Coachella Valley Weekly - December 10 to December 16, 2015 Vol. 4 No. 38

News

Music

Movies

Dining

Community Events

coachellavalleyweekly.com • December 10 to December 16, 2015 Vol. 4 No. 38

C.V.V.I.M. Larry Shaw pg 5

pg 7

Bobbie Eakes

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CV Music Showcase Review Cyrstofer Shoemaker pg 9

pg 11

December 10 to December 16, 2015

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Coachella Valley Weekly

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

760.501.6228

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

Contents

The Untouchables at Date Shed........ 3 CV Volunteers In Medicine................. 5 Holiday Events.................................... 5 Review of A Christmas Story.............. 6 HEART at Fantasy Springs.................. 7 Larry Shaw of LnS............................... 7 Backstage Jazz - Bobbie Eakes.......... 8 Open Mic Competition......................... 8 CV Music Showcase............................ 9 Consider This - The Libertines..........10 Art Scene - Crystfer Showmaker......11 Pet Place............................................12 The Vino Voice ..................................13 Club Crawler Nightlife......................14 Good Grub.........................................16 Screeners ..........................................18 Book Review......................................19 Real Estate.........................................19 Haddon Libby...................................21 Dale Gribow......................................21 Safety Tips.........................................22 Sports Scene .....................................22 Free Will Astrology...........................23 Ask Jenny..........................................23 Mind, Body & Spirit ..........................24 Life & Career Coach ..........................24 Ask The Doctor .................................25

THE UNTOUCHABLES LIVE @ THE DATE SHED its happening in Indio, Friday, December 11th @ 9PM

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t all started simply enough. The 20 year old that had thoughts of becoming a carpenter, went out with a couple of friends one weekend to a club they’d been hearing about. Jerry Miller could not have known that his world would be turned upside down that night. That club, the O.N. Klub in Silver Lake, California, would soon become a focal point of the city’s nascent mod/ska subculture, and Miller would find himself right smack dab in the center of it, soon to become an icon.

“DJ Howard Paar played all the Brit Pop, Ska and Motown that we loved to dance to,” says Miller. “Immediately, my whole way of thinking, of dancing - my entire connection to music changed.” By all accounts, the scene that developed was an odd musical metallurgy of the sounds and styles of 1960’s swinging London, the music of original and second-wave Jamaican and English ska, and American Sixties soul and R&B. At the helm was Howard Paar, a young British music enthusiast, who coerced property owner, Bob Selva, into turning his property into a music club. “It became a melting pot for those Mod kids from neighboring cities who had nowhere else to go,” Miller reminisced. “It just blew up. The place had a capacity of 150 but they’d cram about 175 - 200 in there. All the underage kids, about 200 of them, would

hang out in the parking lot, making it even more of a scene. This little place on Sunset Boulevard, full of Mods and Modettes, their Vespas or Lambrettas, playing music out of their cars or on blasters - that is how it all started. We would all police it and watch out for everybody. I mean, it wasn’t a bad neighborhood, but there were elements there, and there were kids as young as 14 or 15 years old. We all looked out for each other. It seemed to work or we were lucky. I think the vibe was so good and so real, that people respected it. Even if they weren’t into it, they respected it. It was mind blowing to see. We didn’t know what we were doing - it just kind of happened. The band formed in 1980, we started playing clubs in 1981, and things really started growing. It was so much fun. I get goose-bumps thinking about it, after all this time.”

CVW: With 35 years of music under your belt, what are some of your most memorable experiences?

Miller: “I have to say, the thing that tops the list is hearing our record on KROQ for the first time. Man, KROQ was so good to us.

There was a time you could show up at KROQ and say, “Hey, I got this song… There were always kids hanging out there.”

“Then there was the first time we went to England; that was mind blowing. We were ready for it and we weren’t ready for it. I mean to see big posters of The Untouchables on the side of buildings, people recognizing us so far away from home... We had sent a video that got great response, but we had no idea until we got there, just how great.

People were waiting for us to arrive. We were pretty humble guys, and fans of the culture and music ourselves. We really had no idea we’d get that kind of reception. The first place I went when we landed in Heathrow was Carnaby Street. It was like Disneyland.”

CVW: You’ve shared stages with bands like The B-52’s, Black Uhuru, Bow Wow Wow, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fishbone, No Doubt and X. Who did you like touring with most?

Miller: “We toured with a lot of really cool bands, but touring with UB40 was special.

They were so cool to us. Even though they were the veterans, they showed so much respect for us.”

December 10 to December 16, 2015

By Lisa Morgan

CVW: What was it like for you guys on the set of Repo Man with Emilio Estevez?

Miller: “Ramon Estevez was our first manager, so we’d played for about five birthday parties for the family - for Ramon, Emilio, Renee, Charlie and Martin. Martin would come in to see us play at the O.N. Klub, so being around that family wasn’t unusual for us. What was memorable though, was filming in a Latin neighborhood. Many of the neighbors would just be going about their day, doing their thing and playing their music. The music would get loud sometimes, and bleed through the filming, so the crew went door to door paying people $40 to turn their music down. Pretty soon, everyone was playing their music loud so they could get paid too.”

CVW: The music industry has changed drastically since you first started playing.

Top of mind, what do you think has changed the most, for better or worse?

Miller: “We were lucky. We had a bunch of kids that didn’t just want to stay home on their computers, but wanted to come out and be a part of something. They were just waiting for someone to spearhead the scene.

Our fans are what made us. Thousand of kids put us on their shoulders and said, ‘This is OUR band.’ I don’t know if that kind of thing could ever happen again.”

While there have been many changes in the industry over the years, and even among the members of The Untouchables themselves, one thing has remained - the positive and absolutely dance inspiring energy of the music and its delivery. “We play a little better after all this time, but it still has this rawness to it... it just makes me smile,” shared Miller as our interview came to a close. This show is guaranteed to take you to another place and time with its timeless, positive energy. With tragedy striking so close to home here in the recent weeks, The Untouchables may be just what you need.

The Untouchables will be at The Date Shed in Indio this Friday night, with local award winning band, Spankshaft, opening.

Doors open at 9PM. Tickets can be purchased for $10 in advance at dateshedmusic.com or for $15 at the door (and there will be plenty of room to park your Vespa).

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December 10 to December 16, 2015

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Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine

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ou probably haven’t heard of it, but Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) is the only national nonprofit dedicated to building a network of free primary health care clinics for the uninsured in local communities. In the early 90s, onethird of the population on Hilton Head Island had no access to health care. At the same time, retired physicians, nurses, and dentists wanted to continue practicing their profession on a voluntary basis to help people with no access to medical care. In 1994, under the leadership of founder Dr. Jack McConnell, the two groups got together to open the first Volunteers in Medicine clinic in Hilton Head. The success of the Hilton Head VIM clinic led to requests for assistance in replicating the VIM clinic model and Dr. McConnell created a nonprofit to

help communities launch their own VIM clinics.

Not long ago, our desert healthcare community was concerned about our lowincome, uninsured residents and created a safety net for them with help from VIM. It took three years, but they established the only no-cost free clinic in the Valley for workers who can’t get medical care elsewhere. Thanks to a dedicated group of healthcare, community, and government leaders, the Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine (CVVIM) clinic in Indio began providing medical and dental services to eligible patients in November, 2010. The clinic occupies a state-of-the-art facility custom built by the County of Riverside that houses six patient exam rooms, two fullyequipped dental operatories, and other

by janet newcomb

clinical rooms. CVVIM rents the building from the county for $1.00 a year.

“For many, CVVIM is the first reliable medical home they have ever known, giving them ongoing access to services when they need them,” said Dr. Ron Hare, CVVIM Founder and Chairman. The Coachella Valley clinic has more than 125 volunteers, including physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, nurses, and administrative support. The value of this donated time exceeds $1 million, yet more volunteering professionals are needed.

Funding comes from philanthropic partners, local businesses, individuals, and local hospitals. Scores of volunteer doctors, dentists, nurses, medical assistants and support staff donated 12,941 hours of their time in 2014 to deliver 4,088 patient visits.

Community

The cost of operating the Clinic and serving patients in 2015 was $612,000, and the board of directors has decided it’s time to have their first community fundraiser which will feature a spectacular wine auction along with silent and live auction items. On Friday, February 5, at the historic Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage, an evening of exceptional food and wine with auction items ranging from rare wines to travel packages, restaurant meals, wine accessories and sporting event tickets. All wine donations will be maintained in optimal condition at The Wine Vault of the Desert until the evening of the event. Tickets are $200 and available at the event website wineloversauction.org.

For more information about Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine and/or the charity wine auction, please contact Doug Morin, Executive Director, at 760.342.4414 or Info@CVVIM.org.

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Don’t Miss These holiday events

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF PALM SPRINGS HOSTS NIGHT SCARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs is excited to host Night Scare Before Christmas, a haunted house, on December 18 and 19 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

“This will be a haunted house with a holiday theme but definitely not for the faint of heart,” said Terry Tatum, President of Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs. “We look forward to welcoming all members of the community to experience the fun.”

Attendees will approach an unsuspecting entrance, but once on the other side, will be lead down a meandering path around the pool area and see the full effect of the

December 10 to December 16, 2015

Christmas themed haunted house come to life.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase, as well as raffle tickets for prizes, music, games, face painting and an arts and crafts area.

Admission to Night Scare Before Christmas is $15 for adults and $10 for children, with the last group admitted no later than 10:15 p.m. Attendees who bring an unwrapped toy for a child will receive $5 off their ticket price.

This event is open to the public and will be held at the Club (450 S. Sunrise Way).

To purchase tickets or for more information, contact Monica Escobar at (760) 327-1304.

MIRAMONTE RESORT AND SPA UNVEILS GINGERBREAD VILLAGE with LOCALLY BUILT HOMES & TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY TO FOLLOW Miramonte Resort & Spa invites residents and guests to The Gingerbread Village Opening Night Celebration taking place this Friday, December 11 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Attendees can view the village, enjoy treats, sip hot cocoa, and visit with Santa. At 7 p.m., the festivities will move outside for the tree lighting ceremony. The event will feature carols sang by the Sacred Heart School Choir and be emceed by KMIR’s Gino LaMont.

Local residents submitted gingerbread

houses and purchased “lots” to have their house included in the village. Proceeds were donated to Animal Samaritans. On December 28, winners will be announced and awarded prizes. The Grand Prize is a two-night stay at the luxurious resort; second place receives a 60-minute spa treatment at the resort’s award-winning Well Spa; and third place is dinner for two at The Grove Artisan Kitchen at the resort.

For more info or questions, call the Miramonte Holiday Hotline at (760) 341-2200 or visit miramonteresort.com.

The resort is located at 45000 Indian Wells Lane in Indian Wells, California.

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December 10 to December 16, 2015

Breaking the 4th Wall

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By Dee Jae Cox

A Stage Review of “A Christmas Story”

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ince its origins, in 700 BC, when the Greeks honored their god of wine and theatre, Dionysus, with festivals and drunken men in goat skins, theatre and storytelling has taken on many forms. Some classic dramas with lines that resonate deep in the psyche, other stories that don’t have the profound depth of a great drama, but still some how manage to become classic in their own right. Such is the tale of A Christmas Story, book by Joseph Robinette, Music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and currently in production at the Palm Canyon Theatre, in Palm Springs.

