Coachella Valley Weekly - December 7 to December 13, 2017 Vol. 6 No. 38 by CV Weekly

coachellavalleyweekly.com • December 7 to December 13, 2017 Vol. 6 No. 38

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December 7 to December 13, 2017

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Coachella Valley Weekly (760) 501-6228

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

CONTENTS Palm Springs Revitalization................ 3 Palm Springs Art Museum.................. 5 Black History Month Extravaganza.... 5 Desert Movement Arts - Circling The Shrinking Sea.................................... 6 Travel - Desert Adventures ................. 6 CV Music Showcase - Round 1............ 7 Bonnie Raitt at Fantasy Springs......... 7 School House Rock Christmas Benefit at Palm Canyon Roadhouse.............. 8 Backstage Jazz - Patrice Morris.......... 8 Black Pussy & Waxy............................. 9 Consider This - Squeeze.................... 10 Art Scene - Roberta Duke.................. 11 Pet Place............................................. 12 The Vino Voice ................................... 13 Club Crawler Nightlife....................... 14 Pampered Palate - Mimmo's..............16 Screeners ........................................... 18 Book Review ...................................... 19 Safety Tips ..........................................19 Haddon Libby.................................... 21 Dale Gribow....................................... 21 Sports Scene...................................... 22 Real Estate.......................................... 22 Free Will Astrology............................ 23 Mind, Body & Spirit........................... 23 Cannabis Corner................................ 24 Life & Career Coach............................ 24

December 7 to December 13, 2017

CITY OF PALM SPRINGS INVITES ENTIRE COACHELLA VALLEY TO BY AMY BLAISDELL GRAND OPENING DEDICATION, COMMUNITY CONCERT AND FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR FOR THE DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION PROJECT ON THURSDAY, DEC. 14 DURING VILLAGEFEST

historic renaissance is underway in Palm Springs! The City of Palm Springs and the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with P.S. Resorts, invite the entire Coachella Valley to a special grand opening ribbon-cutting and time capsule dedication for the Downtown Revitalization public improvements along with a free Community Concert and Fireworks Spectacular on Thursday, Dec. 14 during Village Fest. The festivities kick off at 4 p.m. with the public dedication ribbon-cutting and time capsule ceremony on the new street facing the Palm Springs Art Museum, followed by free bundt cakes until they last and a Community Concert, presented in partnership with the Board of Directors of Academy of Musical Performance, (AMP), an innovative camp for local student musicians in the Coachella Valley and Goldenvoice, the producer of the Coachella Music & Arts Festival. Student band “Minor Emergency,” managed by Mikael Jacobson, will take the stage at 5 p.m. followed by well-known local Coachella Fest bands,

“The Flusters” at 6 p.m. and headliner the “YIP YOPS” at 8 p.m. A spectacular 30-minute fireworks show will take place at 7:30 p.m., presented by local resident Harold Matzner. In addition, student filmmakers from Palm Springs Unified School District’s Digicom Learning, will also be on hand producing a video about the historic day, which will premiere at a later date. “With the new opening of Kimpton The Rowan Palm Springs hotel and Starbucks Reserve, the Downtown Revitalization Project is coming to fruition and the renaissance underway in the City is now in full-swing as an ultra-cool destination like no place else,” says Mary Jo Ginther, Director of the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism, who notes the Palm Springs brand continues to reinvent itself for current and future generations of residents and visitors. “Partnering with AMP and Goldenvoice for this exciting Community Concert perfectly fits with our downtown vibe and the revitalization underway while helping us continue to tap into a new generation of millennials who want to experience Palm

Springs, the capital of cool,” according to Ginther. “It is incredibly exciting to see this part of downtown finally refreshed,” said Nona Watson, CEO of the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce. “Now it’s time for our community to take stock and celebrate all that has been accomplished over the past several years by our residents, businesses, tourism and hospitality partners, who have worked together with the City Council to make the downtown revitalization a reality. We are excited to invite everyone in the Coachella Valley and beyond for what will be a historic event celebrating the Palm Springs renaissance.”

December 7 to December 13, 2017

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PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM PRESENTS NEW SEASON OF EXHIBITIONS MUSEUM’S THREE LOCATIONS SHOWCASE A VARIETY OF MEDIUMS, ERAS & THEMES

alm Springs Art Museum is kicking off the 2017—2018 season with a series of new, thought-provoking exhibitions at all three of its Coachella Valley locations, ranging range in discipline, technique, time period, and theme. “We’re looking forward to another exciting season full of fresh, engaging new exhibitions,” said Elizabeth Armstrong, Palm Springs Art Museum JoAnne McGrath Executive Director. “From our current kinetic art and mid-century modern architecture exhibitions to women in the glass movement and famous Childers and Warhol installations, these works are sure to leave a lasting impression.” AT PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM: Kinesthesia: Latin American Kinetic Art, 1954-1969, through Jan. 15, 2018: This exhibition represents the first in-depth examination of the pioneering role played by South American artists in the international Kinetic Art movement of the 1950s and ’60s. It is presented as part of Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA, a far-reaching and ambitious exploration of Latin American and Latino art in dialogue with Los Angeles. Supported by grants from the Getty Foundation, Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA continues through January 2018 at more than 70 cultural institutions across Southern California, from Los Angeles to Palm Springs, and from San Diego to Santa Barbara. PST: LA/LA is an initiative of the Getty. The presenting sponsor is Bank of America. Major support for this exhibition and publication is provided through grants from the Getty Foundation. Mysteries of the Mesa: The Restoration of William Robinson Leigh’s ‘Thunder Mountain,’ through February 27, 2018: William R. Leigh captured the magic and mystery of the sacred Dowa Yalanne (Thunder Mountain) on his first visit to Zuni Pueblo in 1906. This interactive project allows for question-and-answer segments as the public observes the conservator at work. Mysteries of the Mesa is supported in part by

Gerald Peters of Gerald Peters Gallery in Santa Fe and New York. No Glass Ceiling! Women Working in Glass, Part 1, through March 5, 2018: From the beginning, women have been an integral part of the American studio glass movement, and in today’s global world of communication and collaboration, they continue to excel. This exhibition, the first part of a series, begins to portray the multiplicity of working styles and concepts that women working in the fluid medium of glass share with the rest of us. No Glass Ceiling! is supported by generous funding from the Brautigam Kaplan Foundation. Andy Warhol: Prints From The Collections Of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, March 3 – May 28, 2018: This retrospective encompasses over 250 works on loan from Schnitzer’s comprehensive collection, and establishes Warhol’s graphic production as it evolved over four decades. Support for Andy Warhol: Prints from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, and related educational and outreach programs have been made possible by a grant from the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation. Additional generous support is provided by Renova Solar. Michael Childers: Having A Ball, January 13, 2017- May 28, 2018: In the 1970s, Childers was a photographer for Andy Warhol’s Interview Magazine, giving him access to the artist and his famous New York studio, The Factory. Childers’ photographs of Warhol from that period use subtle strategies of gesture, props, and doubling devises to go beyond the inscrutable icon that the artist cultivated, bringing to light his complicated personality. AT PALM SPRINGS ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN CENTER: Albert Frey And Lina Bo Bardi: A Search For Living Architecture, through January 7, 2018: Also part of the Getty-led initiative Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA, this exhibition explores two visionary architects who critically expanded

THE 3RD ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH CULTURAL APPRECIATION FASHION, MUSIC AND ART EXTRAVAGANZA RETURNS SATURDAY, FEB 3RD 2018 2PM - 8PM AT THE HISTORIC DRIFTWOOD ESTATE LOCATED IN BEAUTIFUL PALM SPRINGS

he BHMCA Fashion, Music and Arts Extravaganza is back for its third year. They aim to enlighten and educate the Coachella Valley through fashion, music and art, about the rich heritage of African Americans. It will be a full day of celebration for the Coachella Valley’s urban artistic cultural art, music and fashion lovers. The Extravaganza will feature a fashion show, live music, art, food and discussions. The BHMCA Fashion, Music and Arts Extravaganza Experience A Fashion show featuring celebrity model and First African American Bond Girl Ms. Trina Parks (Thumper) in Diamonds Are Forever, a multi ethnic, age and size line up of models to debut Aneka Brown Designs Springs/Summer 2018 Collection. Aneka Brown, founder of the Palm Springs Cultural Arts Food and Wine Festival, formally an Interior Design Associates @ Jeffrey Jurasky and Associates, the Owner/

Operator/Curator of the JJandA Pop Up Gallery dedicated to showing cultural art, was the first African American to Own/Operator a gallery in the Coachella Valley and is now the Designer/Owner/Operator of Aneka Brown Designs. ABD Ready To Wear (a division of Aneka Brown Designs) will debut the Urban Opulence Collection along w/new pieces from the California Afrochic Original Collection. The musical stylings of Keisha D will perform this year with a live band featuring Legendary Drummer Alvin Taylor (whom has worked w/ Iconic and Legendary Music Greats such as The Beatles, Elton John, Billy Preston, Sly and The Family Stone and more). There will be a culturally diverse gathering of artist booths from local art, jewelry, clothing, wellness, skin care, lifestyle, fashion and food vendors. The BHMCA Fashion, Music and Arts Extravaganza will benefit the Palm Springs

December 7 to December 13, 2017

ART SCENE

the meaning and practice of modern architecture, though the two never met. The presenting sponsor is Bank of America. Major support for this exhibition and publication is provided through grants from the Getty Foundation. In Conversation: Alma Allen & J.B. Blunk, February 3 – June 4, 2018: This exhibition stages an encounter between two people who never met but whose work shares a deep affinity. The work of Alma Allen and J.B. Blunk blurs the line between design and sculpture, with both men creating evocative organic work from natural materials. AT PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM IN PALM DESERT, THE GALEN: Bob Van Breda: Lost and Found, through January 28, 2018: This exhibition features discarded industrial and natural objects that have been transformed into aesthetic forms by the artist — channeling his ongoing fascination with objects from everyday life. Journey Through The Desert: The Road Less Traveled, February 17 – September 3, 2018: The Road Less Traveled features works by approximately 20 American photographers that push the visual boundaries of desert

photography in surprisingly new directions. The selection seeks to examine each photographer’s distinct visions and unique journeys through the American deserts of the West. Exhibition season sponsors: Carol & Jim Egan, David Kaplan & Glenn Ostergaard, Dorothy C. Meyerman, Marion & Bob Rosenthal, and the Herman & Faye Sarkowsky Charitable Foundation. The Desert Sun is the exhibition media sponsor. Corporate Season Sponsors: Eisenhower Medical Center and Rapport International Furniture. In addition to exciting exhibitions, the museum will continue its popular community programming including Free Second Sunday and Free Thursday 4 to 8 p.m. admission at the main location and A+D Center. Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert is always free and will continue its Wednesday farmer’s market and yoga in the Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden, and the First Friday of the month celebrations will include jazz music and tours of the museum. Palm Springs Art Museum is the largest cultural institution in the Coachella Valley and includes three locations in Palm Springs and Palm Desert. The flagship building, located in downtown Palm Springs, features compelling art exhibitions, a vast permanent collection, and the Annenberg Theater, all in a 150,000 square foot, architecturally-significant building. Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion, features exhibitions and programming that explore the rich topics of architecture and design. Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert is an 8,400 square foot, Silver LEED-certified building named The Galen featuring rotating exhibitions and special collections. The Galen is surrounded by the four-acre Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden. Admission to the Palm Desert location is free, generously underwritten by Helene V. Galen. For information about Palm Springs Art Museum locations, hours, admission prices, membership opportunities and ongoing exhibitions, please visit psmuseum.org or call (760) 322-4800.

Community in many ways including giving the public an opportunity to experience some of the most relevant and current fashion, music, food and art in the state, while experiencing some of the newest and most innovative performances and music available. The public can also participate in the many projects at the extravaganza whether it is conversing with the designers, artist and musicians or just enjoying the unique atmosphere that will be found at the BHMCA Fashion, Music and Arts Extravaganza. The Extravaganza will draw many people to Palm Springs both from inside and outside of the Coachella Valley to spend the day supporting local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, shops and clubs. The economic benefits also extend to the artists, musicians and vendors that will sell their unique works at the extravaganza and the musicians and performers that use this opportunity to increase their visibility and expand their audience. They estimate that the average attendee will spend $600 in Palm Springs during their visit bringing in much needed revenue our economy. This festival is unique to the city as it

provides the best opportunity for Urban Artists to be showcased and celebrated for the positive cultural impact they have on our valley and society as a whole. BHMCA Fashion, Music and Arts Extravaganza is all about city life and Palm Springs has an amazingly diverse population many of whom relate in one way or another to urban cultural artistic expressions.

