Coachella Valley Weekly - December 3 to December 9, 2015 Vol. 4 No. 37

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coachellavalleyweekly.com • December 3 to December 9, 2015 Vol. 4 No. 37

Agent Orange

pg 5

ZEST

pg 6

R Buckle Road

pg 9

Live Music at The River

pg 9

Robert Bradshaw

pg 11

December 3 to December 9, 2015

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Coachella Valley Weekly

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

760.501.6228

Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Deborah Evans Classified Manager & Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Features Writer Lisa Morgan, Judith Salkin, Denise Ortuno Neil, Heidi Simmons, Kira Golden, Rich Henrich Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Craig Michaels, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Rachel Montoya, Angela Janus, Janet McAfee, Dale Gribow, Raymond Bill, Jack St. Clair, Rob Brezny, Eleni P. Austin, Noe Gutierrez, Sunny Simon, Karen Creasy, Richard Weiss, Dr. Peter Kadile, Dr. Maria Lombardo, Bruce Cathcart, Julie Buehler, Flint Wheeler, Laura Hunt Little, Rebecca Pikus, Monica Morones, Lola Rossi, Dee Jae Cox, Patte Purcell, Esther Sanchez, Janet Newcomb, Angela Valente Romeo, Alex Updike Photographers Laura Hunt Little, Scott Pam, Lani Garfield, Chris Miller, La Maniaca, Esther Sanchez Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

CONTENTS El Gato Classic..................................... 3 Agent Orange...................................... 5 Anywhere Zest.................................... 6 Miramonte Gingerbread Village ....... 6 Mai Salon’s CVRM Fundraiser............ 7 Backstage Jazz.................................... 7 Valley Rhythms.................................... 8 Vicki Lawrence.................................... 8 R Buckle Road Album Release........... 9 Live Music at The River....................... 9 Consider This - Shawn Colvin ..........10 Art Scene - Robert Bradshaw ..........11 Pet Place............................................12 The Vino Voice ..................................13 Club Crawler Nightlife......................14 Screeners ..........................................18 Book Review......................................19 Haddon Libby...................................21 Dale Gribow......................................21 Safety Tips.........................................22

EL GATO CLASSIC CHAMPIONS THE FUTURE WITH LEGEND TONY HAWK

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alm Springs and the Coachella Valley are home to numerous legendary characters from golf pros to movie stars and rock stars but one legend you may not be aware of is Palm Desert resident and Professional Skateboard legend Eddie “El Gato” Elguera. An early innovator of vertical skateboarding throughout the late 70’s and 80’s, Eddie is a two-time world champion, was named Skateboarder of the year in 1979, and in1980, became the overall winner of the Gold Cup Series of Skateboarding. This weekend he will gather the pioneers of skateboarding for his second annual El Gato Skateboard Classic, a unique event that unites skateboarders across all generations. This year’s event will feature Tony Hawk, Christian Hosoi, Mike McGill and of course, Eddie “El Gato” Elguera along with many legends of the board. Proceeds will benefit local non-profits and the Tony Hawk Foundation.

“Legends’ events have been increasing in popularity as new skaters are learning about and paying respect to the “founding fathers” of the sport,” says pioneer of the sport Eddie Elguera. He became involved in a few Legends Contests and recognized how difficult they were to get in, the criteria was a barrier for a lot of guys. So, an idea was born and all the legends and pioneers of the past, the founding fathers of wood and wheels would be welcomed even if they no longer had the knees or backs to ride. Eddie began to share his vision for the event and the reception was exceptional with fans and industry pros alike. Tony Hawk, clearly the largest name in skateboarding today, caught wind of the event and immediately signed on. This year, he will be Community Grand Marshall and will be joined by other legendary skaters and punk rocking faithful, Agent Orange, for this historic and monumental event.

Eddie’s goal is simple- honor the past, champion the future. “I don’t want people to forget where skating started. Tony Hawk always mentions me as a guy he learned from. He always remembers his past and I’m honored by that,” says the event founder.

Many people are aware of Dogtown and Z-Boys, the award-winning documentary by

Stacey Peralta that explores the pioneering of the Zephyr skateboard team in the 1970s, a story of a group of teenagers that influenced the history of skateboarding. The story most people fail to realize is the guys that came before them, the true pioneers of the sport, Eddie “El Gato” Elguera and his boys.

“We didn’t have social media, there weren’t corporate sponsors back then. We looked to a couple of magazines for new tricks and that would take like three months between issues sometimes just to get a photo of a trick! So, we were inventing all kinds of stuff but no one was around to document it,” says the inventor of “Elguerial.” Noting how skateboarding has influenced culture, art, music, fashion and punk rock, Eddie says he learned a lot from the sport, especially to not give up, to push the limits, lessons he applies to his life. The message carries through the El Gato Classic, sharing the passion with the Tony Hawk Foundation.

“We try to help with funding and resources for public parks,” says Community Grand Marshall, Tony Hawk of his foundations mission. “Kids are challenged and disenfranchised in a lot of communities because they don’t have the support if they want to ride their skateboards. So far, in thirteen years, we’ve been able to raise funds for over 500 skate parks. It’s been a blast!” Tony was the first one to jump onboard to help Eddie realize his vision. He started skating at nine years old and looked at the magazines for tricks. “Back then, it was all about your style and your look. Eddie was all about new tricks. He had a huge influence on me. I didn’t have the body type to look agro, I was a skinny kid, I couldn’t look gnarly!” He laughs. “But I wasn’t afraid to try tricks. Eddie was a big part of my evolution.

I’m honored to be here with him and all the guys that helped make this sport what it is,” says Hawk, now a successful entrepreneur with video games, clothing lines and a brand known across the globe.

Mike Palm, front man for the punk rock force known as Agent Orange (who’s hit Bloodstains is used in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4) is thrilled to be a part of this year’s Classic.

“We were supposed to play last year but were in Seattle. This is special. We’re really looking forward to playing and seeing a lot of the guys I grew up seeing in magazines.

Some guys I remember from way back at the Fruit Bowl in Garden Grove. Dogtown guys, people from all over. I was pretty focused on music so missed a lot of contests but still followed (skateboarding). I’ll be seeing a lot of these guys for the first time. That’s cool!”

December 3 to December 9, 2015

BY RICH HENRICH

PHOTOS BY MRZ

says the man who helped tie punk rock to skateboarding. In the early days, everyone was pushing the energy levels and Agent Orange was at the core. “It’s hard to have a serious skate session listening to Elton John. Aggression and intensity equals punk rock. It’s a perfect fit for skateboarding, sets the mood and tone, like a soundtrack for a movie,” waxes the musical entrepreneur.

“Did you see Hawk pull off the Horizontal Loop? Amazing! This weekend is really about the Golden Era of skateboarding and Palm Springs is the place to do it,” adds the man that lives by the philosophy of “it’s all about having fun!”

Palm has always been a musician involved in the skate world. While he does skate and grew up in the culture, he focused more on the music, creating what he calls the “soundtrack for the scene.” He’s been playing music and skating since he was a kid and says it’s a good situation to be in because he’s not in competition with anyone so he really gets to enjoy the whole scene. He met Eddie years ago and recalled running into Eddie at the Vans Pool Party. “Eddie talked about his plan back then for this Classic. He’s looking to make it better than last year. The cool thing about skateboarding,” he adds, “is it’s not separated like other sports, everyone’s approachable.” What a wonderful group to approach this weekend! Legends of street, ramp, pool, photography, music and art all continue to page 5

Sports Scene .....................................22 Free Will Astrology...........................23 Tech Talk............................................23 Mind, Body & Spirit ..........................24 Life & Career Coach ..........................24

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EL GATO continued from page 3 coming together to honor and champion a sport and a cause that has made such a tremendous impact on culture not just on the West Coast but across the country and around the entire globe. Eddie’s vision is beginning to blossom with the help of seriously talented friends.

These days, Eddie is known as Pastor Eddie and uses skateboarding as an outreach for his church, The Rock Church, a name that suits the legend and his mission to bring people to Christ. It’s a mission he and skate pal, Christian Hosoi, “the Michael Jordan of skateboarding,” share. Hosoi found faith in God while serving time in prison. “We were at the top finding fulfillment in other things and honestly weren’t fulfilled,” says the youth pastor. “I was at the top of my game in ‘79-80 and a lot of promises were not kept, the expectations and high pressure to continue accomplishing goals become a dead end. There was an emptiness in my life and I turned to drugs and drinking for a few years.

In 1983, I gave my life to Christ and found the fulfillment I had been looking for. I was finally fulfilled!” exclaims the man behind the grand vision for the El Gato Classic. The congregation will get to see their Pastor in a very different role this weekend, as he dons the title of skate legend, recently returning from a Generations Contest in Brazil with a 2nd Place win.

“My wife and family are so supportive.

This event would not happen with out her,” beams the skateboarding husband. His wife, Dawn, adds, “The Legends of Skateboarding see Palm Springs as such an iconic location that they want to bring their celebration to this community. We love our community and are grateful to all the volunteers, participants and sponsors,” she says with sincere gratitude. The event, like skateboard culture itself, encapsulates art, music, fashion and

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even a tree lighting ceremony in connection with the Rotary Club. “The first part of the event is geared more towards the adult fans.

They will get to see guys they saw for the first time, and live out their childhood once again. The guys they only saw pictures of will be here in Palm Springs!” says the Peter Pan man. Saturday will feature a Block Party that will also include legend Steve Alba and his band along with Agent Orange and others.

Craig Stecyk, the famous photographer that captured much of the Z-Boy era as well as Neil Blender, Jeff Ho, Dave Hackett, Mike McGill (Mr. McTwist) and many others will be on hand throughout the weekend. There will be a Vert ramp demo with pros, featuring Tony Hawk and amateurs as well. “It’s important to showcase the talent that is coming up and

seeing how the sport continues to evolve.

It’s a great way to connect the generations… honoring the past and championing the future,” cheers the Pastor Eddie.

“He’s the real deal. He does this altruistically. He truly wants to give these guys their due credit,” states Tony Hawk on Eddie Elguera and his vision for the El Gato Skateboard Classic. “I look forward to being a part of this and of course, skating with Eddie, Stave Cab, Alba, Duane Peters and Steve Olson. These guys really are pioneers.

Christian (Hosoi) had a huge influence in the 80’s and he still has that style!” exclaims Hawk who claims he can hold his own at his video game but is better in real life. Now an incredibly successful entrepreneur, Tony offers his advice to the next generation.

AGENT ORANGE SET TO HEADLINE EL GATO CLASSIC

T

he 2nd Annual El Gato Skateboard Classic is set to launch this weekend in Palm Springs bringing many legends of skateboarding to town for a celebration of culture and heritage- two words I never thought would be associated

with skateboarding. Along with the art, fashion and skate contests will be music by a band that is as intertwined with the scene as trucks on a deck. Orange County punk rock band Agent Orange will headline the event. I had a chance to catch up with

front man Mike Palm to talk about music, the industry, skating and culture.

CV: I was surprised to learn that the band was still playing together.

MP: Yeah, we haven’t stopped but perhaps are more under the radar. The band has been around for a long time. I think we’ve found a way to stay grounded and just keep making music and never forget the whole point. It’s like our day job.

CV: How did you become involved with the classic?

MP: I’ve known Eddie (Elguera) for so long, I can’t remember how we met. He wanted us to play last year but we were in Seattle.

CV: What’s your journey as a band been like?

MP: Well, the music industry was in a bad place. No one was sure what to do. We decided what was important was to play well and connect with our audience. So, that’s what we’ve done.

CV: You cut out the middleman?

MP: It’s about the listener and the band. We’ve carved out our own niche and

December 3 to December 9, 2015 “Believe in yourself. Do what you love regardless of if it’s cool or if there’s a paycheck attached. At least, you’ll love going to work!”

Hawk says he isn’t surprised by the popularity of skateboarding now but is more surprised by why it wasn’t embraced early on. “To do an event like this years ago, it wouldn’t have been appreciated. No one was appreciating what these guys were doing for skateboarding. This type of event can thrive and we need to honor those who revolutionized the sport,” he professes. He looks forward to the vert ramp demo where the idea is that a foundation has been laid so this generation, with support from the previous, can attain new heights and go even further with the sport and culture.

One of the goals of the event is to raise funds to create a documentary. While Dogtown and Z-Boys told one part of the history, Eddie “El Gato” Elguera would like to tell the story of those who came before. Tony Hawk adds that there are a few gaps in the historical timeline, especially the transition between the 70s-80s. “The guys who were most innovative and influential, didn’t have anyone around to appreciate what they were doing. The audience wasn’t there like it is now. In the 90s, street skating was evolving but no one was making a living from it. It was a revolution of limits,” says the man who recently released Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 this fall.