The stage musical, like Bob Clark’s 1983 sleeper film of the same name, is

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based on author Jean Shepherd’s semiautobiographical collection of short stories titled, In God We Trust, All others pay cash.

A Christmas Story, tells the tale of 9 year old Ralphie, wonderfully performed by young actor Colin Sands, and Ralphie’s Christmas wish to receive a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle with a compass in the stock and “this thing which tells time,” (a sundial).

Despite the obstacles, Ralphie holds fast to his dream of the perfect gift from Santa. A boy’s longing for a bb gun could easily be discarded as a childish wish for an impractical toy. But it symbolizes the dreams of Christmas when we want to believe that we could wake to find anything and everything that our heart desires under that tree.

Actor Ben Reece, is wonderful in his portrayal of ‘the old man’, Ralphie’s father, who clings to dreams of his own as he sings and dances to the musical number “The Genius of Cleveland Street.” Proving that we are never too old to make a wish.

Anne Schroeder, as the Mother, is perfect in her role as a 1940’s ‘stay at home mom’, whose primary ambition is the welfare of her family. Her rendition of “What a mother does” was moving and touching and made

me long for those days when mom could fix anything.

The ensemble of singers and dancers in this production, primarily children, were flawless as they made me laugh and smile through most of the clever songs about growing up, facing bullies and being a hero. I loved Rosanne Hopkins, as Miss Shields and her breakout number “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out.” There is a feeling of family and hope and holiday excitement when leaving the show; it’s a good night out with your family and a smile to kindle your holiday spirits.

Shows about 9 year old boys who want Santa to bring them a gun are not usually on my recommended list, but I loved the

message of this show. It will make you smile, take you back to the highs and lows of childhood and remind you of what Christmas is really about.

Get your tickets for A Christmas Story, currently running through Sunday, December 20th, at the Palm Canyon Theatre, located at 538 North Palm Canyon Dr in Palm Springs. For Reservations, call the Box Office at 760-323-5123 or go to palmcanyontheatre.org Dee Jae Cox, is a playwright, director and producer. She is the Cofounder and Artistic Director for The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Project and the host of the hit radio show, “California Woman 411.”

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HEART

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December 10 to December 16, 2015

Local Music Spotlight

the ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES are HEADED TO FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO IN JANUARY

By esther sanchez

Photos by Karmes Neazer

Larry Shaw of LnS

Quality Hip-Hop is Alive and Well in the Desert

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ock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees HEART have hit the road this winter and on Friday, January 29th, 2016 at 8pm, the tour will make a much-anticipated stop at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

Ann and Nancy Wilson first showed the world that women can rock when their band, Heart, stormed the charts in the ‘70’s with hits like “Crazy on You,” “Magic Man,” “Barracuda,” “Straight On,” and so many more. Not only did the Wilson sisters lead the band, they wrote the songs and played the instruments too, making them the first women in rock to do so.

Heart continued topping the charts through the ‘80’s and ‘90’s with huge hits like “These Dreams,” “Alone,” “What About Love,” “If Looks Could Kill,” “Never,” and a string of other hits that showcased the sisters’ enormous talents as musicians, singers and songwriters.

Powerful and exciting on stage, Heart performs their amazing show to many hundreds of thousands of fans annually.

As individuals, the sisters have also achieved significant success. Ann sang on songs that were both chart successes and motion picture themes, like “Almost Paradise” from Footloose, “Best Man in the World” from The Golden Child, and “Surrender to Me” from Tequila Sunrise, while Nancy composed and performed the scores to a half dozen motion pictures including the award winning “Jerry Maguire” and “Almost Famous.”

Along the way, music by Ann and Nancy

Wilson and their band Heart sold more than 35 million albums, sold out arenas worldwide, and found their way into the soundtrack of American life through radio, motion pictures, and television.

The last decade has been filled with new accomplishments for Heart. Nearly 35 years after their first big hit, Ann and Nancy Wilson were back in the Billboard Top 10 in 2010 with Heart’s “Red Velvet Car” album, and a Top 5 DVD (“Night at Sky Church”). 2012’s “Fanatic” continued Heart’s current chart success, spawning two hit singles (“Fanatic” and “Dear Old America”) and debuting in the Billboard Top 25. They also released a comprehensive CD box set entitled “Strange Euphoria,” filled with rarities and previously unreleased treasures that met with acclaim from critics and fans alike.

In September 2012, Ann and Nancy released their first-ever memoire (Kicking & Dreaming: A Story of Heart, Soul and Rock & Roll). The book spent several weeks on the New York Times “Best Sellers” chart and was released by HarperCollins on paperback on September 25, 2013. In May 2015, they released a children’s book, Dog & Butterfly, based on the famous and well-beloved hit song.

Tickets for the 8PM Heart performance are now on sale for $79, $69, and $49 at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, via telephone at (800) 8272946 or online at FantasySpringsResort.com.

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onths ago, I was with my friend, Paul Gore, aka DJ Smoke1 en route to a photo-shoot when he said he wanted me to hear something and threw in a CD. As Smoke predicted in his own mind, I liked what I heard. Gore: “I have been hit up to work with rappers in the past, but if I was going to invest in this kind of partnership it was going to be with someone who can really write.” Having found that poetic emcee, LnS was born.

Coachella Valley Native, Larry Shaw has been involved in the desert music scene since around the year 2000 and has partnered with local hip-hop pioneers such as the desert’s own, Karmic Basis. Considering himself as part of the 2nd generation of hip-hop artists in the valley, he remembers being in his teens and idolizing local DJs and Emcees from the legendary Intl. Crew such as the now, world-renowned, DJ Day. Shaw: “Yeah, I ended up at some of those parties back in the day when they were battling even though I was too young to be there.”

As a musician and hip hop fan, LnS is definitely one of my favorite local acts and without a doubt, unsung and underrated, even though they are generally known and respected among local hip-hop artists. This is likely due to the fact that neither Shaw nor Gore, are the kind of guys to toot their own

horns. On the contrary, they are both the humblest of dudes...humble dudes aren’t always the best at self-promotion. But, if you take a moment to give them a listen... the lyrics, the beats, the production are all definitely on a standard that deserve praise and attention on a level of intellectual critique. Also...you can shake your ass to it.

Larry Shaw did not become the number 1 local artist on reverbnation for nothing. I was turned on to Larry as a rapper from lyrics like, “Hipster chicks housing black vocab like its fostered.

The only black dude in the party and its awkward.

White girls dropping the N bomb I just laugh at it.

Mess around and confront her she choke up and get asthmatic.”

Shaw: “Every artist has their strengths and weaknesses. Some are great live performers.

Others record great tracks. My strong-suit is probably writing and that’s definitely what I want to be known for.” Father to a 6 year-old daughter, Shaw’s writing skills are manifested in the fact that he rarely curses or uses obvious profanity in his lyrics, making his music something his daughter can listen to. Shaw: “It’s not that I don’t ever swear. It’s not very often in my lyrics. I definitely include plenty of adult content but I prefer to work in metaphors.”

Shaw has also chosen to work with some fantastic local artists in some uber-groovy collaborations. I recently heard a single called, “Brujaria,” with a sweet hook sung by none other than CV Weekly’s own, Monica Morones, AKA Cakes. While writing this article he sent me some tracks he recorded with angelic, local songstress, Portia Camille that I adored. Shaw: “In early 2016 we will be releasing an EP of some soul/hiphop tracks including Ms. Camille that will be taking me back to my roots in this genre.”

Check out LnS this Friday, Dec. 11th at Schmidy’s Tavern in Palm Desert along with local favorites Techno Hillbillies and Right On! Right On! reverbnation.com/lshawone facebook.com/lshawone

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December 10 to December 16, 2015

backstage jazz

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By patte purcell

Local Music Spotlight

Bobbie Eakes, Swinging with Sinatra

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he big buzz in the desert is the 100th birthday of Palm Springs most iconic resident, Frank Sinatra.

Vocalist and actress Bobbie Eakes is celebrating with a tribute to the man and the hit songs of one they called ‘Old Blue Eyes’. Dubbed ‘Swinging with Sinatra’ it promises to give guests a taste of the Palm Springs iconic past.

If you haven’t seen Bobbie perform before, this would be a great opportunity.

Not only is she a great vocalist but also a great entertainer. Her Hollywood flair combined with a great selection of songs insures an entertaining evening.

Just to give you a little history of this talented lady she started her professional career at the age of 16 and was in several bands throughout High School. She entered the Miss University of Georgia Pageant and went on to win the Miss Georgia title. While competing in the Miss America Pageant, a Los Angeles talent scout noticed her on the national telecast. He asked if she would audition for Star Search (at that time the working title was Talent Challenge).

She decided to relocate to LA in 1984.

She was part of an all-girl rock band and they landed a record deal the with William Morris Agency.

While she waited for the music business to take off she decided to give acting a try with the same agency. She was very popular and the acting really took off very quickly.

She was on TV shows such as Cheers, Wonder Years, Falcon Crest, Full House and more. She was also acting in commercials and independent films. In 1989 she joined the cast of Bold and Beautiful where she remained for 14 years. She then joined All My Children where she played Krystal Carey.

In addition to being a vocalist and actress, Bobbie is also a designer of a beautiful line of tropical resort wear. Her line dubbed ‘Studio BE’ is available at the River in the

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Brosquitos: Winners of the CV open mic competition Fall Edition

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beautiful Raymond Lawrence Boutique. The line is lush and vibrantly colored with a true elegance.

Bobbie now lives in the desert with her husband (David Steen) and commutes to acting or musical jobs from her home in Palm Springs. She’s been getting numerous cruise ship gigs and for the most part they fly her in and then out. However, she has a three week cruise gig coming up in January to the Caribbean where she will stay onboard. She joked, “‘I hope I don’t put on 20 pounds, but I know they have fitness center.”

Her biggest love is music. She has recorded numerous CDs including a smooth jazz CD that debuted on the charts at #19.

She mentioned that she’d like to do another CD as she has had a lot of people requesting them. We hope so too.

Bobbie is very excited about her ‘Swinging with Sinatra’ show at the Purple Room Saturday Dec. 12, dinner is at 5:30 and the show at 7:00 pm. The location is one of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack’s hangouts when it was Club Trinidad. She joked ‘Frank broke a few dishes there’. Bobbie puts on a great show with a true entertainers flair.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased on 1-800-838-3006 or by calling the Purple Room for reservations at 760-322-4422.

It’s located at 1900 East Palm Drive in Palm Springs. They can also be purchased at www.bobbieeakes.bpt.me Patte Purcell - Muze Muzic pattepurcell@yahoo.com 702-219-6777

he Grand Finals of the CV Open Mic Competition Fall edition was an absolute blast! 6 grand finalists gave it their all for their performances in front of local celebrity judges and cheering fans. Each musician performed 2 songs in fierce competition. In the end it was The BrosQuitos who took home the amazing Grand Prizes!!! They won an MTV Quality Music Video Production from Desert C.A.M. Studios/Winmill Films and award winning Director Chip Miller, plus a $500 trip to Las Vegas from Crater Lake Spirits, as well as an Artist Development Session from Grammy nominated Producer Ronnie King, and a Promotional Photo Shoot from Visions Photography.

