the Super Bowl. It’s jampacked. He fights his way to his seat, and notices an empty seat next to his. He asks the guy on the other side why the seat is empty. The guy says, “It’s my wife’s seat. She passed away. This is my first Super Bowl without her.” The other guy says, “I’m so sorry. Couldn’t you have found a friend or

December 1 to December 7, 2016

relative or neighbor to go with you?” and the guy says, “No. They’re all at the funeral.”

Those are the Top 3, according to the Oxford study. Sure, Oxford is one of the most elite universities in the world. But what about the world’s funniest jokes here at Slim’s Shady Trailer Park in Palm Springs, California? Well, here they are, the Top 3 jokes, according to Selma Krapoff, Head of Slim Merchandise, Kenny B. Morpoplar, Head of Slim Marketing, and Anita Lickenschtamp, PostMistress General…

I went into the doctor’s office. I said, “Doc! I can’t remember what I did last week. I can’t remember what I did yesterday. I can’t even remember what I did an hour ago!” The doc asked me, “How long have you had this problem?” I said, “What problem?”

I was walking down the street with my friend.

We saw a dog on the sidewalk, licking himself.

My friend said, “I’d love to be able to do that.” I said, “You might have to pet him first. He looks a little mean.”

A man is speeding down the highway. In the back of his car, he has a bunch of penguins.

A cop pulls him over, looks inside the car, and says, “Slow down! And take those penguins to the zoo! I’m warning you!” The next day, the guy speeds down the same highway with the penguins in the back of the car. This time they all have sunglasses on. The same cop pulls him over. He says, “I thought I told you to take those penguins to the zoo!” The guy says, “I did! And today we’re going to the beach!”

Keep smiling, Slim People.

Who loves ya?

- Uncle Slimmy Slim Man is a singer, songwriter and chainsaw juggler. His concert schedule, Christmas CD, and cookbook are all available at slimman.com, and that’s no joke.

BY PATTE PURCELL

WHERE TO HEAR JAZZ IN THE DESERT SOME OF THE BEST LOCAL ARTISIS & VENUES

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’m often asked where to go in the desert for good jazz so I thought I’d give you a few suggestions.

If you’re interested in a dynamic show with some dancing check out Will Donato and the Art of Sax. They play every Friday and Saturday night at the Hyatt Regency in Indian Wells from 8 to midnight. Although it’s technically more R&B than jazz, its great dance music served up by one of the desert’s most beloved entertainers, saxman Will Donato.

Slim Man does a great solo show with standards and some Slim songs every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with his Vino with Dino show at LaRue Wine Bar in La Quinta.

For some of the best jazz check out Vicky’s of Sante Fe. They have a 7 day a week schedule including a Jazz jam and some great artists including John Stanley King and band (Fridays and Sundays), Mike Costley, (Mondays and Tuesdays), Barry Minniefield (Wednesdays), Rose Mallet, Kal David, Caroline Martinez Trio, and more. Check their website for details. www.vickysofsantafe.com Of course the iconic Melvyn’s Jazz Jam takes place every Sunday afternoon from 3:30-7:30 hosted by Mikael Healey in Palm Springs at the Ingleside Inn. Mikole Kaar does his jam every Wednesday night at Oscars in Palm Springs.

Also, Thursdays with Mikole Kaar and Darci Daniels at Nicolino’s from 6:30- 9:30.

The Purple Room in Palm Springs is another spot for great jazz. Rose Mallet performs every Tuesday 6:30 to 9:30 and Sharon Sills on Thursdays from 6:30 to 9:30. Check out their schedule at www. purpleroompalmsprings.com Gina Carey is at Fisherman’s Grotto in Palm Desert on Fridays from 6-9 and Rancho Las Palmas on Saturdays from 6-10.

John Carey and the Smooth Brothers are at the new Big Rock in Indio from 8-11 Wednesdays. They are at Shanghai Reds in Palm Springs from 7-10 on Thursdays, Friday and Saturdays at Fisherman’s in La Quinta and Sundays at the Palm Desert Fisherman’s location.

Shanghai Reds in Palm Springs offers jazz and blues from Wednesday through Sunday.

Fisherman’s Grotto in Palm Desert offers jazz and blues Wednesday through Sunday (their sister store in La Quinta also offers live music Wednesday through Sunday).

Keisha D does a late show ‘Speakeasy’ at Dish in Palm Springs every Saturday night beginning at 10 pm.

Joe Baldino does his multiple guitar show at Two Bunch Palms in Desert Hot Springs every Thursday from 6-9.

Eve Holmes does her thing at the Retro Room in Palm Springs Friday nights from 7-10. She also has guest artists.

Woody’s Palm House in Palm Springs also has a great variety of live jazz nightly 7 days a week from 6:30 to 10:30 with some of the desert’s best.

Although this is not a complete listing, it will give you some of the highlights for live jazz, R&B, and standards. I’ll be compiling more as we get into season. Enjoy the amazing talent we have here in the desert.

Happy Holidays!

Patte Purcell - Muze Muzic pattepurcell@yahoo.com 1-702-219-6777

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December 1 to December 7, 2016

LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY MORGAN JAMES

CV OPEN MIC COMPETITION 2016 AT THE BLOCK

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ave you made it to the CV Open Mic Competition yet? If you love The Voice, American Idol, Live Music of all kinds... you will love this show! Each week contestants perform their best song for the crowd and interchanging weekly judges.

The top three are awarded prizes such as restaurant gift cards from Stuft Pizza and The Block Sports Bar & Grill, or movie tickets, with the first place winner moving on to the semi-finals January 4th for a shot at incredible prizes! ONLY 4 WEEKS REMAIN TO QUALIFY. Don’t miss this exciting event.

GRAND PRIZES: *Music Video Production (Desert C.A.M. Studios/Winmill Films & award winning Director Chip Miller) *$500 trip to Las Vegas (Crater Lake Spirits) *Artist Development Session (Legendary Producer Ronnie King) *Promotional Photo Shoot (Rav Holly) *Boss RC-1 Loop Station Pedal (Guitar Center) *Merchandise Package incl logo design, 25 t-shirts, stickers and more! (Brutal Bee Music Group) REMAINING SCHEDULE: Wednesdays at The Block Sports Bar & Grill Sign up 7pm - 7:45pm Show runs 8pm - 10:30pm Nov 30th - week #9 Dec 7th - week #10 Dec 14th - week #11 Dec 21 - week #12 Jan 4th - Semi Finals Jan 11th - Grand Finals I hope to see you all next WEDNESDAY at THE BLOCK SPORTS BAR & GRILL in Cathedral

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City! Look for coverage of this week’s event and the announcement of winners in the next issue of Coachella Valley Weekly!

SPECIAL THANKS to all of our sponsors: Desert C.A.M. Studios/Winmill Films & Chip Miller, Ronnie King Music, Crater Lake Spirits, Rav Holly, Guitar Center, Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill, CV Weekly, Canyon Copy & Print, Brutal Bee Music Group, and The Block Sports Bar & Grill.

Be sure to “LIKE” Facebook.com/ CVOpenMicCompetition for updates! ALL AGES ALLOWED and YOU may compete EVERY week! PLEASE NOTE: Due to our overwhelming number of interested performers, sign in starts at 7pm and will be closed at 7:45pm.

BRING YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY and FANS and note that the competition usually ends around 10:30pm so be sure your friends and family know to stay until the end to voice their vote!!! For questions or information about sign-up, please see Facebook. com/CVOpenMicCompetition or contact creator and host, Morgan Alise James at MorganAliseJames@gmail.com or (714) 6511911

ICONIC AMERICAN ROCK BAND “CHICAGO” EVENTS SET TO RETURN TO FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO

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ailed by former President Bill Clinton as “One of the most important bands in music since the dawn of the rock and roll era,” the legendary rock and roll band with horns, CHICAGO, makes their return to The Special Events Center at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Saturday, February 4, 2017.

Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2016, Chicago was the highest charting American band in Billboard Magazine’s recent Hot 200 All-Time Top Artists, coming in at number 9. In addition, Chicago is the first American rock band to chart Top 40 albums in six decades.

From the signature sound of the Chicago horns, their iconic vocalists, and a few dozen of their classic songs such as “25 Or 6 To 4,” “If You Leave Me Now,” “Hard Habit To Break,” “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” and “Saturday In The Park,” Chicago’s concerts are celebrations and 2017 will mark the band’s 50th consecutive year of touring without missing a single concert date!

Chicago’s lifetime achievements include a Grammy Award, multiple American Music Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, a Chicago city street dedicated in their honor, and proclamations and keys to an impressive list of U.S. cities. Record sales top the 100-million mark and include 21 top 10 singles, 5 consecutive number one albums, 11 number one singles, and five gold singles.

An incredible 25 of their 36 albums have been certified Platinum and the band has a total of 47 Gold and Platinum awards.

Chicago continues to thrill audiences around the world and they are true ambassadors for its beloved hometown, carrying the city’s name with pride and dignity wherever they go.

Tickets for the 8pm Chicago performance on Saturday, February 4, 2017 go on sale Friday, December 2, 2016 for $79, $59, and $39 at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, via telephone at (800) 827-2946 or online at FantasySpringsResort.com.

LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 1 to December 7, 2016

BY NOE GUTIERREZ

DIANE SCHUUR

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his Thursday, December 1, 2016 at 11 a.m. the Palm Springs Walk of Stars will honor two-time Grammy Award Winner, jazz legend, singer, pianist and Coachella Valley resident, Diane Schuur with its 406th star. The dedication is open to the public and will be conducted at 112 North Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.

Schuur, who was born blind, has collaborated with Barry Manilow, B.B. King, Ray Charles, and Jose Feliciano to name a few. Locally, Schuur is involved with the Braille Institute Rancho Mirage and other charitable organizations. Coachella Valley Weekly sat down with Schuur in her desert home to discuss her career and upcoming star dedication.

CVW: What does the honor of having a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars mean to you?

SCHUUR: “It’s a great surprise for me to be honored like this. It’s the best gift anyone ever gave me. I really found a home here when I moved a few years ago. It’s a wonderful tribute for the decades I have been in the music business.”

CVW: What do you love about living in the desert?