Sponsors for the event include Palm Springs Resorts, Spa Resort Casino, Palm Springs Skate Park, Buzz Factory, Vans Shoes, Juice It Up, TG Tattoo, S1 Helmets, Rhythm Skate Shop and CV Weekly. For complete up to date information, please check out the website at elgatoclassic.com For more info on the work of the Tony Hawk Foundation, one of the beneficiaries of the event, go to tonyhawkfoundation.org.

BY RICH HENRICH PHOTO BY BILL BILLING

avoided a lot of the mainstream. No label to tell us how to do it.

CV: What do you miss by not having a label?

MP: Airplay would be great!

Check them out this Saturday or online at www.agentorange.net

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December 3 to December 9, 2015

A “ZEST” FOR LIFE O

ur word Liberty comes from the French. For Americans, the significance of its meaning is paramount. Freedom from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on our way of life, behavior or political views is no small matter.

The French not only share our passion for freedom, but also understand its fundamental importance as a way of life.

Last week, the French start-up company Anywhere Zest, shared a product and a vision for a lifestyle off the grid with their adaptable, self-contained, modular structure which can be plunked down just about anywhere in the world.

“It’s about self-sufficiency and resilience,” said Karim Bensiam, Zest’s Deputy CEO of International Business Development. Bensiam spoke English with the charm of a thick French accent. “Zest is one idea, one platform and one solution.”

Each Zest unit is 1,000 square feet and can be customized with separate energy, water and waste systems. Calling the modern space Anywhere Zest, the structure can be situated in the middle of nowhere or on top of an existing skyscraper. It can serve as living or office space. Placing Zest units together can form remote hospitals, clinics, schools and even innovative, sustainable communities.

“We are here to share design, technology and ideas,” said Bensiam.

With the valley’s sunny environment and open space, Zest homes are a perfect match for sustainable and cost effective living. A complete single unit system is priced at $60,000.

But beyond the mobile, self-contained, green, modern home is the dynamic technology that can be customized to the environment.

Zest systems require no existing infrastructure, which is a huge expense in building. The day-to-day living requirements of a home, like electricity, running water and sewage are compact self-sustaining modules.

Zest’s energy system harnesses solar and wind technology, which is collected and stored in batteries. The water system extracts moister from the air producing 12 to 15 liters a day. Also, if there is a nearby well, lake or if it rains, the multi-filtering water system provides additional potable water. The sewage system uses a small-scale phyto-purification and methanisation that provides environmentally friendly waste recycling. It also produces garden quality compost.

These Zest modules can be linked together. They can also form a grid. With Zest Connect, a wireless network can be created. Zest’s “Smart Solutions” allows the modules to communicate with other Zest systems so resources can be shared, conserved or distributed where they are most needed.

Even a Zest garden is available with water coming from a recuperation system

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BY HEIDI SIMMONS

fed by the treated sewage. The Zest living possibilities are up to one’s imagination. It is an extreme example of what eco-friendly development is capable of creating.

Zest has had its eye on the California desert for a while. Teaming up with Desert Lightning, a business incubator in Desert Hot Springs, Zest hopes to create new partnerships with local companies.

“I’m proud that Desert Hot Springs is showing innovation and leadership by hosting this company from halfway around the world,” said Steven Slomkowski, Director of Business Development, Desert Lightning.

“Zest’s potential and the possibilities are very exciting.” Slomkowski and Desert Lightning are representing Zest here in the United States.

Zest’s parent company is Groupe Brunet, a full service construction outfit established in 1964 with headquarters in Léon, France.

Currently, the family owned business is in 10 countries with 415 employees and annual revenue of $55 million.

Groupe Brunet President, Jean-Pierre Brunet, was on hand at the presentation, helping with language translation and questions.

Brunet shared that he wanted to imagine something different and to find better solutions to typical construction. So he put together a team that included Bensiam, who is a civil engineer and the Zest CEO. They then brought on Jean-Christian Cheze, the architect of the modular structure.

“We wanted to find a new way of thinking,” said Bensiam. “How do you satisfy basic human needs? We have less water, less energy, less oil. We asked, how to make it free, self–sufficient and different?

We wanted to provide all the needs to the house.”

Modular homes are not a new concept and have been around for over a century.

In 1908, Sears Roebuck & Company sold kit homes through their catalog.

Cheze has visited the CV several times and is a big fan of Albert Frey. As an architect, Cheze has long admired the midcentury modern homes in Palm Springs.

“Although it is a different time and different world, it is similar to when the midcentury architects came in with something new. They saw a different way of life,” said Cheze. “Today we must consider the

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environment and self-sustainability. When I was designing the Zest home, I was thinking how perfect this could be in the Coachella Valley.”

Cheze wants to share Zest with his colleagues so that they can use their imagination and invent new ideas around the modular home and systems.

“It doesn’t have to only be in rural, beautiful landscapes,” said Cheze about the Anywhere Zest structures. “There can be many different approaches. They can build developments where infrastructure already exists. Or build sustainable cities without any infrastructure.”

Zest’s motto is “Live the future.”

This week through December 11, Zest will

be one of the presenters at the Sustainable Innovation Forum 2015 in Paris, France. An attending California delegation includes local representatives Congressman Ruiz and Assemblyman Garcia among others.

With the changing nature of electricity delivery and the new rules for water consumption, utility companies are forced to impose guidelines on how we use resources in our home. Good or bad, it is changing how we live.

The Zest system may be the answer not only for those who are uncomfortable with the encroachment on our freedom, but also for those who long for the independence of living off the grid.

The Coachella Valley may be the perfect place to start simplifying life while making it more efficient.

For more information and to “live the future” go to anywhere-zest.com (it’s in French). Or see the video at vimeo. com/146349024

BY CHRIS CLEMENS EVENTS

BY CHRIS CLEMENS BUILD A GINGERBREAD HOUSE FOR INCLUSION IN MIRAMONTE RESORT & SPA’S ANNUAL GINGERBREAD VILLAGE

“LOT” SALES BENEFIT ANIMAL SAMARITANS

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iramonte Resort & Spa invites residents and guests to build their very own dream house for inclusion in the resort’s annual Gingerbread Village. For every lot sold, $5 is donated to Animal Samaritans. The Gingerbread Village Opening Night Celebration will take place on December 11 from 5PM to 7PM. for attendees to view the village, enjoy treats, sip hot cocoa, and visit with Santa. At 7PM, the festivities will move outside for the tree lighting ceremony. The event will feature carols sang by the Sacred Heart School Choir and be emceed by KMIR’s Gino LaMont.

The Gingerbread Village real estate options are a Classic Lot measuring 1’x1’ for $20, or a Deluxe Lot measuring 1’x2’ for $35. There are two categories of structures including family/community, or business.

Builders can creatively decorate their homes or business structures from the ground up as long as the materials used are at least 51 percent edible. The structure cannot exceed lot dimensions.

To purchase a lot, entry forms can be obtained by visiting miramonteresort.com/ holiday. Houses must be submitted to the resort no later than December 5 by 5 p.m.

The village will be on display December 5-29. Submissions can then be retrieved on December 29, or they are recycled.

On December 28, winners will be announced and awarded prizes. The Grand Prize is a two-night stay at the luxurious resort; second place receives a 60-minute spa treatment at the resort’s award-winning Well Spa; and third place is dinner for two at The Grove Artisan Kitchen at the resort.

For more information or questions, call the Miramonte Holiday Hotline at (760) 341-2200 or visit miramonteresort.com. The resort is located at 45000 Indian Wells Lane in Indian Wells, CA.

EVENTS

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BY CRAIG MICHAELS

December 3 to December 9, 2015

BACKSTAGE JAZZ

BY PATTE PURCELL MAI SALON CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT THE COACHELLA VALLEY RESCUE MISSION VOCALIST ROSE MALLETT

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or the fourth year in a row, Mai Salon on El Paseo will hold their annual Christmas Gathering to benefit the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CVRM).

Mai Salon partners with the CVRM for the holidays in addition to many special events throughout the year to help meet the needs of their residents. Owner Maily Pinkerton O’Neil, shared why she started this annual gathering: “It touched close to home growing up in a family in need.” She went on to say; “We help the families of the CVRM to look and feel their best so they can go out and get a job with the goal of integrating back into society.” The Christian message the CVRM exemplifies to the many families and homeless it helps, is also something Maily resonates with.

Founded in 1971, the CVRM has been a place of refuge for our homeless and needy here in the Valley. This safe haven is a place of rest for the weary where daily physical and spiritual needs can be met. Over the years, the Mission has continued to meet the ever growing needs of the homeless, who for a variety of reasons have found themselves without the basic necessities of life. The life changing help of the CVRM is only possible through the donations of people like you and I. The dedicated staff of volunteers helps

serve over 175,000 hot meals annually.

Your generous donations of clothing, toys and toiletries will be greatly appreciated Friday, December 11, 2015, at Mia Salon Located at;73-833 El Paseo # 104, Palm Desert. The gathering is scheduled from 6pm to 10pm and guests are invited to enjoy food, music and raffles. If you haven’t been visited El Paseo during the holidays to see all the beautiful decorations, it will certainly put you in the holiday spirit.

For more information call Mai Salon at: (760) 779-8009.

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

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had the privilege to see Rose Mallett performing at our last Celebrity Jazz Jam at Arnold Palmer’s. She arrived at the end as she had another booking, got up on stage and belted out some jazz and blues tunes including “Stormy Monday” (one of my favorites). There is no doubt that this lady has chops!

I’ve been watching her Facebook posts and see that she’s playing the Purple Room Tuesdays from 6:30-9:30 and has been selling out Woody’s on Friday’s from 6:3010:30 as well.

For the 4th year in a row she’s doing the Fantasy Springs Casino New Year’s Eve event. So I decided to interview her to discover her background.

Originally from Chicago she relocated with her family to California when she was 13 years old. From elementary school and into Junior and Senior high she sang with a group of four girls. At the tender age of 16 she and her band were offered a deal to do demos for Capital Records by Sam and Dave. The girls took them up on their offer and recorded at Capitol Records where they met Lou Rawls and Martha Reeves of the Vandellas. Lightning struck and they were offered a contract.

Rose asked her mother about it, who had her ask her pastor, who told her, ‘you can sing for the Lord or sing for the devil’.

Rose went with the former. Now you know the rest of the story.

She went into musical theatre and eventually into marketing for Union Bank.

She retired in 2007 to devote full time to her singing career. From where I sit, I would have to say she’s doing an impressive job!

When I asked Rose about her goals she told me she is working on a one woman show of Sarah Vaughn songs and she’d like to record a live CD with it. Her projected finish date is June 2016. To contact Rose, visit her website at rosemallett.com or better yet, stop out to see her.

Rose will be one of the guest vocalists at the next Celebrity Jazz Jam on Jan. 18, 2016 at Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert from 5-8. The jam will feature a mix of National artists and local favorites.

National artists include Blake Aaron (5 #1 Billboard Hits, guitarist), Greg Manning (#1 hit of the year Billboard 2013), Slim Man (13 CDs), Joe Baldino smooth Jazz and blues guitarist, Darryl Williams (A List bass player) along with desert favorites including John Carey (recording artist, guitar) and Craig Chesnut (drums). Out of town guest artists include sax man and recording artist Victor Robles and vocalist and sax man Rick Parma along with Guillermo Yslas (percussion) and Tazz Washington (Brazilian drummer) who will be traveling into the desert just for the jam. For more information or tickets visit purplepass.com/celebrityjazzjam.

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

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December 3 to December 9, 2015

VALLEY RHYTHMS

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BY LOLA ROSSI

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS BY CHIP DAVIS WILL GIVE YOU “GOOSE BUMPS”

VICKI LAWRENCE & MAMA: EVENTS TWO WOMAN SHOW BY DENISE ORTUNO NEIL

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eing one fan among millions, Mannheim Steamroller, is welcomed every year to sold-out venues across the country with their own brand of Christmas music that touches the hearts of everyone. Their albums fly off the shelves, as well as, hundreds of other items bearing the Mannheim Steamroller Brand.

One of the two traveling groups will be appearing in the Special Events Center at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway in Indio, on Saturday, December 5, 2015, at 8 p.m.

Born and raised in Ohio, Chip Davis was an only child, with a musical background coming from both sides of the family. Both of his grandmothers were piano teachers and very musically influential when he was a child. “My one grandmother was my piano teacher when I was four and that kind of got me started.” His father was a saxophone player in a big band; his mother played trombone for the NBC Symphony; he was in various choirs; played bassoon and drums in Marching Band and after graduating from Sylvania High School, he attended the University of Michigan.