Huge THANK YOU to ALL our talented Semi Finalists including a very close second place, The Hive Minds. Also thanks to Marco Thoma, The Classy Mother Fu?kers, Jude Baker, & Courtney Chambers. Another huge THANK YOU to all of our judges this week: Chip Miller of Desert CAM Studios, Brad Mercer of Q102.3 and Brad Mercer’s Bands N Fans, Brett McLaughlin of Caxton, Josh Ballard of Hollace, Rudy

Mendez of Remnants of Man, Rod Van Buren of Visions Photography, and Mark Smith of Foxy Cleopatra. THANKS SO MUCH to our fantastic DJ Alex Updike for keeping everyone grooving in between performances. To Schmidy’s Tavern who keeps local music alive week after weekYOU ARE WONDERFUL! And I can’t give enough THANKS to Johnny Carmona, our amazing sound technician, who takes the time to make every one of our performers sound their best! SPECIAL THANKS to all of our sponsors: Desert C.A.M. Studios/ Winmill Films & Chip Miller, Ronnie King Music, JEM Productions, Crater Lake Spirits, Visions Photography, KAM Studios, CV Weekly, Canyon Copy & Print, and the Mary Pickford Theatre.

STAY TUNED on when we will be back for another round!!! For updates, questions or information about sign-up, please visit and “LIKE” the page Facebook. com/CVOpenMicCompetition or contact creator and host, Morgan James at MorganAliseJames@gmail.com or (714) 651-1911.

Local Music Spotlight

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December 10 to December 16, 2015

by Lisa Morgan

photos by scott pam photography

CV MUSIC SHOWCASE at the Hood Bar and Pizza - First Round in Review

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unday night at The Hood Bar and Pizza was further confirmation of the incredible depth of talent rising up from within the Coachella Valley, as intense and extreme as the desert landscape itself. A packed house and cheering onlookers was evidence enough, but witnessing the focus and electric energy stirred up in the judges, people who have dedicated their lives to music and the art of inspiration, was absolute confirmation.

JUDGES TABLE: Mike Palm: Original member, lead vocalist and guitar player for Agent Orange, an American punk rock band formed in Orange County, California in 1979. The band was one of the first to mix punk rock with surf music. Palm has been an iconic punk rock warlord in the music industry for over 30 years.

Esjay Jones: Jones is a Platinum selling South African artist with seven number one hits. She works in Los Angeles with top producers, songwriters and artists, including Krewella, Alien Ant Farm, Rihanna, Justin Tranter (Fall Out Boys “Centuries”) Trey Vittetoe, Gina Schock (The Go-Go’s) Brian Kennedy, Mike Elizondo, JR Rotem, Mitch Allan, Toby Gad, The Underdogs, Olivia Holt, Pia Toscano, Lorialla and many more. She also specializes in artist development.

Christian Sesma: Sesma is an independent film maker who has been featured at the Palm Springs Film Festival as well as other film festivals throughout the world. Sesma has made 9 feature films, all in the action or action/ comedy genres, four of which are releasing worldwide in 2016. Sesma has consistently featured the music of local musicians in his

films. He is currently in production on two new films with Universal Studios.

Kristen Reinhagen Ortiz: Ortiz is the talent booker and promoter for the nationally known Date Shed concert venue and Empire Music Ventures, which includes the annual Rhythm, Wine and Brew Festival. For several years, she has been witness to internationally and nationally touring bands and what makes them great and has deep insight into what moves people in the concert and music festival arenas.

WHAT THE JUDGES HAD TO SAY: “It is always a pleasure being surrounded by people that love and support music and musicians. Round one showcased four bands with different levels of musicianship and talent. Music is not something that anyone can ever judge - it is art, it’s an expression and it’s personal. I greatly enjoyed all performers and look forward to seeing them on bigger bills.” Esjay Jones “Last night’s battle of the band style competition was a great kick off. The amount of talent on stage was insane, and everyone rocked hard. I will definitely use some of these talented musicians in soundtracks for upcoming projects.” Christian Sesma “Words can’t quite describe how impressed I was with all four bands. CMF’s have a sound so tight you would think they had been together for years. Bridger is one bad ass band that’s going places. Dan Dillinger absolutely shreds and their high energy was as intense as their sound. Female bass player in Sunday funeral.... the bomb! And everybody should have a little taste of Gutter Candy.” Kristen Reinhagen Ortiz “I had a great time at the showcase! I’ve

never done anything like that before, so it was a new experience for me. I was surprised by the diversity and originality of all of the bands. I love the Hood Bar, and it was a pleasure to be able to hang out and enjoy the music. Thanks for inviting me! And I would definitely have Bridger open for Agent Orange.” Mike Palm WHAT I HAVE TO SAY (for what it is worth): Classy Mother Fuckers (CMFs): It is never easy being the first band in any competition or showcase, but the Classy Mother Fuckers (aka “CMFs” for the more tender hearted) set the bar like road dogs! The youngest band in the lineup by a landslide, they are evidence and inspiration that the desert’s music scene has a strong future to match the foundation laid by other DIY desert based bands such as Dali’s Llama, Fatso Jetson, Yawning Man, Queens of the Stone Age and Unsound (to name a few).

The raw talent on that stage dropped jaws and earned respect in a venue that has witnessed the best of the best.

Gutter Candy: Glam rock lives and is as entertaining and inspiring as it ever has been.

Shawn Mafia, tight leopard print pants, big hair, leather vest adorned with band pins and rock and roll bling, is an entertainer’s entertainer, one who can win over the toughest of crowds.

By putting themselves so fearlessly far out there, Gutter Candy earned their place in our hearts by simply allowing us to get over ourselves.

Backed by a band seasoned by a lifetime of musical passion, Mafia is as much about making people smile and feel crazy good, as he is about the music. The stage was too small for this kind of courage and musicianship, so it spilled over onto us all, and we were better for it.

Sunday Funeral: Lead by Justin Ledesma who has tenaciously carried this band through many reincarnations while staying true to his own music and sound, we saw yet more diversity in the musical flavors the high and low desert of Southern California have to offer. As original as you can get without going off the relatable charts, I am ALWAYS impressed by

Ledesma’s musical intellect and how he’s able to translate it through whatever combinations he brings together as Sunday Funeral. This band was all heart, and we were all impressed by this band’s performance as well as its huge looming potential.

Bridger: THIS BAND! What more can I say about this band that has not already been written? A family affair... an absolutely incredible, contagiously electric, beautiful family affair on and off the stage, THIS BAND ultimately and deservedly, won the event and moves on to the finals. THIS BAND blew my mind a year ago; this night, they incinerated it.

The first thing that came over all who watched, like an unexpected tsunami, was the magic of their pure joy. It flooded from the stage and into the venue the minute they began to play.

Bridger is what happens when love, inspiration, character, work ethic, raw talent and purpose come together in their purest forms. They were created to do this and they did so brilliantly.

It would be hard to fathom them getting any better, but knowing them, they will continue to strive to better themselves. THIS BAND truly deserves the large arena. THIS BAND renewed the sense of awe in power punk, rock and roll in all of us. THIS BAND, simply put, RAWKED!

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December 10 to December 16, 2015

Consider This

THE LIBERTINES “

T

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

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by Eleni P. Austin

“Anthems For Doomed Youth” (Harvest Records)

his one’s for your heart and mind, the melody’s in 4/4 time, you get it right and it rings true/All I want to do is scream out loud, and have it up with a mental crowd/’Cause I believe somehow the world’s fucked, but it won’t let me down.”

That’s the opening salvo from the Libertines’ new record, Anthems For Doomed Youth. Yes, you read that correctly.

The Libertines, infamous for being one of the most talented and most toxic bands of the 21st century, have reunited, following a decade of acrimony. They even managed to record a new album. Surprisingly, hell didn’t freeze over.

Back in 1997, Carl Barat and Pete Doherty met while both were studying at separate universities in London. Carl shared a flat with Pete’s older sister, Amy-Jo. The pair bonded over shared influences, the Jam, the Clash, Sex Pistols, the Velvet Underground, the Doors and Django Reinhardt.

They formed the Libertines, named after the Marquis de Sade’s “Lust Of The Libertines.” Recruiting bass player John Hassell and drummer Gary Powell, Doherty and Barat split singing, guitar and songwriting duties between them.

In the years that led up to the new millennium, they gigged where they could, sometimes in their shared flat, sometimes at Filthy McNasty’s Whisky Café, where Pete tended bar. Their reputation as a live act grew along with their catalog of sharp original songs. They quickly acquired a manager and a publishing deal.

Meanwhile in the U.S., the similarly stripped-down Garage sounds from bands like the Strokes and the White Stripes were garnering critical and commercial success.

Record labels in the U.K. took notice and the Libertines signed with Rough Trade Records.

Their debut, Up The Bracket, arrived in 2002, produced by Clash guitarist (and Punk Rock elder statesman), Mick Jones. A brilliant synthesis of Punk rebellion, erudite lyrics and powerful, hook-laden melodies, it received rave reviews and climbed the charts in Great Britain. The Libertines served

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as an opening act for everyone from the Sex Pistols to Morrissey. They even gained a toehold on the U.S. charts.

Unfortunately, Pete Doherty had already begun experimenting with drugs. Following their first major tour, he became hooked on heroin and crack cocaine. Recording sessions in New York were marred by intra-band tensions. Carl Barat junked the recordings, but they wound up being released for free on the internet.

Back in the U.K., Doherty spiraled further out of control, missing gigs and recording sessions. He was caught burglarizing Barat’s flat and later arrested with a switchblade.

He was sentenced to six months in prison and was released after two months.

Carl Barat was waiting at the prison gates when Pete Doherty got out. The band played a triumphant show that night, but Doherty’s habits only escalated, making his behavior more erratic. He missed enough shows that the band had to replace him on tour.

Mick Jones returned to produce the band’s second album, band relations were so strained that security was hired to keep Doherty and Barat from fighting. Somehow, Jones managed to snatch brilliance from the jaws of chaos. Their self-titled sophomore effort was released in August, 2004.

It was even better than Up The Bracket, debuting at #1 on the British charts. Doherty had checked in to the same rehab center twice, but failed to complete his treatment.

After he promised to go to a facility in Thailand, the band performed a short set that night. It would be years before they shared a stage again.

In the ensuing years Carl Barat started a new band, Dirty Pretty Things, releasing two albums with them as well as a solo album. Despite his addictions and ongoing skirmishes with the law, Doherty managed to form a band, Babyshambles, who released three albums. He also carried on a tempestuous relationship with Supermodel Kate Moss.

The Libertines reunited briefly in 2010 to play two sets at the Reading and Leeds Festivals. Unfortunately, Doherty continued to battle his addictions.

Four years later the band played a series of surprisingly successful gigs around England and by January 2015, Pete Doherty

had actually completed rehab in Thailand.

Barat, Hassell and Powell joined him in a studio there, close to his treatment center and recorded their third full-length, Anthems For Doomed Youth.

Opening with a sustained note of feedback, the band comes out guns blazing with “Barbarians.” This track has everything: coiled bass lines, a pummeling back-beat, tambourine shake, jangly acoustic guitar and Beatlesque choruses. It’s an anthemic musical manifesto that serves as a brilliant intro to the record.