EVENTS

December 7 to December 13, 2017

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DESERT MOVEMENT ARTS PRESENTS:

EVENTS

BY CONSTANCE CLARE-NEWMAN CIRCLING THE SHRINKING SEA CLOSING RECEPTION OF ‘SALTON SEA: AN ARTISTIC DISCUSSION’

SO MUCH TO SEE ON PALM DESERT’S TRAVEL SAN ANDREAS FAULT JEEP TOUR BY LYNNE TUCKER

FREE, DEC. 12, 2017, 6PM, UCR PALM DESERT, CA

hat’s a vital discussion without any movement? Bursting onto the burgeoning creative scene of the Coachella Valley is newly formed, intergenerational movement collective Desert Movement Arts. Comprised of local dancers, choreographers, somatic practitioners and dance teaching artists, Desert Movement Arts will debut Circling the Shrinking Sea at the closing reception for ‘Salton Sea: An Artistic Discussion’ on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at 6:00p.m. at UCR Palm Desert. Circling the Shrinking Sea evolved out of the dancers’ research into the many birds that live or migrate through the Salton Sea, and of seeing the many groups with disparate (or competing) interests and needs begin to come together for the greater good. A sextet aged 8-74 respond to the outdoor space facing the gallery, including stairs, benches, and rocks as they dance bird motifs and flock as pelicans, burrowing owls and herons. As they return to human movement, they solo, pair and circle, inspired by folk dances and community dances. Enveloping the multi-faceted performance is an evocative sound score by local dynamo MLN17, known for her eclectic mixes and provocative, multidisciplinary installations. Listen closely to the layers of the compelling composition, featuring the creative group’s field recordings of distinctive Salton Sea soundscapes. The piece invites the audience to connect to the resilience and mutability of the moving body, while discovering the migratory birds and community rallying to repair the Salton Sea. Before and after the dance, enjoy the visual art exhibition in the gallery. The displays shift perspective dramatically, from stunning and unnerving photographs to intimate textures of a mixed media installation, with unusual found objects and tons of salt. Over 30 artists and 100 art pieces fill the walls, illustrating a deep dive of interest and complexity. The Salton Sea has been an integral part of the Coachella Valley for decades. Now it

PHOTOS BY MONICA MORONES

threatens the quality of life in our desert. Everybody knows something must be done, and a continuing dialogue is the only way forward. This art exhibition, curated by Terry Hastings, is designed to spark conversation. The event will take place at UCR Palm Desert located at 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive (at Cook St) Palm Desert, CA 92211 About Desert Movement Arts: As dance artists, educators, and somatic explorers, we produce collaborative and site-based dance and movement performances. Our practices are inspired by the desert environment, postmodern dance, activist art, queer and feminist explorations, contact improvisation and site-specific choreography. Co-founders are Constance Clare-Newman, a movement practitioner and educator, bridging somatic exploration, performance practices and modern dance techniques; and Brittany Delany, dancer, choreographer, arts and culture worker, writer, and community organizer. Along with co-founders, collective members Lauren Bright, Lois Graziano, and guest artist Sarah Ashkin will perform in Circling the Shrinking Sea. www.desertmovementarts.weebly.com www.palmdesert.ucr.edu www.constanceclare.com

xtraordinary scenery abounds as your red Jeep winds its way through the labyrinth of geological cuts and canyons of the San Andreas Fault Zone, while your naturalist guide entertains you with stories about the plants, animals, geology and history of the California desert. On this exciting 4WD adventure to the private Metate Ranch preserve on the San Andreas Fault you will: Experience the twisted and tortured landscape of an active earthquake fault system as your guide describes the geology of the area and explores the skeleton of the earth. Walk between the steep walls of deep canyons created by the powerful forces of plate tectonics, water, wind and time. Explore a natural palm oasis where crystal clear water bubbles up from the

underground aquifer. Learn about the culture and lifestyle of the Cahuilla Indians and how they used the desert’s plants for food, medicine, tools, weapons, shelter and more. Learn about the plants and animals of the California desert. Discover the fascinating history of the Coachella Valley. Enjoy spectacular views as your guide describes the geologic forces and local history that shaped the Coachella Valley. Desert Adventures is the only tour company that can take you to this private location and provide this unique experience. TOUR SCHEDULE October – May: Public Tours are offered daily at 8:30am and 1pm. Private tours are offered daily every morning and afternoon. June – September: Public tours depart at 8:30am Monday – Saturday. TOUR DURATION Three hours from Coco’s restaurant in Palm Desert. Hotel pickup adds up to one hour. REGULAR TOUR PRICES Departures through December 31: Adult $135, Senior (62+) $120, Child (12 & Under) $110. Departures beginning January 1, 2018: Adult $139, Senior (62+) $124, Child (12 & Under) $114. Each Jeep holds up to seven guests. For more information and directions visit www.Red-Jeep.com. Think travel! Lynne Tucker is a travel writer and photojournalist based in Palm Desert.

3RD ANNUAL CV MUSIC SHOWCASE - ROUND 1:

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THE WINNER IS – MANUEL THE BAND

he first preliminary round of the 3rd Annual CV Music Showcase at The Hood Bar & Pizza started out with a bang with solid performances by Sunday Funeral (lead singer, Justin Ledesma, has one of the best and most under-rated voices in the valley), Hundred Forms (with Corwin Hendricks being one of the best drummers in the valley), Skitzo Attack (offered a powerful trio performance) and Manuel the Band (who delivered a cohesive performance of memorable songs, with the band members interacting with each other like a band that had been together for years). It was unanimous with all four judges: Arthur Seay -House of Broken Promises, Unida, Death in Pretty Wrapping and owner of Bitter Sands Recording Studios; TK- Program Director for 93.7 KCLB; Julie Montante- owner of PSA Organica; and Jason Hall- owner of Ruined Vibes Records and CV Weekly Music Writer, that Manuel the Band was the winner. They received $200.00 cash and a slot in the CV Weekly Music Showcase Finals to be held on Saturday, May 5 at The Hood Bar & Pizza. They will join 5 other bands for the opportunity to win $2,000 cash sponsored by Brad Guth owner of The Hood Bar and Julie Montante owner of PSA Organica, along with a photo shoot package provided by Laura Hunt Little Images, their song or live performance played on 93.7 KCLB by TK, and a one song recording with Arthur Seay at his Bitter Sands Studios. Manuel the Band is comprised of: Manuel

Grajeda- founder, lead vocals & guitar; Alex Rodriguez- backing vocals and guitar; Brandon Charlesworth- Drums; George Madrid- pedal steel; Richard Fernandez- trumpet, trombone & percussion; Matt Kalin- saxophone & percussion; Kevin Nowaki- bass. Manuel Grajeda started the band back in January of 2017, however, it started out as just an acoustic set. “Brandon, the drummer, and I had been in two bands previously and when I asked him to be part of this he was right on board. After that it kind of just snowballed and got bigger. George, the pedal steel player, came on right after that and then Richard (trombone). I’d say about a month and a half ago we had the set up that performed at the Showcase the other night. So, this group in the formation you saw is really only a few months old. We do have a rapper, Thomas DaVinci, that comes and jams with us from time to time too,” shared Grajeda. While the band is from Long Beach, their manager, Mychal Renteria, is from the Coachella Valley. Locally, the band has recently performed at Brew in LQ and the Wine Emporium in La Quinta. They also played at the OC Fair and two walks for the Alzheimer’s Association in Huntington Beach and Angel’s Stadium and has some gigs coming up at Mt. High. Add to that list that they just won the San Diego Battle of the Bands and you can see this band is already a force to be reckoned with. “Winning the SD Battle of the Bands

MANUEL THE BAND

SKITZO ATTACK

HUNDRED FORMS

BONNIE RAITT EXTENDS HER “DIG IN DEEP” TOUR

017 has been a tremendous year for Bonnie Raitt following the release of her twentieth album Dig In Deep and over 75 tour dates worldwide. Raitt now extends her 2017 world tour and will be joined by her longtime touring band with special guest Jon Cleary at a stop at the Special Events Center at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Saturday, March 24, 2018. The fall run of Bonnie Raitt’s ‘Dig In Deep’ tour garnered rave reviews across the nation, with Raitt receiving praise from No Depression for her “grace, confidence, humility and credence [that] not only lifted the spirit of all in attendance, but also offered confidence that music’s continuum was still the support that

will see us all through.” The Atlanta Journal Constitution also recently said that “Raitt and her smokin’ four-piece band steamrolled through blues, soul, gospel and rock,” while the Minneapolis Star Tribune commented that “Raitt has never been more spirited, spontaneous and loving.” Dig In Deep has sold over 160,000 albums worldwide, debuting in the top #10 Billboard Album Sales, Blues Album, Americana/Folk Album and Independent Album charts and was still on the top 200 Sales Chart 26 weeks after release. The album charted at #35 on the UK Top 40 Album chart and #1 on the UK Americana Album Chart with the UK and Germany both reporting Dig In Deep as Bonnie’s best-selling

BY TRACY DIETLIN

December 7 to December 13, 2017

CV MUSIC SHOWCASE

was a pretty awesome experience,” shared Grajeda. “It was probably the shortest set we’ve ever played, but, and I can’t speak for the rest of the guys, the most eye opening and meaningful one too. I think, as a band, that’s when we realized that this was something very special. It opened up a lot of doors, connected us to some great bands and really motivated us and pushed us to see what we can do as a band. Alex and I sat on the grass in front of the stage as they called our name as the winners and it was just one of those ‘holy shit, we just did that’ moments. That was back in June. One of the prizes was free recording time at Sonic Rocket studios in Fallbrook, CA. The chief engineer, Shea Thompson, is the absolute man and we’ve been super stoked to work with him and the owner, Cash. We will, hopefully, be back soon to record more.” Manuel the Band has a four song EP on Spotify, but we will have new tunes coming in January, February and March. “We’re really excited about them as we feel it represents who we are and our sound,” shared Grajeda. This 7-piece has a truly unique sound that was quite refreshing. “They were like a breath of fresh air,” shared Julie Montante, one of the judges. “I could already hear the last song they performed as a hit on the radio.” I asked Grajeda if the band was in this for

SUNDAY FUNERAL

the long haul and if they planned to make it a career. “Yes, we’re definitely in this. Like I said, winning the SD Battle was a real game changer for us. We’re also very excited about winning the preliminary round of the CV Music Showcase the other night. We love playing and we have a unanimous belief in what we’re doing and where it can go. We’re very excited about the next year. We do all work. Matt, the sax player, is a professional sexy sax man. Richard teaches marching band, Alex is a professional paintball player, Kevin is in school, Brandon is a bartender, George teaches music lesson and I teach high school history. So we keep busy. Having 7 members with 7 schedules is a weekly challenge for sure!” When asked what genre they feel they fall into Grajeda replied: “That is the toughest question for us… Genre. We were having this conversation the other day. We always seem to fall into that ‘alternative rock’ sound, but in all honesty I don’t think that’s the best description. It is alternative and it is rock, but it also has jazz, hip hop, blues, samba and jammy aspects to it. It’s also really progressive. It’s like the alternative pop rock to alternative pop rock. We’re just one of those ‘you just gotta go see it and you’ll dig it’ kind of bands. Maybe that’s the new genre! ‘Go and see it!’” laughed Grajeda. Manuel the Band’s live performance at the CV Weekly Music Showcase was definitely a memorable one. For more info go to manueltheband.com and check them out on Instagram and FB. Sound for the evening was provided by Nigel Dettelbach, video courtesy of Kurt Schawacker and photos by Robert Chance.

WILL PLAY A DATE AT FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO IN MARCH

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album since 1994’s Longing In Their Hearts. Continuing a long-standing tradition in conjunction with The Guacamole Fund, one dollar from every ticket purchased will be donated to grassroots local, regional, and national organizations whose work focuses on safe and sustainable energy, social justice and human rights, environmental protection, and blues/music education. For more information, please visit www.bonnieraitt.com. Tickets for the 8pm Bonnie Raitt performance on Saturday, March 24, 2018 go on sale Friday, December 8, 2017 for $89, $69 and $49 at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, via telephone (800) 827-2946 or online at www. FantasySpringsResort.com.

December 7 to December 13, 2017

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BY ESTHER SANCHEZ EVENTS SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK CHRISTMAS BENEFIT FOR MUSIC HEALS INC. AT THE WORLD FAMOUS PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8TH, 2017 9PM–2AM

hat better way to kick off the weekend than to head downtown Palm Springs and rock out for a truly fantastic cause? A long list of kick-ass, local performers including The After Lashes, Upper Class Poverty, Chris Williams, Sacred Valley, MC Cricket and more, will be gathering together to raise funds for the local, non-profit organization, Music Heals Inc.