SCHUUR: “I love the heat! I love how warm it is. It doesn’t really bother me at all in the summer. The quality of life I have here is awesome. I love the people; I’ve met so many wonderful endearing people here so far.”

CVW: What other non-jazz artists do you listen to and admire?

STEVIERAPS

SCHUUR: “I’m a classic rock and roll girl.

I love Santana, The Who, AC/DC, Beatles, Jefferson Airplane, Steely Dan, and so on.”

CVW: What sense do you rely on most?

SCHUUR: “I rely on my hearing most, which is funny. I just found out I have slight hearing loss in my left ear and I also have tinnitus. I rely on my intuition also. I use my intuition a lot!”

CVW: What is the meaning behind the nickname “Deedles”?

SCHUUR: “My mother use to call me ‘Deedle Babe’ as a child. It just stuck with me.

We all have nicknames in my family.”

CVW: What is your favorite musical moment of your career thus far and why?

SCHUUR: “Oh, there are so many of them, I couldn’t count just one; The White House, singing at Carnegie Hall, performing at The Kennedy Center honoring Stevie Wonder, my first Grammy Award, my second Grammy Award & performing in China for 58,000 people was a trip.”

BY NOE GUTIERREZ

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tevieraps is a recording artist from Indio, California. He is affiliated with some of the desert’s elite hip hop artists; Lootenant, AL RO$$I, Dozzi Doz, D. Ayo, Buck Roogah & Ghost Mafia to name a few. He has performed his rhythmic-hiphop-poetry at Sol Sports Restaurant in Coachella, Schmidy’s Tavern and The Hood Bar & Pizza in Palm Desert. Moreover, Stevieraps is 21 year-old Stephen Joseph Gutierrez. Gutierrez can likewise be found on the California State University San Bernardino Palm Desert campus steadfastly earning his degree in Psychology. A 2015 graduate of College of the Desert, Gutierrez is homegrown, mapping out his future and not letting up. Coachella Valley Weekly spoke with Gutierrez about his development as an artist & upcoming performance with TOO $HORT, Mistah F.A.B. & Death Merchants at the Date Shed at 50725 Monroe Street Indio, CA on Friday, 12/2/16 at 9 p.m. Presale tickets for $25 are available on-line at ticketfly.com & dateshedmusic.com.

CVW: What inspired you to start rapping?

Stevieraps: “I was inspired by listening to how rap artists could use punch lines to make simple lyrics come to life and mean

more than what they really do. I paid attention to what rap artists said because it intrigued me and made me wonder what it really meant.”

CVW: Name some of your musical influences and why.

Stevieraps: “Some musical influences to me were rap artists like Tupac, Biggie, Mobb Deep, Nas, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg because those are the musicians I grew up listening.

Fabolous would have to be the rap artist who inspired me the most because of the way he always had a lyric that popped out in every song.”

CVW: Name some of your non-musical/ life influences and why.

CVW: What contemporary artist would you like to collaborate with and why?

SCHUUR: “I’d love to record with Andrea Bocelli. His voice is so rich to me. I would love to do a duet with Fantasia. She’s awesome. She has incredible vocal power and range.”

CVW: Your most recent recording, “I Remember You (With Love To Stan and Frank),” is your salute to Stan Getz and Frank Sinatra. What do each of them and their music mean to you?

SCHUUR: “They were both personal friends of mine. Stan is responsible for launching my career. He was a great mentor as well. He took me to the White House for a great program called Four Generations of Jazz. You can see it on You Tube. He taught me a lot about music and singing styles. Frank was a dear friend I had the honor of performing with. He also painted me a beautiful abstract picture which is in my home. His style and range and the way he interprets a song taught me a lot about music.”

CVW: Where do you see jazz music going as a whole? Do you believe it’s a dying art form? If so, how can we preserve and nurture it?

SCHUUR: “Jazz is the orphan child of the music business. It also is the root of all music you hear today. Rock and roll came out of jazz, Jazz has influenced generations of people. It is a true American art form. It was invented here in America. We should be more proud of its origins and roots and give it more exposure in the music world. We need younger ‘jazzers’ and a wider audience. We need to keep it alive by turning on the youth in our country. Jazz music will always be around. It tells a story people want to hear.”

CVW: What Coachella Valley restaurants do you enjoy?

SCHUUR: “AJ’s on the Green in Date Palm Country Club is my favorite place to eat. I also love Denny’s and Panda Express for a quick lunch. The Daily Grill in Palm Desert is a favorite as well. My favorite place is to eat at home though. I have a private chef who graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and used to own a restaurant in Orange County, who creates a sensational menu for me each week. It’s nutritional and flavorful and I can heat and serve myself.”

More information available at: dianeschuur.com palmspringswalkofstars.com

LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

Stevieraps: “My non-musical and life influence would have to be my mother Valerie Gutierrez. My mother always kept me motivated to keep on rapping and has helped me come this far. Without her I would not be where I am today. She has driven me even when I gave up on myself.”

CVW: You’ve collaborated with many other rap artists and vocalists. What do you enjoy about creating music with others?

Stevieraps: “I enjoy bouncing ideas off of one another and having so much creative energy in one room. This is what I enjoy most about creating music with others.”

CVW: You record and produce a majority of your music. What are the benefits?

What are the pitfalls?

Stevieraps: “The benefits of recording and producing my own music is not having to pay for studio time and getting to play with my voice when fixing it up. The pitfall of recording and producing my own music is working with my voice because I am so use to it.”

CVW: You started performing live at an early age. What have you learned about displaying your talents on stage and what would you share with someone who may have reservations about performing in

front of an audience?

Stevieraps: “I have learned that when you are on stage you need to interact with the crowd, make the whole stage your platform and give it all you got. People who have reservations about performing have to get over the fear of doing it because when you perform in front of people you bring the song to life.”

CVW: What has been your favorite music moment thus far?

Stevieraps: “My favorite music moments thus far would have to be getting on the bill with TOO $HORT because this is a big moment for me to show everyone what I really have.”

CVW: Who would be your dream collaborator?

Stevieraps: “Fabolous would be my dream collaborator because he is who inspired me to start making music.”

CVW: What can music fans expect from you on 12/2/16 opening for TOO $HORT? Stevieraps: “Music fans can expect new music at the TOO $HORT performance on the 2nd of December. It will be music you can dance to!”

Listen to Stevieraps at soundcloud.com/ stevieraps760

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December 1 to December 7, 2016

CONSIDER THIS

BEWARE OF DARKNESS

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re you tired, rundown, listless? Do you poop out at parties? Are you unpopular? If you’re looking for a little musical Vitametavegamin, the answer to all your problems is in this little record, Are You Real, from Los Angeles power trio, Beware Of Darkness.

The band has been together about six years. Lead vocalist/guitarist/sonic architect Kyle Nicolaides grew up in the sleepy coastal town of Santa Barbara. Musical inspiration struck before puberty and he made his bones in short-lived combos like the Rockabyes, the Cosmic Revelators and the Martyrs.

Soon he was haunting open mic nights at hometown venues like Jensen’s Main Stage and Muddy Waters Café. Setting up his own home studio, he was a virtual one-manband, playing all the instruments himself as he laid down tracks. A brief pursuit of higher education led Nicolaides to USC. But his musical ambitions quickly eclipsed his college career. Things really began to fall into place when he was introduced to drummer Tony Cupito following a solo show.

Ironically, bassist Daniel Curcio was in L.A. visiting family when he and Kyle met.

The three guys immediately connected over shared musical inspirations like Jeff Buckley, Led Zeppelin, Fiona Apple, David Bowie and arcane singer-songwriter Judy Sill.

Rather than jump headfirst into the hipster L.A. club scene, the three-piece spent a considerable amount of time honing their chops and crafting their sound.

They quickly settled on the name Beware Of Darkness, and inked a deal with the indie label, Bright Antenna. After testing the waters with an EP entitled Howl, their first full-length, Orthodox dropped in the Spring of 2013.

A potent elixir that incorporated hints of Rock Opera, Prog, Glitter/Glam and Psychedelia, Orthodox was anything but.

The cognoscenti immediately took notice and pretty soon the band was headlining club gigs as well as touring in support of legends like Smashing Pumpkins and up-

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

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

“ARE YOU REAL?” (BRIGHT ANTENNA RECORDS)

and-comers Rival Sons.

In an effort to placate their passionate fan base, the trio released a second EP, Sanctuary Season, in 2015. But it only served as an aperitif, for the sumptuous 12 course feast that is their sophomore longplayer, Are You Real?

The album opens with the raucous tripleplay of “Muthafucka,’ “Blood, Sex, Violence & Murder” and “Dope.” The first salvo, “Muthafucka,” careens out of speakers fullbore as Nicolaides declares “Motherfucker, I’m Back!” (No shit)! Chunka-chunka power chords swirl around the hook-filled melody.

Boomerang bass lines and a switchback rhythm split the difference between Industrial-Goth and Glitter/Glam.

Cyclonic riff-age collides with a hopscotch beat on “Blood...” Initially, Nicolaides plays the provocateur, announcing, “Blood, sex, violence and murder, murder/That’s my kind of shit, (pow, you’re dead).” But scratch beneath the surface, and the bravado gives way to real-life insecurities; “Take me back to when I was a kid, and everything I saw was as perfect as it was, unafraid of everything/Now I’m older, and now I’m colder, I’ve been beaten down one too many times by this world to know it’s easier to live in a shell.”

“Dope” is less dire. Driven by stompy syncopation, gritty guitar, wiry bass lines and layered vocals, it’s a salacious and slightly funky declaration of lust. Blunt and brusque, the come-on is the antithesis of subtle; “Tell me if you’re down to ride, my appetite is running wild, come on make it fast/If I take you home tonight, the only thing that’s in my sight is how long will you last?”

Three songs here manage to add new texture and colors to Beware Of Darkness’ sonic palette. “Angel” simply pulsates, pivoting between whispery vocals and visceral instrumentation. Over sandblasted guitar and a punishing backbeat the lyrics flirt with theosis and the after-life. “I wish I was the Lord Almighty, control, control, control, control/I would know your future and every detail, and time and place and way you’d leave this world/You lived you cried, you fought you died, I spread my angel wings today.”

“Hieroglyphics” is positively sludgey.