Several songs deal head on with the perils of addiction, fame and the road to recovery.

The first single, “Gunga Din,” wraps a taut, Reggae riddim around a remarkably candid confession. “Woke up again to my chagrin, getting sick and tired of feeling sick and tired again, I tried to write because I got the right to make it look as if I’m doing something with my life/Got to find a vein it’s always the same, and a drink to ease the panic and the suffering.” Doherty even quotes another talented junkie, Billie Holiday, noting “I got those Monday blues, straight from Sunday booze.”

“Fame And Fortune” is anchored by a see-saw rhythm and rippling guitar riffs that recalls a ghostly Clash track called “Rebel Waltz.” They offer some hard won advice; “If you’re seeking fame and fortune walking the streets of London, looking for the crossroads everywhere/Hold onto your dreams, however bleak it seems, the world may not listen, but the devil may care.”

A martial cadence and rumbling bass fuels “Belly Of The Beast.” With Rockabilly guitar riffs, ironic handclaps and labyrinthine wordplay, the track comes across like the bastard child of Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” and the Monkees’ protoPunk classic, “(I’m Not Your)” Steppin’ Stone.”

But beneath the swagger and bluster, the lyrics detail Doherty’s harrowing misadventures. “Back in London’s grey-scotch mist, staring at my therapist/He says pound for pound, blow for blow, you’re the most messed-up motherfucker I know/It was a 12 step bus fare knock-down day care day.”

Finally, lapping waves open “Iceman,” (it was recorded by an ocean in Thailand). A soft sea shanty accented by sweet acoustic

arpeggios and salty harmonies, the lyrics weave a tale of a young couple trapped in the grip of addiction.

Every song here is a winner, but the stand-out tracks are “Fury Of Choburi” and “Glasgow Coma Scale Blues.” The fractious melody of the former is wed to a stop-start rhythm and roiling bass lines. Doherty spits out snarly Punk-tastic verses over splintery guitar chords. The lyrics re-affirm Johnny Lydon’s legendary observation that “anger is an energy.”

On the latter, spiky guitar riffs collide with chords that sound like air raid sirens. The melody is slightly shambolic, Doherty’s vocal delivery is woozy, and the lyrics are a mishmash. In short, it’s Punk Rock perfection The action slows on two tracks. The piano-driven ballad, “You’re My Waterloo” actually dates back to the earliest incarnation of the band. The lyrics attempt a romantic rapprochement by referencing Judy Garland and legendary British comedian Tony Hancock, (a life-long hero of Doherty).

Ultimately he insists “You’re my waterloo, I’ll be your cavalry/Well I’m so glad we know what to do, and everyone’s gonna be happy.”

If you say so, Pete!

The title track is strummy, contemplative and slightly erudite; A pocket history of Doherty and Barat’s up-and-down relationship that touches briefly on Doherty’s ongoing obsession with “Albion,” (the ancient Greek name for Great Britain).

Other interesting tracks include the frenetic “Heart Of The Matter” and “The Milkman’s Horse,” a glorious homage to Doherty’s fertile imagination. The album closes with the ornate and cinematic “Dead For Love.” A spectral Film Noir that splits the difference between Pink Floyd grandiosity and a bleary English Music Hall motif; an ambitious end to a wild ride.

Please, pony up the extra dough for the expanded edition of Anthem For Doomed Youth. It adds four bonus tracks, each one more glorious than the last. “Love On The Dole” is a dose of laddish, Glam-tastic swagger that fuses a shang-a-lang guitar hook to a chunky back-beat. The results are impossibly catchy.

“Bucket Shop” is propelled by guitars that spike and swirl and it closes with a pithy guitar outro that archly quotes Led Zep’s “Stairway To Heaven. “Lust Of The Libertines” opens with goofy studio chatter and segues into a Punky Reggae party with Velvet Underground overtones. Finally, on “Seven Deadly Sins,” sugar rush acoustic notes play accent a lazy soft-shoe.

The Libertines paved the way for bands like Arctic Monkeys, the Strypes and Palma Violets, now it’s their turn reclaim the spotlight. Anthems For The Doomed is remarkably protean album. Hopefully it marks the beginning of a real Libertines renaissance.

art Scene

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December 10 to December 16, 2015

By rebecca pikus

CYRSTOFER SHOEMAKER - AN ENIGMA ARTIST

A

n Enigma is inexplicable -- hard to understand or explain - a mysterious person. Cyrstofer Shoemaker is such an Artist. Half Italian, half German -- a magnetic, riveting persona, you will definitely remember this Artist if you meet him. And you might possibly be baffled by the connection between all of his diverse paintings -- bold, soft, primitive, ethereal. He is a featured artist at the Dec. 12 Artists Reception Opening at Rebecca Fine Art Gallery.

An outside artist, Cyrstofer spent most his youth overseas in Wiesbaden, Germany.

While traveling the world abroad, Cyrstofer has been with all walks of life, as represented in his paintings. He best describes, in his paintings, his triumphs and tribulations.

Sometimes refined, sometimes not, his style invites the eye for a walk on the wild side, simple, but always inspired by boundless creativity. Shoemaker often uses found materials, glass, Lucite, wood boards, plastic and various other objects and materials, even car parts. So, beside the normal canvas, he is motivated to paint because he sees an image or template within such a piece -- he paints on and thus creates as the medium dictates.

Each piece Shoemaker does is unique, original and of a completely different look and style.

Shoemaker’s work has been exhibited in galleries throughout the United States, and most recently at the esteemed Colin Fisher Gallery. And now his artwork can be seen at Rebecca Fine Art Gallery.

There will be an exciting Artists Reception Opening for Mandy Main, Cyrstofer Shoemaker, & Mark Heger at Rebecca Fine Art Gallery, 68895 Perez Rd, Suite 7, Cathedral City, Ca (760) 534-5888 on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 5:00pm-9:00pm. Cyrstofer’s Artwork can also be seen on the Gallery’s website: Fineartvortex.com

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December 10 to December 16, 2015

PET PLACE

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Limousine Shelter Tours Making Matches

B

ystanders do a double take when an amazing doggie decorated limousine cruises along Coachella Valley streets and highways. Curious stares are riveted when the limo stops and the 4-legged passengers trot out. They are some of our homeless dogs, now freed from the shelters and on the first step of a journey leading to a loving forever home.

Loving All Animals, a Palm Desert animal welfare organization, received a donated limousine several years ago. They had the windows decorated with a dog motif. It serves as a moving billboard encouraging the adoption of shelter animals with the message “FROM A HOME IN A SHELTER TO THE SHELTER OF YOUR HOME” written in bold lettering along the sides of the vehicle. This unique one-of-akind vehicle helps change public perception about rescue animals, encouraging people to realize they are marvelous, glamourous, and loving creatures who bring untold joy to the humans who adopt them.

In addition to transporting animals out of the shelters, Loving All Animals now takes humans to the shelters for the purpose of finding their perfect canine or feline rescue animal. Loving All Animals’ shelter tours are a big hit with pet seekers who don’t know where

the public and private shelters are located and/ or would like to have an enjoyable experience in selecting a rescue animal. Karen, a passenger on a recent tour reports, “I live here part time and didn’t know where the shelters are located. This was a fabulous experience.

Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable.

We met dozens of dogs and had so much fun!”

Karen’s Golden Doodle dog accompanied the tour group to ensure compatibility with any prospective siblings pups they would meet.

These limousine shelter tours may be the only program of its kind in the country.

Each tour includes a visit to several shelters as time permits. The first stop is the lovely Pet Rescue Center in Coachella where the homelike setting, beautiful grounds, and agility course defy the stereotype of a gloomy animal shelter. The dogs run free in the lovely, home like backyard where visitors can meet them. Next stop is our large Riverside County shelter in Thousand Palms, the Coachella Valley Animal Campus. This modern structure with roomy indoor/outdoor kennels has the largest number of adoptable animals in our Valley. Next door is Animal Samaritans’ stateof-the-art veterinary clinic, and around the corner on Ramon Road there is an opportunity to meet their shelter animals.

by Janet McAfee If potential adopters are interested in large dogs, the Humane Society of the Desert in North Palm Springs is a good resource. Next stop is the gorgeous new Palm Springs Animal shelter with its inviting artwork, pet boutique, modern surgical suite, and of course more animals! Your knowledgeable tour guide is available to assist in the selection of your new pet.

Loving All Animals is adding something new to the tours this season. Guests will be treated to a tour of the BG Bird Gardens, a bit of paradise in Palm Desert housing 60 exotic birds in the backyard of the African style mansion.

Thatched huts, surrounded by cascading water features and tropical landscape, house

Meet pippi Make Pippi’s dream of a home for the holidays come true.

Her foster mom says she’s a 5-star dog! This sweet little 3-yr-old Terrier’s ideal home is with a single person. She will be your loyal & joyful best “furfriend”. Adoption donation.

Contact Loving All Animals at (760) 834-7000.

sweet Shilo This lovely Tuxedo cat hopes to be home for the holidays!

Shilo, a young female kitty, loves to play with other cats.

She will entertain you with her antics. Contact Kittyland in Desert Hot Springs at (760) 251-2700.

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some of the gorgeous feathered residents.

A focal point is the lovely flamingo lagoon. A visit to this desert gem is an exciting addition to your day with the animals.

Upcoming tour dates include Tuesday, December 22, and Thursday, January 14.

Additional dates will be added as the shelter limousine tour program expands. A nominal donation includes refreshments and lunch.

Join the fun and meet your “purrfect” match.

Contact Loving All Animals at (760) 834-7000 or www.lovingallanimals.org.

Jmcafee7@verizon.net

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December 10 to December 16, 2015

by Rick Riozza

COSTA CHRISTMAS PICKS at GO-DELI/DESERT WINE

O

ne of the most respected and admired wine enthusiast in our valley is Costa Nichols. He and his wife, the culinary maven Zola, are owners of the venerable Desert Wine and Spirits that is now located within the larger venue of GO-DELI MARKET, located at the Sun Center in Palm Springs—you know the place where South Palm Canyon and Indian Canyon Dr. converge to become a two-way street.

This culinary couple has a distinguished history here in Palm Springs. They moved down from northern California wine country and opened The Vintage Market Place in 1999 with a California Mediterranean menu focusing on freshly made pasta dishes. In 2004, they opened Desert Wines, Spirits & Gifts where Costa had his way in amassing some wonderful rare, hard-to-find & quality vintage wines, and top-shelf liquors.

As a result and since that time, his clientele has reached out to the Hollywood jet-set, where many a wine lover visiting or vacationing would find their favorite wines and liquor. And thank God for that; many of the locals were so pleased a decade ago to finally have a premium wine store to enjoy.

And during these years, Costa has had many a wine dignitary visit, speak and pour at his shop.

We all knew Costa was planning to move to a larger venue to add a wine and beer tasting bar and gourmet deli. Finally, after all the bureaucrats “sanctioned and allowed” the move to a much larger space, the celebration was on! In 2014, they moved across the parking lot to a 4,800-squarefoot location and changed the name to Go Deli to reflect the new direction. Zola of course adds, “But we are also still the home of Desert Wine, Spirits and Gifts!