Music Heals Inc. provides musical therapies and instruments to children, teens and young adults on the Autism spectrum. The central location of Music Heals Inc. is a super-hip, kitschy, retail establishment located downtown on Palm Canyon Dr. directly across from the Hyatt Hotel. I recently visited the store and was immediately delighted at the stellar collection of vintage vinyl, clothing, artwork, accessories, knick knacks and pretty much anything that is rock & roll. All of the merchandise is donated, (for a nice tax-deduction) and the proceeds go to music oriented services and equipment for extremely deserving youth. On my visit to the store I had a chat with the founder of Music Heals Inc., Jason Nutter, who works for multiple school districts teaching music to students on the Autism spectrum. He beams with pride as he thumbs through the stores uber-rad selection of vinyl records. Nutter: “Some of our students work in the store. This place is here for them and they are invested in it. We opened 5 or

BACKSTAGE JAZZ

first heard about Patrice Morris, a vocalist for the Fifth Dimension, from Ruth Ruiz, who booked her for her event. I also saw the comments on Facebook about how much the guests enjoyed her. I set up an interview and found that Patrice Morris comes from a gospel background and considers herself a gospel artist. She first started at age 5. She’s done numerous recordings beginning in 1999 all in the gospel genre. Her skills in both

PATRICE MORRIS

vocals and composition are highlighted in her 2011 CD In Your Presence. She is also a worship leader, vocal coach and speaker. Her dedication to her faith radiates from her happy bubbling personality. Her background in gospel has introduced her to many fans and friends along the way. Patrice was referred via a chain of friends as a vocalist for the Fifth Dimension. This popular pop group has many hits including, “Up, Up and Away,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” “One Less Bell to Answer” and “Last Night I Didn’t Get to Sleep at All.” Patrice began touring with them in 2009 and continues today. The 2018 tour schedule is going to be focused more in the California area much to the delight of Patrice and the rest of the group. Florence La Rue one of the founding members who leads this tour is planning to come out with a new single in 2018. Patrice is excited to be a part of this. On a more regional note, Patrice also applies her skills at jazz and R&B at Cafe Roma in Idyllwild twice a month. This is where amazing musicians hang out and perform much to the delight of the locals and tourists. On New Year’s Eve she will be performing as a solo act with sax and keyboards backing her

6 months ago after I applied for non-profit licensing and received a private donation that made this place possible.” Nutter continues: “We have actually had rock stars come in and donate items. Trent Reznor from Nine Inch Nails came in and donated some autographed posters and some CDs. Don Dokken of Dokken lives in the area and donated some band merch. The Animals donated some stuff, Tim Armstrong from Rancid...It’s been great.” Nutter continues: “We have a lot in store for this place for the future. It is intended to

be a venue and a place for community. We are building a stage here in the corner. I want to be able to have local artists not only come in and perform, but be able to sell their music and merch in the store.” I asked Jason what Music Heals is hoping to accomplish with funds raised at The School House Rock Christmas Benefit. Nutter: “We want to be able to purchase 25 guitars which I think is totally doable. We are asking for a $10.00 donation at the door but, in addition we have a bunch of items and gift baskets that will be available at the Rock & Roll Raffle and of course, a lot of great entertainment.” Music Heals Inc. accepts donations of automobiles, instruments, records, clothing and “odd items.” To learn more about the event and this fantastic organization you can call them at 909-435-9705 or like them on facebook.com/musichealskids. Better yet, stop by and see for yourself at 280 N. Palm Canyon Drive.

BY PATTE PURCELL up at Citrus City Grill in Corona. She belts out classics from Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole and more. In addition to being a regular at Cafe Aroma she will also be performing at Citrus Grill in 2018. When I asked her what her goals are she told me that she loves singing and that she’s blessed to be able to make her living doing

that. So her goal is to continue to be able to do this thing that she loves so much. She said she loves to sing ‘clean songs that are meaningful’ and she always does tasteful events. She notices how doors open to her and enjoys her very uplifting experiences meeting lots of people and making new fans. She even learns specific songs that her fans request. She entertains and encourages her base of fans to interact and have a good relationship with her. I asked her if she had any messages for her fans. She responded, “I would love to thank them for being loyal over the years. They validate that this is what I am supposed to do.” She also wanted to give a shout out to her husband of 38 years and her manager, Ken Morris. “I couldn’t do it without him. It’s a partnership that is made in heaven.” To find out more about Patrice and her schedule check out her website at www. patricemorris.com.

EVENTS

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December 7 to December 13, 2017

BY JASON HALL

BLACK PUSSY AND WAXY ARE SET TO PERFORM AT THE HOOD ON SUNDAY, DEC. 10

lack Pussy may sound familiar to you even if you haven’t heard their music. That name has caused quite the uproar, even causing cancellations across the globe. In this victim society, it is easy to be offended. Black Pussy is not named to offend people, but it has taken on that stigma. Dustin from Black Pussy hopes you can get past that, and give the band a listen. That band is a killer throw-back to 70s rock ’n roll, and they’ll prove it to you. Waxy is a local band fronted by Robert Owen. They’ve been around for many years, and are about to release their second album. They’ve been a staple in the desert scene and can be seen playing all sorts of wonderful shows including the Autism Benefit. They’ve been a bit slow lately in order to focus on recording and promoting the new album, but will be playing a lot more in the months to come. The show has been dubbed “School Night Rock.” It’s a play on “School House Rock,” and is named so due to the Sunday night booking. Dustin from Black Pussy and Robert Owen from Waxy discussed the amazing show and other topics with us. Tickets are $5 at the door. Get a solid nap and come join us for some adulting on this school night. Coachella Valley Weekly: Who were your influences growing up? Dustin Hill: “Everyone. I was born in the 70s. Cat Stevens to Kiss. I was born in Texas, so I’d go to Willie Nelson’s house for shows. My mom was a hippie, and I got to hear a lot of different things. My mother and all her boyfriends and husbands influenced me. Flock Of Seagulls, Queen, everything. Underground things like Syd Barret and Hawkwind. Everything from Beach Boys to the 80s. In high school I was a metalhead. In high school I got really into songwriters again. I found grunge a little late and fell in love all over again. I liked weird 90s bands like Hum. My weird thing I’m obsessing on now is The Bee Gees. I’m in a rabbit hole of soul and disco and I love it. Abba, Tramps, Stevie Wonder, all kinds of shit. Every time I go to Bee Gees, especially the album everyone hates, Saturday Night Fever, I fall in love. It’s a perfect album.” CVW: How did the band form? Dustin: “The band formed out of an idea. I was in a 14 year musical relationship

with a guy. Our relationship ended at the highest level. Like a divorce. We had a house together! It was the first time I quit music. I felt performing was impossible because you have to deal with other humans. I was idealistic and wanted to be in a band and felt that was impossible. A band was brothers and sisters. You’re a family and you do everything together. I hit rock bottom. I was ready to start a new life. I had an acoustic and got suckered into playing with these dudes, but told them I’d only do this if we played how I wanted to play and use this name. It took like 4 years and was born from the ashes. I didn’t want people to be able to google it. I wanted it to grow organically like in the 70s. That was the whole idea. The 70s were a good time. We’ve changed a little, but the current band has been together 5 years and are my family. It was born from darkness. “ CVW: Have you gotten used to dealing with the backlash your name has caused? Dustin: “Oh definitely. At first it was very scary. I didn’t understand it. I think we’re 3 years into it, and I’m very comfortable with it. I have a great understanding about it. It’s trendy to be a victim right now. I think our younger generation doesn’t buy into that. It’ll go away. I feel like, ‘sorry, nobody controls words and art.’ Art is fair game. People make The Human Centipede! You can make crazy horror movies, blackspoitation moves, etc. It’s art. Anything goes. I won’t bow to it. Nobody controls rock ’n roll. Terrorizer Magazine got afraid of the backlash and pulled the article. They put on Top 10 Satanic bands but are afraid of Black Pussy. What The Fuck? It’s easier to give in than stand up for yourself.” CVW: What prompted the move from Portland to Arizona? Dustin: “Oh shit. You’re the first person asking this. In a nutshell, I moved to the Northwest because it was very liberal, but very balanced. The Northwest offered that. I think it’s now been infected with an extremist left regime. It’s militant. Tucson is what Portland was years ago. Plus, the winters aren’t as cold, so we can tour the winters. Wait…. IT

WAS A MISTAKE TO MOVE HERE. I don’t want anybody to move here. It’s the greatest place ever.” CVW: What’s taking so long with the new Waxy record? Robert Owen: “It’s just been on the shelf. I think a lot of it in my mind feels like it’s the last record we’ll be able to afford for a while since I don’t have the studio any more. Maybe it’s fear of not giving a good impression, but no real good reason. I got myself into a bit of debt and got myself out. I like seeing money in my bank account. It takes money to release an album. Really, the last few months, it’s been about the artwork. I’ve been dealing with a few artists and I’m trying to find a good first impression. It’s been done, but it’ll be packaged and ready to go in the first part of the year. It’s coming up quick.” CVW: You mentioned you don’t have your studio anymore. Any plans of getting it going again? Robert: “I’ll say this… not having a space to get creative has made a big piece of myself disappear. All of that is in 4 storage lockers. It’s hard to believe it’s been a full year already. There are always plans in my mind to do it. You don’t make money owning a studio, but you do get to do rad projects. I’m trying to buy a house with a barn or something so I can get it going again. I’ve also become a partner in local label, Ruined Vibes. They’re doing great

things with not only our scene, but bigger bands too. It’ll be nice to have a one stop shop to record and put out a physical release.” CVW: Any plans on touring this new album? Robert: “We definitely want to have more than one album release party. There’s talk of Bigfoot Lodge in Atwater Village in L.A. and some other places. I’d love to tour more thoroughly. I’m myself when I’m on the road. There’s been mention of Australia again. Hopefully it can come to fruition. Also, Cobraside has always been supportive, so hopefully they can help a bit. We really need to raise our profile back up again. With the current lineup, every show is a treat. Jeff (Bowman) and Damian (Lautiero) are amazing musicians. I hope we can bring that magic on the road. Jeff joined to tour Europe with us and stayed in the band even though that tour fell through. Damian is a lifelong friend. This record has taken almost 2 years. We’ve done cool stuff like Canadian Music Week in Toronto. That was fun, but there hasn’t been a ton going on. We hope to change that with the release of the new album.” CVW: Beyond Waxy, do you have a creative outlet for things that don’t fit under the Waxy moniker? Robert: “Unfortunately, right now, no. I have a major love affair with playing bass. I’m dying to be in a group as a bass player. I have a lot of friends I jam with, but nothing has happened yet regrettably.” CVW: How did the Black Pussy show happen? Robert: “Well, I first met Black Pussy through Brandon Henderson who used to book shows at The Hood. He’s a good friend and awesome musician. They became friends of his. He called me and said, ‘come down to The Hood. This drummer is playing the biggest kick drum I’ve ever seen.’ Everyone who knows me, knows I have a hard on for big drums. I became friends with them right away. We’ve played some shows with them before. Dustin called me and told me they had an opening and wanted me to hook up a show, so I said sure. It was great for us because we’re playing Cobraside the day before.”

December 7 to December 13, 2017

CONSIDER THIS

SQUEEZE

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

“THE KNOWLEDGE” (LOVE RECORDS)

he British band Squeeze began with an act of larceny. Back in 1973, Chris Difford swiped 50 quid from his mother’s purse, placing advert in a Depford sweet shop, seeking a guitarist for his (so far, imaginary) band. The only person that responded was Glenn Tilbrook. The pair began writing songs together. As their ambitions grew, so did their band, with the addition of drummer Paul Gunn, bassist Harry Kakouli and Jools Holland on keys. The nascent five-piece rotated through a series of monikers before settling on Squeeze, a reference to an obscure, (post-Lou Reed) Velvet Underground record. Playing local clubs and pubs in Depford, they shared stages with other up-and-coming acts like Alternative TV and Dire Straits. When Paul Gunn left they recruited powerhouse Gilson Lavis to pound the kit, and their sound really coalesced. In 1977, the year Punk Rock exploded in Great Britain, Squeeze signed with A&M Records. In a weird bit of serendipity, the label assigned ex-Velvet Underground founder John Cale to produce their debut. Inexplicably, he wanted to title the record “Gay Guys.” Pretty quickly, the band realized they weren’t on the same page as Cale. A&M agreed and actually had Squeeze return to the recording studio and re-produce some tracks themselves. When their self-titled debut arrived in 1978, the break-out songs turned out to be the ones that Squeeze had produced. The record was a minor hit and things only got better from there. On their sophomore effort, 1979’s Cool For Cats, Chris and Glenn’s songwriting made enormous strides. Tracks Like “Goodbye Girl,” “Up The Junction” and the title track combined irresistible melodies with intricate yet economical storytelling that led the music press to dub the duo the Lennon & McCartney the Post Punk/New Wave set. That kind of extravagant praise put a bit of pressure on the Depford lads, but Chris and Glenn rose to the challenge. Their next two records, 1980’s Argy Bargy and 1981’s East Side Story doubled down on their formula of pithy Lennon-esque lyrics and sunshiny McCartneyesque melodies. East Side… was exceptionally sagacious, a melodic masterpiece. It moved out of their Power Pop/ Post Punk comfort zone, exploring a plethora of styles, from Country to Psychedelia to Pub

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

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Rock, Rockabilly and Baroque Pop. Boasting production from Elvis Costello, (a protean songwriter in his own right), the album even yielded a Top 10 stateside hit with the soulful “Tempted.” By 1982, the constant treadmill of writing, recording and touring began to take its toll. The wear and tear showed on their fifth longplayer, Sweets From A Stranger. Although it produced another hit, the trenchant romantic post-mortem, “Black Coffee,” it was clear that the band was fraying at the edges. By the end of the year they called it quits, releasing a greatest hits compilation, Singles, 45s and Under and made a final TV appearance as the musical guests on “Saturday Night Live.” Even though the band had ceased to exist, the team of Difford & Tilbrook remained very much intact. In 1984 the duo released a self-titled debut that smothered some excellent Songs beneath lukewarm (synth-y) instrumentation. It was a noble experiment, but ultimately unsatisfactory. Luckily, it opened the door to the possibility of a Squeeze reunion. By 1985 the band was back with Cosi Fan Tutti-Fruiti, (a smartass take on the title of a Mozart/Da Ponte opera). It was a charming effort, but their next album, Hourglass was a genuine American hit, peaking at #15 on the charts. Squeeze closed out the ‘80s with another winner, concisely entitled “Frank.” During the next decade, the band continued to create solid but not spectacular records like 1991’s Play, 1993’s Some Fantastic Place, 1996’s Ridiculous, and 1999’s Domino. By the 21st century it felt as though Squeeze was in the rearview mirror. Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook were each concentrating on solo careers. The former wrote and recorded four solo albums, the latter crafted six. It was a happy surprise when the band reconvened in 2007 to tour in support of two new hits compilations. They stayed out on the road for the next few years. They even re-recorded some old Squeeze favorites, challenging fans to “Spot The Difference.” These days, touring pays the bills for working musicians. But the danger of sticking strictly to the hits can sometimes, (unfairly), consign viable acts to an “Oldies” status. Difford and Tilbrook had been close to creating new music, but nothing came to fruition until the BBC approached them with the idea of writing eight songs to accompany their limited series, “Cradle To Grave.” Based on comedian Danny Baker’s “Going To Sea In A Sieve” autobiography, the action takes place in London circa 1974. Of course, Chris and Glenn came of age in that era of flared trousers and shag haircuts, so their participation seemed wholly apropos. Released in late 2015, Cradle To Grave, was an astonishing return to form, it included 12 songs and netted the band rave reviews. It was also debuted at #12 on the charts, marking their first Top 40 album in 22 years. Buoyed by their artistic and commercial success, and following the requisite World tours, the band headed back into the studio and the result is their 15th long-player, The Knowledge. The album opens with the one-two punch of “Innocence In Paradise” and “Patchouli.”