Down-tuned guitar, trampled-underfoot rhythms and roiling bass lines cocoon a howling cri de Coeur. The lyrics detail a cyber love-affair gone wrong. “Where the files are stored she kept my heart, zipped in bits behind firewalls/But she hacked right through and gave me a virus….in a digital world she broke my analog heart.”

Meanwhile, “Surrender” employs an anthemic melody accented by soaring, coruscated guitar and blistering bass fills as Cupito rides his hit-hat at a furious clip.

At the height of the New Wave era this song could have sandwiched comfortably

between A Flock Of Seagulls and U2 on a KROQ playlist.

The best tracks here are “Summer Daze,” “Are You Real” and “Tell Me This Isn’t Fate.” On “Summer…” slingshot guitar riffs give way to staccato “we are Siamese if you please” figures. The leap-frog rhythm provides ballast to this infectious ode to sunny California, (“it’s much breezier here on the Left Coast”).

The title track is a jackbooted Minuet; anchored by thundering bass runs and a pummeling back-beat. Nicolaides’ vocals are manly and menacing on the verses as he doles out these withering bon mots; “The talk of the town is that you’re talentless and we all know it, I heard when you pray even God is like ‘Oh no, not you again’/How does it feel? How does it feel? How does it feel? To be the bottom of the human race?”

Conversely, he also employs a feathery falsetto acting as a one-man Greek chorus.

His inventive guitar licks lattice over the melody. Rapid-fire arpeggios alternately sputter, spit and sparkle.

Finally “Tell Me…” shares some musical DNA with Billy Squier’s “The Stroke.” From its whomping rhythm, and quiet-loud verse/ chorus, it offers an irresistible Metallic Bubblegum crunch powered by whiplash riffs and Guitar Hero pyrotechnics.

The action slows only slightly on two tracks, the hypnotic “Sugar In The Raw” and the prickly “Beware.” The album closes with “Delirium.”

Uncharacteristically tentative, the instrumentation juxtaposes pinging spaceage synths, warm keys, spectral guitar and a heartbreak beat. Stripping away his requisite sneer, Nicolaides is the sincere supplicant quietly pleading with someone to “please see through your delirium, wake up and see the monster you’ve become/ Release, there’s nothing more that I can do, you’re killing yourself and all the ones that love you.” It’s a mournful end to a sanguine sophomore effort.

Mining the same musical territory as Arctic Monkeys, Raconteurs, Jane’s Addiction and Band Of Skulls, (sans the latter’s distaff energy), Are You Real is a potent antidote to the wintertime blues.

ART SCENE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 1 to December 7, 2016

BY ANGELA ROMEO

DIVERSITY – ELAINE SIGWALD AND THE IZEN MILLER GALLERY

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he Izen Miller Gallery is currently showing DIVERSITY- Artists from the Desert. The exhibition features work from Philippe Chambon, Downs, Ruth Gonzalez, Marcy Gregory, Nora Helmer, Bernard Hoyes, John Lubetow, Barry Orleans and Elaine Sigwald. On Saturday December 3rd at 5:00 pm the Gallery will hosts “Conversations with the Artists”. This is an opportunity for the public to meet the various artists. The exhibiting artists will give short talks about their work.

The show runs through December 30th.

The gallery is located at The River. 71800 Hwy 111, Suite B113, and Rancho Mirage.

Elaine Sigwald has three pieces in the DIVERSITY exhibition. Using digital technology Elaine creates paintings. “My process, basically I start by sitting in front of a blank computer screen staring vapidly at the screen.

When the inertia lifts I pick up my mouse and start to paint freehand. For me it is akin to being in front of an easel except there are no toxic chemicals involved which for me is essential as I am chemically sensitive,” noted Elaine.

Elaine is a storyteller. She weaves detailed imagery that start with figments of imagination. “I am compelled to create art; this action is essential to my existence while I am still a corporal being on this planet and not yet returned to stardust. I create stories and myths and then populate them with images of beings or abstract drawings. The constant in my work is ‘What if I.....?’”

“In the DIVERSITY exhibition, I have three pieces. Two of the pieces in the exhibition reference my lifetime fascination with exploring the infinite possibilities of parallel universes and what their worlds and the beings that populate them might look like.

I’ll always remember reading the Dr. Seuss book, Horton Hears a Who, to my daughter Kim and thinking this is how I see myself, an incalculably minute being living on a spinning orb in the middle of unfathomable darkness in the vastness of space. As a child I often wondered why I never fell off, that was before I learned about gravity. My hopes are that the viewers of these two pieces when reading

their titles, Mapquest Parallel Universe and Fishing on Elysium, might themselves be inspired to ponder the infinite possibilities afforded to all sentient beings and wonder who’s out there and what are they doing.”

Elaine’s pieces do allow the viewer to wander into a vast wonderland/wasteland.

The journey seems to be limited only by the viewer’s ability to see beyond the canvas.

Elaine’s third piece, The Tzar’s Egg, is a reference, Tzar’s Nicholas II the last Emperor of Russia. The Tsar presented his wife Alexandra Feodorovna with priceless Faberge eggs for all important occasions. The piece has an eerie very three-dimensional quality that tricks the eye into seeing a three-dimensional work.

For more info on Elaine Sigwald visit elainesigwald.com. For more info on Izen Miller Gallery, visit, izenmillergallery.com.

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December 1 to December 7, 2016

PET PLACE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY JANET McAFEE

FACEBOOK SAVES MAHTO!

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ocial media is revolutionizing how we find a spouse, a job, a house, and even a pet. There are 1.581 billion Facebook users worldwide, averaging 130 friends each, and over 1 billion of them log on daily. This powerful social media platform now saves the lives of countless shelter dogs, sending their appealing photos and stories electronically to thousands of prospective owners. Animals that might otherwise be euthanized due to lack of shelter foot traffic end up finding loving homes and bringing joy to their lucky humans.

Magen Arquette, volunteer at the San Bernardino City Shelter, posted the German Shepherd dog with the freckled face on her Facebook page. Foster parents Vanessa Ruggles and Curtis Sweesy saw the posting, and fell in love with the dog’s beautiful expression and the distinctive ring of freckles around his nose. They emailed Loving All Animals about sponsoring him. I wrote a Facebook comment to the dog’s Facebook chain asking someone at the shelter to evaluate his temperament and approximate age. A Facebook friend soon reported back, “He’s a sweetheart, gets along with other dogs, about 2 years old.”

A handsome German Shepherd with perhaps a bit of Akita, this young dog proved to be a sweet loving animal whose demeanor is that of a teddy bear. Mahto stands for “Bear” in Lakota Sioux, the name given by his foster dad. Mahto came within hours of being another grim statistic at a high kill shelter, a rustic building at the end of a dismal deadend street.

With the gait and confidence of a show dog, Mahto pranced into the parking lot and leaped eagerly into our waiting vehicle.

For anyone who thinks going into an animal shelter would be sad, there’s nothing like the feeling of joy when you escort an animal out the shelter door for the freedom ride home.

Mahto happily gazed at the rolling hills and inhaled the fresh air as we headed back to the Coachella Valley, released from his prison kennel.

Mahto thrived in his foster home, acknowledging Curtis as both savior and pack leader, and establishing his place in the couple’s pack of dogs. The eager-to-please dog was house trained and following basic commands within a day.

I posted Mahto on Loving All Animals page and my own Facebook page. Friend Kathy

Barnes “Shared” the post, and soon there was a comment from Cathleen Coombs-Stephens, a former co-worker, expressing her interest in the dog. I noted a happy picture of Cathleen’s dog sitting on a couch on her Facebook page, and Elmo Stephens even had his own Facebook page! I sent a message to Kathleen, and two days later she arrived for a “meet and greet” with her two sons. Our goodbye tears were soothed in knowing Mahto was going to a wonderful home.

MEET BOY This 2-yr-old Shepherd mix hopes for a home for the holidays! Boy’s hobbies are car trips with you, cuddling with you and the kids, and playing with other pups. Rescued by kittyswildliferescue.com Contact (760) 485-9657.

MEET PUTTER This raven coated fellow promises to bring you holiday joy with his playful antics.

Just over 1 year old, Putter was rescued by lovingallanimals.org.

Contact (760) 834-7000.

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Cathleen kept us updated on Facebook, “Can you imagine the joy I am experiencing watching Mahto and Elmo play? Mahto is also regularly getting in the kiddy pool. Today was a good day....Right now my son Declan is sitting on Mahto and he’s not even moving!”

Mahto now leads a charmed life, living on a 3/4 acre mountain property with a loving family. The majestic dog runs along mountain trails, the crackling fall leaves the only sound beneath his feet. Cathleen reports, “He is highly affectionate. The minute I sit down, Mahto forces his head under my hand for a pet. He learns really fast, and looks to our other dog for guidance. There is a definite camaraderie between the two dogs. The boys, Miles and Declan, adore Mahto because he plays catch and chase with them. We made the best decision to adopt this dog!”

Rescued by Facebook, adopted by Facebook, you can now see Mahto Stephens’ adventures on his own Facebook page. Check out Loving All Animals’ Facebook page and website www.lovingallanimals.org to see more adoptable animals. Call us to foster or adopt at (760) 834-7000. When you “Share” a homeless dog on Facebook, you may be creating a miracle for that animal. jmcafee7@verizon.net

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

THE VINO VOICE

December 1 to December 7, 2016

BY RICK RIOZZA

FOODIES DELIGHT! HOLIDAY FOOD & WINE PAIRINGS

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woke up today with an incredible appetite; felt like a bear after hibernating. What’s up with that! I guess all the Thanksgiving table and fanfare has simply ushered me into the gastronomic ethos, for which there is no escape until we are well into the New Year 2017 A.D. Indeed, mentioning the term “dieting” during this time period not only sounds rude and politically incorrect, but borders on uncivilized. And since I’ve been receiving many email requests for suggested holiday food and wine pairings, let’s allow my cuisine craving desires to fuel this article with some culinary lessons I’ve learned eating and reeling through the years.

I don’t see any particular rhyme nor reason to be methodical with first, second, third course dishes, so why not think of the first thing to come to mind and see what wine idea follows: bon appétit & cheers!