And speaking of “gifts”, this is the perfect Christmas Shopping spot for any and all to enjoy in keeping our wine lovers happy over the holidays. Plenty of wine accoutrement for stocking stuffers and impressive table gifts, i.e. beautiful bottles of wine to decorate the halls and holiday spread; gift wrapping included.

And what will make the jaunt over here even more appealing, is the opportunity to taste some world class premium wine by the glass. Yep—step right up! Ladies and Gents to the automatic wine dispensing machine that pours at your pleasure either

a one, three, or five-ounce tasting of some of the wines you’ve only heard or read about. What a great occasion to taste the wine before considering buying the bottle!

Special wine tastings each Saturday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. $10 per customer with $5 credited toward the purchase of select wines.

Alright! Since we’re doing some shopping and grabbing some delicious tastes, why not go to the deli side of the shop and enjoy a quick but absolutely tasty sandwich. The deli features Boars Head cheeses and meats including ham, Genoa salami, roasted chicken breast, smoked or oven roast turkey, roast London broil beef, corned beef and pastrami. Made on the premises daily are egg salad, tuna and chicken salad, as well as a variety of pasta salads.

And now, some Christmas wine picks on sale now!

I was recently at Costa’s Saturday Wine Tasting event and enjoyed a slew of wine from the Duckhorn Vineyards Company.

Now whether you’re having the traditional Christmas Goose, Duck, Turducken, or simply Ham’ing it up, the Duckhorn brand is a holiday classic with their premium Napa Valley wine and characteristic fowl terms and designs on the label such as Decoy, Migration, Goldeneye, and Paraduxx.

As usual around this time, I like to have Costa drive this column with his holiday recommendations. He loves his store and tells me he’s recommending all his wine.

But we looked at each other and agreed: Let’s treat ourselves—why not delicious Duckhorn?

2014 Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, $23.99 This elegant wine is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and the addition of the Sémillon adding depth and complexity to the aroma and palate, enhancing the ripe citrus and tropical flavors of the Sauvignon Blanc.

2013 Duckhorn Chardonnay, Napa Valley $29.99 From the coolest regions of the valley with vivid aromas of white peach, lime, melon and vanilla bean, followed by undertones of praline, fresh pie dough and a hint of pistachio. On the palate, flavors of pear, apple and lemon are underscored by beautifully balanced oak, a long, silky finish.

2012 Goldeneye Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley $47.00 Duckhorn began making high quality, cool-climate Goldeneye Pinot Noir from the estate winery in the Anderson Valley in 1997. Blending grapes from four estate vineyards enhances depth and complexity.

The wine received a 92-point rating from Wine Spectator.

2012 Duckhorn Merlot, Napa Valley $48.00 A complex blend of several individual vineyard lots, incorporating fruit from Duckhorn’s Estate Vineyards and from top independent growers throughout the Napa Valley. It is a rich and cohesive expression of

the entire Napa Valley, reflecting the varied microclimates and soils of the appellation.

The wine is quite pretty, with ripe currant flavors, some chocolate and hints of blueberry. It has medium body, firm tannins and a crisp finish.

2012 Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Vall $65.00 This really is a lovely expression of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of black raspberry, red currant, vanilla bean and milk chocolate. On the palate, firm yet supple tannins add weight and structure, supporting layers of plum, raspberry and cinnamon spice. There is a fine balance of sweet oak and earth. The blend is 79% Cab Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 2% Cab Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.

2013 Canvasback Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mt., Washington $37.00 Needless to say, named after a duck.

It offers generous notes of dark coffee, espresso bean, dark cherries, sage and vanilla, with a pleasing interplay between fruit and barrel. I’ve been to this wonderful Washington appellation—Cheers !

Store hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 611 South Palm Canyon, Suite 22, Palm Springs.

(760) 327-7701

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December 10 to December 16, 2015

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­­THUR DECEMBER 10 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bobby Furgo and Co. 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Reunion w/ DJ Day 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Francesca Amari & Peter Curtis 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Hip Hop and Dancing 10pm open 6pm-2am BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Live Entertainment 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-770-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 Thirsty Thursdays w/ Cruz & Kenga 8pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 7:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Chris Lomeli 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Punk Rock Night 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Country Night w/ Whiskey Tango 8pm

THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Ted Quinn & The Merciless Beats 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Intimate Acoustics w/ Morgan James 8pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 AJ Lambert 7pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 DJ “G” 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Paint Nite 6pm, Open Mic Hosted by Josh Heinz 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 The Smooth Brothers 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 T-Bone Karaoke 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Tony DiGerlando 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Flyer 4-6pm, Carolyn Martinez Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Laurie Morvan Band 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Locals Night 9pm

FRI DECEMBER 11 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Dana Larson 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T Bone 9pm 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 Siobhan 6:30pm, Comedian Max Mitchell 9:30pm, Fantasy Friday Drag Show 10pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Fleet Easton 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 TBA 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ Sugarfree 9pm Open 6pm-2am BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 Lady Eris 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm

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CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CLEMETINE; PD; 760-834-8814 Gina Carey 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 The Untouchables w/ Spankshaft 8pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 House Band 8:45pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Lisa Lynn & The Country Gentlemen w/ Riz Orkestra 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live DJ 8:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Evidence Band 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 DJ 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Charm School 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 Off the Cuff 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Quel Bordel 8pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 P.S. Sings Finale 7pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 The Refills 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Techno Hillbillies, Right On Right On, L.N.S., DJ Smoke and Larry Shaw 9pm

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SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 TBA 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Meet The Corwins 5:30-7:30pm, John Stanley King 8pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 T.B.A. 1:304:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 TBA 5:30pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 6-10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 TBA 9pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallet 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Girl’s Night Out w/ The Men on the Hollywood Strip 9pm

SAT DECEMBER 12 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev & Bill 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Spence Dawg noon poolside, Stronhold Reggae 10pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Cabaret Open Mic 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 TBA 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Venus & the Traps, Miss Chief & the Kathys 9pm open 6pm-2am BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-7755566 DJ 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey 6-10pm

CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 8pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 TBA 8:30pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Irie Junctions, Tribe-O and WillDaBeast 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 T.B.A. 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon, Hot Rox, in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Evidence Band 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Fluid in Motion 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Southbound & Co. 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 Gennine Francis 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real w/ Insects VS Robots 9pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 TBA 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Pocket Yellow, Upperclass Poverty, Dead Poets, Razor J and System D 8pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Bobbie Eakes 7pm, Kal David, Lauri Bono & The Real Deal 9pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Scarlet Roads 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm

December 10 to December 16, 2015

SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 CV Takeover w/ Tip Toe Stallone, Lootenant and more 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 TBA 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 TBA 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Darci Daniels 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm TRYST; PS; 760-832-6046 TBA 10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 DJ Hektik 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 The Carmens 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & JB 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 8pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Courtney Chambers 6pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 8pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Stanley Butler Trio 6:30pm continue to page 20

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December 10 to December 16, 2015

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good grub HOLIDAY CULINARY OFFERINGS at THE RIVER in RANCHO MIRAGE

Gioia Italian Bistro The River’s newest culinary tenant, Gioia Italian Bistro, is excited to ring in the New Year with a prix-fixe menu served on Thursday, December 31, 2015 with a seating at 8:30pm. Guests will delight in delicious selections including Crepes with Artichokes, Pork in Puff Pastry with Porcini Mushrooms or Wild Boar with olives, a variety of desserts, and a sparkling wine for a festive toast. A wine paring option is also available for this delicious Italian feast. To reserve, please call the restaurant at 760-341-4222.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory at The River is making the holiday season a little sweeter with their special character apples!

Offering decorated reindeer, snowmen, and bears for $9.50, these festive desserts are perfect for holiday entertaining, and can be ordered in advance for catering. The store will also have customizable gift baskets for hostess gifts, as well as delicious stocking stuffers ideal for everyone on the list!

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bb’s at The River Celebrate Christmas Day and New Year’s Day with the family at bb’s with their newlylaunched breakfast, beginning at 8am. With delicious options like a Classic Benedict, a few pancake dishes, a breakfast pasta and pizza, there is something for everyone to celebrate the season. Reservations can be made on Open Table, or by calling the restaurant at 760.862.9800 Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Celebrate 2016 with a special four course prix-fixe dinner at Fleming’s at The River.

Guests will begin the meal with a Roasted Prosciutto-Wrapped Shrimp with tomato jam and cilantro, select from a Fleming’s or Modern Caesar Salad, an 8oz. Filet Mignon and 8oz. Lobstr Tail, and a Belgian Chocolate Flourless Torte served over vanilla creme anglaise, topped with a white chocolatedipped strawberry and chantilly cream for dessert. Dinner will be $69.95 per person, exclusive of tax, gratuity, dessert and wine.

For reservations, call 760.776.6685

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December 10 to December 16, 2015

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December 10 to December 16, 2015

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by Robin E. Simmons

THE REAL STORY OF “MOBY DICK”

IN THE HEART OF THE SEA Ron Howard’s thrilling, old-school sea saga, adapted from the spellbinding nonfiction bestseller of the same name by Nathaniel Philbrick, works for me as a straightforward adventure that unfolds on the mythic border where grander meaning dances.

The fateful voyage of the whaler Essex out of Nantucket in 1820 is one of the sources for Herman Melville’s masterpiece “Moby Dick.” Howard’s film does not approach the power and majesty of Melville’s account, but it is a highly satisfying, harrowing, monster movie – as all man-against-nature movies are.

Ben Wishaw plays Melville himself.

In the opening scenes, he offers to buy seaman Tom Nickerson’s (Brendan Gleeson) most frightening whaling encounter. The movie flashbacks 30 years to the 30-month voyage around the coast of South America to collect tons of whale oil that fueled and lubricated the gears of the world before oil drilling.

Young Tom is our witness and narrator to the on-board tension between an untried captain and the highly experienced first mate (Chris Hemsworth) -- who was passed

over for the promotion to captain.

The tensions on the ship are exacerbated by the captain’s flawed decisions that have damaged the Essex and created an urgency to return to Nantucket with as much whale oil as possible.

The whaling scenes are less gruesome than the reality, but still capture the gross details of the process. But it’s when the ship sails to a remote place where hundreds of hunted whales have retreated, that war breaks out between man and beast. Here, a gargantuan white whale as big as the Essex goes on the attack. The prolonged encounter is visceral and terrifying in its verisimilitude and detail -- as is the aftermath on a deserted island and adrift in the doldrums. The promise of the premise – and the poster – is delivered and satisfying.

Howard’s movie has an impressionistic patina that reminds of his superior film RUSH -- Anthony Dod Mantle was d.p. on both films. The score by Roque Banos serves its emotional purpose and the effects are convincing, including the emaciated, sunscorched make-up on the survivor. Now playing at Cinemas Palme d’Or in Palm Desert. Recommended.

Screeners No.194

MACBETH

Majestic, visually stunning and critically acclaimed, WOLF TOTEM is a great adventure. James Horner (TITANIC) composed the memorable score. Sony Pictures. Blu-ray 3D. DIARY OF A TEEN AGE GIRL I was hypnotized by the painterly composition, thrilled by the visceral power of the action and swept away by the hauntingly sublime delivery of Shakespeare’s words. Although compact and compressed -- the movie’s playing time is less than two hours -- yet mostly faithful to the iconic play’s source material, director Justin Kurzel’s stunning film hangs on Michael Fassbender’s mesmerizing performance. This is a MACBETH for the ages.