His first job after college was being a music teacher at McCord Junior High School in Sylvania, Ohio. “Music and Art are very important in schools. I am not that much in touch with it, but I know they are taking a hit. That’s like taking away the soul where a big part of the range of emotions and thoughts come from.”

Being so successful and able to fulfill his musical dreams, Davis donated funds for a new music wing, the Chip Davis Technology Suite, at the University of Michigan, which includes ProTools and all the most current technology.

“The crowning glory is that my 16 year old daughter, Elyse, who is an amazing singer, is considering attending my Alma Mater.” The Associate Dean at Michigan was the first violinist to play in Mannheim Steamroller and his daughter taught Davis’ children music.

Very familiar with the Equestrian side of Indio, his 24 year old daughter, Kelly, also a singer and now a social media executive, was number 3 of 100 jumpers in the US years ago. He attended many of the competitions she was in “But now she has a grown up job,” Davis chuckled.

“My 19 year old son, Evan, is an incredible guitar player. He has a Les Paul guitar, a Martin 12 String and a Yamaha 6 String and he can play stuff. Sometimes I sit downstairs with a drum pad and just sit and jam with him. He is really a good player. He can also sit down at the piano and write music. He has tremendous talent and I believe he has a great future in music.”

Living a good life, enjoying his children, and creating music, keeps this multi-talented genius busy and very happy. “I have the most fun writing music and then watching the audience react to the music, just adds fuel to the fire,” shared Davis.

He and his partner, started their own record label, American Gramaphone, in 1974 to promote Mannheim Steamroller’s first Fresh Aire Album, because no major record label knew how to market his music.

The name of the band was taken from Mannheim, Germany where Mozart and Joseph Stamitz were from. In an effort to set the record straight, Davis wanted to correct a statement made by a PR person years ago. “It was said that The Steamroller was to flatten the audience.

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That’s not correct. The 18th Century musical phrase ‘Mannheim Valse’ literally meant roller, however, it is a Crescendo that was to give people goose bumps in the audience, not to flatten them.”

When you come to the Concert at Fantasy Springs, you will not only hear great music performed by top notch musicians, you will see a multi-media show with synchronized lighting and special effects. The whole back wall is LED driven with videos made from films that Davis shot over the years and cut rhythmically to the tracks. So all the edits match the tracks and the content matches the songs. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman, the Rock and Roll version, is a giant horse ride through the woods in front of a castle.

I shot half of it in England and half of it here in Omaha. It has a lot of helicopter shots in it and is a spectacular video,” said Davis.

With such great success of the Fresh Aire Series, lots of fans were asking him about performing some of the music. “There is a 20 minute segment of Fresh Aire in the middle of the show. I saw it down in Florida in two markets and the crowd went nuts. They couldn’t believe it was back.”

His daughter, Elyse, is also on the video singing with the Steamroller and was featured singing a version of “Greensleeves” Davis wrote for her, on a one hour PBS Special. “She is the future of Mannheim Steamroller along with a lot of second generation ‘Mannheimers’ whose parents were musicians in the band or some part of the organization.” By the way, their PBS Special was used for a fund-raising program and was the largest pledge drive in the history of the PBS stations, they made a lot of money on it and it was all educational.

Davis has had a great relationship with NASA for many years and is acquainted with Jim Kennedy who is the director of the Kennedy Space Foundation for Education. He was invited to several space shuttle launches and started to record them with a specialized team and equipment. He took that and created music around it called “Escape From The Atmosphere” and that was used in shows to promote fundraising efforts for the educational programs for the Foundation.

Their latest release 30/40 celebrates the 30th Anniversary of their first Christmas Album and the 40th Anniversary of the first Fresh Aire Series. It is available on their web-site and now available on blue vinyl, in a two album, very ornate package.

W

hen I got the opportunity to interview Vicki Lawrence about her upcoming show in the Coachella Valley I jumped at it. Her iconic television presence on the Carol Burnett Show and Mama’s Family has left an indelible mark in the memories of countless TV goers including myself. On December 4th, 2015 she will be performing at the Aqua Caliente Casino Resort in Rancho Mirage bringing all those great memories to life with her show, Vicki Lawrence & Mama, A Two Woman Show.

Lawrence has been on tour with her show since 2002, bringing her and Mama’s entertaining brand of laughter to the masses. The show consists of the Emmy Award winning comedian engaging the audience with autobiographical stories, including her life on the Carol Burnett Show from 1967-1978, how she met her husband, as well as a performance of her 1973 hit, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” plus much more.

The show also brings out Mama, which Lawrence loving refers to as her evil twin.

The character is based on the comedy

sketch first introduced on the Carol Burnett Show. The Mama character, Thelma Harper, played by a then 24 year-old Lawrence, became a hit and eventually turned into a show of its own, Mama’s Family, “She’s just so popular,” says Lawrence.

Mama has a mind of her own, and speaks with an unfiltered tongue extending her views on everything from current events to politics, all with her own Mama logic, “I love when the audience doesn’t know where Mama is going to go,” said Lawrence.

Lawrence is no stranger to the Coachella Valley, and has often visited the area on trips with her family, “We get out to Palm Springs when we can,” she says.

The December 4th performance will serve as the tours final stop, as her and her team will take a long awaited break.

Pleasant and charming, Lawrence’s show starts at 9pm at the Show venue at Agua Caliente Casino Resort and promises to enthrall audiences with a night of legendary comedy, song and a whole lot of Mama!

For more information and tickets visit www.hotwatercasino.com

LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

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BY NOE GUTIERREZ

R BUCKLE ROAD ‘ROAD READY’ ALBUM RELEASE SHOW

R

Buckle Road will be celebrating the release of their first full-length studio album on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 9 p.m. at Schmidy’s Tavern on 72286 Highway 111 in Palm Desert, CA. Five years in the making, the album is Road Ready for mass circulation and the band is back in the saddle. In true RBR fashion, they are asking all attendees to bring an unwrapped toy and in return audience members will receive a copy of their new CD. You may also purchase CDs on this evening with a portion of the sales going to The Salvation Army. R Buckle Road is widely known for their constant support of local programs and service providers in the Coachella Valley.

R Buckle Road is Greg Vincent on guitar and vocals, Lisa Lynn Morgan on vocals, Larry Pedersen on guitar, harmonica and vocals, Cat Pedersen on vocals, Mike Pedersen on lead guitar, organ and vocals, Carl Agnello on drums, Lindy Bingham on saxophone and vocals and Bob Bingham on bass.

The album was recorded in Bob’s Garage in Costa Mesa, CA and engineered and produced by Bob Bingham and mastered by Robert Hadley of RH audio.

I had the honor of listening to the Road Ready CD on behalf of Coachella Valley Weekly. Below is my review.

After listening to the CD I recalled the many 18 hour family trips we took from Indio, CA to my hometown of Lubbock, Texas. I remember riding in the back seat of our family vehicles throughout the years and listening to my Dad’s country music with the windows rolled down. This album is that music. It’s country rock music at its finest. You can feel the classic rock and blues along with the traditional country that live audiences have come to love about RBR. As a debut album goes, the music encompasses much more pride and more years than the five it took to complete.

Get Up and Stomp The opening song is uptempo with a directive for listeners to dance. What a great way to start the album. Vincent counters those who claim that the band played too many slow songs. The sax solo is outstanding.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff This is a great empowering and motivational anthem. The song encourages us to “take a step

LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

December 3 to December 9, 2015

back” and “be thankful for all we have.” In this day and age we all must practice serenity and humility.

In an absolute manner, the song preaches, “Life is what you make it, so make it your own.”

Overnight Success Enter Larry’s beautifully intertwined harmonica.

The song has a slower tempo than the first two.

The lead electric guitar is also featured. There is retrospect in the song’s lyrics. “We may be 30 years too old, but we’ve got 30 more to go.” Overnight is relative to RBR. Rock Star “Rock Star” is a facetious look at the term. It’s tongue in cheek and fun.

Old Friend In my estimation, this is the drinking song of the album. Many of us have that friend who kicks us in the butt when we’re down on our luck. This is an ode to the ‘old friend’.

Matter of Time The feel good song of the album. Girl leaves

boy, boy tells girl it’s only a matter of time till you come back, begging and pleading.

Best of Friends I love it! Another beer drinking song.

Reminiscing about those bar room buddies who stayed with you till the party ended. They lived for the day.

Don’t Give Up The lyrics of this song can be applied to any relationship. It’s more than professing to someone not to give up. It’s saying “Don’t give up on me.”

Cowboy Up The metaphorical song. The intro is the audio of the beginning of a bull ride. In this case, the bull is life and we are the cowboy riding it. Our mortality is the 8 seconds which is the length of time a bull rider is required to stay on for a ride to be scored.

“Cowboy Up” seems to take on the meaningful theme of when things get tough you get back up, dust yourself off and keep trying.

Winter in July A melancholy ballad, “Winter in July” signifies the bad times in good weather. It evokes the feeling of storm clouds in the summer.

500 Miles The closer to the album with duo male lead vocals. “500 miles till we get home” is the chorus.

I contemplate the band anxious to return to their families.

There’s an old cowboy saying, “If you climb in the saddle, be ready for the ride.” RBR is in the saddle and are Road Ready.

Keep up to date on R Buckle Road on Facebook and Reverbnation For booking info, contact Greg Vincent at (760) 485-1094 or Vinman15@hotmail.com

BY ESTHER SANCHEZ

LIVE MUSIC AND MORE RETURN TO THE RIVER IN RANCHO MIRAGE

B

ack when the River in Rancho Mirage was initially built, it quickly became the happening place to be in the desert. In addition to fantastic shopping, dining and cinema, the amphitheater that has been there since the beginning was utilized by performers of all sorts on a regular basis which was a fantastic cherry on top of an already delicious entertainment dessert.

Being able to stop in for dinner or drinks and then stroll out to a free concert in a relaxed atmosphere was a benefit that patrons of all ages thoroughly enjoyed. As time passed, changes were made and as most locals know, traffic at The River slowly but surely began to die. I’m not exactly sure how long it has been since the River’s amphitheater has been used for its intended purpose, but I know it’s been a while. With new owners and a revived vision, all that has changed.

The good people that have taken over at The River proved to me that they know what they are doing when I found out they enlisted one of the top guys in the desert’s entertainment scene to produce a season packed with live music and events that will cater to young and old alike.

Singer/songwriter, producer, promoter, radio personality and general nice guy extraordinaire, Jimi “Fitz” Fitzgerald possesses a plethora of experience in multiple aspects of show business, connections to tons of world-class entertainers and a cool as a cucumber attitude that have helped him build a reputation for putting together great shows and a track-record to back it up.

Every Saturday, from now through April the River will feature live music in the amphitheater

from 5PM - 8PM. The already completed lineup assures quality music that will appeal to the masses in a casual atmosphere that is both festive and relaxed. They kicked off the series last weekend with a performance by Will Donato and Friends. Fitz: “We had a great turnout of people from their teens to their 90s, dancing and having a great time. In fact there was a guy there dancing that was 92. We covered pretty much every demographic.” I wasn’t there but I caught some video clips that were posted on Fitz’ Facebook wall and he wasn’t exaggerating. Everyone seemed to be having a great time.

In addition to the weekly concerts, The River and Fitzgerald are hosting a great schedule of various special events including an official, Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on Wednesday, Dec 2. The evening will feature live music by favorites Kal David, Lauri Bono and the Real Deal, performances by Rancho Mirage High School Performing Arts Choir, Jeri Lynn’s JOYLOVE Carolers, holiday giveaways, appearances from the Mayor and City Council, visits from Santa, and much more! Hot chocolate, cider and cookies will be available at this family friendly event.

There is so much going on at The River in Rancho Mirage throughout the holidays and into the spring that I implore you to look over the schedule for yourself and at some point throughout all of the hustle of the season take the time to treat yourself to a great time.