Smokey Glazed Ham with Red Pepper Jelly: Now I’m not a big sweet food enthusiast—I usually huddle to sour, salty, and savory; but baby it’s cold outside and there’s nothing more comforting than a big baked ham staring me in the face. The sauce recipe is “easy game-day execution” that can be prepared a day or two in advance. The sweet-sticky glaze of Dr. Pepper, wine, sugar, honey, vinegar, onion, ginger, peppercorns and chilies all brought to a boil and lathered on the baking ham is the bomb!

And, I’m dreaming of a red pinot wine: Oregon Pinot Noir tends to be spicy and berry-rich—great with the flavorful ham.

Willamette [will-LAM-et] Valley wines are somewhat a bridge between true French Burgundian complex-style and the California fruit forward vino. Kudos to Kudo’s Oregon Pinot Noir at only $13.99, everyone’s happy with this pairing!

Herbed Pork Rib Roast: Such a versatile cut of pork, it can be sliced into chops and cooked individually or roasted whole and carved at the table. Simple enough to blend sliced garlic with the olive oil, thyme and rosemary. Rub the herb paste all over the pork roast and let stand at room temperature for 2 hours or refrigerate overnight. Just thinking of this dish brings to mind LA’s venerable “Phillipe’s Restaurant with their “double-dip” pork sandwiches.

(Can you tell I’m a bit hungry?)

Let’s shake things up a bit and think first of a white wine to go with the pork. A creamy Chardonnay with tasty hints of fruit and oak can shake you from that limiting ABC attitude (i.e., anything but chardonnay) when properly paired with this scrumptious pork dish. I know there are many Rombauer and La Crema fans out there—but may I suggest the River Road Russian River Chardonnay Reserve at only $16.99 a bottle. It’s vibrant, with a hint of vanilla and bright fresh pear flavors in a full-bodied

format, with a long clean finish.

As for a red wine, always think of a light-bodied Beaujolais-Village, with its lip-smacking tangy wild raspberry and strawberry notes surrounded with savory spices. Move up to a Cru Beaujolais for a bit more age and complexity. We enjoyed a 2012 Morgon at Thanksgiving: ‘twas the consummate holiday red.

For you diners who are embracing “retro dishes”, I swoon at the thought of a well-made cheese soufflé: puffed high and golden brown, with its center still a molten sauce. Google a good recipe for certain, but I do know they require the best eggs and cheese, and, no one’s scoffing at adding a touch of truffle. Using Gruyère is the classic, but also adding Parmigiano-Reggiamo to the mix is deliciously decadent!

One reason for suggesting the soufflé, is the fact that you readers consistently bring up the fact that I never recommend your favorite wine: Pinot Grigio. But check this out: I can’t think of a better wine than the white-peach nuanced pinot grige to pair with such a rich dish. Santa Margherita is always popular, but I’m recommending the Tesoro della Regina Pinot Grigio at only $14.99. Along with crisp peach and apple notes, the Tesoro carries fresh orchard blossoms and minerality that moves and energizes the soufflé to soft splendor.

Well—I’ve done it. I can’t get cheese and eggs out of my frame of mind. So let’s talk about a Spaghetti alla Carbonara dish that’s a great cold weather dish, easy to prepare, and makes for great entertaining during the holidays. This unassuming presentation of pasta, eggs, pancetta and black pepper fills the mouth with comfort and flavor.

The wine pairing here is simple: Sangiovese! Either by way of a Chianti or a Toscana red, this bright fruity wine with earthy and sanguine notes brings out the fabulous savors of the dish that’s served happily at breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Mangiamo! Tutti!

Of course, when coming to a table that’s yet to be dressed, or, when a panoply of surprise dishes are presented, our go-to wine is always the welcomed Brut Rosé Champagne or sparkler that matches with pretty much everything culinary, and, simply wonderful chilled-up by itself. Check

out the delicious Louis Bouillot Crémant de Bourgogne at only $18.99.

Whoa!—sorry, looks like my eyes and stomach were too big for this week’s article space with only a few suggestions. Timely and hopefully tasty, perhaps we’ll keep with this theme throughout the holiday season.

And, should you readers have an epiphany pairing you’d wish to share with us, forward it to me—I’d love to mention it.

Let’s eat, drink, and be merry!

Rick is the valley’s somm-about-town eating and entertaining about. Contact him at winespectrum@aol.com or come by Total Wines & More and talk turkey with the wine team.

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December 1 to December 7, 2016

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THUR DECEMBER 1

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bobby Furgo & Co 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Discoteca w/ DJ Victor Rodriguez 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Trio w/ Francesca Amari, Bill Marx and Doug MacDonald 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and Dancing 9pm THE BLOCK; CC; 760-832-7767 Reggae Thursdays 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHILL BAR; PS; 760-327-1079 TBA 8pm THE CONGO ROOM; PS; 760-322-7353 TBA CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Barry Baughn and Bob Gross 6:30pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760-3656633 Open Mic Night 7pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 7:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Chris Lomeli 7pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Punk Rock Night 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Slim Man 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 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 Professor Colombo 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 T.D.G.A.F.A.U. #5 w/ Low Budget, Yayo, System D, Tip Toe Stallone 2Toxic and more 8pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 DJ Dracer 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 STUFT PIZZA; PD; 760-777-9989 Acoustic Live w/ Derek Jordan Gregg 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 T-Bone Karaoke 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Anthony DiGerlando Show 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Robert Salisbury 5-6pm, Carolyn Martinez Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Derek Jordan Gregg 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Closed ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 8pm

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FRI DECEMBER 2

19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 TBA 9pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Wonder Duo 6:30pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 California Barbershop Presents: 2nd Annual Takeover 10pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 The Gilmore & Bryan Show 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Fleet Easton 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 InCOLOR w/ Big Cali, DXSKO, Skywalker Mike, JMKM, Cam Gnarly and Grizz Le’ 9pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Dude Jones 9pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pm THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 Karaoke 9pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 DJ Double A 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHILL BAR; PS; 760-327-1079 TBA 7pm CLUB 5 BAR; IND; 760-625-1719 TBA 8pm THE CONGO ROOM; PS; 760-322-7353 TBA 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm DATE SHED; IND; Empire Music Ventures Presents: Too Short w/ Death Merchants and Yo Stevie Raps 9pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Gina Carey 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 The Myx 8:30pm THE HARD ROCK; PS; 760-325-9676 Esjay & Friends Acoustic Sessions w/ Hannah Mills and Razor J 8pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Barfly’s 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live DJ 8:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Funky Friday’s w/ DJ Funk 8pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Slim Man 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox, at night

LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 New Breed 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 DJ Jerry 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MITCH’S ON EL PASEO; PD; 760-779-9200 Michael Keeth 12-3pm 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 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-3450222 Roadrunners 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Paul Chesne Band 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 An Evening with Marilyn Maye w/ Billy Stritch 7:30pm RANCHO LAS PALMAS; RM Hot Wyre 5:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Blackwater 9pm 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 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 Off Da Cuff 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo & Dennis Michaels 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Meet the Corwins 5:30pm, The John Stanley King Show 8pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 T.B.A. 1:304:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 TBA 5:30pm WANG’S IN THE DESERT; PS; 760-325-9264 Karaoke 8:30pm

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December 1 to December 7, 2016

TRYST; PS; 760-832-6046 TBA 10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 DJ Hektik 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Rose Mallett & Barney McClure 5pm, Kal David, Lauri Bono & The Real Deal 7:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & JB 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm Michael Keeth 7-11pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345- THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Mark Gregg 7pm 6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Rob Martinez and Todd Ashley ft. Lisa LaFaro JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 TBA 7-11pm Weselis 5-8:30pm Teddy Quinn 5pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Stanley Butler Trio 6:30pm Mallett 6:30pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Slim ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 9pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 9pm Man 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company, in the afternoon, Hot Rox, at night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev Entertainment 5:30pm Garcia 6pm & Bill 6:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Clifton 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 TBA 9pm New Breed 9pm California Barbershop Presents: 2nd Annual ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 California THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888Takeover 11am poolside, Slacker Sunday w/ Barbershop Presents: 2nd Annual 999-1995 TBA 9pm DJ Neil Schield 10pm Takeover 11am poolside, 10pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760- AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm Brunch w/ Joel Baker 11am 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Karaoke 8-1:15am Show 7:30pm Cabaret On The Green Open Mic 7:30pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm Dancing 9pm 7:30pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Noche 4080 212 Band 9pm En Las Palmas w/ Kiki Diago, Ocho Ojas, Yoni PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345- Keeth 6-10pm and Eye Candy 9pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 8880222 Off Da Cuff 6:30pm 999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm BEATNIK LOUNGE; JT; TBA 9pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 THE CONGO ROOM; PS; 760-322-7353 BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 The Refills Mojave Lords, The Hangmen, The Ooks of Mikole Kaar Pro Jazz Jam 1-4pm 9pm Hazard and Sumo Princess 9pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Radio THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 TBA 9pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-32260 3-6pm 1877 Karaoke 7:30pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-775EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 5566 DJ 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey Karaoke 9pm 6-10pm continue to page 20 CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 An Evening with Marilyn Maye w/ Billy 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am Stritch 7:30pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 House of Tuzzolino 5:30pm Alice 9pm CHILL BAR; PS; 760-327-1079 8pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 Michael CLUB 5 BAR; IND; 760-625-1719 TBA 9pm Keeth 7-10pm THE CONGO ROOM; PS; 760-322-7353 SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro TBA 9pm Brothers 8pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S Bill Baker Show 6pm MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Blues 8-11pm Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S DILLON’S BURGERS & BEER; DHS; 760-774MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens 7131 TBA 8pm 8-11pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK 1199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Furgo 9pm Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm Jack Ruvio 6:30pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 TBA 8:30pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 TBA 6pm THE HARD ROCK; PS; 760-325-9676 DJ Paparazzi and TBA at Bardot 9pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Desert DJ 9pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 No Mouth Brakes Comedy Show 8pm, Selena Mos w/ THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Ocho Ojas and DJ Alf Alpha 9pm Dennis Michael 6:30pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm 328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm

SAT DECEMBER 3

SUN DECEMBER 4

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December 1 to December 7, 2016

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December 1 to December 7, 2016

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December 1 to December 7, 2016

SCREENERS

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BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

No. 241

A BOUNTY OF CLASSIC HOME VID TITLES

MOBY DICK (1956) For its 60th anniversary, John Huston’s lauded adaptation of Herman Melville’s mighty sea saga of obsession and madness debuts on hi-def in a presentation meticulously retimed referencing an archival Library of Congress print to restore the silvery, desaturated color scheme originally intended by Huston and acclaimed British cinematographer Oswald Morris. The goal was to create a cinematic palette that was a perfect reflection of Melville’s “damp, drizzly November in my soul.” Modeled on the 19th-century aquatints that brought the adventures of contemporaneous whalers to an eager-for-sensation general public – the very sort of images on view in the film’s title sequence – this is a visual style that is not just distinctive, but revolutionary: not so much sepia as silvery, and on occasion so bled of color that it resembles black-andwhite documentary footage. The overall effect is haunting – and, like Melville’s book, as representative of an interior mindscape as it is of the exterior seascape.