“Innocence...” rumbles to life with some uncharacteristic Stadium Rock-ish guitar, thundering drums and rattlesnake shake percussion, before downshifting into a midtempo groove. Soul-searching lyrics explore the cynical disconnect that accompanies the advance of age; “The expectancy of old age as the journey nears home, disbelieving my reflection knowing that I’m on my own/On this road that keeps on winding, knowing that it won’t be long, until the final destination holds my hand and leads me on.” Countrified guitar licks and soaring pedal steel are tethered to a galloping gait on “Patchouli.” Here a waft of the quintessential Hippie scent transports a middle-aged malcontent back to the halcyon days of his youth, and he recalls a lost love; “Some days I wonder what you’re doing and where your life has taken you/We were teenagers inspired, undying love was all we knew.” Squeeze has always excelled at juxtaposing rich narratives that offer a snapshot of British working class life, with incandescent melodies. But Chris and Glenn’s songs have rarely touched on Political or current events, until now. Several songs here make it clear that current climate of divisiveness has deeply affected the band. “A&E” is not an homage to the television network that began broadcast life championing arts and entertainment and currently features umm, sophisticating fare like “Dog The Bounty Hunter,” “Storage Wars” and “Duck Dynasty.” Rather, in Great Britain, the “A&E” refers to a hospital’s emergency room. The stately arrangement weds soulful, Stax-flavored horns lapping over a torchy supper club melody. The lyrics tackle the ongoing debate involving affordable healthcare as well as equitable compensation for professionals who offer compassion and skill. “I took my wife to the A&E it took all night just to be seen, she broke her leg and was in pain, the nurses looked completely drained/but nice as pie and so composed, how do they cope it’s hard to know with violent men that hurl abuse, a daily battle they never lose.” The breezy melody of “The Ones” nearly camouflages A sharp rebuke of the man-baby that currently occupies the White House. Lush organ notes swirl around Wurlitzer colors and phased guitar. Deftly turned phrases like “There’s facts and there are fables and they speak for themselves, the ‘fake news’ keeps on coming poisoning the well,” leave no doubt that Squeeze distrust the carnival huckster-in chief as much as (most) Americans do. “Final Score” feels ripped from the headlines. The Jazzy melody is anchored by supple piano runs and bittersweet pedal

steel. A young football prodigy is targeted by a pedophilic coach. “The Coach sat him down in the corner, said that one day you could play for Manchester United or Arsenal, but you must do what I say.” It’s a testament to Chris and Glenn’s songwriting skills that the lyrics manage empathy for both the victim and the predator who receives swift comeuppance. The most winning tracks here are “Every Story,” “Please Be Upstanding” and “Albatross.” Each mines a different musical genre that edges Squeeze away from their familiar Power Pop style. “Every Story” opens with a concertina wheeze that leans closer to French Café continental rather than British working class. Plonky celeste, twinkly percussion and Indian Harmonium add to the globe-trotting flavor. Ironically, the lyrics stick close to home, examining the everyday lives of a close-knit community where “the reality of Monday isn’t so much fun, every story has a twist…where walls have ears and gossip has feet/Where relatives and friends are near, you could do much worse than being here.” The prickly “Please…” blends stuttering guitars, whoosh synths, pulsating percussion and swooping pedal steel. The lyrics present a comic take on the softer side of 60. Sharing this deflated discovery, “My manhood took a silent blow.” Finally “Albatross” paints a vivid portrait of a very specific form of Homo-sapien, the aging record-collector/hipster Thick bramble-y guitars connect with a bongo-riffic backbeat. Laugh out loud details manage to simultaneously take the piss and sympathize with an anachronistic geezer who “Vapes outside the vinyl store and steps inside, to comb the crates for rarities It’s his delight...” As guitar, celeste, finger cymbals, omnichord and handclaps ramp up to a sabre dance velocity, this sad-sack with the droopy tattoos still pines for the Peter Green era of Fleetwood Mac. (Roughly 50 years ago). Other interesting tracks include the mellotron-driven “Departure Lounge” and the woozy Second-Line Jazz instrumental, “Elmer’s End.” The only misstep here is “Rough Ride.” An overly ambitious arrangement, busy instrumentation and weirdly operatic Vocals collide with erudite lyrics bemoaning gentrification. The album’s carnival-esque closer, “Two Forks” delves into a marriage nearly crushed by mid-life ennui. It’s a bittersweet end to a stellar record. Throughout the years, Squeeze has endured myriad line-up changes, even as the partnership of Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook remained solid. These days the septet includes Steve Smith on percussion, drummer Simon Hanson, Yolanda Charles on bass and Stephen Large on keys. No one could have predicted that purloined pound notes would launch one of the most consistently wonderful bands in British Pop Music. Chris Difford has no doubt reimbursed his Mum, probably a few times over. But it’s a debt that Squeeze fans will never be able to replay.

ART SCENE

CAPTURED ON FILM

he eye of the beholder is an interesting concept. Each of us has a unique perspective that explains why eyewitness accounts vary so much in detail. A photographer sees the world through their eyes filtered by a lens. A photograph captures a unique moment in time - as it can never again be. Roberta Duke is adept at using her eye in conjunction with the lens to create memorable landscapes. Roberta’s works are vivid colors of what surrounds us all. Her landscapes are familiar yet ethereal. The work is a series of contradictions that create an everlasting impression. “My journey is to capture the emotions I feel at a moment. With photograph that moment is eternal. The passion of photography happens when I am able to combine my talents in transforming the composition of incredible lighting and matter provided by Mother Nature. I must focus on the execution of this photo image before it fades into a distant memory for all time. I am in constant search for the story that never ends.” Roberta’s journey began in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. Roberta graduated from Ohio’s Bowling Green State University in 1968 with a degree in education. After teaching physical education for five years, she moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It was in Florida that Roberta transformed herself in an artist. She went back to school to study Interior Designer. In 1985 she opened a showroom in south Florida’s Design Center. Eventually she began creating her own furniture designs to be manufactured in Italy. Another life change brought her closer to her artistic self. January 2000, Roberta sold the business, married and for two years traveled in a motor home throughout United States and Canada with her husband Jack Jennings. All the time Roberta soaked up the beauty of the landscapes they visited. In 2003 Roberta began to paint her beloved landscapes in acrylic and oil. At first her Photography was mode to inspire her painting but soon Roberta saw the photos were, in and of themselves, an art form. “Since the principles of a good painting or a good photograph are similar, this pairing was natural for me,” noted Roberta.

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December 7 to December 13, 2017

BY ANGELA ROMEO

ROBERTA DUKE AND THE LANDSCAPE

“I love the spontaneity of Mother Nature; love lives inside our hearts, happiness is captured when time and place stand still and we become one with Mother Nature’s glory. When this happens I experience excitement, passion and love that I am compelled to share.” For her piece entitled Red Sunset Over Joshua Tree, caused Roberta to reminisce on the experience. “The second evening of shooting at Joshua National Park, the sun went below the horizon, the wind picked up considerably and the temperature started dropping. Suddenly menacing clouds turned the most amazing reds, oranges and pinks, she stated. “I forgot how cold, hungry tired I was, as I composed and shot this photo.” Roberta’s love for her art, and the arts, is immense. “Because of my devotion to photography and my desire for others to experience the warmth and love that photos inspire, proceeds from photographs will be donated for scholarships to the College of the Desert. Through Education, Everyone will have Access to a Positive Future,” she stated. Roberta’s exhibition opens December 9 at Colliding Worlds Fine Art Gallery, 68895 Perez Rd, Suite I 13, Cathedral City CA. Her work is also shown at ART IS Gallery and Cultural Center, Westfield Mall, Palm Desert. For more on Roberta’s work visit: www. robertadukefineart.com.

December 7 to December 13, 2017

PET PLACE

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BY JANET McAFEE

A MIRACLE FOR FRANKIE!

(The Christmas season is a time for miracles. Below is the story of a small dog, Frankie, told from his perspective, about the miracle that changed his life.) y feet were sore and swollen from standing on the wire mesh of my cage in the sweltering garage. I could barely stand up in the small cage, and my legs cramped in pain. Sometimes the waste in our kennels was not removed for many days. The stench was overwhelming, and the wail of the dogs beside and above me made it difficult to sleep. Some days we did not get any food. We dogs in the garage never saw the sun, the moon, or the clouds. We never smelled the flowers, felt the rain, or felt the soft feel of grass underneath our feet. We never played with the dogs cramped into the cages with us, nor did we ever receive a loving touch from a human. We were roughly removed from our cages for brief times to mate with the female dogs. During the summer, it was sweltering inside the garage, and I smelled death coming from some of the cages. During the winter, we shivered from the cold. My fur was badly matted, and it felt like a painful helmet surrounding my body. The days turned into years, and I was shut down and frozen from

MEET JAMES BOND Come meet this handsome "007" fellow at Petco Palm Desert. This 2-yr-old hero cat will greet you in a Tuxedo with "license to purr". Rescued by www.ForeverMeow.org, (760) 335-6767.

MEET PETUNIA Six pounds of doggie love, Petunia is a 1-yr-old Chihuahua rescued by www.lovingallanimals.org. Petunia dreams of a home for the Holidays where the humans are loving and patient. Call (760) 834-7000.

the endless suffering. One day the garage door opened, and humans in uniforms took us away in large trucks. A nice lady took me and one of the other dogs to Loving All Animals. I went to a foster home with a nice lady named Joyce, there was lots of food for me and a warm bed, but I was still afraid when she tried to touch me. I went to a Veterinary clinic where nice humans helped me get healthy. Soon I went to live with Kim and Linda. They already adopted another dog from Loving All Animals. My new sister Willow wanted to play, but I just stood there frozen, not knowing what to do. Months later, I was happy to find this note my new mom, Linda, wrote about me: “I contacted Loving All Animals looking to foster a rescue Shih Tzu. The dog we named Frankie came into my life. He is a puppy mill survivor. He lived his entire 3 years in a small cage inside a garage with dozens of other dogs. I learned that dogs like Frankie lacked socialization and feared people because of their horrible treatment and living conditions. I prayed I was up to the challenge of helping Frankie. It took me 5 days to get Frankie to walk; he was like a sitting statue. He slept standing up with his head drooping. Every

Photo By Alicia Bailey

day I pushed Frankie in a pet stroller around the neighborhood to introduce him to the world. Every sound and every sight was a new experience. Lawn mowers, leaf blowers, cars, stairs, people talking, all were frightening. “Soon we started the dog training classes at Loving All Animals. Sandy Miller, the dog trainer told me, ‘Linda, do you know what you are in for? This could take time.’ Her words scared me, but I realized I can’t be more scared than Frankie. Frankie deserved a chance for a good life. Any harsh tones or reprimands would cause him to shut down. Frankie learned to sit, lay down, to stay, walk on a leash, and come to me during the classes. Soon a miracle happened. Late one night when Frankie had a bad dream, I woke him up.