Macbeth is certainly one of literature’s most famous and enduring characters. In fact, there’s a real person behind the play and the movie emphasizes the gritty reality of what life and combat might have been like in the 11th century. I like the movie’s thematic emphasis on the friction between ambition and fate and how a fearless warrior and beloved leader is brought down by a flawed insecurity about the workings of the engine of destiny. Beautifully shot on great locations in England and Scotland, this Macbeth makes new something familiar.

Now playing. Recommended.

NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER:

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WOLF TOTEM Based on the beloved Chinese novel by Jiang Rong, filmmaker Jean-Jacques Annaud (THE BEAR, SEVEN YEARS IN TIBET, TWO BROTHERS) has fashioned another epic adventure about a young Beijing student who is sent to live among the nomadic herdsmen of Inner Mongolia. Caught between the advance of civilization from the south and the nomads’ traditional enemies – the marauding wolves – to the north, humans and animals, residents and invaders alike, struggle to find their true place in the world.

Writer-director Marielle Heller’s provocative coming of age story is set in the 1976 San Francisco Based on Phoebe Gloeckner’s novel of the same name, Minnie Goetze (Bel Powley) is growing up at the crossroads of the fading hippie movement and the dawn of punk rock. Like most teenage girls, Minnie is longing for love, acceptance and a sense of purpose in the world. Minnie begins a complex love affair with her mother’s (Kristen Wiig) boyfriend Monroe Rutherford (Alexander Skarsgård), who she thinks is “the handsomest man in the world.” What follows is a sad, weird and tedious account of one girl’s sexual awakening, without judgment. There’s an abundance of semi-explicit sex and nudity – none of it especially sensual or erotic.

Was that the point? Who knows? I was uncomfortable watching this film about an underage girl’s creepy sexual encounters.

Not sure what the point was or what was learned. If pretentious is your genre of choice, this one’s for you. The poster claims “Funny and truth-telling.” Maybe the latter but definitely not the former. Sony Pictures.

Blu-ray robinesimmons@aol.com

Book Review The Future of Existence

I

t doesn’t take expert analysis to recognize the world is tumultuous and life as we know it is changing. The future is precarious for all living things on our beautiful planet. Without a change of attitude and action, the human species is facing extinction. In Population Wars: A New Perspective on Competition and Coexistence (Thomas Dunne Books, 320 pages), author Greg Graffin shows that there are solutions and there is indeed hope to save our race.

Author Graffin has a Ph.D in zoology and is a professor at Cornell University. He considers himself an Evolutionary Biologist and Naturalist.

His undergraduate study was in anthropology and he received his master’s in geology at UCLA. This cross-disciplinary study provides a wider and intensified scientific view of our current environmental situation.

Graffin is also a songwriter and singer. He is a founding member of the California punk band Bad Religion. The group regularly tours and took stage at Coachella Fest just this year.

Population Wars goes back to the beginning of existence on this planet and the non-human populations that formed life. As the earth has evolved, it has consisted of continually changing populations of organisms and other life forms that succeeded and failed over time. Ultimately, these population wars resulted in the life that exists now.

Whether it is bacteria, viruses or the human immune system, population wars are taking place everyday. Humans have come to understand some of these microscopic wars. With vaccines we have tried to fight and control deadly disease.

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By Heidi Simmons “population wars”

By Greg Graffin non-Fiction

Yet, viruses and bacteria continue to adapt, evolve and change.

But, as Graffin points to the scientific evidence, even on the microscopic level, population wars are never won. There is always coexistence and equilibrium. It is the relationship between the populations that make life stronger, more resilient and successful. It is a symbiosis.

Using the war narrative, Graffin moves to human populations and man-made wars. Here again, he shows that populations are never totally eliminated but finally assimilate and eventually recuperate. Graffin asks that we look, not only at how these wars started, but why the wars came about. He looks at the environmental circumstances and the effect it had on the success or failure of the warring populations.

The most significant war is Graffin’s attack on Darwinism and the idea of “survival of the fittest” and the theory of “competition” between species.

Graffin shows how theses theories became popular, why it persists today and the need for a new perspective.

Graffin takes apart Darwin’s evolutionary theory and shows that there is no evidence of survival of the fittest and species competition.

Graffin blames Darwin’s theories and NeoDarwinism for human destructive behavior, negative attitudes toward society and justification for all types of population wars – human and non-human. He believes we cannot hide behind Darwin’s theories any longer and must instead

Real Estate

Cathcart home. When our children were very young mornings sounded like we lived in a Disney movie. As they grew older I wish I could say we switched to Bach, Mozart and Beethoven… but the truth is more like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and for a little class and culture David Bowie and Jethro Tull. These and many other artists’ music was played first on vinyl records, then cassettes, then CDs and ultimately back to vinyl on my what is now considered an antique sound system comprised of a AM/FM tuner, turntable and cassette or CD component.

I somehow managed to snake the speaker wires strategically throughout the house and plugged them into the then state of the art speakers that were about the size of small filing cabinets!

This brings me to the topic of this week’s article. This holiday season I am suggesting that you consider giving your home the gift of music. Sadly, I still have the same sound system that I just described in my home today.

And while it still works OK for my vinyl records, it really doesn’t compare to the new whole home audio systems currently available on the market today. Did I just say does not compare?

More accurately it does compare… like a U.S. Cavalry sword from the 1880’s to a Star Wars Light Sabre!

face the real problems that loom before us – our changing environment.

Throughout Population Wars, Graffin presents evidence that it is better to engage in a beneficial symbiotic relationship and coexist with other living things because it plays the biggest role in successful evolution and our existence. He believes that as a species, humans can and should strive for greater empathy and environmental balance.

Graffin proves that the most fundamental factor in our evolution is the environment. He has hope that we will shift our thinking away from Darwin’s theory and move to managing our environment where biodiversity is respected as humans become true stewards of the planet. If we do not, there is little hope that humans will survive the next extinction.

This is one of my favorite reads this year!

Graffin is not only knowledgeable but he writes well. He brings lessons we have learned in part over our lifetime and puts it together in a way that provides a new big picture view. His arguments are clear, well-stated and fairly presented. I understand his worldview and get his pressing agenda.

Because Graffin is a scientists as well as a popular musician, I believe he is able to breach the gap between two worlds. Scientists have been reluctant to negate Darwin’s theories because of its tenure in the scientific community. Graffin believes enough is enough – there is no survival of the fittest and competition between spices is a “philosophical error.” This is the twenty-first century. It’s time to rethink and to act accordingly.

Population Wars helped me better appreciate evolution and how we are indeed a part of it. We are all passing through. The earth is alive! And life will continue to evolve whether humans are here or not!

But Graffin acknowledges that our species is different in that we can consider our circumstances and make a conscious effort to do something.

The solution to save human kind is attainable by caring for and managing our environment.

In a chapter called “Know Thyself, Don’t Lie to Thyself,” Graffin takes on “free will.” Again he states the history and how the issue of “free will” has changed from a religious term to a term in the court system. This made me rethink how choices are made. He didn’t nail the subject, but it’s enough to reconsider how much free will actually exists.

There are long sections on geology, biology and history, which I found fascinating and insightful. If this is a problem for you as a reader, I suggest skimming through, because it’s worth getting to the thoughtful conclusion.

Graffin is a nonbeliever. Yet, like a preacher, he calls us to be good stewards of the earth and empathetic toward others. Good religion or bad, I’m on board to save the environment and human species!

By Bruce cathcart

give Your Home the Gift of Music! here was always music in the I’ll describe some of these options in just

T

December 10 to December 16, 2015

a moment, but first let’s take a quick look at the real estate sales activity for the Coachella Valley for the month of November. At the end of October we were only 37 sales behind last year’s total number of sales, and we were hoping that the increased pending sales in October would result in higher November closings and help us to catch up. Here’s what happened.

According to the Desert Area MLS (as of 12/01/15) there were 700 pendings of residential properties here in the Coachella Valley in November. There were 750 pendings in the previous month (October) showing a seasonal decrease that is usually blamed on the holidays. Looking at the pendings from November of last year (2014) there were 732 pendings. This is a very slight year over year increase in pendings activity for 2015 representing continued improvement in sales activity over the same time period last year. In October there were 596 solds and in November we had 700 solds. Would this make November the month that we would finally catch up to the same number of sales as last year? Almost, but not quite yet! Year to date sales for 2014 through December 1st were 7,910 compared to 7,881 for the same time period in 2015.

That’s only a 29 home difference from last year and with our increase in pending sales

in November I am very optimistic that by the year’s end we will exceed the total number of sales from last year.

Our inventory of homes for sale was also back on the rise (as expected) this month with 5,168 homes available as of December 1, 2015 compared to only 4,463 as of November 1, 2015. That follows our seasonal pattern of increasing inventory at this time of year and shows 509 MORE homes on the market today when compared to the same time last year. This represents both a monthly increase as well as a year over year increase meaning that we have an adequate supply of houses to meet the buyer demand through the end of the year. With interest rates staying flat and pending sales staying strong I am still confident that the end of this year’s sales numbers will exceed last year’s sales numbers and reverse the trend of a declining sales market that has plagued our Valley sales for the last two years.

If you are a “technosaur” (technology dinosaur) like me, you will be blown away with what is currently available to bring your home music system into the 21st century. I am probably the least qualified person to review or recommend whole house audio systems and that is certainly not my intent here. I am suggesting that if your current system still has “wires” it’s time to consider updating!

Check out Sonos smart speaker systems that can be installed in every room in your home (without wires) and individually controlled by

your smart phone, tablet or home computer.

Forget your Vinyl and CDs [NEVER!], music now “streams” into your system from satellite radio, Spotify, Pandora and dozens of other sources. Hopefully this suggestion has started you thinking about calling your local geek squad to check out some more options on how to give the gift of music to your home this year. Happy Holidays!

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 laquintapalmsrealty.com.

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December 10 to December 16, 2015

CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 15

ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm

SUN DECEMBER 13 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Slacker Sunday w/ Wynn ( Twin Shadow ) 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Brunch w/ Shelley Yoelin and Bill Casale 11:30am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Motown, R&B and Funk 6pm-2am BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Steve Madaio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Radio 60 & Friends 3-6pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Ted Herman’s Big Band 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company, in the afternoon, Hot Rox, in the night MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Longest Running Jam Session in the valley. Hosted by JB, Sign up 6pm

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

MON DECEMBER 14 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Luminators 6pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Bill Marx 6:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Mood Deep House Lounge 6pm-2am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Ron Kalina’s Jazz 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Singer Song Writer Open Mic hosted by Robert Poole 7pm

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 10 to December 16, 2015

Intolerance Breeds Extremism

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o far in 2015, 462 people have been killed and 1,314 wounded in mass shootings in the United States. Dr. Jeffrey Simon of UCLA states that there are no common themes or ideologies across the 209 shootings that have happened this year.

The shootings in San Bernardino are the latest examples of religious extremism gone deadly. Events like these confound those of us who believe in freedom and tolerance for all.