Ray Bradbury collaborated with Huston on the exquisitely crafted screenplay that

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I loved the look of the cold gray world of the story and life in the New Bedford seaport of the early 1800s. Besides Peck, the wonderful cast features Richard Basehart, Leo Genn, Orson Welles and of course one must mention Friedrich von Ledebur as Queegqueg. Blu-ray. Twilight Time Movies, Limited Edition. This one is selling fast and will soon be out-of-print.

Strongest recommendation.

retains much of the poetic power of what many scholars consider the greatest of all American novels.

I knew Bradbury and got the impression that he was peeved at Huston demanding co-screenwriting credit. Watching the movie again, I recognize Bradbury’s touch in creating a world in which an obsessed madman is determined to hunt down at whatever cost the titular Great White Whale, a potent symbol of all the unstoppable evil in the world. But Captain Ahab (a terrific Gregory Peck) is clearly challenging and blaming God Himself as the force behind his misery and madness. Thankfully, the literate screenplay is faithful to Melville.

THE BOSTON STRANGLER (1968)

PRETTY POISON (1968)

Set in a small New England town, Noel Black’s feature film debut is a wickedly smart and darkly funny neo-noir gem that’s now considered a certified cult classic. Anthony Perkins (Psycho) as a recently paroled mental patient and luscious Tuesday Weld as the high school cheerleader he leads on “secret missions until their roles are startlingly reversed with unexpected and deadly consequences.

This much desired nifty little suspense tale is lifted to near greatness thanks to Miss Weld’s sexually charged majorette who tricks a besotted and beguiled Perkins into helping her commit a murder. The plot unfolds like a pulp thriller and sustains a charged menace and erotic allure that will jolt and seduce you into submission. This first time on Blu-ray forgotten fave from the 60s is about what happens when two pathologies collide and the deadly ripples it generates in a bucolic New England village.

Blu-ray. Twilight Time Movies. Limited edition.

Tony Curtis’s daring, image-busting performance as suspect Albert DeSalvo drives director Richard Fleischer’s gritty, ripped-from-the-headlines police and procedural about the desperate hunt for a serial killer still packs a wallop. Variety called it “a triumph of taste and restraint. I think the thing that most makes the movie work is the compelling, low key, semidocumentary style. Certainly Fleischer’s tight direction and the faithful adaptation (in structure and spare dialogue) of Gerold Frank’s best selling book is a big plus in recounting the real-life case of a killer who terrorized Boston, murdering many women and defying the best efforts of a special division headed by John S. Bottomly (Henry Fonda) to catch him. Then the police zero in on DeSalvo, a seemingly “normal” family man who appears to be suffering from a “split personality” as it was called at the time. For me, the climactic scene is the pinnacle of Curtis’s acting career. Blu-ray.

Twilight Time Movies. Limited Edition.

Questions, comments?

RobinESimmons@aol.com

BOOK REVIEW

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 1 to December 7, 2016

BY HEIDI SIMMONS

MUCH TO DO ABOUT NOTHING -----------------------------------------------------

“SEINFELDIA”

BY JENNIFER KEISHIN ARMSTRONG NON-FICTION

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

R

eruns of the 90’s sitcom “Seinfeld” can be found around the clock somewhere on the hundreds of channels televisions now support. One streaming company touts the complete “Seinfeld” series as a subscription selling incentive. Almost two decades later, the show continues to garner acknowledgment for its unique perspective forever earning a significant place in television history.

A new generation is discovering “Seinfeld” and it remains a favorite for those who watched when the show first aired from 1989 to 1998 on NBC. In Seinfeldia: How a Show About Nothing Changed Everything (Simons & Schuster, 310 pages) entertainment writer Jennifer Keishin Armstrong enters the world to discover what made a show about “nothing” so entertaining and successful.

Author Armstrong begins with an event at Coney Island’s minor league baseball stadium in 2014 where 7,500 people (a sold-out crowd) showed up to celebrate all things “Seinfeld.” It wasn’t the baseball competition they came for, but the other competitions like the “Elaine” dance off, the “Jerry” diamond run, a marble-rye fishing race and a pick-or-scratch contest. The stadium was temporarily renamed “Vandelay Industries Park.”

For Seinfeld fans, these are just a few references

that have become part of a well-known Seinfeldia subculture.

Jerry Seinfeld was (and still is) a successful stand-up comedian living in New York. In the late 80s, he was approached by NBC executives to put together a situation comedy where the show centered around him.

The only writer friend Seinfeld had was Larry David. The two met doing stand-up, had a similar sense of humor and liked each other. Together, they reluctantly pitched the idea of a show around how a comedian finds material.

A similar TV episode has Jerry and “George” -Larry’s character -- pitching the subject as a show “about nothing.” The show about “nothing” has stuck more for the episodic reference rather than because that is what “Seinfeld” is actually about.

David believed all the characters were more despicable than delightful. Each episode one of the characters schemed or lied to benefit themselves.

Author Armstrong covers how each of the main characters came on board and adjusted to their parts.

Jason Alexander was a Tony award winning New York theater actor. When the audition came up he was between jobs and never thought it would amount to anything. Network pilots rarely made it to the fall line up and David’s good friend was after the part, so he was certain he wouldn’t be in LA long. But, both Seinfeld and David knew right away Alexander was perfect for the role.

Julia Louis-Dryfus came on board after several episodes after several episodes were filmed as

“Elaine.” The show needed more estrogen. In the beginning, Louis-Dryfus felt she wasn’t getting enough to do, so David told the writers to consider her as just one of the guys.

Michael Richards who plays the beloved “Kramer” was named after David’s real nieghbor in New York. Richards kept to himself and remained separate from the others during production breaks.

Alexander felt that Richards was indeed a bit insane like his character. Richards was a perfectionist and did each take differently and was rarely satisfied.

Richards was so popular, producers had to ask live audiences to not scream and clap when he come into the scene because it was disruptive.

This is a fun book for anyone who loves the “Seinfeld” series. Armstrong goes into detail about how the show overcame obstacles and found its groove.

Early on, the NBC execs did not know what the show was and let the sit com novices do their own creative thing. David continually believed the show would be coming to an end soon -- and welcomed it. David and Seinfeld, more often than not, mined material from their lives and the writer’s lives and

David feared there would be nothing more to do after each season.

There are many favorite and familiar episodes and classic scenes included throughout Seinfeldia.

Armstrong discusses how the episode “The Contest” came about where the four characters make a bet regarding who can remain “master of their domain” the longest -- a phrase that has become popular within the subculture and now fills in for masturbation.

The Seinfeld series continues to entertain and the quality of the writing, acting, directing holds up. Reading Seinfeldia is like reading about your friends and mutual experiences. It’s great to read what happened behind the scenes on favorite episodes and how Seinfeld and David maintained such a creative and different TV show.

Today, there are discussion groups and blogs and the series has an ongoing life that is growing.

People share ideas about how Seinfeld might deal with modern topics like social media.

Armstrong includes references, a list of those she interviewed and an index, which is always nice. I felt like she not only answered my questions about the show and those behind it, but delivered an important book about a significant television series and how it continues to permeate our metareality.

Seinfeldia is a world locked in time, but the human dilemmas and behavioral observations are timeless.

SAFETY TIPS

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

KEEPING YOU WARM – SAFELY..

HEATER/GAS SAFETY TIPS

T

his cold front and much needed rain are prompting people to turn on their heaters/furnaces for the first time in a long time. This time of year fire departments respond increasingly to calls of “odor of gas inside” says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.

Most heaters have not been used in months.

Heating appliances should be serviced annually to keep them operating safely and efficiently. A licensed heating contractor or your California Gas Co. Representative can provide this service for you.

Here are a few tips for a safe, warm, and energy-efficient winter: • Have natural gas furnaces checked at least once a year by a licensed heating contractor or Southern California Gas Co rep.

• Vacuum and clean regularly in and around the furnace, particularly around the burner compartmenttopreventabuild-upofdustandlint.

Never store items in, on or around the appliance that can obstruct airflow.

• Most forced-air units have a filter that cleans the air before heating and circulating it throughout the home. Check furnace filters every month during the heating season and clean or replace the filter when necessary.

• When installing a new or cleaned furnace filter, be sure to re-install the front panel door of the furnace properly so it fits snugly; never operate the furnace without the front-panel door properly in place because doing so may create the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Check the appearance of the flame. If the flame is yellow, large and unsteady, the furnace needs to be inspected immediately by a licensed heating contractor or Southern California Gas Co rep to have the condition corrected.

• Using an unvented gas heater in your home is dangerous and a violation of the California Health and Safety Code.

• Never use your oven, range or outdoor barbecue to heat your home because these appliances are not designed for this purpose.

Again, the best advice is to contact a licensed qualified heating contractor or Southern California Gas Co. Representative inspect your furnace.