Frankie ran to me, and in a moment I will never forget, he put his legs around my neck and gave me a huge hug. I knew then I was not his foster mom, but his forever mom. I signed the adoption papers. Today Frankie is always by my side. He is still a bit fearful of strangers, but he prances through the neighborhood, and his eyes say “I love my hood.” We are learning to mingle at the local dog park. Frankie had a hard start in life, but he has my promise it will be a happy ending.” In October, Loving All Animals celebrated the unanimous passage of California Assembly Bill 485. This bill helps dogs like Frankie, as it bans the retail sale of dogs and cats, many of whom come from cruel puppy mills. It restricts pet stores to only feature animals from shelters and rescues. This new law takes effect on January 1, 2019. Meanwhile, Frankie reminds us to never buy a puppy from a pet store, online, or a from a back yard breeder. Contact Loving All Animals at www. lovingallanimals.org or (760) 834-7000 for information about adopting a rescue dog, or to make a tax deductible donation in Frankie’s name. Frankie wishes you a Merry Christmas and a happy 2018! Jmcafee7@verizon.net

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THE VINO VOICE

BY RICK RIOZZA

THE SWEET SIPS OF THE SEASON

hank God it’s the holidays where we can throw our dietary regiments out the window and enjoy the feast and festivities! In moderation—of course! Last column we talked about the wellaged vintage port and its sumptuous flavors. Well—the news gets better. There are other ports in the Portuguese portfolio that will bring on the sweetest notes of the season’s celebrations. Most wine enthusiasts have heard of ruby ports, tawny ports and late bottled vintage ports, but it gets a little fuzzy when perhaps attempting to explain the differences. But it’s easy and good to know the distinctions, especially when one wants to quickly grab a bottle from the store to pair the wine with cheeses, chocolates, nuts, soup, a leg of lamb, sweet-lathered charred ribs, or, whatever your sweet little heart desires. Port is a superb style of sweet wine that’s sheer sophistication in a glass. The season’s flavors that port brings to the table are raspberry, blackberry, black cherries, prunes, nuts, caramel, cinnamon, chocolate sauce, toffee, spices, smoke—you feel the line-up. Its different styles derive essentially from the various ways in which it can be aged. Its remarkable ageing potential and the fact that it is fortified with brandy means that Port will continue to improve in cask, vat or bottle for much longer than most other wines. As Port matures, the firm tannins and intense fruity flavors of youth gradually give way to the velvety smoothness and mellow, nuanced character which develop with age in the barrel or in the bottle It used to be the perfect winter drink, either on its own in front of the fire or to finish a delicious dinner, but with the foodie explosion, the fear is gone and matching some of these complex sweet wines to every part of day and meal, the wine world shares a peaceful harmony with all comers. You wine nerds are surely impressed that there is said to be up to 52 different grape

varieties in its unique blend of Portuguese indigenous grapes. Each grape adds a unique flavor to the blend. For example, Touriga Nacional adds blueberry and vanilla notes, and Touriga Franca adds raspberry and cinnamon notes. Ruby port is the simpler, fruity, more accessible cousin of the vintage port we spoke of last time. Ruby works for a fast quaff. It’s becoming popular with the new wave of cocktilians. How about the St. Valentine: ruby port, white rum, Grand Marnier, and lime juice provides a holiday’s flavor of ripe, round, refreshing punch for the Christmas home & office parties. It’s a good conversation cocktail where folks attempt to figure the recipe. It’s good—try it. So what’s bakin? Ruby is a common addition to chocolate cakes, chocolate sauces and even used as a reduction for savory dishes like steak (especially a blue cheese topped steak—should you dare!). You can add the port syrup to recipes, much like one might use balsamic glaze. Port is a great flavorful alternative to brown sugar or maple syrup. Given its fresh-faced nature, raspberry & black cherry flavors and rich textures, it’s the perfect foil for both sour cherry pie and chocolate ganache truffles. A well-known higher-end Ruby is the Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Port. For a culinary Christmas gift, pair this Grahams with Bourbon Chocolate Chip Pie; no one returns this item.

December 7 to December 13, 2017

Tawny port, aged in oak casks to a mellow nuttiness, is best sipped as a dessert wine—or, it’s a great happy hour drink. A reputable Tawny always comes with an age statement of the average age in the blend. Many find the 20 year old to be ideal: 10 year old may be a bit too sharp and perhaps simple; while, 30 to 40 year old tawnies are too expensive. (Ya think?—what would you charge for holding this stuff in a barrel for that long.) At that age, they lose their vivacity that still enlivens the 20 year stuff. But hey!—as far as the 30/40 year old stuff, it certainly has its fans; aromas of butterscotch and fine oak wood intensify the longer they spend in wood. An even wider array of subtle flavors including graphite, green peppercorn, hazelnut,

almond, and graham cracker are found. Any chef on earth would be proud to serve the Graham’s 20-Year-Old Tawny with classic French crème brûlée. The Late Bottle Vintage/LBV—made from grapes harvested in a specific year and then aged for four to six years – is distinguished by its rich unctuous texture. It’s also lovingly known as “the poor man’s vintage port”. The more positive slant is that for a fifth of the price, one can almost experience vintage port quality. Last season, we enjoyed the Quinta das Carvalhas, Late Bottle Vintage, which sells for around $22 at Total Wine & More. I’ll probably get it again this year because it covers the waterfront with its flavors of dark cherry, chocolate and vanilla that pairs great with Cheddar, Roquefort & Stilton cheeses, walnuts, Marcona almonds, chocolate and most desserts. Often times, full bottles of port are not consumed at one sitting. No problems here: The ruby, LBV, and Vintage ports will stay fresh for up to a month if properly stored and re-capped in the fridge. Your aged Tawny ports, amazingly, can keep for a few months properly refrigerated. Sweet dreams—Cheers!

December 7 to December 13, 2017

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THUR DECEMBER 7

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bobby Furgo & Co 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Discoteca w/ DJ Victor Rodriguez 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Francesca Amari, Bill Marx and Doug MacDonald 6:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Oasis EDM/ House w/ Albert Ramirez, Gouda, Dxsko and Sxclsv 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Barry Minniefield 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George Christian 6-9pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760200-1768 Denny Pezzin 7-10pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Barry, Bob and Riz 6:30pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760-3656633 Open Mic Night 7pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Chris Lomeli 7pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Punk Rock Night 9pm

LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Country Night w/ Dynamite Draw 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 THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Cam and Logan Mize 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Desert Noise Presents: Mega Sun and Upper Class Poverty 9pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 TBA 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 The Smooth Brothers 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 T-Bone Karaoke 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Wayne Boyer 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Robert Salisbury 5-7pm, Tony Patler Project 7:30-11pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Alex Santana 5-8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 DJ 7pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Elaine Woodard 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 8pm

FRI DECEMBER 8

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Michael Lowe 6:30pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 The Full House Band w/ Nena Anderson 8pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Sharon Sills 6:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Friday Night Sour Hour w/ Pink Lemonade Drag Show 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Femme A, Amavida, Sethis and Lazy Eye 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Barry Minniefield 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Whiskey Blues 8:30pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 DJ Double A 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George Christian 6-9pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760200-1768 Denny Pezzin 7-10pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DESERT FOX; PD; TBA 8pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm

EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Gina Carey 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 The Myx 8:30pm THE HARD ROCK HOTEL PS; PS; 760-3259676 Esjay Jones Presents: Acoustic Sessions w/ Avenida and Reborn by the Sunshine 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 J Patron Album Release Party w/ Thr3 Strykes, Los Geminis, Amavida and Provoked 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Keisha D 7pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Bob Allen 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Dana Larson 5-7pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 The Bo & Buck Roadshow 8pm LA QUINTA BREWING CO.; PD; 760-200-2597 Lance Riebsomer and Hannah Mills 7-9pm 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 Circle of Fifths 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-9991995 DJ Jerry 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 TBA 5-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Music Heals School House Rock Christmas Benefit 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-3450222 Lisa & The Gents 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Quinn Deveaux 8pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Joely Fisher: Growing Up Fisher 8pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Whiskey & Knives 9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 Michael Keeth 7:30pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Smooth Brothers 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOLANO’S BISTRO; LQ; 760-771-6655 Michael Madden 6-9pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Demetrious and Co. 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 TBA 9pm

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December 7 to December 13, 2017

WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 The Stanley Butler Band 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm

SUN DECEMBER 10

THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo & Dennis Michaels 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-3282300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VENUS DE FIDO; PD; 760-834-7070 Michael D’Angelo 6-9pm, Carl Davis Dance Lesson 7pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Meet the Corwins 5:30-7:30pm, John Stanley King Show 8pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Boys Night Out w/ DJ House Whores 7pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 5-7pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 TBA 8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Rob Martinez and Todd Ashley ft. Lisa LaFaro Weselis 6:30-10pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallett 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 9pm

SAT DECEMBER 9

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev & Bill 6:30pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Dublab Presents: Dayclubbing w/ Joe Rihn 11am poolside, Young Einstein DJ Set 10pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Cabaret on the Green Open Mic 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Captain OSIV, Imdead and Addemup 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Barry Minniefield 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Running Down a Dream 8:30pm 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 CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George Christian 6-9pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760200-1768 Denny Pezzin 7-10pm CHILL BAR; PS; 760-327-1079 TBA 9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DESERT FOX; PD; The Woody’s 9pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Jack Ruvio 6pm FOX & THE FIDDLE; PD; 760-888-0111 Live Music 7pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760-3656633 Dana Larson 5-8pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 TBA 8:30pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm THE HARD ROCK HOTEL PS; PS; 760-325-9676 Esjay Jones Presents: Global Sessions w/ David Macias and Robot Nature 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Dead End

Friends w/ Courtney Chambers, Braun Fraulein and Shurper Fuzz 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 The Carmens 7pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Bob Allen 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 TBA 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Circle of Fifths 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-9991995 Fire and Ice 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 Heavy Revel 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-3450222 TBA 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, Terry Reid 9pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Joely Fisher: Growing Up Fisher 8pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 The Deep Ones 9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 TBA 6pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Smooth Brothers 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 Dennis Michael 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 DJ 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Rose Mallett & Co. 5-7pm, Kal David, Lauri Bono & The Real Deal 7:30-11pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Wang’s Mysterious Drag’On Girlz 7pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 6pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 TBA 8-11pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Live Music 7pm

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Acoustic Night w/ Josh Dillard 7pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Brunch w/ Shelley Yoelin and Bill Casale 11:30am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Bartland w/ DJ LF and Friends 7pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Brian Denigan 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 TBA 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Radio 60 3-6pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760-3656633 Dana Larson 6-9pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 The 3rd Annual CV Music Showcase Round 1 w/ Manuel the Band, Skitzo Attack, Sunday Funeral and Hundred Forms 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company, in the afternoon, Hot Rox, in the night continue to page 20

December 7 to December 13, 2017

THE PAMPERED PALATE

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BY DENISE ORTUNO

DELICIOUS ITALIAN CHARM AWAITS AT MIMMO’S

immo’s Italian Restaurant & Bar in Palm Desert is where Italian charm and delicious food meet. Opened in 2012 by Mimmo and Victoria Di Salvo, in the heart of Palm Desert off of Hwy 111 and San Pablo, sits the quaint restaurant with big flavor. Beneath the green awning houses an enclosed patio which ushers guests into the compartmentalized restaurant, with three cozy dining rooms, and an ultra-intimate bar. Guests are greeted graciously by Mimmo’s son and General Manager Nino, and Mimmo himself, when he’s not visiting his guests personally at their tables. The restaurants flow is reminiscent of being in someone’s home, comfortable and un-pretentious with heavenly aromas of incredible Italian food swirling in the air. The emphasis of the menu at Mimmo’s is to use the freshest of ingredients. They are proud to make homemade items such as their bread, raviolis, sauces, sausage, dressings, desserts and addicting tapenade, which is served at the tables along with their homemade bread in lieu of butter (so good!). Mimmo stays true to his Sicilian heritage, bringing traditional dishes to his guests. For an appetizer, enjoy a selection of salads such as their crisp Mimmo’s Caesar (with their homemade dressing and anchovies), Insalata

Caprese (tomato slices, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, E.V.O.O. and balsamic reduction) or Toscana (mixed organic greens, crumbled blue cheese, pear slices, walnuts, dried cranberries and balsamic vinaigrette). Other starters to get your appetite revved up include their Calamari alla Marinara (calamari sautéed in lightly spiced marinara sauce), Italian Sausage (homemade with ground pork and fennel served with a honey mustard sauce), and Grilled Polenta with Wild Mushrooms (polenta triangles topped with a wild mushroom cream sauce) among others. Main course selections are vast, with a variety of pastas, seafood and meat dishes to choose from. If pasta is your thing, you will be delighted with items such as their Ravioli al Granchio e Vodka (house made ravioli stuffed with sautéed crabmeat and ricotta cheese, in a tomato vodka sauce), Spaghetti alla Vittoria (Kalamata olives, mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, touch of demi-glace), Linguine alla Vongole ( fresh clams, tomato or white wine sauce), Veal Ravioli all Mimmo( homemade ravioli, stuffed with veal lion, ricotta cheese, in a sautéed radicchio, mascarpone cream sauce) classic Spaghetti and Meatballs “Della Mama (pork and beef meatballs in their house marinara sauce) and many others.