Whether it is Tashfeen Malik and Sayed Farook in San Bernardino, the Tsarnaev brothers at the Boston marathon, Robert Lewis Dear on the Planned Parenthood facility in Colorado Springs or Wade Michael Page and his murderous rampage at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin, extremism is not limited to a race, religion or ideology.

Psychologist Michelle Roya Rad has written on the topic of ordinary people going extreme.

Rad states that extremists are not typically psychopaths as psychopaths are often charming people who look absolutely normal to the outside world.

Extremists often have these ten characteristics: 1. Absolutism: The extremist does not believe in tolerance and diversity in society and have a distorted, nonconstructive and irrational belief that their values are absolute.

2. Righteousness: Extremists believe that only they know the truth and base their beliefs on contaminated, one-sided information that they have a weak and incomplete grasp of.

3. Confirmation Bias: Extremists only believe in information that fits their thought process and dismiss everything else even if the other information is historically based, scientifically sound and logical.

4. All knowing: Extremists know how life ‘should be’ and any opinions that differ are wrong.

5. Dehumanize non-believers: Extremists dehumanize those who do not agree with them and feel that it is okay to kill or harm those with differing views.

6. Idealize history: Whether it is a person or a story, extremists recast the past to fit the future that they want.

7. Certainty that they are right: A rationale mind knows that facts and circumstances can change one’s opinion. Extremists believe what they believe no matter what the facts prove.

8. Unwillingness to compromise.

9. Overly focused on life after death.

10. Psychological defenses against anything that challenges their mindset.

It is clear that the group referred in the media as ISIS exhibit all of these characteristics.

Worth noting, most Muslims believe that calling this terrorist group ‘ISIS’ is offensive as

the group is not a ‘state’ and therefore should not be referred to as the Islamist State of Iraq and Syria. Muslims prefer the term ‘Daesh’ (al-Sawla al-Islamiya al-Iraq al-Sham) which also means “one who crushes something underfoot” and “one who sows discord”.

It is also important to note that most Muslims have very unfavorable feelings toward Daesh. Daesh has a favorable opinion amongst 14% of Nigerians, 11% of those living in Malaysia and Senegal, 9% in Pakistan and 8% in Turkey. (Sidenote: 9% of Americans give Congress a favorable rating.)

Looking domestically, white supremacist Wade Michael Page killed Sikh’s in their Wisconsin temple because they looked Muslim. Sikhs are not Muslim but the Islamophobic Page did not know better when he killed six and wounded four others.

The reason why many people dislike Fox News and find their reporting dangerous is because they present opinion as fact and

lie or mislead on news facts with regularity.

Punditfact, a partnership of the Tampa Bay Times and Politifact found that 60% of facts reported by Fox were false. Whether it is Page or Dear, Fox helped fuel the extreme beliefs of these two killers via their reporting.

To be fair, MSNBC/NBC has done their share of lying with 44% of their facts being false. The difference between these two ‘news’ organizations is that there are no known killings done by MSNBC enthusiasts.

Fight extremism by staying educated and showing tolerance toward all whether you agree with their opinions, religious beliefs or lifestyle choices.

Dale Gribow On The Law

Are There Too Many Holiday Checkpoints And Saturation Patrols? n Saturday Dec 5, 2015 I attended breath test or a sobriety test at a checkpoint, makes many mistakes. They are not aware,

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an opening party on El Paseo and several groups were sharing information on all the DUI checkpoints they encountered getting to the party. They felt there were more DUI saturation patrols and checkpoints than ever before and they are probably correct.

This rise is necessitated because we have more DUI fatalities in the CV than anywhere else in California...per capita. We should expect more of both because of the increase in holiday and football bowl game parties in the next 30 days.

We all know about checkpoints, which like saturation patrols have to meet the proper lawful and constitutional protocols to succeed.

The idea behind a saturation patrol is that a large number of law enforcement officers will “make their presence known” by conducting stops, targeting inebriated, distracted, aggressive and speeding drivers, as well as those with seatbelt or cell phone violations…. the whole nine yards of traffic violations.

With a checkpoint, there is no need for an officer to have probable cause to stop you… as is usually the case. Normally an officer must have a reason to pull you over. At a sobriety checkpoint anybody can be stopped and requested to take a breath test. However, this does not mean that if you have failed a

all your rights have been compromised. There are procedures and guidelines that all officers at a checkpoint must follow for a DUI test to be held valid.

Nationally officers frequently over-charge and over-arrest people because of their incentivizations. These can include, but are not limited, to promotions, pay increases, vacation schedule priority, etc. based upon their sheer number of arrests and tickets issued. The 4th, 5th and 6th Amendment rights are frequently violated in the process. This is even though the local courts and Supreme Court of the United States case law approves the concept.

Likewise the District Attorney, when given the arrest report by the arresting officer, makes a decision on how to file the case. They too often “over file” or “over charge” to gain leverage for a future plea. By doing so it makes it easier for the courtroom DA to extract a defendant’s plea... to something.

When arrested for a DUI two separate charges are automatically filed…. Driving under the influence and driving with a blood level of .08 or higher. In the Indio court they even file on a .07 chemical test, even though the law uses a .08. Jail time is demanded on all first offense DUI’s, unlike most courts in California.

When stopped the impaired driver usually

unless they read my weekly legal columns, that the field sobriety and breath test at the scene are optional. Thus you do not have to take the walk the line, finger to nose, alphabet and other sobriety tests. Likewise the breath test at the scene (unless you are on probation) is optional.

A driver stopped and offered DUI tests should be cooperative and politely say that their attorney is Fleeceum, Cheatum and Gougeum and they have advised the driver not to talk without calling their lawyer for permission. That way you remain the Good Guy and the Lawyer is the Fall Guy. The potential defendant should explain “they understand Field Sobriety and Breath Tests at the scene are optional. If that is correct Mr. Officer, then I elect not to take them. Then explain that they are happy to cooperate with law enforcement and take a blood test.”

By following this advice the challenges with checkpoints and saturation patrols will be minimized.

If you have questions or ideas for future columns please contact Dale Gribow at 760 837-7500 or dale@dalegribowlaw.com.

DALE GRIBOW “TOP LAWYER” - Palm Springs Life 20112016 (DUI and PI) 10.0 AVVO Perfect Peer Rating “Preeminent” - Martindale Hubbell Legal Directory “Best Attorneys of America” Selected by “Rue” (Limited to Top 100/State) Selected Founding Member of American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys Selected for 10 BEST Attorneys for California for Client Satisfaction in the practice area of DUI Law Selected for the National Advocacy for DUI Defense (comprised of America’s Top DUI ATTORNEYS) 2015 Client Appreciation Award & Martindale Hubbell Client Distinction Award Weekly Talk Show Host and weekly Legal Columnist major LA and Palm Springs papers “DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE OR TEXT AND GET A DUI OR ACCIDENT, CALL A TAXI OR UBER………IT IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME”

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December 10 to December 16, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

safety tips

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Listen Up! The Best Gift This Season Doesn’t Cost a Dime

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he holidays provide a good opportunity to spend quality time with family, friends and coworkers. Rather than getting stressed about holiday obligations, think about these opportunities as making “deposits” in your relationship banks. The time you spend is an investment into the relationship’s long-term success.

Spending time with people means talking with them. Whether personal or professional, conversation is a big part of this season. Most people are very good at talking about themselves.

Why is that? Insecurity, self-importance, passion?

Whatever the underlying cause, the best approach you can take in these conversations is to focus on listening.

Listening is more than hearing. Too often, we participate in conversations by focusing less on what the other person is saying and more on what we’re going to say next. When you show that you are truly comprehending what another person is saying, rather than just waiting your turn to reply, you add to their self-worth and you validate them. Who wouldn’t want that for a gift?

What’s the secret to great listening?

• Speak less. Don’t try to “one up” the other person, dominate the conversation or prove a point. Know you’re okay being just who you are (that’s also one of the best gifts you can give yourself!).

• Demonstrate that you are paying attention. Greet the other person with a smile.

Look them in the eyes and honor their thoughts.

Taking these actions will help you focus and drown out distractions.

• Ask questions and actively listen to the responses. Try to listen without the intent to reply. Practice patience and listen completely until the person finishes his or her point.

We live in an increasingly busy and chaotic world. No matter how busy you are, or who you are, take the time to listen to others. Break out of the old habits of not listening and needing to be the center of attention. Remember, you’re great just the way you are—it’s OK to let someone else shine!

Not only will better listening make the holidays more enjoyable, it will help you in your professional and personal life. And it doesn’t cost a dime!

Merry Christmas!

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

sports Scene

The Sad, Sad Case Of Steve Sarkisian

I

’ve never been addicted to anything. I don’t pretend to understand the struggle and won’t pretend to comprehend the magnification of that struggle when faced in the public eye.

I, however, do recognize the unconscious abyss addicts fall into and the seemingly eternal distance between their inebriated state and sobriety.

And I also know, without a doubt, that no addict can be helped until they are willing to help themselves.

So whether you consider alcoholism a disease or not, is irrelevant.

Whether you think an alcoholic can perform well enough to coach at a major university is pointless.

Whether you believe someone should be given a fair chance at sobriety before becoming the offscouring of society doesn’t weigh in on the matter between Steve Sarkisian and USC. The only questions are: does Sark want to get sober? Is he willing to work diligently towards it?

Those are the questions that matter.

The lawsuit only deals with money.

Earlier in the week, the former head coach of USC, one of the nation’s most prestigious football programs and institutions in general, sued his former employer for wrongful

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termination, siting the alcoholism he was dismissed for as the “disability” the Trojans scorned.

Some 8 weeks after he was fired, Sarkisian is mounting his case.

“Alcoholism is a recognized disability under California law,” Sarkisian’s lawyer, Alan Loewinsohn, told TMZ. “So firing somebody because of that disability is against the law.”

He claims he made his ‘disability’ know to Athletic Director Pat Haden and was ridiculed for it. And he wants some $30 million dollars for it.

USC says Sark’s claims are “untrue.”

I don’t know California law, and I don’t know employment law, but I do know football and enjoy employing common sense and what Steve Sarkisian is doing is woefully selfish.

He claims he’s served a stint in rehab and is ready to return to coaching.

Sure, because one stint in rehab is enough to clean up a guy whose alcoholism supposedly evade USC in the vetting of the hiring process.

He claims he was unfairly treated once he asked for some time to get his health together.

Sure, perhaps because he lied so many times before to cover his public intoxication that he figured a little time to would be required for Haden to discover the truth.

He thought he’d have time.

by Julie Buehler He was wrong.

Haden was wrong for hiring him in the first place and I wouldn’t be surprised if Haden was wrong in the handling of the situation.

But Sarkisian is wrong for claiming his ‘disability’ is about anything but himself.

He forgets the 70-some players and 20-some coaches and support staff and interns and equipment guys and grunts and executives and boosters whose lives and livelihoods directly relied on his sound judgment as a head football coach.

Except we’ll never know how sound it was or if he just liked the sound of his own selfpity.

He forgets the key mantra he taught his players: accountability.

Instead, he’s claiming USC wrongfully fired him.