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

19

December 1 to December 7, 2016

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 15 THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 CV Music Showcase Round 2 w/ Sun Drug, Skitzo Attack, Sunday Funeral and Hundred Forms 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 9pm The Luminators 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345- AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 6466 Ted Herman’s Big Band 6pm Bill Marx 6:30pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Mood Open Jam 6pm Deep House Lounge 6pm-2am LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325THE CONGO ROOM; PS; 760-322-7353 2794 Palm Springs Sound Company, in the Open Mic Comedy 8pm afternoon, Hot Rox, at night INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Larry Capeloto 6pm LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760- 2794 Hot Rox 325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Red’s Rockstar NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm Henry 7:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET›S; PT; 760-365-5956 PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Open Mic 7pm Sunday Band 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND PETE’S HIDEAWAY;PS; 760-322-6500 The COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Industry Evaro Brothers 7pm Night w/ DJ Tone 2pm-close PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 The Judy SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341Show 7pm 3560 T.B.A. 6pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Guy Worden VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 9pm Mike Costley’s Showcase 6:30pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Gee 7pm Rayne 4:30-2am, Michael James & SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Khodi 3sum 9-2am The Myx 6pm VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 The TBA 6:30pm Chris Gore Group Pro Jam 7pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Trish VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 John Hatley and Barney McClure Jazz 6pm Stanley King Trio 6:30pm VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 TBA 5pm WANG’S IN THE DESERT; PS; 760-325-9264 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 TBA 6pm Michael Lowe 6pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke Rob Martinez and Scott Carter 6-8pm with Kiesha 9pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 The AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Smooth Brothers 6pm Linda Peterson 7pm

MON DECEMBER 5

TUE DECEMBER 6

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-2am THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 Karaoke en Espanol 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm THE CONGO ROOM; PS; 760-322-7353 Latin Night w/ DJ Lisp 9pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Chuck Alvarez 6:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Singer/ Songwriter Night 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm INDIAN CANYONS GOLF RESORT; PS; 760833-8700 DJ Randy Johnson 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Michael D’Angelo 6:15pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Jethro BoDidley 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Ladies Night 7pm

PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Rose Mallett 6:30pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Douglas McDonald Duo 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Mike Costley Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Tequila Tuesdays 9pm VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 TBA 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 John Boliver Jazz 6pm

WED DECEMBER 7

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Daniel Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Andrew Victor 7pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Jam w/ Shelley Yoelin Group 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 TBA 9pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 The Smooth Brothers 8pm THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 CV Open Mic Competition Hosted By Morgan James 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 TBA 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm THE CONGO ROOM; PS; 760-322-7353 TBA 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 Karaoke 7:30pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 TBA 6pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm

EVENTS

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

I STOPPED FOR A SAX PACK AND…

I

had the greatest time thanks to someone who is always so great with me and one of the sweetest people I know, Tracy Dietlin of the CV Weekly. Knowing I love all types of music but have a deep love for Smooth Jazz, Tracy gave me an “assignment” from my regular CV Weekly duties of fire/ life safety articles to review “The Sax Pack” featuring Jeff Kashiwa, Steve Cole and Jackiem Joyner at Grooves at the Westin.

What a great venue as the staff at the Westin make you feel like the star upon arrival and Jeff, Steve and Jackiem mingled with the guest prior to the show making you feel at home, adding to a great evening. All

were true gentlemen! When I walked up for our tickets I said to myself, “where do I know this guy from?” It then dawned on me it was Michael Paulo who was on hand registering the guests into the show. I never miss Michael’s performances while he is in Orange County.

The next show you certainly don’t want to miss at the Westin is Saturday, December 10, 2016, 7:00pm with the Jazz All Stars featuring Harvey Mason, Paul Jackson Jr, Patrice Rushen, Freddie Washington and of course Michael Paulo!

Thank you Tracy!

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

S and G

PUMPING SERVICE

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

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760-404-6325

INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Open Mic w/ Rich Bono & Poupee Boccaccio 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live Music KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic hosted by Amy Angel 6:30pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Andy Cahan 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Mikael Healey 8pm MITCH’S ON EL PASEO; PD; 760-7799200 Michael Keeth 12-3pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Roger Lemieux 5pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-288-1199 Karaoke w/ KJ Ginger 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Michael Holmes Jazz Trio 6:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 The Myx 6:30pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Mike Costley Band 6:30pm TJ’S; PD; 760-345-6744 Derek Jordan Gregg 9pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Barry Minniefield 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Nite Fixx 9-2am WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Deanna Bogart 6:30pm

HADDON LIBBY

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

SUPERVISOR JOHN BENOIT

I

n a sad piece of news for all of us in the Coachella Valley, our representative on the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, John Benoit, announced that he has advanced pancreatic cancer. As a result, he will be reducing his daily duties as Supervisor to rightly and bravely focus on his health and his family.

All of us at CV Weekly want to share our best wishes and prayers with Supervisor Benoit and his family. A staunch Catholic, John has one of the best spiritual counselors possible in Father Lincoln of Sacred Heart Church in Palm Desert. If anyone can beat this ghastly disease, it will be John.

Whatever your political party affiliation and whether you are religious or not, take a moment or two from your day to send John Benoit and his family positive and caring thoughts and, if so inclined, prayers that will buttress their strength in their time of struggle.

Supervisor Benoit’s health issues are sadly reminiscent of those of his predecessor, Roy Wilson. Roy was beloved by all who knew him. When this gifted person was diagnosed with bone cancer, he continued working from his Palm Desert home until his last days. One of his final

wishes was for John Benoit to assume his seat. Our Governor at the time was a Republican, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who honored this request naming John Benoit, also a Republican, as Roy Wilson’s successor.

In 2010, Benoit was elected to a full fouryear term followed by his re-election in 2014.

Given the gravity of Supervisor Benoit’s health issues, it is reasonable to contemplate who might fill Supervisor Benoit’s seat if he needs to resign prior to the completion of his current term which ends in 2018.

The obvious choice is Brian Nestande.

Nestande currently serves as the Deputy CEO for Riverside County. Brian’s deceased brother, Barry, was John’s chief of staff.

When Brian lost in his bid to unseat Raul Ruiz as our Representative in the House of Representatives, John was Brian’s strongest backer for securing the long-unfilled position as Deputy CEO for the County.

Additionally, Nestande is respected and well-liked by the majority of the Riverside Board of Supervisors.

A complicating factor this time is that Governor Jerry Brown is a Democrat. Would a Democrat name a Republican to fill out the term? If party affiliation has nothing to

do with it, Brian Nestande is the obvious choice. Given what we all know about politics, it is more likely that Brown will name a Democrat.

Looking at possible Democratic options, Greg Pettis has a strong relationship with Supervisor Benoit and is one of the most active city councilpersons in the Coachella Valley. Additionally, Pettis was a super delegate at the Democratic National Convention meaning that he is a respected

December 1 to December 7, 2016

member of the Democratic Party here in California.

Brown could also look toward the Coachella City Council and V. Manny Perez.

This Harvard and UC-Riverside grad was elected to the California State Assembly from 2008-2014 before being termed out of his seat.

Greg Rodriguez who recently lost in his bid to unseat Chad Mayes as State Assembly Member is well respected by Democrats and many Republicans in the Coachella Valley. Prior to campaign, Rodriguez served as Chief of Staff for Raul Ruiz.

In closing, take a lead from John Benoit and direct your everyday thoughts and efforts toward making the lives of your family members and community better.

Chase anger, hatred and negative thoughts from your life while focusing on positive words and actions. By doing this, you will make your world a better place while paying tribute to people like Roy Wilson and John Benoit who have dedicated their lives toward making our world a better place.

Haddon Libby is a Financial Advisor and Managing Partner at Winslow Drake and can be reached at 760.449.6349 or HLibby@ WinslowDrake.com.

DALE GRIBOW ON THE LAW

DUI? THE NUMBER OF DRINKS DOES NOT MATTER

Y

ou may be asking if the number of drinks really doesn’t matter can I drink as much as I want and then get behind the wheel? Clearly that is not the case. Most DUI drivers believe they were “not drunk” and should win their case because they did not deserve to be arrested.

The fact is that you do not have to be drunk, you merely have to be under the influence, buzzed or impaired. The crucial issue if not how many drinks you consumed, but how much alcohol was in each drink ...as well as the time lapse and driver’s weight.

I recently met with a 25 year old who swore he only had one drink. I told him that was impossible “with his very high” reading.

He swore he was being honest. I told him then the machine must be defective and we would subpoena the maintenance records of that machine.

Then I asked him if he used a red 16 oz.

Costco cup and filled it to the first cup line and topped it off with OJ. He said yes. I explained that was 12 oz. which equals 12 drinks... not one. I explained to him the law looks at the total amount of alcohol not the number of drinks. One drink is one 12 oz. beer, 4 ounces of wine or 1 ounce of alcohol.

With a DUI stop the Officer orders the driver to exit the vehicle and asks them to

take a Field Sobriety Test (FST). Most drivers (and lawyers) don’t know the Breath Test and the (FST) at the scene are OPTIONAL. These tests can only hurt ones case.

It is arguable that taking a Blood Test at the police station or hospital is preferable.

Many believe that with the passage of time the reading will go down somewhat by the time the blood is drawn...........unless the driver just chugged a drink and the alcohol had not yet gotten into the blood system. The average driver is not aware that it takes about an hour for the alcohol to go into your blood stream and an hour to come out............but now YOU DO! The officer will tell the driver that he smells alcohol on their breath and ask where and how much s/he was drinking. However, “The Dose Makes the Poison”! In other words it’s the Amount of Alcohol, NOT the Number of Drinks that are Important.

The law looks at whether the driver is Driving Under the Influence, Buzzed or Impaired. The term Drunk Driving is a misnomer as one does NOT have to be drunk. IF one has a .08 reading then they are arguably DUI and the burden almost falls back upon the driver to prove s/he was not under the influence.

The driver both in and out of custody sees

many advertisements for DUI & PI lawyers on TV, the yellow pages or they get letters from out of town lawyers offering to help. They don’t know what to do. Anyone can advertise they handle PI’s and DUI’s and many of these lawyers are not experienced, not local and do not know the local judges, DA’s etc.

My best advice: “If you are arrested for a possible DUI and or having been in an Accident, DO NOT TALK TO ANYONE OTHER THAN YOUR LAWYER.” SILENCE IS GOLDEN AND HANDCUFFS ARE SILVER and talking can ONLY hurt your case. The sad fact is that law enforcement officers, DA’s and Insurance Co adjusters are NOT your friends, no matter how much they tell you they are. They are just doing their job and trying to make a case

based on the facts of your arrest.