Mimmo’s veal dish options are impressive, comprised of Veal Scalopine Marsala (mushrooms and Marsala wine), Veal Scalopine Piccata (lemon, capers, white wine), Veal Scalopine alla Sicula (eggplant, tomato sauce and mozzarella) plus many more. Their amazing Osso Bucco, is sometimes offered as a special and is a must! If you’re leaning towards a seafood item, try their Wild Sand Dabs (lemon, capers and white wine), Scallops with Red Bell Pepper Sauce, or Shrimp Scampi ( capers, butter, garlic white wine). All of their dishes pair nicely with a selection of wine from their extensive

diner’s choice Winner Top 100 Dining HoT SpoTS in the U.s.!

wine list with many Italian offerings. Nino’s expertise in wine knowledge is most helpful in making a selection. One of the great things about the dishes at Mimmo’s, is that they are not oversized. They follow a healthy European guideline of well portioned sized meals, not too big, not too small….just right! Of course this mindfulness leaves plenty of room for dessert, which Mimmo’s has many of. Fun out of the box desserts include their Bongo Bongo (little pastry puffs filled with a ricotta cream filling and topped with chocolate sauce), and Bomba (spumoni ice cream shaped like a dome with a hard chocolate shell) plus others including classic Tiramisu. Mimmo’s is opened nightly from 5pm to 9pm on weekdays and until 9:30 on weekends. They offer lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 to 2pm. Mimmo’s Italian Restaurant and Bar is a delightful dining experience, with charm and delicious food. Come on by, your table is waiting! Bon Appetito! Mimmo’s Italian Restaurant and Bar is located at 73-540 Hwy 111, Palm Desert, 92260 For reservations call 760-346-9712, www. mimmospd.com.

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December 7 to December 13, 2017

SCREENERS

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

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BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

No. 294

NOW SHOWING: THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI

Oscar winning Writer-Director Mark McDonagh (“IN BRUGES”) has crafted one of the best films of the year. This fabulous chunk of modern cinema pulls no punches. It is clever, bold, angry, violent, shocking, grim and unexpectedly hilarious. Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand) is a divorced, single mom working in a little gift shop in the small town of Ebbing, Missouri. Seven months earlier, her teenage

daughter was raped, murdered and set on fire. There have been no arrests. She rents three billboards on a side road leading into town and paints these messages: “Raped While Dying.” “Seven Months And No Arrests.” “How come Chief Willoughby?” When the chief’s assistant officer, spoiled mama’s boy Jason Dixon get’s involved, the fight between Mildred and Willoughby grows exponentially in ways that are utterly unpredictable but hugely entertaining. Woody Harrelson is spot on as berated Chief Willoughby. I was fully engaged in the changing relationship between

McDormand’s Hayes and Rockwell’s Dixon. The three actors create a convincing rural authenticity that is consistently surprising and emotionally charged. They will likely be noted when the Academy Awards© are handed out. I laughed out loud and I wept at this angry, shocking and provocative film that examines the grace that happens when an enemy becomes a friend. Strongest recommendation. Now showing at Mary Pickford’s D’Place Entertainment. STALKER (1979) Andrei Tarkovsky is certainly among the greatest of world-class filmmakers. His final Soviet feature film is an immersive metaphysical journey through a puzzling post-apocalyptic terrain. It’s a cinematic experience unlike anything else. Loosely based on the sci-fi novel by Arkady and Boris Strugestsky A hired, illegal guide, whose mutant child is dreadful proof of the horrors within, leads a writer (Anatolly Solonitsyn) and a scientist (Nikolay Grinko) into the heart of the restricted, forbidden zone -- the site of an ancient disaster -- in search of a mythical, mysterious place known only as “The Room,” a place that is reputed to offer

the immediate fulfillment of any earthly desire to those who enter. This extraordinary religious allegory is a disturbing reflection of political anxieties that are easy to grasp – especially considering the fractured and dangerous world we now inhabit. I love this meditation with a multitude of possible meanings. In many ways, it’s a tone poem on the power and film itself. Interesting extras on this 2K digital restoration include a new interview with Geoff Dyer, author of Zone: A Book About a Film About a Journey to a Room. Also, fascinating interviews with set designer Rashit Safiullin, composer Eduard Artemeyev and cinematographer Alexander Knayazhinsky. This is a must have for any serious film buff. Tarkovsky is a towering genius whose eye for composition was as finely tuned as his understanding of film’s power as metaphor for life itself. Criterion. Blu-ray. robin@coachellavalleyweekly.com

BOOK REVIEW

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 7 to December 13, 2017

BY HEIDI SIMMONS

THE CONFLAGRATION WITHIN -----------------------------------------------------

“LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE” EDITED BY CELESTE NG FICTION

----------------------------------------------------hether we like it or not, we are a part of some family and community. Close or distant, the favorite or a black sheep, we do our best to find our place, and cope. Celeste Ng ignites the challenges of family and motherhood in “Little Fires Everywhere” (Penguin Press, 338 pages). The story takes place in a Cleveland, Ohio, suburb called Shaker Heights, which is a real community and is the actual hometown of author Ng. Planned as a progressive and idyllic neighborhood to inspire order, advantage and contentment, Shaker Heights was designed in 1912. The founding citizens sincerely desired to create a well-balanced society. However, it is still a place where there is more old money than new, and the local high school feeds its grads into Ivy League colleges. It begins with the Richardson family who is “old” money and lives in a grand home. Mrs. Richardson prides herself on being open minded, blind to race and color and likes to help those with less to “get a leg up” by renting

out her inherited duplex at a minimum cost. In doing so, she continues to promote the ideals of Shaker Heights. When Mrs. Richardson’s new tenants, Mia, a single mother, and Pearl, her 15-yearold daughter, take residence, the Richardson family’s seemingly perfect existence is challenged. Mia is a passionate, nomadic artist whose provocative photographs command a good price in a New York gallery. Yet, Mia seems to be uninterested in making money. It’s more about the significance of her work. She and her daughter have lived in 48 different locations since Pearl was born. But, for the first time, Mia believes Shaker Heights might be a place she and her daughter can stay. When the Richardson children hear about the eccentric renters, they become intrigued. Pearl is welcomed into the Richardson home and becomes friends with the four Richardson teenagers. It is a life Pearl has never experienced and one in which she blossoms. As idyllic and uncomplicated as suburban life may be on the outside, behind closed doors life is continuously complex and the teen children in this story -- through the help of the artistic and mysterious outsiders -begin to see the world differently. The story is told by a perceptive and diligent omniscient voice. The narrator is insightful

and intimately understands the layers of living in such a controlled suburban culture. As the mysteries of the suburbanite players unfold and intersect in provocative ways, Ng reveals a universal humanity. Author Ng is a commanding writer whose astute prose serve the story. The narrator is a character who aids in unraveling the secrets of those who live in Shaker Heights. This carefully constructed telling provides a gravitas that otherwise would be a soap opera or Young Adult novel. Strong women dominate the story’s world and there is a significant theme about motherhood, the desicions made to bring forth life, and how women protect and serve the lives they bare. Choice and Pro-Life issues emerge and are considered by several of the characters. As for “little fires everywhere,” the story is void of life-threatening dangers. Shaker Heights’ little fires are all about maintaining a status quo, keeping up appearances and not becoming the subject of gossip. Yet, Ng’s women are colorfully dimensional

SAFETY TIPS

as we come to know their hopes, dreams and disappointments. The character Mia especially intrigued and surprised me. I liked how she lived her art. But when we finally understand her eccentric lifestyle, we also learn that she has never experienced the comfort and companionship of a sexual relationship. Pearl’s life came forth like an immaculate conception. This revelation seems substantial, although the narrator glosses over it. The themes in this book could be more powerful. Whether out of choice or inexperience – as a writer or young author -- I felt Ng didn’t pursue the deeper thematic relevance in the lives of those in the story and bigger world which would have made the read even more provocative and profound. I appreciate that at no time does the author identify race through description. The reader only gets a sense of race in context, through the eyes of the characters themselves. It’s refreshing to just see the people as human beings and interracial relationships as just relationships. I like Ng and have decided to put her on my list of favorite writers because, yes, she writes well, but she also consciously serves the story first. “Little Fires Everywhere” is only her second novel. I look forward to what comes next. As she matures, I am certain her themes will burn more brightly.

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

GIVE THE GIFT OF POWER AND FITNESS!

ave you ever had a tough time buying that someone special a Christmas present or felt that you deserve something special? How about that New Year’s resolution? Would you like to keep it? Why not give the gift of Power and Fitness. It’s a proven fact, when you exercise and are in shape you feel good about yourself. If your loved one feels good about them self, the one that benefits is you – that’s like getting a gift for them and YOU! There are many fitness facilities in the Coachella Valley. One that I belong to and recommend is the Power of Fitness in Palm Desert at 72750 Dinah Shore Dr. 760.770.9393 It boasts of 13,000 square feet of workout space with a full range of exercise equipment and over 35 small group classes to choose from. They have access to

personal trainers and nutrition packages with seminars to keep you motivated and engaged. They offer day care and for the month of December you can come try the facility and workout for free. Come in and talk with their friendly staff that can accommodate your fitness needs. Remember, if you have or suspect you have pre-existing medical conditions do not engage in a rigorous exercise program without discussing with your physician. Merry Christmas! Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

December 7 to December 13, 2017

CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 15

LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Mark Gregg 5-9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 3:30-7:30pm, Mikael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 T-Bone Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Sunday Night Jam Session w/ Jos Burrell 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Sunday Band 7:30pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 The Judy Show 7pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 The Myx 6pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Darci Daniels and Reggie Vision 7pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 John Stanley King & Trio 6-9:30pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Kevin Miller & Friends 6-9pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-932-4300 TBA 8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Rob Martinez and Scott Carter 6:30pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 John Carey & Friends 6pm

MON DECEMBER 11

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 MEH, Monday 9pm

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BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Mark Gregg 5-9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Open Mic 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Industry Night w/ DJ Tone 2pm-close SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Randy Seymon 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 T.B.A. 6pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Mike Costley’s Jazz Show 6:30-10pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Rob Martinez and Friends 6:30-9:30pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Motown Mondays 6pm

TUE DECEMBER 12

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia Band 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Casey Golden 7pm, Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Patrick Evans and Bill Marx 6:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm

BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Strictly Vinyl w/ DJ Richie Rich and Friends 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Chris Lomeli 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Big Rock Big Blues Jam 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Michael D’Angelo 7-10pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Drag Queen Bingo 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Acoustic Open Mic 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Ladies Night w/ Rock-A-Holics 7pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Randy Seymon 8pm

S and G

PUMPING SERVICE

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

760-404-6325

SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Cinch 6pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Mike Costley’s Trio 6:30-10pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Alex Santana 5-8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Acoustic Sessions w/ Lance & David 7pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Yve Evans and John Bolivar 6pm

WED DECEMBER 13

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Daniel Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Earth Radio w/ DJ Journee 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Jam w/ Doug MacDonald & Friends 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and Dancing 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Chris Lomeli 7pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 The Smooth Brothers 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; BD; 760-200-1768 Johnny Meza 7-10pm COACHELLA VALLEY BREWING CO; TP; 760343-5973 Live and Local w/ TBA 5:30-8pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Jack Ruvio 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm

ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 Karaoke 7:30pm FOX & THE FIDDLE; PD; 760-888-0111 Live Music 7pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Open Mic hosted by Josh Heinz 8pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live Music LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healey 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Roger & Friends 7pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-288-1199 Karaoke w/ KJ Ginger 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 The Myx 6:30pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Katheryn White 6:30pm TJ’S; PD; 760-345-6744 Derek Jordan Gregg 9pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Barbara Morrison Piano 4:30-6pm, Barry Minniefield 6:30pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Mikole Kaar 5-8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 DJ 6:30pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Valerie Geason 6:30pm

HADDON LIBBY

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December 7 to December 13, 2017

’TIS THE HOLIDAY SEASON

f you are like most of us, December has too much to do with not nearly enough time to do it all. ’Tis the holiday season with celebrations crowding the calendar like the neverending stream of College Football Bowls. In December, we have Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwaanza, Yule, Saturnalia, Newtonmas and many more celebrations. Additionally, it is National Bingo Month and who has time to find a Bingo hall this time of year? As a non-denominational recap on what each holiday represents, Christmas is an annual holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ while Hanukkah is an eight day Jewish holiday starting on the 12th that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following a successful revolt. Kwanzaa is an American holiday celebrated by West African ancestors between December 26 and January 1st. Created by activist and Professor Maulana Karenga in 1966, the holiday is meant to be a celebration of one’s ancestral roots. Yule or Yuletide is a Germanic festival finding its origins in the mid to late 1400s. Celebrations include meals and gift giving. Legend has it that this is a time when supernatural activity increases, including the

undead walking amongst us (if the undead can drive, this might explain increased traffic, too). This festival started right around the time of Saturnalia’s end in the 4th century. Until the 4th century, Romans celebrated Saturnalia from December 17th to the 23rd. The holiday is in honor of their agricultural God, Saturn. A typical Saturnalia might include a human sacrifice and public banquet at the Forum followed by private parties, gambling and other debauchery. It also included Masters serving their slaves during private family dinners. The celebration continued until the 4th century. While it sounds like a town name in Massachusetts, Newtonmas it is actually a celebration of the birth of Sir Isaac Newton in 1642 on December 25th. Founders of the holiday hope to make this a non-secular

DALE GRIBOW ON THE LAW

SPENDING CHRISTMAS WITH CELLMATES?