You can keep tabs on the schedule of upcoming events at The River by visiting theriveratranchomirage.com/entertainment CASUAL ENTERTAINMENT - 5PM-8PM Nov 14 - MILTON MERLOS Nov 21 - JOE BALDINO Nov 27 - JOE BALDINO Dec 5 - SERGIO - Guitar Duo Dec 12 - JOHN CAREY TRIO Dec 25 - SERGIO - Guitar Duo Dec 26 - PENNY UNNIVERSITY Jan 1 - GISELLE WOO Jan 2 - MICHAEL KEETH BAND Jan 9 - JOE BALDINO Jan 15 - THE SMOOTH BROTHERS Jan 16 - MICHAEL KEETH BAND Jan 30 - SERGIO - Guitar Duo Feb 6 - JOHN CAREY TRIO

Feb 12 - PENNY UNNIVERSITY Feb 13 - MICHAEL KEETH BAND Feb 27 - SERGIO - Guitar Duo Mar 5 - MICHAEL KEETH BAND Mar 19 - COURTNEY CHAMBERS Mar 25 - JOE BALDINO Mar 26 - GISELLE WOO Apr 2 - MICHAEL KEETH BAND Apr 9 - COURTNEY CHAMBERS Apr 23 - SERGIO -Guitar Duo Apr 30 THE SMOOTH BROTHERS MONTHLY MUSIC SHOWCASE. HOSTED by jimi FITZ Fitzgerald. 5PM - 8PM. Nov 28 - “WILL DONATO and FRIENDS” Dec 2 - TREE LIGHTING EVENT - Starring “KAL DAVID, LAURI BONO and THE REAL DEAL” R.M.H.S. PERFORMING ARTS CHOIR SANTA and CAROLERS Dec 19 - “JOHN STANLEY KING BAND” (A mix of holiday music and his favorite hits) SANTA and CAROLERS Jan 23 - “STEVE MADAIO and FRIENDS” Feb 20 - “ZEN ROBBI” - Unplugged Mar 12 - “COURTNEY CHAMBERS” Apr 16 - “THE GAND BAND” Entertainers interested in performing at the River should call: jimi FITZ Fitzgerald Wendy Jayne Productions Inc. Studio/Office-949-553-0509 Cell - 760-861-2076

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December 3 to December 9, 2015

CONSIDER THIS

SHAWN COLVIN S

inger-songwriter Shawn Colvin is best known for distilling the rituals of romance and heartache into cogent vignettes, and wrapping them in gorgeous melodies. But she cut her musical teeth reinterpreting other people’s hits.

Shawn Colvin was born in Vermillion, South Dakota in 1956 and began playing guitar at age 10. Once she finished school, she began to pursue a career in music. Throughout her 20s, she crisscrossed the country landing in London, Ontario, Carbondale, Illinois, Berkley, California, Austin, Texas and finally New York City.

Along the way she made connections with up and coming musicians like Lyle Lovett and Buddy Miller. She honed her craft playing in bands, fronting bands and even appearing in theatrical performances like “Pump Boys And Dinette Girls,” “Diamond Studs” and “Lie Of The Mind.”

Once she was in New York, she worked the folk clubs. Despite the fact that she didn’t rely on any original material, her re-interpretations of songs by Talking Heads, Police and lesser known musicians like David Ball won her a growing fan base. She even wound up singing back-up on Suzanne Vega’s song, “Luka.”

Shawn hooked up with musician John Leventhal and he encouraged her to begin writing her own songs. She signed with Columbia Records in 1988, just as artists like Tracy Chapman, Melissa Etheridge and Sinead O’Connor were making the world safe for girls with guitars.

Her stunning debut, Steady On, arrived in late 1989. Co-written with Levanthal, who also produced, it contained instant classics like “Diamond In The Rough” and “Shotgun Down The Avalanche,” a pointed treatise on an out of control romance. It also won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album.

Three years later, she released her sophomore album, Fat City, which was produced by Larry Klein, (Joni Mitchell, David Baerwald, Innocence Mission). Sleek and glossy, the sound was slightly more sophisticated than her debut, but her songs

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BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

“UNCOVERED” (FANTASY RECORDS)

were still just as powerful.

Although her own compositions were amazing, Shawn certainly wasn’t a prolific songwriter. Creating material for a new album was an arduous process, to keep her label happy she recorded and released Cover Girl in late 1994.

A mix of live tracks and studio recordings, Cover Girl included her interpretations of well-known songs by Bob Dylan, Steve Earle and Jimmy Webb. She also championed lesser known musicians like Greg Brown and Roly Salley, (bass player for Chris Isaak’s band). Her version of Salley’s “Killing The Blues” was very much a template for Robert Plant and Allison Krauss’ Grammy winning interpretation in 2007.

Reuniting with John Leventhal in 1996, Shawn released her watershed album, A Few Small Repairs. Because most of the songs centered around the dissolution of her first marriage, the cognoscenti labelled it a concept album.

Songs like “Sunny Came Home” and “Get Out Of This House” accurately limned the quiet desperation and brittle post-mortems that accompany divorce. Shawn’s melodic acuity was rewarded with brisk album sales and two Grammy wins.

Following her artistic triumph, she retreated from the spotlight, quietly remarrying and giving birth to her daughter, Caldonia, in 1998. At the end of that year she released a Folk-flavored collection of Holiday songs entitled Holiday Songs And Lullabyes.

Her next album of new material, Whole New You arrived in 2001 and it was another five years before her sixth effort, These Four Walls, appeared. In the meantime, she went public with her struggles with bi-polar issues.

She handled it with her usual humor and grace. She even included a trenchant cover of the Gnarls Barkley hit, “Crazy,” on her Shawn Colvin Live record.

In 2012, a candid memoir, “Diamond In The Rough,” arrived along with a new album, All Fall Down. The last few years have been spent touring and preparing for a collaboration with Steve Earle. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of her Cover Girl record, she reconvened with John Leventhal to work on an new collection of covers. The result is Uncovered.

She opens the 12 song set with a strippeddown version of Bruce Springsteen’s “Tougher Than The Rest.” While the Boss’ original is a slightly swagger-y come-on from a Jersey Shore mook, Shawn manages to convey a tender vulnerability beneath the boastful claims.

A few of these tracks have popped up in her live sets for years. It’s always intriguing to see how she takes well-known songs and recalibrates them to serve her strengths.

Plangent electric guitar riffs and pedal steel accents coil around the tart melody of Creedence Clearwater’s “Lodi.” Lines like “If only I had a dollar for every song I’ve sung, and every time I’ve come to play and people sat there drunk,” resonate for any touring musician.

Her interpretation of Paul Simon’s “American Tune” feels particularly prescient in light the recent attacks in Paris. Bare bones instrumentation, just a lone acoustic guitar, cede the spotlight to Simon’s lyrical eloquence.

It almost feels as though she is addressing the tragedy. “I don’t know a soul who’s not been battered, I don’t have a friend who feels at ease/I don’t know a dream that’s not been shattered, or driven to its knees…I can’t help it, I wonder what’s gone wrong.”

Shawn is at her best when she pares down a song to its essence. She does that to great effect with two songs, Gerry Rafferty’s “Baker Street” and Graham Nash’s “I Used To Be A King.”

On the former, she strips away the Smooth Jazz artifice of the original, relying only on arching acoustic arpeggios and mournful pedal steel. Her voice simply aches as she paints a portrait of dimmed expectations and compromise. “This city desert makes you feel so cold, it’s got so many people but it’s got no soul/And it’s taken you so long to find out you were wrong, when you thought it held everything.”

The latter was written as a reaction to Nash’s devastating break-up with Joni Mitchell and it also references his Hollies song, “King Midas In Reverse.” Nash bathes the song in dayglo British Invasion colors. Shawn’s version is more sepia-toned. The loping melody is anchored by sparkling acoustic riffs and pedal steel notes that alternately twang and weep.

Bowed, but unbroken, she quietly vows to get past the heartbreak. “Someone is going to take my heart, but no one is going to break my heart again.

As with Cover Girl, this album gives her a chance to pay homage to songwriters she deeply admires. Her take on Tom Waits’ “Hold On,” recasts his boho lyricism as a simple sketch of a couple who just can’t keep it together. Boomerang acoustic riffs ricochet through the mid-tempo melody. The language is rich and evocative; “With charcoal eyes and Monroe hips, she went and took that California trip...he gave her a dime store watch and a ring made from a spoon/Everyone is looking to blame but you share my bed, you share my name.”

“Private Universe” from Crowded House has been part of her live set since the early ‘90s. Finger-picked acoustic fills flutter like fireflies as the lyrics offer a bucolic respite from a cold, cruel world.

Finally, she completely slows the tempo of Robert Earl Keen’s “Not A Drop Of Rain.” Weather offers a vivid metaphor for heartache; “The clouds are building slowly on the skyline to the east, the wind and dust are dancing like the devil across the lake/I could try to find a bottle or I could try to find a priest, Salvation won’t be traveling either road I take/ So I turn my collar to the wind that echoes this refrain, it’s been a long hot summer, not a drop of rain.”

Shawn puts her stamp on two Soul nuggets, she is flirty and frisky on Brenton Wood’s “Gimme A Little Sign,” and offers a righteous version of Stevie Wonder’s “Heaven Is Ten Zillion Light Years Away.” The album closes with a soaring rendition of Tammy Wynette’s classic Country weeper “Til I Get It Right.”

Cover albums can be tricky. An artist can go the Rod Stewart route and offer slavish re-creations, or take a page from Cassandra Wilson’s book and radically re-interpret familiar favorites. Shawn Colvin has found a way to honor the original versions and still make each song her own.

Until her 2016 collaboration with Steve Earle arrives, Uncovered will keep Shawn Colvin fans satisfied.

ART SCENE

ROBERT BRADSHAW

R

obert Bradshaw has been painting for many years. He lists among his influences the works of John Singer Sargent, NC Wyeth and illustrators from the 1950’s. These parties may influence him but he follows his own voice.

Robert’s work is layered and often experimental. The work is intricate, detailed and borders on surreal. His work is moody but not brooding. His color choices are earthy and raw. Robert’s latest work carries these elements and stretches his creativity to new heights. His work will be featured at Archangel Gallery show, P.S. There Is More to Palm Springs. The exhibition runs from December 11 – 31st. In addition to Robert’s work the exhibition features the work of David Farnsworth, Dennis Johnson, and Nicholas Foschi.

Five minutes with Robert and one feels the intellectual side of Robert. He is a thinker and a bit of philosopher. His eyes gleam but one just knows that his mind is going places far beyond the moment. His work is telling stories yet he claims he has no stories to tell. The work clearly says otherwise. Champagne and Modern Art, which will be part of the show, captures an androgynous figure looking out at the viewer. The figure stares back with a look of ennui – and the sense of knowing, weariness and nonchalance. The stare haunts you.

Perhaps this because Robert’s path to painter had twists and turns that affected his use of the brush. Born in Michigan, Robert studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and The American Academy of Art of Chicago.

He worked in retail for many years before devoting all his time to his art.

He studied illustration and commercial art; the influence can be seen in his work, most notably in the use of the figure. Many of his figures are interpretation rather representational. This seems to give his figures this sense of being all knowing and revealing little. Before calling Palm Springs home Robert lived in San Francisco and Carmel - both places have influenced artists for years. San Francisco spawned the Funk

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December 3 to December 9, 2015

BY ANGELA VALENTE ROMEO

P.S. ... THERE’S MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

movement of the 1960s, the rock poster era, embraced the Fluxus movement and continues to be a home for art evolution.

Carmel’s artistic community is well known and many have sought refuge there to paint by the sea.

But Palm Springs is where Robert is now.

The desert and creative forces seem to have pushed his work further into new territory.

The Archangel Show is proof positive.

Another of the pieces to be shown turns chairs into portraits. A series of faces loom out while being comfortably seated, the effect is startling – is Robert mirroring us or are these faces peering the viewer? It is a dialogue that waits to happen, Robert Bradshaw’s work is an intellectual challenge that waits to be unfolded. At the age of 85 Robert continues to astound and has yet to show the world all that lies behind those thinker’s eyes.

For more information on Robert Bradshaw and the upcoming show, visit www.archangelartcollective.com.

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December 3 to December 9, 2015

PET PLACE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY JANET McAFEE

PIPPI’S WISH, A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

T

he small gray Terrier waits in her foster home, hoping for that phone call that leads to her “furever” home. Meanwhile, she is safe and sound and adores her foster Mom. Pippi dutifully attended several adoption events, including Loving All Animals’ Super Pet Adoption Festival where she was passed over again while the friendlier pups were adopted.

Most folks select a dog that enthusiastically greets them with wet kisses and a wagging tail. Pippi, on the other hand, is reserved and a bit skittish when she meets new humans, including prospective adopters. Through no fault of her own, Pippi has been in several foster homes, and her behavior follows a similar pattern. She needs to spend at least 24 hours in your home before it’s safe for her to trust. Once she feels secure in a loving home, Pippi blossoms into a joyous, engaging, and loyal companion.

Foster Mom Nancy Atkisson adores this precious pup, “Pippi is extremely loving and affectionate, and she enjoys snuggling with you. She’s a 5-Star dog in every aspect.