“Though I am sometimes referred to as a criminal DUI defense lawyer, I choose to not view my clients as “criminals”. I prefer to view them and more importantly to treat them as good, honest people that have found themselves in a scary and unfortunate situation by drinking too much.”

I look upon my job as protecting the Constitutional Rights of every American who drinks and drives and gets arrested for a DUI. I do however “Change Hats” when I SUE Drunk Drivers for damages to my Injured or Deceased (Wrongful Death) clients.

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, CALL A TAXI OR UBER.....IT IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME! THE RSO WARNS “DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER” If you have any questions regarding this column or ideas for future columns please contact Dale Gribow 760 837-7500 or dale@ dalegribowlaw.

DALE GRIBOW “TOP LAWYER” - Palm Springs Life 20112016 (DUI) “TOP LAWYER”-Inland Empire Magazine Nov, 2016 10.0 AVVO Perfect Peer Rating

21

December 1 to December 7, 2016

SPORTS SCENE

WILD RIVALRY WEEK SHAKES UP RANKING

W

ashington’s dominating 45-17 win over Washington State in the Apple Cup moved the Pac12 one step closer to the College Football Playoff. The Huskies will face either Colorado or USC next week in the conference championship game. If Washington wins that, it’ll be extremely difficult to keep them out of the final four.

The Big Ten (Penn State-Wisconsin), SEC (Alabama-Florida), ACC (Clemson-Virginia Tech) and Pac-12 (Colorado-Washington) will play conference title games next week while the Big 12 crown will be decided in Bedlam between Oklahoma State and Oklahoma.

Ohio State, No. 2 in last week’s College Football Playoff rankings, is in the clubhouse awaiting its fate while the rest of the Top 10 (minus Michigan) will have a shot to improve or solidify its case. The Buckeyes survived a wild one at home against Michigan on Saturday.

What exactly are these rankings you ask?

AP Poll: A team receives 25 points for each first place vote, 24 for second place and so on through to the 25th team, which receives one point. The AP Poll has been around since 1936, and a panel of 61 voters makes up the results.

Coaches Poll: A panel, chosen at random, of FBS coaches vote in the Amway Coaches poll. Like the AP Poll, each voter submits a Top 25 with a first-place vote worth 25 points, second place 24, and so on down to one point for 25th.

The S&P+ Ratings — developed by Bill Connelly of SB Nation and Football Outsiders — are an analytical system “derived from the play-by-play and drive data of all 800+ of a season’s FBS college football games.”

It considers efficiency, explosiveness, field position, turnovers and finishing drives as the most important factors for a football team. It’s less concerned with wins and losses than any of the other rankings.

ESPN FPI: FPI, maintained by ESPN, is

22

BY FLINT WHEELER

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

a predictive model that projects a team’s future success based on its past performance.

Per ESPN, “FPI represents how many points above or below average a team is. Projected results are based on 10,000 simulations of the rest of the season using FPI, results to date, and the remaining schedule.”

Furthermore, No. 1 Alabama took down Auburn in the Iron Bowl, pretty much guaranteeing the Tide a spot in the College Football Playoff even if they somehow lose to Florida, which went 0 for 12 on third down in a 31-13 loss to Florida State, next week.

LSU removed Ed Orgeron’s interim tag, making him the team’s head coach.

The program reportedly refused to pay $6 million per year for Tom Herman, who jumped from Houston to Texas on Saturday.

Les Miles had some nice things to say about Orgeron getting the job. Oh, and Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen was linked to the now-vacant Houston post.

No. 2 Ohio State beat No. 3 Michigan, 30-27 in double overtime. It will probably go down as the most exciting game of the college football regular season and it had everything — a fight, missed field goals, a controversial finish and so much more.

It wasn’t all that well-played, but it will certainly be memorable.

Curtis Samuel made an absurd play — running about 100 yards for an 8-yard gain — that could have cost Ohio State the game, but instead setup J.T. Barrett’s fourth-down run that rendered Samuel’s run so forgettable. Ohio State fans stormed the field, Jabrill Peppers pushed one of them and Jim Harbaugh ripped the refs after the loss.

Will Ohio State make the College Football Playoff? I think so, but we’ll find out in eight days. It’s far from a sure thing. No. 7 Penn State and No. 6 Wisconsin meet in the Big Ten Championship Game and the winner could reach the top 4, too.

Buckle up - It’ll be a wild ride to the finish.

ASK JENNY

BY JENNY WALLIS

“HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING?”

D

ear Jenny, I’m wondering if the relationship I am in is normal, and some of the different emotions that I am feeling, are they normal as well? Put bluntly, I have been dating the same guy for over seven months, our relationship seems beautiful to everybody on the outside. It even seems rather nice and almost perfect when I look at it. But the one thing that is a little strange is that he has never kissed me. Or shall I say, we have never kissed.

It is not like we date once in a while, we are always together and most of the time, we spend our nights together. It is not as though we are not intimate, we absolutely are! He has introduced me to the majority of his family and has even expressed wanting to have a future with me. It is just so strange that we have never kissed. I have asked him about it many times, but he tells me that he has a problem with the act of kissing and would prefer that we just don’t. It was OK in the beginning that we avoided it, but I am getting fed up with this. We have grown so close to each other and I feel that this small act is an act of avoidance, although I do not know what of. I have never told any of my friends about it because we look like such a happy couple, I feel weird even asking you about it. What do you think I should do? Have you ever heard of such a thing?

Any advice you can give would be appreciated.

Thanks, Stephanie -----------------------------------------------Hi Stephanie, This does seem like a strange situation to be in. But believe it or not, this is not the first time somebody has presented this scenario to me. If I understand the situation correctly, your relationship is perfect, except there is just this small factor. The fact that your boyfriend does not kiss you, ever!

A simple kiss can symbolize so many different things. Take into consideration that a kiss symbolizes something different to your boyfriend then it does to you. You may look at it as a first step when getting to know someone and an essential item in any relationship. However, he may look at it as a totally different thing. Maybe he was never one for kissing in the first place and now that he knows you so well and your relationship has progressed, why should he do something that is so foreign to him? Could it be possible that to him kissing symbolizes getting involved deeply in a relationship and he has no intention of doing that with you or with anyone else, so he is going to keep his distance and the only way he knows how to do that is by not kissing. Or perhaps you need to consider he

had a terrible thing happen to him during his childhood and he relates it to kissing, so he does not want to perform the act now or ever. It reminds him too much of a bad time in his life.

My point here is there are so many different possibilities and reasons that he could have for avoiding it. The only way you will find out why is by asking him. You have stated that you have asked him before and he told you an answer that seemed to be OK for the time being. Apparently, it is not OK anymore and there is no harm in letting him know that. Your relationship has grown and progressed and your need to know has grown and progressed!

The bottom line is this, there is something happening in your relationship that you do not understand and want clarity on. Until you find out his reason, it is going to consume your mind. Unfortunately, when we do not fully understand the reason that someone is doing something we tend to tamper with it and add a lot of negativity to the situation. Before you go and do that, find out his reason. If he is not comfortable with sharing that, that is fine, but you most likely cannot stick around. Having something on our minds constantly, is enough to drive us crazy.

When it comes down to it Stephanie, you have to figure out what you want in this situation. The reason he is doing what he is doing has nothing to do with you, but the reason you are putting up with what you are putting up with has everything to do with you.

- Namaste, ❤Jenny Don’t forget to follow Jenny at www. askjennynow.com, find her on facebook or contact her at 760-505-0952

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Week of December 1

ARIES (March 21-April 19): “I frequently tramped eight or ten miles through the deepest snow,” wrote naturalist Henry David Thoreau in Walden, “to keep an appointment with a beech-tree, or a yellow birch, or an old acquaintance among the pines.” I’d love to see you summon that level of commitment to your important rendezvous in the coming weeks, Aries. Please keep in mind, though, that your “most important rendezvous” are more likely to be with wild things, unruly wisdom, or primal breakthroughs than with pillars of stability, committee meetings, and business-as-usual.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): For you Tauruses, December is “I Accept and Love and Celebrate Myself Exactly How I Am Right Now” Month. To galvanize yourself, play around with this declaration by Oscarwinning Taurus actress Audrey Hepburn: “I’m a long way from the human being I’d like to be, but I’ve decided I’m not so bad after all.” Here are other thoughts to draw on during the festivities: 1. “If you aren’t good at loving yourself, you will have a difficult time loving anyone.” - Barbara De Angelis. 2. “The hardest challenge is to be yourself in a world where everyone is trying to make you be somebody else.”

- E. E. Cummings. 3. “To accept ourselves as we are means to value our imperfections as much as our perfections.” - Sandra Bierig. 4. “We cannot change anything until we accept it.” - Carl Jung.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Are your collaborative projects (including the romantic kind) evolving at a slower pace than you expected? Have they not grown as deep and strong as you’ve wished they would? If so, I hope you’re perturbed about it. Maybe that will motivate you to stop tolerating the stagnation. Here’s my recommendation: Don’t adopt a more serious and intense attitude. Instead, get loose and frisky. Inject a dose of blithe spirits into your togetherness, maybe even some high jinks and rowdy experimentation.

The cosmos has authorized you to initiate ingenious surprises.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): I don’t recommend that you buy a cat-o’-nine-tails and whip yourself in a misguided effort to exorcize your demons. The truth is, those insidious troublemakers exult when you abuse yourself. They draw perverse sustenance from it. In fact, their strategy is to fool you into treating yourself badly. So, no. If you hope to drive away the saboteurs huddled in the sacred temple of your psyche, your best bet is to shower yourself with tender care, even luxurious blessings. The pests won’t like that, and -- if you commit to this crusade for an extended time -- they will eventually flee.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Nobel Prize-winning novelist Gabriel García Márquez loved yellow roses. He often had a fresh bloom on his writing desk as he worked, placed there every morning by his wife Mercedes Barcha. In accordance with the astrological omens, I invite you to consider initiating a comparable ritual. Is there a touch of beauty you would like to inspire you on a regular basis? It there a poetic gesture you could faithfully perform for a person you love?