hristmas 2017 gives us a chance to give thanks for all that we have and to spend time with our family... and not “friends” we met in the holding tank. During this time of thankfulness and parties, we see dramatic increases in binge drinking, DUI’s and Drunk Driving Accidents. Thus from a business standpoint this is a good time of the year for a DUI/ACCIDENT lawyer like me. The holiday drinking period starts a few weeks before Christmas when DUI related accidents and traffic stops increase. Christmas shows a 33% increase in DUI/Accidents and 42% on New Year’s Eve. During this season people who do not drink at other times of the year are more likely to “have a drink or two” in celebration of the Christmas Season or New Year’s. They drive without realizing their low tolerance has caused more impairment then they realized. The combination of all these factors has led to about 1,200 alcohol related deaths in 2015. The Coachella Valley has more DUI fatalities, per capita, than anywhere else in California. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s 2-3 times as many people die in alcohol-related crashes and 25,000 will be injured in alcohol related accidents throughout the country. December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. During an average year 30 million Americans drive drunk, and 10 million

drive impaired by illicit drugs. With Marijuana being legalized in a few weeks these figures will likely increase. Until recently most lawyers were not aware of a private company where a DUI driver can register for a regular or SCRAM ankle bracelet. The SCRAM detects alcohol and is also an alternative to jail using Continuous Alcohol Monitoring. I would like to note that men and woman are not equal regarding alcohol consumption. When you compare each having the same age, height and weight, thirty minutes after a standard mixed drink a man will be .02 and a woman will be .03. A DUI arrest kicks in two proceedings. One is criminal through the local court system and a possible trial. The other is DMV. It begins the process of suspending your driver’s license if your reading is .08 or higher. The DMV hearing is statutory and thus black and white. If your reading is .08 or more than the burden of proof technically shifts to you to prove you were not under the influence. When arrested, your license is taken under the “stop and snatch” law and DMV destroys your license. You receive a pink piece of paper which becomes a temporary license for 30 days. You must request a DMV hearing within 10 calendar (not business) days, or the license will be suspended 30 days after the arrest. When requesting a hearing you can ask for a

celebration of reason, logic, and human accomplishment in the areas of technology and science. While Newtonians celebrate his birth by eating an apple, December 1st was Eat a Red Apple Day as well as World AIDS Awareness Day. Another celebration to raise your glass is Repeal Day on December 5th which celebrates the anniversary of the End of Prohibition. Two days later is Pearl Harbor Day commemorating the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Since its inception on the 10th in 1948, Human Rights Day has been used by the United Nations to promote the importance of Human Rights around the world. A bit like Saturnalia (without the human sacrifices or debauchery) is Ding-A-Ling Day on the 12th. This is when everyone is supposed to act a little weird. December 15th, 1791 is when the Bill of Rights was added to the United States Constitution. Without that, the United States

might have become a plutocracy instead of a republic. December 21st is the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. It is also the day in 1620 when the pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. New Englanders celebrate this with Forefathers Day. Flashlight fans (who knew there were flashlight aficionados) use the shortest day of the year to celebrate the flashlight which was invented by Joshua Lionel Cowen in 1898. Cowen is better known for creating the Lionel Train. The 26th is Boxing Day. Celebrated principally in England and its former commonwealths, this date was when churches would open their collection boxes to the poor. This holiday finds its roots in the Middle Ages when merchants would take boxes of food to their servants and the poor. As servants would work on Christmas, Boxing Day was their day to rest and celebrate. Haddon Libby is the Founder and Managing Partner of Winslow Drake Investment Management. He can be reached at 760.449.6349 or HLibby@WinslowDrake. com. More information on their awardnominated services can be found at www. WinslowDrake.com.

STAY which freezes the suspension until the hearing results. Life gets very complicated if you try to handle a DUI on your own, and having an attorney hold your hand is important. I am here for you if you make a mistake... many do! I look upon my job as protecting the Constitutional Rights of every American who drinks and drives and gets arrested for a DUI. I do however “Change Hats” when I SUE Drunk Drivers for damages to my Injured or Deceased (Wrongful Death) clients. DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, CALL A TAXI, LYFT OR UBER………THEY ARE A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME … LAW ENFORCEMENT WARNS “DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER” “Though I am sometimes referred to as a criminal DUI defense lawyer, I choose to not view my clients as “criminals”. I prefer

to view them and more importantly to treat them as good, honest people that have found themselves in a scary and unfortunate situation by drinking too much.” If you have any questions regarding this column or ideas for future columns please contact Dale Gribow 760-837-7500 or dale@ dalegribowlaw.com. DALE GRIBOW “TOP LAWYER” - Palm Springs Life (DUI) 2011-2017 “TOP LAWYER”-Inland Empire Magazine Nov, 2016 10.0 AVVO Perfect Peer Rating

December 7 to December 13, 2017

SPORTS SCENE

TIGER IS BACK!?

e is about to turn 42 and has been playing high-level tournament golf for more than 30 years. He’s hit thousands upon thousands of golf balls, and though he competes in a noncontact sport, even Tiger Woods concedes that “there are certain areas of my body that are just worn out.” It was here a year ago at Albany Golf Club that a similar return unfolded, only to be derailed just a few months later with Woods withdrawing from a tournament in the Middle East. A fourth back surgery ensued, and here we are again. Yet there is immense anticipation and more interest in an otherwise meaningless offseason event than there ever would be if Woods were not playing. Last year’s tournament produced television ratings on Golf Channel that were 190 percent higher than the previous year’s first round. It was the most-watched opening round of any tournament on the network since The Open. Similar gains were reported on NBC over that weekend, even though Woods drifted out of contention. And fans were breathless when Woods -- who had spinal fusion surgery in April and could not take full swings for six months -- posted a video in October and November of himself hitting full

REAL ESTATE

espite a record breaking temperature of 94 degrees on Thanksgiving Day Coachella Valley residents are wasting no time in getting into the holiday spirit this year. Lowes in La Quinta sold out early of their popular blow up lawn decorations and outdoor decorations and lights are popping up on houses throughout our valley. As they say, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”! The Christmas tree is the centerpiece of every Christmas celebration and according to the American Christmas Tree Association 78% of U.S. households will display Christmas trees this season. Sadly, based upon historical averages, over 200 of these trees will unintentionally go up in flames this year causing millions of dollars in property damage and resulting in the loss of several lives and personal injuries. Thankfully modern LED strings of lights have replaced the original tradition of placing lit candles in the trees or I am sure those statistics would be much higher! None the less a live tree covered with electrical wires, artificial snow, tinsel and glass balls in your home still poses a higher than normal risk of an accidental fire so in this month’s article I will share with you several common sense tips that will hopefully keep you and your tree shining brightly into the new year! Before I get into some fire safety tips for your Christmas tree, let’s take a look at the statistics for home sales here in the Coachella Valley for the month of November. According to the Desert Area MLS as of 12/1/17 there were 1,037 pending transactions of residential properties here in the Coachella Valley in the month of November. That’s significantly up from the 828 pendings in the previous month (October) and even higher when compared to the same time last year

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BY FLINT WHEELER shots, his return going better than expected. The reality is, however, stark: More than two years have passed since Woods posted a top-10, more than four years since he celebrated his last victory and going on 10 years since he last held up a major championship trophy. In the meantime, a talented, eager and younger group of players has emerged. Jordan Spieth has won three majors since the first of Woods’ back surgeries and Rory McIlroy two (and four overall). Justin Thomas won six times in 2017 including a major championship. Longhitting Dustin Johnson won the 2016 U.S. Open and is a solid No. 1 in the world (and the only player who has won more times than Woods since 2009). Brooks Koepka won this year’s U.S. Open, and even Woods’ old nemesis Sergio Garcia -- who is four years younger -- won the Masters. “It’s just to see him,” said Sean Foley, one of Woods’ former instructors. “Why do so many people go watch Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player hit one ball off the tee at Augusta? I do it every year. It’s just because it’s a part of history and so incredible to see.” Woods is less likely to make history these days, his recent career having been a tattered mess of injuries, withdrawals, chip yips, stage fright and comebacks dating to his first back surgery in 2014. Since then, Woods has played just 19 worldwide tournaments. He’s had a single

top-10. The last time he played a competitive round, it was a 77 with no birdies in Dubai, almost 10 months ago to the day. And yet, when Woods is healthy, it is still a sight to behold, a sound to be heard, when he strikes a golf ball. It’s the same reason that when Michael Jordan came back to play basketball. Albeit for the Washington Wizards in the ladder part of his career. When you’re one of the greatest of all time to play your sport and just do things that people can’t and haven’t done before it brings along a huge fan base. Woods might have endured years of lackluster golf, but his name still packs a

FIRE SAFETY FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE

when we had only 790 pending sales. In October there were 742 solds and we were back down in November with only 677 solds. But that is still better than last year’s home sales in November (2016) when we sold only 646 homes. Our year to date sales total for 2017 stands at 9,548 homes compared to the same time period last year when we sold only 8,494 homes. Statistically we ended our first eleven months in 2017 exceeding last year’s number of sales by just under 13%. According to the Desert Area MLS “Statistics” the median home sale price for ALL HOMES in the Coachella Valley is up about 5% but the average home sale price is now up over 20% this year when compared to the same time period for last year. This huge increase over last year indicates that not only are we continuing to sell more homes this year, but the homes are selling for considerably higher prices. At this rate it won’t be long before the Coachella Valley home values are back to the high market values that we experienced in 2006-7. Our inventory of homes for sale was back up significantly this month with 3,836 homes available on November 30, 2017 compared to only 3,601 homes available on November 1, 2017. This continues last couple of month’s trend of a higher number of homes available for sale each month here in the Coachella Valley. Typically our inventory of homes for sale continues to grow at this time of the year and this confirms it. Despite earlier fears that we would be faced with a critical shortage of homes for sale here in the Coachella Valley it appears that our inventory is increasing right on schedule and putting our market back in equilibrium where the inventory is adequate enough to meet the demand. Home sales in the Coachella Valley tend to tend to take a holiday

vacation and go flat starting about the second week of December and continuing through the second week of January so it appears that home prices have reached a plateau and should stay stable through the end of January 2018. The first fire safety tip for your Christmas tree is to pick a fresh tree with green needles that don’t fall out when touched. As the tree dries out the needles begin to turn brown and become more prone to catching fire. Before placing your tree inside your home it is recommended that you cut a couple of inches off the base of the trunk so that the tree will be able to absorb water better and stay fresher longer. Make sure the tree stand has a water basin and fill it daily! It seems that every house has the perfect spot for the Christmas tree… your job is to make sure that spot is at least 3 feet away from any heat source like the fireplace, candles, heat vents or your everyday lamps and lights. Make sure that you have a working smoke detector in the same room as you place your Christmas tree and make sure that the tree is not next to or blocking an exit. If the tree does catch on fire you want to be able to get out of the room it’s in! Now if you are like me each year you try and get at least one more year of use out of those strings of lights you have been using for the last 10 or so years. That’s fine as long as you inspect them each year for frayed wires, excessive wear and broken light bulbs. Make sure that they are “UL approved” according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission and don’t exceed the maximum number of strings allowed on a single circuit. ALWAYS turn your Christmas tree lights “off” before going to bed or leaving your home. After Christmas is over most trees are pretty dried out so make sure you dispose of

powerful punch. He remains among the top endorsers in the game, representing the likes of Nike, TaylorMade, Bridgestone, Hero, Rolex, Monster Energy and Kowa, and his golf course design business is beginning to get traction, with several courses in the works. Even without playing, Woods ranked fourth on Golf Digest’s annual list of the top-paid players in the game, with more than $36 million in off-the-course earnings, according to the magazine. He trailed only Spieth, the late Arnold Palmer and Phil Mickelson. He was ranked third a year ago and topped the list for years. Woods still ranks as the 10th-most-popular athlete worldwide according to Forbes, behind only two other Americans -- LeBron James and Mickelson. Using a formula that combined endorsements, social media following and internet search popularity. For most of the early 2000s, Woods ranked with Jordan at the top of the “Q Score,” which rates popularity and marketing appeal. In 2008, Forbes ranked Woods No. 2 on its annual Celebrity 100 list, based on fame and money. Only Oprah Winfrey was higher.

BY BRUCE CATHCART your tree properly. Don’t let them hang around until Valentine’s Day, do not just lean them up against the side of the house or your wood fence and do not leave them in your garage! Most cities here in the Coachella Valley have special disposal/recycle sites to accommodate your tree. By taking advantage of these few common sense tips you should be able to enjoy “the most wonderful time of the year” without having to worry about your Christmas tree accidentally becoming your Yule log! From all of us here at La Quinta Palms Realty, we wish you the happiest of holiday seasons and a prosperous New Year! Join me each month this year as we keep a close eye on our Coachella Valley real estate market. If you have a real estate question or concerns please email me at the address below. Bruce Cathcart is the Broker/Co-Owner of La Quinta Palms Realty, “Your Friendly Professionals” and can be reached by email at bycathcart@laquintapalmsrealty.com or visit his website at www.laquintapalmsrealty.com.