She walks on a leash and heels, she’s housetrained, she’s a sweetheart, and a true loyal companion. She loves her new

Christmas toys. Pippi has a bed beside mine, and as soon as she sees I’m awake in the morning she grabs a toy and flies around the room in joyful excitement. Pippi is a ‘one person’ dog and she seems to prefer women.”

THE IDEAL HOME FOR PIPPI IS WITH A SINGLE WOMAN WHO HAS A LOT OF TIME TO SPEND WITH HER. When placed with a couple, Pippi tends to favor one person and guard them. She forms a loving bond with her special human, and greets them with pure and overwhelming joy. Pippi’s background may give us some insight into her behavior. Loving All Animals rarely knows much information about the background of dogs we rescue from shelters, but we know Pippi’s story from a fellow animal rescuer.

Cindy Sorenson, Good Samaritan and animal rescuer extraordinaire, contacted Loving All Animals about Pippi and her sister Tyco. The two were in the back room at the main Riverside county animal shelter listed as “fearful”. And “Yes” we made the trip into Riverside to save them. Cindy was at that shelter several days before when she was advised seven dogs were coming in together with a distraught owner. She sought out the anguished man who was sobbing at the

prospect of losing his animals.

Bernie shared his story with Cindy. He was homeless, residing in a tent in the city of Perris in rural Riverside County. Bernie took in abandoned dogs, and his family of animals grew to 11 when discovered by animal control. The property owner received citations due to the large number of animals.

The seven females were relinquished. Cindy raised funds and arranged for the four male dogs remaining with Bernie to be vaccinated and neutered. She promised Bernie she would use her extensive contacts to ensure

DARLING DIOR Delightful and playful, 6-week old Dior will entertain you with her antics. She enjoys belly rubs and playing with her siblings. Why not adopt two of them? Contact Mary at Loving All Animals (760) 834-7000.

MEET JASMIN Meet 1-yr-old Jasmin. This tiny “love bug” Chihuahua girl was rescued by Loving All Animals after being abandoned on a busy freeway. Jasmin would love to be home with you for the holidays! Adoption donation.

Contact (760) 834-7000.

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all his dogs would get out alive from the shelter. Cindy kept her promise.

My promise to Pippi is to find her a wonderful home, a loving home where she will thrive. Clearly Pippi was never inside a home before, nor was she walked on a leash. She now relishes her leashed walks, and is 99% house trained. At nine pounds, she is the perfect size for most households.

She is a gem of a dog, a dog whose little heart loves more than most.

“Pippi has a heart of gold,” reports her previous foster mom Sena Falk. She added, “It’s amazing how Pippi reacted with such joy after not seeing me for a while. She has the sweetest personality, and it breaks my heart she has not yet found a home.”

Hopefully someone reading her story will give Pippi the second chance home she so deserves. Hopefully someone will be patient enough to give Pippi the 24 to 48 hours she needs to relax and learn it’s safe to trust someone new. The holidays are the perfect time to adopt a new pet, and Pippi guarantees your 2016 will be filled with more joy and love. A tax deductible adoption donation is requested. Call (760) 834-7000 to meet Pippi.

Jmcafee7@verizon.net

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 3 to December 9, 2015

BY RICK RIOZZA

MCBRIDE SISTERS’ HAVE FOUND IT! TRUVÉE WINES

E

veryone loves a good story. We wine enthusiasts, when becoming aware of a fine wine chronicle, will readily and happily open up a bottle or two and share the tale with those of a kindred spirit.

A few months ago while I was wine stewarding, a distributor came in the market and asked me if I had heard about Truvée wines. It just so happened (as these things seem to do in this column) that both a case of Truvée Chardonnay and its sister case of Red Blend had arrived a few days earlier. And, as it turned out, I even had placed a few of these bottles on the shelves, totally unaware of the sisterhood story that was awaiting me.

The wine distributor went on to tell me that the Truvée wine producers were in fact sisters who did not know of each other’s existence for over half their lives but had serendipitously gone into the wine trade only to meet up as a dying wish from their father. I told the wine distributor, “Now that’s a wine story to write about!” I was definitely intrigued, asked for some samples to taste, and, went on the internet to put together what I could find out about these girls—as told by them and others.

So gather ‘round the wine bar and drink up this story: Although both girls were born in Los Angeles—9 years apart—they were raised by different mothers, each growing up in two different but famous wine regions in the world: the elder sister Robin was raised in Monterey, California around coastal tide pools, forests and vineyards, while Andréa was raised in her mother’s native country of New Zealand, where she learned firsthand the art of grape farming from her uncle in Marlborough.

“We didn’t know each other growing up,” says the elder Robin McBride. “We lived on different continents. We are half-sisters with the same father and two different moms. Our dad was a rolling stone. Both of our moms had passionate and fiery relationships with him. “”Both of us were growing up thinking we were only children-- completely, you know, opposite ends of the Pacific Ocean.”

The story of their journey starts with their shared biological father, Kelly McBride. Their father wasn’t around for most of their lives, but before he died of stomach cancer in 1996, he asked his family to try and connect the two girls.

Their paternal uncle located Robin’s whereabouts and sent her a letter. The younger, Andréa, grew up in New Zealand with her mother, Pauline, until she died of breast cancer and was placed with a foster family at the age of 6.

Their paternal uncle and aunt located Robin’s whereabouts and sent her a letter.

“She wrote on the letter ‘I’m your aunt, and I’m sorry to tell you that your dad has passed away, but you have a little sister,’” Robin said, “it was very shocking.”

The sisters were united for the first time in 1999 at the ages of 16 and 25. “I remember

being just so excited. You know, I was 16, and I have a big sister,” Andréa said. The sisters met in New York’s LaGuardia Airport one day after Robin received the letter. As they approached each other, it’s easy to see why the sisters thought they were looking in a mirror.

Both are statuesque, with the 6-foot-1-inch Andrea, a former USC volleyball and track and field star who studied international business, edging her sister, who worked in electronics marketing, in height by 4 inches. They both have the same golden caramel complexion and corkscrew curls. They can finish each other’s sentences, but try very hard not to.

As the two got to know one another, they discovered a shared passion for making wine, something they each developed growing up in their part of the world.

After the above-reported introduction, their website tells us, “the two sisters immediately found common ground in their admiration for wine, food and entertaining. Combining their 10 years of industry experience, the two embarked on a winemaking journey together, launching their own négociant winemaking business.”

Truvée Wines (pronounced “True-Vay) is “fittingly derived from the French verb “Trouver” which means ‘to find’”. (Of course for my French students—you well know that “truvée” is the feminine past-participle, meaning “found”).

“Truvée embodies the spirit of our story, while naturally reflecting our signature winemaking style. We’ve created a highquality wine that is approachable and sophisticated,” said Robin McBride. “Truvée stylistically combines old world and new world winemaking philosophies to bring affordable luxury to contemporary wine drinkers, and creates the foundation for our wine company.

Their Central Coast wines, a Chardonnay and Red Blend, are sure to please discerning palates.

The website continues, “Only the best grapes were sourced from Central Coast California vineyards within the Chalone, Monterey, Edna Valley, San Benito and Paso Robles American Viticultural Areas (AVA).

Velvety and full-bodied, the Truvée Red Blend is rich with dominant notes of blueberry, blackberry, caramel, cocoa and red cherry,

creating a smooth and decadent flavor; while the Truvée Chardonnay exhibits a complex and lavish taste with hints of citrus, pear, honeysuckle, green apple and pineapple integrated into a clean, crisp finish.”

Personally speaking, the Chardonnay tastes very fruit fresh with a particular flavor of that solid clear Mexican candy along with its quick bitter nuance. The Red Blend is indeed a flavorful red with some complex black cherry that can match a meal of substance.

A delicious red blend for the holidays! Both wines are a very good deal at $15.

Here’s to a good story! Cheers!

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December 3 to December 9, 2015

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­­THUR DECEMBER 3 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bobby Furgo and Co. 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Reunion w/ DJ Day 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Francesca Amari & Doug MacDonald 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Hip Hop and Dancing 10pm open 6pm-2am BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Live Entertainment 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-770-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 Thirsty Thursdays w/ Cruz & Kenga 8pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm 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 6:30pm 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 LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Country Night w/ Country Nation 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-9991995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am

MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Mojave Sky 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Drinking Games Night 8pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Martin Ross 6:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 TBA 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Open Mic Hosted by Josh Heinz 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 The Smooth Brothers 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 T-Bone Karaoke 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Tony DiGerlando 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Flyer 4-6pm, Carolyn Martinez Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Laurie Morvan Band 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Locals Night 9pm

FRI DECEMBER 4 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Walt Young 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 The Garden with Derek James 10pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Gilmore Rizzo & Bryan Miller 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Fleet Easton 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 TBA 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and Dancing 9pm Open 6pm-2am BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 Lady Eris 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

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CLEMETINE; PD; 760-834-8814 Gina Carey 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 Eevaan Tre & The Show Release Party w/ Lootenant and DJ Luthergates 8pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 House Band 8:45pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Fayuca, Machin’ and DJ Alf Alpha 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 JACKALOPE RANCH; IND; 760-342-1999 Lisa Lynn & The Country Gentlemen 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live DJ 8:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Dax Band 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-9991995 DJ 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Charm School 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-3450222 Roadrunners 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Deadbolt, Schitzophonics and Creatures and The Woods 8pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Scott Bruce: Blue Suede Christmas 7pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 TBA 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Higher Heights, Ideation and Son of a Velvet Rat 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm

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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; 760-341-3560 Demetrious and Co. 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 TBA 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-755-5391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Meet The Corwins 5:30-7:30pm, John Stanley King 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 WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 6-10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 TBA 9pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallet 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Girl’s Night Out w/ The Men on the Hollywood Strip 9pm

SAT DECEMBER 5 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev & Bill 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Beyondadoubt noon poolside, DJ Nina Tarr 10pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Cabaret Open Mic 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 TBA 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and Dancing 9pm open 6pm-2am BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-775-5566 DJ 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm

CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 Paul Wall w/ Tip Toe Stallone and The Death Merchants 8pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 TBA 8:30pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Karaoke Holiday Party 9pm, Hot Beat Pussy Fiend 12am 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 JACKALOPE RANCH; IND; 760-342-1999 Wicked Jed 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 T.B.A. 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Vietnamese Dance Party 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-9991995 212 Band 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Lucky Tongue 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-3450222 Marko Russell 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, Israel Nash and Anthony D’Amato 8:30pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 TBA 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Right On Right On 8pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Scott Bruce: Blue Suede Christmas 7pm, Kal David, Lauri Bono & The Real Deal 9pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 TBA 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 R Buckle Road CD Release Party and Toy Drive 9pm

December 3 to December 9, 2015

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 SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 TBA 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 TBA 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Darci Daniels 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm TRYST; PS; 760-832-6046 TBA 10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 DJ Hektik 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 The Carmens 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & JB 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 8pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Courtney Chambers 6pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 8pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Stanley Butler Trio 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm

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December 3 to December 9, 2015

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December 3 to December 9, 2015

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December 3 to December 9, 2015

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BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

FOREVER FIELDS

SCREENERS No.193

“Hell, I never vote for anyone. I always vote against.” ~ W.C. Fields

I

n a time of such extreme repugnant violence in the world, I thought it might be worth taking a break to remind ourselves that there are still sources of timeless, gut-busting laughter. Consider this a brief but essential antidote to the ever-present, soul-crushing hate we see in the media -- and life.

W.C. FIELDS COMEDY ESSENTIALS COLLECTION If ever there was a one-of-a-kind American comic genius, William Claude Dukenfield – better known as W.C. Fields -- was it. Sure, we have many home grown actor-writer talents we call loosely call “genius,” but Fields’ acerbic brilliance, housed in an unlikely, unattractive body, pretty much stands alone as an enduring reminder of the put-upon, misunderstood, everyman (and woman).

Fields’ personal story is as fascinating – maybe “sad” is a better word – as any he wrote for his on-screen persona that consistently twisted tragic or pathetic circumstances into comedy. He embellished his early years when he told and retold his story. Soit’s hard to know for certain the reality, but there seems to be a painful element that persisted in all the tellings.

What is known for sure is that he was obsessed with juggling after seeing a stage act as a teen. He persisted in the practice of the craft and it brought him early vaudeville fame. He had a decidedly, almost poetic, physical grace as a silent juggler. On screen, his most recognizable trademarks were his croaky, rasping drawl and a faux eloquent vocabulary. And, of course,his drinking.

He was an alcoholic on screen and off. He died in 1946 of alcoholic related stomach bleeding.