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “For a year I watched as something entered and then left my body,” testified Jane Hirshfield in her poem “The Envoy.” What was that mysterious something? Terror or happiness? She didn’t know. Nor could she decipher “how it came in” or “how it went out.” It hovered “where words could not reach it. It slept where light could not go.”

Her experience led her to conclude that “There are openings in our lives of which we know nothing.” I bring this meditation to your attention, Virgo, because I suspect you are about to tune in to a mysterious opening. But unlike Hirshfield, I think you’ll figure out what it is. And then you will respond to it with verve and intelligence.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A reporter at the magazine Vanity Fair asked David Bowie, “What do you consider your greatest achievement?”

Bowie didn’t name any of his albums, videos, or performances. Rather, he answered, “Discovering morning.” I suspect that you Libras will attract and generate marvels if you experiment with

© Copyright 2016 Rob Brezsny

accomplishments like that in the coming weeks. So yes, try to discover or rediscover morning. Delve into the thrills of beginnings. Magnify your appreciation for natural wonders that you usually take for granted.

Be seduced by sources that emanate light and heat.

Gravitate toward what’s fresh, blossoming, just-in-itsearly-stages.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): According to traditional astrology, you Scorpios are not prone to optimism. You’re more often portrayed as connoisseurs of smoldering enigmas and shadowy intrigue and deep questions. But one of the most creative and successful Scorpios of the 20th century did not completely fit this description. French artist Claude Monet was renowned for his delightful paintings of sensuous outdoor landscapes. “Every day I discover even more beautiful things,” he testified. “It is intoxicating me, and I want to paint it all. My head is bursting.” Monet is your patron saint in the coming weeks. You will have more potential to see as he did than you’ve had in a long time.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): A journalist dared composer John Cage to “summarize himself in a nutshell.” Cage said, “Get yourself out of whatever cage you find yourself in.” He might have added, “Avoid the nutshells that anyone tries to put you in.”

This is always fun work to attend to, of course, but I especially recommend it to you Sagittarians right now. You’re in the time of year that’s close to the moment when you first barged out of your mom’s womb, where you had been housed for months. The coming weeks will be an excellent phase to attempt a similar if somewhat less extravagant trick.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Hundreds of years ago, the Catholic Church’s observance of Lent imposed a heavy burden. During this six-week period, extending from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, believers were expected to cleanse their sins through acts of self-denial. For example, they weren’t supposed to eat meat on Fridays. Their menus could include fish, however. And this loophole was expanded even further in the 17th century when the Church redefined beavers as being fish. (They swim well, after all.) I’m in favor of you contemplating a new loophole in regard to your own self-limiting behaviors, Capricorn. Is there a taboo you observe that no longer makes perfect sense? Out of habit, do you deny yourself a pleasure or indulgence that might actually be good for you? Wriggle free of the constraints.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “The Pacific Ocean was overflowing the borders of the map,” wrote Pablo Neruda in his poem “The Sea.” “There was no place to put it,” he continued. “It was so large, wild and blue that it didn’t fit anywhere. That’s why it was left in front of my window.” This passage is a lyrical approximation of what your life could be like in 2017. In other words, lavish, elemental, expansive experiences will be steadily available to you.

Adventures that may have seemed impossibly big and unwieldy in the past will be just the right size. And it all begins soon.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “I have a deep fear of being too much,” writes poet Michelle K. “That one day I will find my someone, and they will realize that I am a hurricane. That they will step back and be intimidated by my muchness.” Given the recent astrological omens, Pisces, I wouldn’t be shocked if you’ve been having similar feelings. But now here’s the good news: Given the astrological omens of the next nine months, I suspect the odds will be higher than usual that you’ll encounter brave souls who’ll be able to handle your muchness. They may or may not be soulmates or your one-and-only. I suggest you welcome them as they are, with all of their muchness.

Homework: If you had a baby clone of yourself to take care of, what would be your child-rearing strategy? Tell me at Freewillastrology.com.

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

December 1 to December 7, 2016

MIND,BODY & SPIRIT

BY BRONWYN ISON

OVERCOMMITTED?

Y

ou did it again and now you are feeling inundated and frustrated.

Your heart was screaming “no” but you politely acquiesced. Feeling overcommitted, in what is already a stressful world, will guarantee you living in anguish. Why do we commit when we really do not feel like doing something? This is a bit of a loaded question. If you find yourself accepting assignments, that leave you stressed, it may be time to reevaluate how you are spending your time.

Certainly, I have overcommitted myself more than once. It is never a good feeling to participate in something when your heart really isn’t enjoying the moment.

Maintaining a productive and satisfying lifestyle is what I thrive for each day. The many times I have overloaded my plate I’ve often wondered why I accepted to be someplace I knew wouldn’t satisfy my soul. Since my epiphany, I learned to scale back and only schedule myself for what is important. I’ve also reevaluated how I choose to spend my time and with whom.

Our time is precious. Nobody can afford to squander their life on activities their heart in consonance with.

Fear of hurting someone’s feelings should not be why you accept an invite.

This is exactly the reason you should decline. You are not following your true self nor taking care of you. It may be best to communicate with the person and explain you have so many other responsibilities at

the present time. Express your gratitude and share another time would be best. You cannot worry about declining offers simply to satisfy others. You must be mindful to take care of your priorities first. You will avoid feeling boxed in, overwhelmed, run down, or burned-out.

It boils down to you taking control of your schedule. Hence, not allowing others to control you. It also has to do with setting boundaries. It is easy to be enticed by our peers or family. How does it feel in your gut or heart? It may feel you will miss an opportunity. You may miss a true opportunity because you committed to something out of pressure. Make wise choices and evaluate if the experience will be of mutual benefit. This serves for both personal and professional.

Here are a few helpful ideas that may assist in the future when making decisions.

Take an honest look at your schedule.

Be sure you have the appropriate time available. Survey and prioritize. Are you being realistic with your time and current obligations? It’s wise to avoid last-minute commitments. Reserving time “just for you” and “just for family” is vitally as important as anything else.

Align your commitments with your goals.

You will be able to maintain or gain greater balance in your life if you remain committed with what serves you best.

Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga. e-volveyoga.com 760.564.YOGA

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December 1 to December 7, 2016

BEAUTY

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY DR MARIA LOMBARDO

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

She specializes in both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures including (but not limited to) facial, body and breast surgery, Botox, Latisse, and hCG diet program.

For a consultation or more information, visit lombardocosmeticsurgery.com or call 760-610-8990. Dr. Lombardo will be writing a bi-weekly column for CV Weekly.

LOOK YOUR BEST FOR THE HOLIDAYS ‘

T

is the Season! Do you want to look great for all those holiday parties and family gatherings? With the holidays right around the corner it’s time to start thinking about doing a little sprucing up! You decorate your house to make it beautiful… What are the options to make YOU look beautiful?

There are a lot of great treatments available: Noticing some extra creases around the eyes or frown lines on your forehead? Botox is a great choice to soften your lines!

How about those “smile lines” that look deeper every year? Of course you don’t want to stop smiling but a little filler (Juvederm, Restylane, Voluma, Volbella, Bellafill and Sculptra) can do a world of good!

Is your skin looking a bit dull or are you hiding “age spots” under a lot of makeup? A chemical peel is great refresher for the skin – but remember that you will be flaky for 7 full days after a peel so plan ahead to finish peeling before that holiday party night!

Is your skincare routine falling prey to

the hectic season? Try some new products to really feel great about your skin – We are featuring 20% off all skincare in December!

(Whaaaaaat?!?)

Tired of needing more and more mascara to highlight your eyes? It’s time to try Latisse to grow your own lashes longer, darker and fuller!

Or what about all that holiday weight gain? Does everyone at work bring a tray of homemade cookies and by the end of the season you have put on several pounds?

Consider the hCG diet to help with keeping the weight off or losing it in the new year!

And don’t forget… it’s also the season of giving! All these treatments make great gifts…. Call to give gift certificate to someone you think is beautiful! And…. We have teamed up with Martha’s Village & Kitchen for December: if you bring in two (or MORE!) non-perishable food items YOU get 10% off any service! Even surgery!

Call Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery today and see what Dr. Maria Lombardo can do to make feel great this holiday season!

LIFE & CAREER COACH

BY SUNNY SIMON

PIVOTING TO PLAN B

H

anging up the phone I felt a little blue.

A dear friend, and the host of our Thanksgiving get together, came down with a bug. Consequently, the planned feast was canceled. I whispered up a little prayer for healing and comfort and hoped he would soon recover.

I had looked forward to spending the holiday in his cozy mountain cabin surrounded by loving friends, a roaring fire, hot toddies and pumpkin pie. While pondering the situation I glanced around my office. Looking down at my mouse pad I smiled. It read: Life is all about how you handle Plan B. And there it was. My philosophy spelled out on a colorful graphic. For years I coached clients on pivoting to a backup arrangement when the primo plan goes awry. I began crafting Plan B. If that didn’t work, I still had 24 letters left.

A backup plan can be a safety net, a contingency route to accomplishing a career, business or personal goal; however, it is important to note a Plan B can sometimes emerge far superior to your original goal path.

For example, when my friend Lisa was new to the real estate business she invested considerable energy into making a go of it. Her passion was finding the ideal dream house for her clients, but after months of working for a

boutique firm, her commissions were few and far between. About the time she was ready to quit, we met for coffee. I reminded her of one of my favorite quotes: “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” (We have Milton Berle, a famous comedian from days gone by to thank for that pearl of wisdom.) After some discussion Lisa admitted everything she did was trial and error. The answer became obvious. She needed a mentor. At her present firm there was no senior agent to help her along. Changing agencies and connecting with a seasoned agent who recognized her potential was a successful Plan B pivot.

Consider your current annual goals. If progress has stalled and you’re not hitting the planned milestones, perhaps it’s time to start creating and hypothesizing various alternative plans. It may require a dose of agility but altering your Plan A, or at least changing things up, may yield success as in Lisa’s real estate career.

As for my holiday pivot, I sat in front of a tantalizing turkey dinner in a local venue with my one and only. Raising a glass to toast the unknown chef in the kitchen, I gave thanks for creating a Plan B. Sunny Simon is the owner of Raise the Bar High Life and Career Coaching and the author of the blog, www.lifeonthesunnyside.net

publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com

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