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Week of December 7

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You may get richer quicker in 2018, Aries -- especially if you refuse to sell out. You may accumulate more clout -- especially if you treat everyone as your equal and always wield your power responsibly. I bet you will also experience deeper, richer emotions -- especially if you avoid people who have low levels of emotional intelligence. Finally, I predict you will get the best sex of your life in the next 12 months -- especially if you cultivate the kind of peace of mind in which you’ll feel fine about yourself if you don’t get any sex at all. P.S.: You’d be wise to start working on these projects immediately. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The members of the fungus family, like mushrooms and molds, lack chlorophyll, so they can’t make food from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. To get the energy they need, they “eat” plants. That’s lucky for us. The fungi keep the earth fresh. Without them to decompose fallen leaves, piles of compost would continue to accumulate forever. Some forests would be so choked with dead matter that they couldn’t thrive. I invite you to take your inspiration from the heroic fungi, Taurus. Expedite the decay and dissolution of the worn-out and obsolete parts of your life. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I’m guessing you have been hungrier than usual. At times you may have felt voracious, even insatiable. What’s going on? I don’t think this intense yearning is simply about food, although it’s possible your body is trying to compensate for a nutritional deficiency. At the very least, you’re also experiencing a heightened desire to be understood and appreciated. You may be aching for a particular quality of love that you haven’t been able to give or get. Here’s my theory: Your soul is famished for experiences that your ego doesn’t sufficiently value or seek out. If I’m correct, you should meditate on what your soul craves but isn’t getting enough of. CANCER (June 21-July 22): The brightly colored birds known as bee-eaters are especially fond of eating bees and wasps. How do they avoid getting stung? They snatch their prey in mid-air and then knock them repeatedly against a tree branch until the stinger falls off and the venom is flushed out. In the coming weeks, Cancerian, you could perhaps draw inspiration from the bee-eaters’ determination to get what they want. How might you be able to draw nourishment from sources that aren’t entirely benign? How could you extract value from influences that you have be careful with? LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The coming months will be a ripe time to revise and rework your past -- to reconfigure the consequences that emerged from what happened once upon a time. I’ll trust you to make the ultimate decisions about the best ways to do that, but here are some suggestions. 1. Revisit a memory that has haunted you, and do a ritual that resolves it and brings you peace. 2. Go back and finally do a crucial duty you left unfinished. 3. Return to a dream you wandered away from prematurely, and either re-commit yourself to it, or else put it to rest for good. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The astrological omens suggest that now is a favorable time to deepen your roots and bolster your foundations and revitalize traditions that have nourished you. Oddly enough, the current planetary rhythms are also conducive to you and your family and friends playing soccer in the living room with a ball made from rolled-up socks, pretending to be fortune-telling psychics and giving each other past-life readings, and gathering around the kitchen table to formulate a conspiracy to achieve world domination. And no, the two sets of advice I just gave you are not contradictory. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In accordance with the long-term astrological omens, I invite you to make five long-term promises to yourself. They were formulated by the teacher Shannen Davis. Say them aloud a few times to get a feel for them. 1. “I will make myself eminently teachable through the cultivation of openness and humility.” 2. “I won’t wait around hoping that people will give me what

I can give myself.” 3. “I’ll be a good sport about the consequences of my actions, whether they’re good, bad, or misunderstood.” 4. “As I walk out of a room where there are many people who know me, I won’t worry about what anyone will say about me.” 5. “I will only pray for the things I’m willing to be the answer to.” SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): To discuss a problem is not the same as doing something practical to correct it. Many people don’t seem to realize this. They devote a great deal of energy to describing and analyzing their difficulties, and may even imagine possible solutions, but then neglect to follow through. And so nothing changes. The sad or bad situation persists. Of all the signs in the zodiac, you Scorpios are among the least prone to this disability. You specialize in taking action to fulfill your proposed fixes. Just this once, however, I urge you to engage in more inquiry and conversation than usual. Just talking about the problem could cure it. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): As far back as ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece, people staged ceremonies to mark the embarkation of a new ship. The intention was to bestow a blessing for the maiden voyage and ever thereafter. Good luck! Safe travels! Beginning in 18th-century Britain and America, such rituals often featured the smashing of a wine bottle on the ship’s bow. Later, a glass container of champagne became standard. In accordance with the current astrological indicators, I suggest that you come up with your own version of this celebratory gesture. It will soon be time for your launch. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You may feel quite sure that you’ve gotten as tall as you’re ever going to be. But that may not be true. If you were ever going to add another half-inch or more to your height, the near future would be the time for it. You are in the midst of what we in the consciousness industry call a “growth spurt.” The blooming and ripening could occur in other ways, as well. Your hair and fingernails may become longer faster than usual, and even your breasts or penis might undergo spontaneous augmentation. There’s no doubt that new brain cells will propagate at a higher rate, and so will the white blood cells that guard your physical health. Four weeks from now, I bet you’ll be noticeably smarter, wiser, and more robust. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You come into a delicatessen where you have to take a numbered ticket in order to get waited on. Oops. You draw 37 and the counter clerk has just called out number 17. That means 20 more people will have their turns before you. Damn! You settle in for a tedious vigil, putting down your bag and crossing your arms across your chest. But then what’s this? Two minutes later, the clerk calls out 37. That’s you! You go up to the counter and hand in your number, and amazingly enough, the clerk writes down your order. A few minutes later, you’ve got your food. Maybe it was a mistake, but who cares? All that matters is that your opportunity came earlier than you thought it would. Now apply this vignette as a metaphor for your life in the coming days. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): It’s one of those bizarre times when what feels really good is in close alignment with what’s really good for you, and when taking the course of action that benefits you personally is probably what’s best for everyone else, too. I realize the onslaught of this strange grace may be difficult to believe. But it’s real and true, so don’t waste time questioning it. Relish and indulge in the freedom it offers you. Use it to shush the meddling voice in your head that informs you about what you supposedly SHOULD be doing instead of what you’re actually doing. Homework: In your imagination, visit the person you’ll be in four years. What key messages do you have to convey? Freewillastrology.com ---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

December 7 to December 13, 2017

MIND,BODY & SPIRIT

BY BRONWYN ISON

7 MEDITERRANEAN DIET FOODS TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH

ating a Mediterranean style diet may help improve your overall health longterm. I’ve always been a advocate of this diet. Plus, I love all the yummy and healthy options I have. You may want to consider a Mediterranean diet leading up to the holidays. Here’s what you can enjoy! Olive Oil tops the list of fats you can enjoy. Do away with the butter or any other oils you may be using for cooking, salads, dressings or baking. It’s perfectly fine to have olive oil as your primary fat. Go NUTS for handfuls of nuts throughout your day. Almonds are a fabulous, delicious and hearty snack. Go with a mixed bag of nuts and dried fruit to add a little sweet to the salty. However, try to go with raw nuts versus salted or flavored or coated in chocolate . Followers of the Mediterranean are suggested to eat three plus servings of fish per week. This can include shellfish. Fish is packed with protein, omega-3 fats and are heart healthy. Legumes are a great substitute for meat or fish. Legumes consist of beans, peas,

lentils and are great for vegetarians. They can also pass as a vegetable because they deliver fiber and nutrients, such as folate and potassium. Fruit is another enjoyable food to be added to your diet. Three servings per day is recommended. Consider tossing a few strawberries or blueberries into your next salad. Or, top your oatmeal with a half a banana and raspberries. Or, a simple fruit bowl will do. Veggies and more veggies! If you enjoy eggs for breakfast consider making yourself an omelet and chopping up your favorite veggies. This is a great way to start your day. A salad for lunch and steamed or sautéed veggies for dinner along with your favorite protein. In conclusion of a hard days work you may choose to enjoy a glass of red or white wine. Yes, wine can be a part of the Mediterranean diet. Consume conservatively and overindulgence is not suggested. There are several options with this diet and it’s a great way to slim down. Everything in moderation. Enjoy!

December 7 to December 13, 2017

CANNABIS CORNER

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BY RUTH HILL R.N.

CANNABIS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT WHERE IS IT HEADED? here are those who tell you

recreational marijuana/cannabis, or (RC), and medical marijuana/cannabis (MC) are the same. In today’s booming market that statement could not be further from the truth. The difference is not that both have cannabinoids present, (THC and CBD), the difference is whether it was tested for pests, mold, metals, cannabinoids present, terpenes present, how it’s ingested, how it’s cultivated, and lastly how it’s extracted. Remember hemp CBD is regulated by the Federal Agricultural Department. If we want to use MC to reverse disease it must have THC. The new synthetic MC drug approved by the FDA for medical use in the U.S., is liquid Marinol or dronabinol, which was first synthesized for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in HIV and cancer patients. The brand name is Syndros, developed by Insys. Syndros is an isomer, meaning it is synthetic molecules developed in the laboratory, this is not botanical MC (directly from the plant). Syndros comes in one ounce bottles of 5mg/1ml, that costs $1000.00, not readily affordable for the public. Who will use it is questionable when you can get a months’ supply of THC to treat nausea and vomiting in your local dispensary for $72. Since it is a Schedule II drug, insurances pay for this rip-off. Over the past fifty years MC has been cultivated, tested, and designed for specific disease entities in Israel, where the biggest farms in the world are located. Israel will produce over 80 tons (more than 175,000 pounds) per year of medical grade cannabis. Israel is where THC and the endocannabinoid system was discovered by Raphael Mechoulam. Due to regulatory barriers, research and development of cannabis in the U.S. can take years to develop. The only legal place to obtain the cannabis for research, is from the Univ. of Miss where the purity, consistency, potency, strain quality, and extraction is suspect, and would probably fail the regulatory rules designed in some states that have legalized cannabis. While it is illegal to import cannabis, these rules can be circumvented by coordinating with research in other countries. The Israeli government invests millions in research and development of MC. According to Saul Kaye of iCan, about 50 U.S. cannabis companies are

investing with Raphael Mechoulam’s laboratory for phase 1 and phase 2 clinical research trials in clinics and hospitals. Once they establish the compound is safe they will enter phase 3 level trials in the U.S. resulting in new botanical MC drugs. There are at least 120 clinical trials being conducted in Israel. The other advantage working with Israel is companies can research orphan drug indications. U.S. pharmaceuticals do not pursue them because there is not a big enough market. A smaller number of people are needed for the study, speeding up the process of phases 1 and 2. Dr. Schackelford, a Harvard graduate physician, who in 2013 was the first physician to prescribe cannabis to a child for treating seizures, left the U.S. for Israel due to research restrictions. “The U.S. government has funded $1.4 billion in marijuana research since 2008,” says Schackelford. “Yet $1.1 billion of that went to studying addiction, withdrawal and drug abuse,” problems that barely exist with cannabis when compared to the effects of other legal medications, like prescription painkillers, which killed more than 17,000 Americans in 2016. (Rolling Stone Article by Yardena Schwartz August 24, 2017). Israel has the highest ratio of cannabis users in the world, 27% between the ages of 18-65 have used cannabis in the past year, Iceland is 18%, the U.S. is 16%. Even the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has funded cannabis research in Israel. Indeed, much of Professor Mechoulam’s groundbreaking research was funded by the American government, which provided him with grants to the tune of $100,000 a year for over four decades, says Mechoulam. There is no end to the hypocrisy and lies perpetrated by our politicians in the federal government. Send questions to hilruth@gmail.com

LIFE & CAREER COACH BY SUNNY SIMON

NEGOTIATING FOR TIME

have a passion for paper, especially lovely bound planners. Although, I work digitally 95% of the time, I find picking up a pen and mapping out my goals in black and white inspiring. Okay, finding a cool planning system is the easy part. The work begins when we sit down to write our goals for the new year. The biggest challenge is allocating time to get the work done. More than once I’ve heard clients’ lament about wanting to increase earning power by upgrading their skills, but due to time constraints, plans of personal development fall to the wayside. Each time I hear that sentiment, I think of my mother. In her book, there was no such thing as lack of time. Whenever I tried to use it as a lame excuse, she retorted, “If you want something badly enough, you will find the time.” You know mom was right, don’t you? I could excuse the single parent who works three jobs to put food on the table, but what about the rest of us? Are we really going to peddle that baloney? I don’t think so. What then, is the magic formula for accomplishing the tasks necessary to up your personal development? In her book, “Pause, Harnessing the Life Changing Power of Giving Yourself a Break,” author and

executive coach, Rachel O’ Meara, offers up an interesting strategy. The coach suggests you negotiate with your boss for a time allotment dedicated to self improvement. Now that’s a novel idea! Possibly a hard sell depending on where you work and who you report to, but it’s a strategy worth pursuing. Before you march into your manager’s office with this request, spend some time in preparation. First define exactly what you want to study and how gaining this new skill or knowledge brings value to the work place. That’s the key. Your manager will want to know what’s in it for him or her. Once you’re standing on solid ground in terms of benefits, O’Meara advises you spend some time listing any objections and concerns that might arise during the conversation. Then consider what are you willing to give up in this negotiation. Make a list of items you could offer up in order to seal the deal. You have nothing to lose by giving this strategy a go. If the answer is no, get creative about carving out time to work on your goals. Good luck! If you get a yes, you’ve won! Sunny Simon is the owner of Raise the Bar High Life and Career Coaching. More information at www.raisethebarhigh.com

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December 7 to December 13, 2017

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December 7 to December 13, 2017