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By far Fields’ greatest gift was an intuitive understanding that the source of all comedy was not in the least funny. The humor’s always in how one processes the tragedy.

This DVD set is a great single compendium of Fields’ best work. My only complaint is the level of compression (lower bitrate) needed for cramming these 18 titles on only five discs. Movie buffs have become spoiled with superb hi-def transfers of many vintage home theater titles, thus making the grain and video “noise” on this set even more noticeable. Universal is famous for manufacturing the cheapest product possible for some of their older titles. Certainly at this stage of technically enhanced video upgrades there’s now a substantial global market for restored Bluray editions of Fields’ films. Even so, Fields’ quick sarcastic wit, adroit slapstick and surprising physical grace remain in full force.

This wonderful collection of Fields’ classic films were all made between 1932 and 1941. But they are hardly dated in their often dark and sometimes inappropriate humor. The titles include: “Million Dollar Legs” (1932) Barely balancing on the verge of bankruptcy, the stressed President of remote Klopstokia -- Fields of course -- is talked into entering his country in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics as a means of fund raising. 62 minutes.

“If I Had a Million” (1932) A dying tycoon, disappointed with his family and friends, decides to give away his fortune in 51 million increments to strangers he randomly picks in the city’s directory. 84 minutes.

“International House” (1933) After a scientist invents the first TV, a cast of characters from around the world that includes Fields, George Burns, Gracie Allen and Bela Lugosi clamor to purchase China’s International House Hotel. 69 minutes.

“Tillie and Gus” (1933) Professional cardsharps Augustus Winterbottom (Fields) and his wife Tille

come to the small town of Danville in the hopes of acquiring an inheritance. 58 minutes.

“Alice in Wonderland” (1933) Alice’s bizarre adventures lead her to some now familiar characters played by Hollywood icons Fields, Gary Cooper and Cary Grant. 77 minutes.

“Six of a Kind” (1934) Because of their limited resources, a married couple shares a road trip with zany strangers played by George Burns and Gracie Allen! They all get into big trouble with a local sheriff (Fields). 67 minutes.

“Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch” (1934) While patiently waiting for her husband to return after three years, poor Mrs. Wiggs tries to help her spinster friend by placing an ad for a mail order groom (Fields), only to end up with more troubles. 80 minutes.

“You’re Telling Me!” (1934) Sam Bisbee (Fields) is an eccentric inventor whose best inventions are put to the test when he accidentally ruins both his daughter’s wedding and his own chances for success. 67 minutes.

“The Old Fashioned Way” (1934).

Always one step ahead of the law and one step behind on his bills, Fields is the Great McGonicle who, with his touring theatrical troupe struggles to put on “The Drunkard.” 72 minutes.

“It’s a Gift” (1934) After getting a small inheritance, Harold Bissonette (Fields) sells his grocery business, buys an orange ranch and moves his ungrateful family to sunny California only to discover he’s been hoodwinked. 69 minutes.

“Mississippi” (1935) Set in the Old South, Bing Crosby’s a disgraced gentleman who takes a singing job on a riverboat where the captain (Fields) true to teach him the meaning of honor. 74 minutes.

“Man on the Flying Trapeze” (1935) Ambrose Wolfinger (Fields) finds himself in one disastrous mishap after another when he cuts loose and rebels against his overbearing family and dead-end job for a day. 66 minutes.

“Poppy” (1936) Eustace McGorgle (Fields), the best conartist to ever hit the carny circuit, attempts to snatch a massive estate by marring off his pretty daughter to the heir. 74 minutes.

“The Big Broadcast of 1938” (1938) Rival twins (Fields in a duel role) each own ocean liners and race to beat each other in this unexpectedly lavish musical featuring Bob Hope (in his movie debut!), Martha Raye and Dorothy Lamour. 91 minutes.

“You Can’t Cheat an Honest Man” (1939) Larson E. Whipsnade (Fields) is the ringmaster of a seedy circus. His daughter is torn between a wealthy cad who can help her father and a charming but poor ventriloquist who can’t. 79 minutes.

“My Little Chickadee” (1940) In an effort to restore her tarnished reputation, voluptuous Flower Belle Lee (Mae West) accepts a marriage proposal from Cuthbert J. Tillie (Fields). The inspired teaming of Fields and West energizes this exceptional anti-romantic comedy. 84 minutes.

“The Bank Dick” (1940) Dividing his time between the Black Pussy Café and his dreaded (and dreadful) family, lowly bank guard Egbert Sousé – that’s pronounced “soo-ZAY” – suddenly succumbs to the unexpected winds of fate, Hollywood and the good life! 72 minutes.

“Never Give a Sucker an Even Break” (1941) After failing to close deal on a movie idea with Esoteric Studios, the Great Man (Fields) takes off on an adventure with his niece that’s wilder than anything he could have pitched or imagined. 71 minutes.

Comments? RobinESimmons@aol.com

BOOK REVIEW

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BY HEIDI SIMMONS

FINDING SPACE IN THE WORLD OUTSIDE

I

t’s horrific that human trafficking and sex slavery is happening today. It’s hard to believe that people can disappear and live as prisoners right in our own communities. In Emma Donoghue’s Room (Little Brown and Company, 336 pages) a woman and her son must not only figure out how to escape captivity but survive the trauma.

Five-year-old Jack tells the story. It’s his birthday and his mother, Ma, has made him a cake. Ma does everything she can to create a sense of celebration – a party with decorations and a gift. But Jack’s special day is pretty much like every other day of his life in the 11x11 foot space he calls “Room.”

Jack personifies and names objects in the tiny space that he and his mother inhabit. Like friends, there is Rug, Table, Lamp, Skylight, and “Meltedy” Spoon, which has a “blobby” handle after it melted on the stove. Jack likes the spoon best because it’s different from the others.

Ma dictates Jack’s days. She teaches him to read, makes him exercise and allows for watching television. Although Jack wants to watch more TV, Ma says it will “turn his brain to mush.” He has five books. Mother and son sing songs and play games together. One game is called “Corpse” where Jack fakes being dead.

Jack has Ma tell the story of his birth. There is a stain on Rug where Jack was born. Ma says he was created in heaven like Baby Jesus.

At night, Jack sleeps in Wardrobe. He is

December 3 to December 9, 2015

“ROOM”

BY EMMA DONOGHUE FICTION

hidden there from the regular visitor he calls Old Nick. (Unbeknownst to Jack, this is his captor and father!) Ma won’t let Old Nick see or touch Jack. Jack stays quiet and counts his teeth or the squeaks Bed makes until Old Nick leaves. He looses count after 357 or falls asleep. Old Nick does not bring Jack a present for his birthday.

At his next visit, he brings Jack a toy. When Jack cries out from the wardrobe, Old Nick wants to take a look at the child. Ma tries to stop him but Old Nick beats her. Old Nick punishes Jack and Ma by turning off the power to their room, cuts back on their food and refuses to provide warm clothing. Old Nick tells Ma he has lost his job.

Ma comes up with a plan to escape Room. But Jack will have to leave without Ma. This terrifies little Jack. He wants to wait until he’s six. But Ma refuses.

Jack has only heard stories of the outside world. He has only seen “Outside” on television.

He has trouble understanding what is real.

Ma’s plan works and Jack gets away. He’s a hero and Ma is saved.

But the trauma doesn’t stop once Jack and Ma are free. Now they must cope with the bigger world outside. Ma has been captive for seven

years! Jack has never seen the sun or felt a breeze on his face. Then there’s the paparazzi who want pictures of Jack and Ma for the papers. Outside is frightening and strange to Jack.

This is a terrifying story even with the happy ending. All to often the reality of this fictional story is true. In recent headlines, several women have been able to escape similar circumstances -some with their children who were born during captivity.

Author Donoghue’s narrative approach is clever. Through the voice of an innocent child, the reader is exposed to the horrific life Ma and Jack lead. The child knows no other existence. He does not condemn or judge their life or that of his captor’s. He simply makes do with what he has and the love he shares with his mother. Without anything to compare his life to, in Jack’s eyes, his world is basically perfect.

This makes Jack an unreliable narrator.

He cannot and does not fully understand the circumstance. His worldview is completely limited to the room and what he knows from Ma and TV. He doesn’t have the insight or maturity to connect

the dots. Room leaves that up to the reader.

Since the novel is Jack’s story, the conceit makes the read challenging. But because Jack tells the story, the horror of Ma and Jack’s life is somehow tolerable. Jack does not have a handle on language and his sentences are incomplete and lacking. The author often drops Jack’s vernacular, which should be a problem, but is a welcomed relief.

At times, Room is very suspenseful. There is also humor as Jack tries to decrypt the new people and world around him. But having to wade through Jack’s private language and misunderstandings is often tedious.

Since a child narrates, there is not much philosophical or psychological debate about the impact of being held in a small, confining room. There is a moment when Jack observes a discussion on TV of what living one’s whole life in a small room might mean. Commentators draw comparisons of Jack’s life to Prometheus and Kasper Hauser.

Another brief idea is mentioned about prisoners – not only kidnapped victims but also convicted criminals – who are forced to spend their entire lives in solitary confinement. These ideas unfortunately go nowhere. There is no wider metaphor.

Room is about the horror of being kidnapped as a sex slave and the resulting consequences of having a child by your captor. Yet at its heart, Room is a love story between a mother and her child. In the end, it is love that saves them.

The film adaptation of Room is now a feature film.

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December 3 to December 9, 2015

CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 15

SUN DECEMBER 6

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Slacker Sunday w/ Wynn ( Twin Shadow ) 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Brunch w/ Keisha D 11:30am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Motown, R&B and Funk 6pm-2am BEATNIK LOUNGE; JT; 760-475-4860 TBA BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Steve Madaio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Radio 60 & Friends 3-6pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 CV Weekly Presents: The CV Music Showcase w/ Bridger, Gutter Candy, Sunday Funeral and The CMF’s 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Ted Herman’s Big Band 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company, in the afternoon, Hot Rox, in the night MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Longest Running Jam Session in the valley. Hosted by JB, Sign up 6pm

PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Hot Fudge Sunday Band 7pm PETE’S HIDEAWAY;PS; 760-322-6500 The Evaro Brothers 7pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 The Judy Show 7pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 The Myx 6pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 7pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Jazztime Band w/ Rich Eames 2-5pm, John Stanley King 6-9pm VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 TBA 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 The Smooth Brothers 5:30pm

MON DECEMBER 7 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Luminators 6pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Bill Marx 6:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Mood Deep House Lounge 6pm-2am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Ron Kalina’s Jazz 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Singer Song Writer Open Mic hosted by Robert Poole 7pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 T-Bone Karaoke 8pm

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 T.B.A. 6pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Winter Wonderful “ Christmas on Broadway 6-9pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Michael James & 3sum 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Tony Grandberry 6:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Trish Hatley & Barney McClure 6pm

TUE DECEMBER 8 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Bob Garcoa Band 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Linda Peterson 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Open DJ Night text 760-799-8800 to sign up 6pm-2am BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 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; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company

NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Open Mic Jam w/ Jimi Heil 7pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Barry Minniefield 7pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 CV Open Mic Competition Finale hosted by Morgan James 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Douglas McDonald 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Mike Costley and Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Tequila Tuesdays w/ DJ John Paul and DJ DGAF 9pm VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 John Bolivar & Barney McClure 6pm

WED DECEMBER 9 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Daniel Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Runson Willis 3rd 7pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Jam w/ Mikole Kaar & Friends 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Beer Pong Contest 6pm-2am BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm

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HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Open Mic w/ Rich Bono & Poupee Boccaccio 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live Music KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic hosted by Amy Angel 6:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Mikael Healey 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Kal David 7pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-288-1199 Karaoke w/ KJ Ginger 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Michael Holmes Jazz 6:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Live Music 9pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 The D Phillips Band 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Straight Ahead Jazz 6pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Open Mic w/ Les Michaels 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Lizann Warner 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Nite Fixx 9-2am WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Karaoke 9pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Deanna Bogart 6:30pm

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December 3 to December 9, 2015

ALL ABOUT THE BENJAMINS

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here we use paper, coins and electronic payments to transact financial transactions, people once used other monetary units such as grain, fish hooks, feathers, tobacco, soap, bear teeth, cocoa beans and salt. The term salary comes from the practice of paying people with salt.

The word money is derived from the name of the Roman goddess of marriage and women, Juno Moneta as Romans minted their coins in a temple named after the deity.

The Romans were the first to stamp an image of a person on their currency when they placed Julius Caesar on their coins in 44 BC. Before the Romans, the first people to create metal money lived in the area now known as Iraq.

The only woman to ever appear on US currency is Martha Washington who was on the $1 bill in 1896. In 2020 and on the 100th anniversary of a woman’s right to vote, the $10 bill will be redesigned with a woman’s portrait replacing Alexander Hamilton. The leading candidates to be on that note are Susan B. Anthony, Helen Keller, Eleanor Roosevelt and Harriet Tubman.

The largest bill ever in circulation in the United States was a $10,000 bill featuring the portrait of Salmon Chase. Chase was Abraham

Lincoln’s first Secretary of the Treasury as well as the Governor of Ohio and Chief Justice on the Supreme Court. Chase’s portrait ended up on the $10,000 bill when it was first issued in 1928 as he was the Secretary of the Treasury when the US monetary system move to the current greenback system. This politically ambitious man put his own image on the original $1 bill in 1862. Seven years later, George Washington’s picture took his place.

Worth nothing, Chase Bank was named in his honor. Only a few hundred of the Chase $1 bills remain in circulation.

The largest US bill is in a denomination of $100,000 with Woodrow Wilson on it. This bill was only printed for three weeks at the

DALE GRIBOW ON THE LAW

SILENCE IS GOLDEN, HANDCUFFS ARE SILVER

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s a general rule talking to anyone, other than your lawyer, on any legal matter cannot help a case.

It can only POTENTIALLY HURT the case and handcuff you. It is not always what you say, but often what the other party thought they heard you say. This is as true for a DUI as it is for an Accident case or a business negotiation.

If stopped for a DUI, politely advise the officer you would be happy to talk and do anything he wants. However your attorney asked you to remain Silent and not talk without his permission. Ask the officer to contact attorney Dale Gribow 760 837-7500/ dale@dalegribowlaw.com, for my permission to speak with you.

They won’t call me, but it gives you an excuse for remaining silent and makes ME the bad guy and not you. If a lawyer represents a client properly, the lawyer should always be the “strawman” and always take the fall for the client.

Courteously tell the officer your attorney advised you that the scene voluntary Field Sobriety Test (FST) is Optional and thus you OPT not to take the FST (walk the line, finger to nose and alphabet etc.). Then explain your attorney said the “at the scene” Breath test is optional (unless on probation) and you Elect not to take it.

Courteous explain you want to cooperate and would be happy to take a Blood Test.

Of course they will arrest you since they do not have evidence you were not under the influence but as a rule if they stop you and have you take tests they are going to arrest you anyway.

Not only should you not talk to anyone other than your lawyer but you should not post anything on social media until the legal matter is concluded. Remember law enforcement officers, prosecutors and insurance adjuster are Not your friends. They are doing their job and making a case...and their latest trick is to check your FB page etc. to look for incriminating evidence.

With an accident case it is even truer that you should not talk to the insurance company adjuster about how the accident happened and/or what injuries you have sustained.

Whatever you tell them can be used to impeach you later at trial. It is very common for an adjuster to misunderstand what you said or for one adjuster to write in his/her notes what you said and for someone else to misread it.

In the alternative if I tell the adjuster I can always explain that I must have misunderstood what you said and apologize. Again I take the heat and you do not testify inconsistently and

end of 1934 and was used exclusively for transactions between the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury. This note kept track of gold on deposit at the Treasury.

The largest monetary denomination ever made was in 1946 by Hungary when they created a 100 quintillion pengo. A quintillion is the number 100 with twelve zeroes after it.

The largest US bill currently in production has a $100 denomination. Approximately

get impeached at trial. A good lawyer has to always PROTECT his client.

On a recent case my client went to his own doctor, contrary to my suggestion. He told his doctor he was in an auto accident and hit his head. The nurse copied the notes and prepared the outline of the medical report thinking the notes said he fell down and hit his head on a rock. The doctor’s report listed the rock explanation and the doctor refused to correct the error, when the patient or I called.

To address this potential issue, I ask my clients to prepare a detailed summary of the facts of the accident and a summary of their injuries from the top of their head to the bottom of their toes as to what is hurting.

I review my client’s notes so I can assist in placing the injuries in an order that will maximize the insurance company’s offer.

For instance there could be a difference in settlement value with a med report that states the patient stubbed his toe, had a scrape on his shin, had headaches and a broken shoulder vs leading with the broken shoulder first.

After my review, my client gives the medical issues summary to each medical provider. That way there is continuity of all injury complaints, with each medical provider.

Now the insurance company defense lawyer cannot later argue that my client did not have a specific injury when he saw Dr. X because he did not mention it to that specific doctor.

$37 million new notes are issued each day with 95% replacing damaged currency. There are between 7.5 and 9 billion $1 bills in circulation. It costs 5.7 cents to make a dollar bill and 2.5 cents to make a penny.

Overall, the world has $5 trillion in physical money and $60 trillion if you include electronic money held in banks with 20% of all money in the United States, home to 4% of the world’s population. Within this, 25% of all Americans have a net worth of less than $10.

The counterfeiting of paper currency was so widespread during the Civil War that the U.S. Secret Service was created. Today, the greatest counterfeiter of our currency is North Korea.

Approximately 70% of all financial transactions in Iceland are completed electronically. In the United States, 40% of all transactions are electronic.

If you ever needed a reason to pay for things with debit or credit cards, here it is: 94% of all currency is contaminated with bacteria. Thirty percent of currency has fecal matter on it while 7% have the E.coli bacteria on it. Two is four bills have the viruses responsible for colds and flues. The flu virus can survive for up to 10 days on paper money.

Each doctor should have the same summary in their file. The bottom line is you should remain Silent and not talk to anyone without your lawyer’s permission.

Remember Silence is Golden but talking “might” lead to Silver Handcuffs for perjury, or admitting to an issue the other side needed to prove.

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE OR TEXT AND GET A DUI OR ACCIDENT, CALL A TAXI OR UBER………IT IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME DALE GRIBOW “TOP LAWYER” - Palm Springs Life 20112016 (DUI and PI) 10.0 AVVO Perfect Peer Rating “Preeminent” - Martindale Hubbell Legal Directory “Best Attorneys of America” Selected by “Rue” (Limited to Top 100/State)

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December 3 to December 9, 2015

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SAFETY TIPS

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

HOLIDAY SAFETY FROM THE INSIDE OUT!

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f you haven’t already, many of you have been thinking about pulling out those holiday decorations. ‘Tis the season’ but let’s exercise good common sense to ensure our holidays don›t end up tragically reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.

Let›s start from the inside and then to the outside: Inside: Use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets.

Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.” When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces and heat vents. Heated rooms dry live trees out rapidly,

be sure to keep the stand filled with water. Do not block doorways. Avoid using candles.

Outside: Make sure that the strings of lights you are using outside have built-in fuses on the lines. Check the actual plug. Make sure you are using lights designated for outdoor use only. Use UL or approved Christmas lights and decorations only.

When using a ladder use caution. Ensure it is safe and secure on even ground. Avoid using them in wet areas or lawns where the soil is soft. Have an additional person “foot/secure” the ladder and look out for energized powerlines above.

There’s a lot more to cover, so most importantly, use good common sense, following all safety directions, go to your local fire station or visit: esfi.org/program/holiday-safety-50 for additional holiday safety information!

Happy Holidays!

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

SPORTS SCENE HOLIDAY SURVIVAL TIPS: WHY DON’T ATHLETES KNOW THEM?

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grew up in a big family. Holidays weren’t so much about tradition as they were survival. So everything my parents taught me through the holidays stuck with me. But this past week, I watched what happened in the world of sports and couldn’t help but wonder why some of our most prominent athletes weren’t taught the same invaluable lessons.

Never Overstay The Welcome: The holidays are about seeing your loved ones and catching up after a year of life. They help us carve memories we share and memories we want to share. But there comes a point that too much sharing means no one is caring and someone has overstayed their welcome. The third plate of turkey is cold, the fourth heap of stuffing is served with a “humph” and it’s likely your uncle from upstate New York is the ONLY person unaware the party is over. But it is. As in, Dad-Is-In-His-Underwear-Over. But good ole’ Unk is blissfully unaware of the reality that is painfully pouring across the faces of the entire family.

THAT’s Kobe Bryant right now.

He announced he will retire after this season, to which all eleventy-billion of his doctors cried victoriously “FINALLY.” Kobe overstayed his welcome the way you and your loved ones over eat every Thanksgiving. We knew it was coming, yet we

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all act surprised.

But I’m not.

Kobe should have retired 2 years ago, you know before he accepted that bloated and cap-crushing 2-year, $48.5 million extension from Jim “I Want To Be One Of The Cool Guys Too” Buss.

But he didn’t.

And now he, and Kevin Durant, wants us to accept his proverbial 10th trip through the Thanksgiving buffet line. He’s not good at basketball, but he’s good enough at making us hope that Laker fans want him around. But just like your uncle from upstate New York, it stinks having to clean up after him AGAIN, and Kobe is making the Lakers clean up his mess. It’s awful.

And selfish. And something my mother taught me not to do decades ago. Don’t overstay your welcome. It goes for friends, family and future Hall-Of-Famers.

The Best Present Will Always Be Getting Someone What They Want: Sounds rigorously simple eh? But if you’ve been around those who shop for presents, efforting beyond reason to get the most surprising and most complex gift, you’d understand the wisdom in this one. Growing up, my mom would say, “Here’s the parameters, what do you want?” Us kids would answer; understanding the efficiency of requesting within those parameters would almost guarantee delivery. And behold, gifts

BY JULIE BUEHLER

under the tree reflected our requests.

So, Bronco fans, Colts fans, Vikings fans, Bengals fans, Panthers fans and more want a Super Bowl eh? Do you realize the most efficient means to have that delivered is through a punishing running game and stiff defense? First, I love the Panthers. If you haven’t watched this team, let this be my gift to you. Watch them. As much as humanly possible. Meanwhile, the rest of those teams, all of which have doubts surrounding them and pundits casting aspersions, keep the faith. Your team is close to delivering what you want.

Manning dropping out for the Broncos will open opportunities for their backs. Gore should become more of a staple on the Colts (and as a Niners fan, I’m excited for his pending success), the Hawks and Bengals are in the same boat.

Keep running the ball. Let everyone else drool over passing numbers. Keep your defense tight and your running game tighter.

Regardless Of What You Don’t Have, Be Thankful For ALL That You Do Have: Gosh Tom, I feel bad that you lost ONE GAME. Forget the 10 other ones you eeked out or destroyed the opposition. You lose ONE GAME and you cry about the refs and injuries and toss expletives and excuses and want us to commiserate with you? Sorry Turbo, I can see through the Super Bowl rings. It’s ONE GAME. Out of 16. So the ’72 Dolphins are happy, your team is still the best in the AFC and your fan base is even more obnoxiously (if that were even possible) in love with you. Sounds like a win-win to me.

Just a few tips my mom and dad taught me as a kid could help our sports scene regain some semblance of common sense.

Julie Buehler hosted the Coachella Valley’s most popular sports talk radio show, “Buehler’s Day Off” every day for 3 years, but now she can be exclusively seen on KMIR sharing the coolest stories in sports and heard on 103.9 FM ESPN from 6-7 pm nightly. She’s an avid gym rat, slightly sarcastic and more likely to recite Steve Young’s career passing stats than American Idol winners. Tune in to KMIR’s nightly news or KMIR.com for her sports reports.

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Week of December 3

ARIES (March 21-April 19): “Charm is a way of getting the answer ‘yes’ without having asked any clear question,” wrote French author Albert Camus.

I have rarely seen you better poised than you are now to embody and capitalize on this definition of “charm,” Aries. That’s good news, right? Well, mostly. But there are two caveats. First, wield your mojo as responsibly as you can. Infuse your bewitching allure with integrity. Second, be precise about what it is you want to achieve -- even if you don’t come right out and tell everyone what it is.

Resist the temptation to throw your charm around haphazardly.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): I suspect that in the coming days you will have an uncanny power to make at least one of your resurrection fantasies come true. Here are some of the possibilities. 1. If you’re brave enough to change your mind and shed some pride, you could retrieve an expired dream from limbo. 2. By stirring up a bit more chutzpah that you usually have at your disposal, you might be able to revive and even restore a forsaken promise.

3. Through an act of grace, it’s possible you will reanimate an ideal that was damaged or abandoned.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): To the other eleven signs of the zodiac, the Way of the Gemini sometimes seems rife with paradox and contradiction. Many non-Geminis would feel paralyzed if they had to live in the midst of so much hubbub. But when you are at your best, you thrive in the web of riddles. In fact, your willingness to abide there is often what generates your special magic. Your breakthroughs are made possible by your high tolerance for uncertainty. How many times have I seen a Gemini who has been lost in indecision but then suddenly erupts with a burst of crackling insights? This is the kind of subtle miracle I expect to happen soon.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): In September of 1715, a band of Jacobite rebels gathered for a guerrilla attack on Edinburgh Castle in Scotland.

Their plan was to scale the walls with rope ladders, aided by a double agent who was disguised as a castle sentry. But the scheme failed before it began.

The rope ladders turned out to be too short to serve their intended purpose. The rebels retreated in disarray. Please make sure you’re not like them in the coming weeks, Cancerian. If you want to engage in a strenuous action, an innovative experiment, or a bold stroke, be meticulous in your preparations.

Don’t scrimp on your props, accouterments, and resources.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): If you give children the option of choosing between food that’s mushy and food that’s crunchy, a majority will choose the crunchy stuff. It’s more exciting to their mouths, a more lively texture for their teeth and tongues to play with. This has nothing to do with nutritional value, of course. Soggy oatmeal may foster a kid’s well-being better than crispy potato chips. Let’s apply this lesson to the way you feed your inner child in the coming weeks. Metaphorically speaking, I suggest you serve that precious part of you the kind of sustenance that’s both crunchy and healthy.

In other words, make sure that what’s wholesome is also fun, and vice versa.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Your mascot is a famous white oak in Athens, Georgia. It’s called the Tree That Owns Itself. According to legend, it belongs to no person or institution, but only to itself.

The earth in which it’s planted and the land around it are also its sole possession. With this icon as your inspiration, I invite you to enhance and celebrate your sovereignty during the next seven months.

What actions will enable you to own yourself more thoroughly? How can you boost your autonomy and become, more than ever before, the boss of you? It’s prime time to expedite this effort.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Police in Los Angeles conducted an experiment on a ten-mile span of freeway. Drivers in three unmarked cars raced along as fast as they could while remaining in the same lane. The driver of the fourth car not only moved

© Copyright 2015 Rob Brezsny

at top speed, but also changed lanes and jockeyed for position. Can you guess the results? The car that weaved in and out of the traffic flow arrived just slightly ahead of the other three. Apply this lesson to your activities in the coming week, please.

There will be virtually no advantage to indulging in frenetic, erratic, breakneck exertion. Be steady and smooth and straightforward.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You will generate lucky anomalies and helpful flukes if you use shortcuts, flee from boredom, and work smarter rather than harder. On the other hand, you’ll drum up wearisome weirdness and fruitless flukes if you meander all over the place, lose yourself in far-off fantasies, and act as if you have all the time in the world. Be brisk and concise, Scorpio. Avoid loafing and vacillating. Associate with bubbly activators who make you laugh and loosen your iron grip. It’s a favorable time to polish off a lot of practical details with a light touch.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “Like all explorers, we are drawn to discover what’s out there without knowing yet if we have the courage to face it.” Buddhist teacher Pema Chödrön said that, and now I’m telling you. According to my divinations, a new frontier is calling to you. An unprecedented question has awakened. The urge to leave your familiar circle is increasingly tempting. I don’t know if you should you surrender to this brewing fascination. I don’t know if you will be able to gather the resources you would require to carry out your quest. What do you think? Will you be able to summon the necessary audacity? Maybe the better inquiry is this: Do you vow to use all your soulful ingenuity to summon the necessary audacity?

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “Once I witnessed a windstorm so severe that two 100-year-old trees were uprooted on the spot,” Mary Ruefle wrote in her book Madness, Rack, and Honey. “The next day, walking among the wreckage, I found the friable nests of birds, completely intact and unharmed on the ground.” I think that’s a paradox you’d be wise to keep in mind, Capricorn. In the coming weeks, what’s most delicate and vulnerable about you will have more staying power than what’s massive and fixed. Trust your grace and tenderness more than your fierceness and forcefulness. They will make you as smart as you need to be.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Aztec king Montezuma II quenched his daily thirst with one specific beverage. He rarely drank anything else. It was ground cocoa beans mixed with chili peppers, water, vanilla, and annatto. Spiced chocolate? You could call it that. The frothy brew was often served to him in golden goblets, each of which he used once and then hurled from his royal balcony into the lake below. He regarded this elixir as an aphrodisiac, and liked to quaff a few flagons before heading off to his harem. I bring this up, Aquarius, because the coming weeks will be one of those exceptional times when you have a poetic license to be almost Montezumalike. What’s your personal equivalent of his primal chocolate, golden goblets, and harem?

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “Unfortunately, I’m pretty lucky,” my friend Rico said to me recently. He meant that his relentless good fortune constantly threatens to undermine his ambition. How can he be motivated to try harder and grow smarter and get stronger if life is always showering him with blessings? He almost wishes he could suffer more so that he would have more angst to push against.

I hope you won’t fall under the spell of that twisted logic in the coming weeks, Pisces. This is a phase of your cycle when you’re likely to be the beneficiary of an extra-strong flow of help and serendipity.

Please say this affirmation as often as necessary: “Fortunately, I’m pretty lucky.”

Homework: What’s the most selfish, narcissistic thing about you? Do you think that maybe you should transform it? Testify at FreeWillAstrology.com.

Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

TECH TALK

December 3 to December 9, 2015

BY KAITEY MARIE

CLOSING THE “APP GAP”

CALLING ALL ENTREPRENEURS AND EMERGING SMALL BUSINESSES!

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here’s a new wave in the marketing world, and entrepreneurs worldwide are taking note. With a new millennium, new marketing techniques are continually emerging. Flashy websites, which were once essential for the small business owner, are now taking a budget backseat to mobile apps. Entrepreneurs alike realize that with limited capital, it’s imperative to select the marketing method that will produce the maximum response.

With over 51% of consumers using mobile media over desktop, countless companies and entrepreneurs are aware they need an app to stay relevant in today’s digital world, but most don’t know how to get aboard the app bandwagon.

This twenty-first century phenomenon is referred to as the “App Gap,” because the demand for mobile apps supersedes the availability of affordable app development options. Fortunately, a cutting-edge new company is bridging this gap beginning January 2016. Develapp, founded by now-CEO Michael Slosar, is dedicated to developing and publishing mobile apps for entrepreneurs and small business owners at an affordable price. On the topic of technological pivots in marketing, Slosar relayed how interactive apps with pushnotifications are vital to increasing sales and maintaining a competitive edge. Moreover, mobile apps have a functional marketing purpose for nearly every type of business.

Slosar noted how certain business owners were skeptical about the necessity of an app, citing that an app “wouldn’t work” for their business. Slosar addressed this mentality by revealing how every business can benefit from an app – whether you own an ice cream shop or a hair salon. Apps provide a virtual outlet for appointment scheduling, employee monitoring, promotional marketing and more.

Develapp will make it so easy to create an app for your business, that you’ll have trouble thinking of an excuse not to. The Develapp website provides a simple, userfriendly platform where subscribers can use drag-and-drop icons to build and personalize

their own mobile app. Develapp will then publish the app in the Google Play, Window Store and Apple Store, gaining subscribers instant online presence and a competitive edge over businesses without an app.

Develapp packages range from simple userbuilt apps, to apps built by experts with the option to have your app professionally managed and redesigned every year.

According to Slosar, “Subscribers will have their own completely private branding with no extra charge,” meaning unlike other app companies Develapp sees “no need to dilute the subscriber’s brand by including a watermark of their own.”

Develapp is committed to making sure that subscribers get the most out of their app, functionally and financially. The company provides enhanced analytics that deliver app owners the specific touch patterns of app users. This information will allow subscribers to make adjustments to their app according to traceable demand based on their unique experience with what is and isn’t effective.

Additionally, as CEO of Develapp, Slosar is dedicated to creating a culture behind the Develapp brand through the Develapp Founders Club. This exclusive club of only 1500 members will represent the original supporters of the company and will receive exclusive access to future press conferences and Develapp events. The Founders Club unifies the subscribers who believed in Develapp’s entrepreneurial mission from day one. Slosar shares the same vision as leading entrepreneurs in the technology field of creating an intimate connection with loyal supporters of the brand. Lifetime membership is free and includes annual discounts on Develapp packages and premier access to new app features.

Ultimately, tech experts spectate that Develapp will undoubtedly take off after its new-year launch in 2016, so don’t miss your opportunity to join the Develapp culture, sign up for the Founders Club now until January 31 at develappbuilders.com/foundersclub.

Make it Happen, with Develapp.

Written by: Kaitlin Marie kkalisva@uci.edu

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December 3 to December 9, 2015

MIND, BODY & SPIRIT

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY BRONWYN ISON

EXPEL POOR HABITS

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oor habits? I candidly admit I have mine. You will reap longterm rewards by jettisoning your poor habits. Commence to identify your habit(s). Secondly, develop a plan to modify.

Lastly, take action and follow through with your plan. Lifelong habits will be challenging to break. Remember nothing is insurmountable.

Temptation is defined as enticement or to allure. Typically, if temptation surfaces it may not be the best choice. Often there is a little voice telling you not to move forward.

Why do you inveterate nature? It’s simple… we’re not supposed to follow the temptation but it’s to enticing. Following temptation generally produces poor results. Anytime I have been challenged by temptation, I’ve been terribly disappointed. However, I only have myself to blame. I made the decision and then need to reconcile my choice.

Presumably, these are life lessons.

If you are cognizant of your bad habits this will allow you to identify your temptations and weaknesses. If you have a tendency to snack on junk food, you should dispose of unhealthy food in your home. When you feel lonely, be sure to fill your time with something or someone who is nurturing.

Don’t entertain unhealthy relationships simply because you are bored. Select activities that will invigorate your health and attitude. Consider helping a friend in need if you have time to spare. Both of you will benefit. Your spirit will be recharged.

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You may have heard, “Don’t link up with those who will pollute you.” Spend your time with people who lift your spirits and feed your soul. Within the past year I resolved to surround myself with soul feeders versus those who will extract every bit of life from you. Nothing is worse than wasting your time on someone who gains pleasure by venting their misery. Break the habit of maintaining company with negative people.

Perhaps your poor habit is a lack of exercise. Fill your free time with healthy activity. What physical exercise is appealing to you? Fortunately, we live in a beautiful city. The sun shines a majority of the year and there is an abundance of outdoor activities.

The New Year is around the corner.

About this time of year we ponder our New Year’s resolutions. Why should you wait to preclude what is not prospering you?

I know… you desire to indulge in the poor habit a little longer because it’s been your buddy for so long. I can relate. When you decide to release your poor habit it may feel like a divorce or similarly, you’ve lost your best friend. Remember, relinquishing your inveterate nature is holding you back from your greatest potential.

Do not fear your habits. You have everything to gain by saying goodbye. Be patient, stay confident and resist temptation.

Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga. e-volveyoga.com 760.564.YOGA(9642)

LIFE & CAREER COACH

BY SUNNY SIMON

NO THANKS. NO PROBLEM

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he Thanksgiving leftovers have long since vanished from the fridge; except for one cookie so beautiful I cannot bring myself to even remove the wrapper. A local pastry chef worked her magic creating that sweet work of art. In addition to the cookie, I have another remnant from the holiday. This one I created, it is intangible and something I will continue to possess. You see, this year I decided to put a spin on my usual Thanksgiving outreach. Rather than expressing my thanks to friends and family via Facebook posts, emails and colorful Hallmark cards, I spent the Thanksgiving week executing actions that might elicit thankfulness.

Don’t get me wrong, gratitude was not the objective, actually quite the opposite. My premise was to focus my energy into random acts of kindness, no strings attached, no thanks required or needed. Okay, here’s the catch. Thinking up nice things to do for others is the easy part, executing is the fun part, but truly not caring if the deed does not illicit even a small nod of thanks, is the hard part. At least it is for me.

For example, I am a very considerate driver. I happily wave people into my lane. I hold the door for others, in the grocery store I reach objects from the top shelf for strangers,

let them cash out in front of me when they have just a few items, I volunteer at events and engage in community outreach. I do whatever I can to accommodate those around me, but I must confess I crave the payback. I silently fume a bit when a simple thank you is withheld.

My attitude changed earlier this month when I read this line from a prayer: “Blessed are those who give without expecting anything in return.” Okay, got the message. I needed to change my expectation. When I pondered this quote from Timber Hawkeye it really put me to shame: “Give without expecting anything in return. That is unconditional kindness… everything else is ego.” Oh, I am so busted.

Wanting something in return was a way to feed my big fat ego.

I’ll keep challenging myself daily to want nothing in return. Motivation to give should be pure and free of expectation. The good news is, I’ve been getting it right lately and realize there is an inherent payback. The act of giving provides me with an enhanced sense of peace, love and joy. Thankfully, that is more than enough.

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

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