He hid his addiction long enough, and when it was discovered, rather than approaching this disgraceful situation with humility and resolve for resolution, he’s chosen to blame someone else.

Don’t forget, he was fired after 2 occurrences of public drunkenness. One in which he claimed it was a bad combination of medication and the other in which he couldn’t finish practice, his assistant coaches had to send him home.

So, it’s the medication’s fault for the first

instance, not his.

And his coaches needed to pull the plug on his downward spiral, not him.

I don’t care if Sark claims a disability and works his way through it, but he needs to be accountable for his actions.

He can’t hang his self-pity on a limb and expect everyone else to reach for it.

He’s made millions thus far; he needn’t cost USC any more.

And while I adamantly disagree with his lawsuit, find it selfish and nothing more than a money-grab, I do hope, for his sake and his family’s sake, he wants to rid himself of this ‘disability.’ Because unlike someone with MS or other incurable physical maladies, IF he wants help, he can get it, and he already has the resources to do so.

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

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Week of December 10

ARIES (March 21-April 19): “Happiness sneaks through a door you didn’t know that you left open,” said actor John Barrymore. I hope you’ve left open a lot of those doors, Aries. The more there are, the happier you will be. This is the week of all weeks when joy, pleasure, and even zany bliss are likely to find their ways into your life from unexpected sources and unanticipated directions. If you’re lucky, you also have a few forgotten cracks and neglected gaps where fierce delights and crisp wonders can come wandering in.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): What state of mind do you desire the most? What is the quality of being that you aspire to inhabit more and more as you grow older? Maybe it’s the feeling of being deeply appreciated, or the ability to see things as they really are, or an intuitive wisdom about how to cultivate vibrant relationships. I invite you to set an intention to cultivate this singular experience with all your passion and ingenuity. The time is right. Make a pact with yourself.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Like Metallica jamming with Nicki Minaj and Death Cab for Cutie on a passage from Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute, you are redefining the meanings of the words “hybrid,” “amalgam,” and “hodgepodge.” You’re mixing metaphors with panache. You’re building bridges with cheeky verve. Some of your blends are messy mishmashes, but more often they are synergistic successes. With the power granted to me by the gods of mixing and matching, I hereby authorize you to keep splurging on the urge to merge. This is your special time to experiment with the magic of combining things that have rarely or never been combined.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): I hope you can figure out the difference between the fake cure and the real cure. And once you know which is which, I hope you will do the right thing rather than the sentimental thing. For best results, keep these considerations in mind: The fake cure may taste sweeter than the real one. It may also be better packaged and more alluringly promoted. In fact, the only advantage the real cure may have over the fake one is that it will actually work to heal you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): There’s a sinuous, serpentine quality about you these days. It’s as if you are the elegant and crafty hero of an epic myth set in the ancient future. You are sweeter and saucier than usual, edgier and more extravagantly emotive. You are somehow both a repository of tantalizing secrets and a fount of arousing revelations. As I meditate on the magic you embody, I am reminded of a passage from Laini Taylor’s fantasy novel Daughter of Smoke & Bone: “She tastes like nectar and salt. Nectar and salt and apples. Pollen and stars and hinges. She tastes like fairy tales. Swan maiden at midnight.

Cream on the tip of a fox’s tongue. She tastes like hope.”

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): I bought an old horoscope book at a garage sale for 25 cents. The cover was missing and some pages were waterdamaged, so parts of it were hard to decipher.

But the following passage jumped out at me: “In romantic matters, Virgos initially tend to be cool, even standoffish. Their perfectionism may interfere with their ability to follow through on promising beginnings. But if they ever allow themselves to relax and go further, they will eventually ignite. And then, watch out! Their passion will generate intense heat and light.” I suspect that this description may apply to you in the coming weeks. Let’s hope you will trust your intuition about which possibilities warrant your caution and which deserve your opening.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “The secret of being a bore is to tell everything,” said French writer Voltaire.

I agree, and add these thoughts: To tell everything also tempts you to wrongly imagine that you have everything completely figured out. Furthermore, it may compromise your leverage in dicey situations where other people are using information as a weapon. So the moral of the current story is this:

© Copyright 2015 Rob Brezsny

Don’t tell everything! I realize this could be hard, since you are a good talker these days; your ability to express yourself is at a peak. So what should you do?

Whenever you speak, aim for quality over quantity.

And always weave in a bit of mystery.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Ducks are the most unflappable creatures I know. Cats are often regarded as the top practitioners of the “I don’t give a f---” attitude, but I think ducks outshine them. When domestic felines exhibit their classic aloofness, there’s sometimes a subtext of annoyance or contempt. But ducks are consistently as imperturbable as Zen masters. Right now, as I gaze out my office window, I’m watching five of them swim calmly, with easygoing nonchalance, against the swift current of the creek in the torrential rain. I invite you to be like ducks in the coming days. Now is an excellent time to practice the high art of truly not giving a f---.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): My old friend Jeff started working at a gambling casino in Atlantic City. “You’ve gone over to the dark side!” I kidded.

He acknowledged that 90 percent of the casino’s visitors lose money gambling. On the bright side, he said, 95 percent of them leave happy. I don’t encourage you to do this kind of gambling in the near future, Sagittarius. It’s true that you will be riding a lucky streak. But smarter, surer risks will be a better way to channel your good fortune. So here’s the bottom line: In whatever way you choose to bet or speculate, don’t let your lively spirits trick you into relying on pure impulsiveness. Do the research.

Perform your due diligence. It’s not enough just to be entertained. The goal is to both have fun and be successful.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus was a pioneer thinker whose ideas helped pave the way for the development of science. Believe nothing, he taught, unless you can evaluate it through your personal observation and logical analysis. Using this admirable approach, he determined that the size of our sun is about two feet in diameter. I’m guessing that you have made comparable misestimations about at least two facts of life, Capricorn. They seem quite reasonable but are very wrong. The good news is that you will soon be relieved of those mistakes. After some initial disruption, you will feel liberated.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Aquarian inventor Thomas Edison owned 1,093 patents. Nicknamed “The Wizard of Menlo Park,” he devised the first practical electrical light bulb, the movie camera, the alkaline storage battery, and many more useful things. The creation he loved best was the phonograph. It was the first machine in history that could record and reproduce sound. Edison bragged that no one else had ever made such a wonderful instrument. It was “absolutely original.” I bring this to your attention, Aquarius, because I think you’re due for an outbreak of absolute originality. What are the most unique gifts you have to offer? In addition to those you already know about, new ones may be ready to emerge.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Here’s an experiment that makes good astrological sense for you to try in the coming weeks. Whenever you feel a tinge of frustration, immediately say, “I am an irrepressible source of power and freedom and love.” Anytime you notice a trace of inadequacy rising up in you, or a touch of blame, or a taste of anger, declare, “I am an irresistible magnet for power and freedom and love.” If you’re bothered by a mistake you made, or a flash of ignorance expressed by another person, or a maddening glitch in the flow of the life force, stop what you’re doing, interrupt the irritation, and proclaim, “I am awash in power and freedom and love.”

Homework: Review in loving detail the history of your life. Remember how and why you came to be where you are now. Testify at FreeWillAstrology.com.

Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

ask JENNY

December 10 to December 16, 2015

by Jenny Wallis

“I can’t get over my past.. ”

Dear Jenny, I have had a couple of great relationships, and some not so great, but they always seem to lead to the same outcome… me being single! No matter how wonderful the relationship starts or how much hope I have for it, it never turns into anything long-lasting.

Every time something happens and the bond breaks, I have the same instinctual thought, the thought that it probably wouldn’t have turned out this way if my past was different. You see, some pretty awful things have happened in my life when I was a child, terrible forms of abuse. Mental abuse is quite damaging, it really gets in your head and seems to stick with you, causing you to lose a lot of other things. Regardless, I can’t get over my past, even though I tried to leave it behind a long time ago. Is there anything I can do to overcome my past and stop reliving it over and over in my present life?

- Thanks, Sam Hi there Sam, Thanks for writing in, I’ll share with you some thoughts I have on the matter. First, please know that by identifying the things that have caused us to stop nourishing the seeds of love (in this case many or all of your past relationships) you have a wonderful opportunity to rise above them. So it is great that you recognize this part of you.

As you become able to identify the doubts, fears, and false beliefs that have kept you alone for all of these years, you become able to confront them and challenge going beyond them!

Sometimes people have wounds within them that occurred so many years ago, but still, they feel fresh like they just happened.

And even though they occurred so long ago, we may still be in reaction to the wound.

A person may yearn for events to turn out different where love is concerned, they may think they are seeking a fully loving relationship. But, the outcome will always be the same. Love will not be achieved. I once read a wonderful quote by Katherine Woodward Thomas in her book, Calling in “the One,” that fits your situation perfectly, “the question becomes, do you have the wound or does the wound have you? We are more than the hurts we have suffered.

Our woundedness is not the sum total of who and what we are.”

Unless we had the good fortune of being born into a family who had accomplished mastering their own evolution and guiding us to success when it came to personality development, all of us have wounds. And absolutely everyone has a past. But when that past comes in the form of wounds that the person who experienced them can’t live

through, then that’s when it can becoming damaging. We never have to forget our past, nor should we try, the past made us who we are today. There comes a time, however, when we need to stop letting the past define who we are, and we need to live through it.

It seems, many people think that in order to clean up the past and stop letting it dictate your future, there is a need to go back and finish what was left incomplete; like you have to face it, again. Some people even go as far as experiencing the painful problems all over again, so as to stop letting them rule our future relationships. You absolutely don’t have to do that. You just have to make a decision not to let the past lead you anymore.

Many people are looking to make connections between what they have been through and who they are today. It’s as though they think it will define them and explain why something of such dramatic multitude happened. I once heard a great teacher, Caroline Myss, speaking about how we spend so much time trying to fix the past, even change the past. She brought up the point that the emphasis in too many people’s lives has more to do with healing than it has to do with enjoying life.

May I suggest that by seeing our past experiences as part of our past, it will be easier for us to accept them. When we accept them it will be easier to release them. And then when we release them it will be easier to understand that we have taken something from the experience, we might not know what it is, but we have gotten something. Whatever it may be, it has added to who we are today. How do we know it has added anything? Because, simply put, we know that we are constantly growing and expanding as individuals.

Would we keep growing if we weren’t as perfectly imperfect as we are?

Thanks for the great question Sam. - Love, ♥Jenny “My past has no power over me.” ~Louise Hay Don’t forget to follow Jenny on askjennynow.com.

Contact her at (760) 505-0952

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December 10 to December 16, 2015

Mind,body & Spirit

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by Bronwyn Ison

HOLIDAY HUSTLE

T

is the season to be merry!

The hustle and bustle of the holidays commenced just before Thanksgiving. It is the time of year that our schedules are overwhelmed with parties, family, our children’s school programs all while continuing to work and balance our lives. Remaining on task and being diligent during one of the busiest times of the year will reap numerous benefits for you long term.

Exercising fitness in both body and mind will be an essential ingredient for success. Partaking in holiday parties is fun but comport yourself moderately. Do not over indulge in food or alcohol. Naturally you will suffer. You will experience a loss of energy, weaken your immune system, and jeopardize your overall well-being.

Be cognizant of your decisions. Plan ahead. It is tempting to view the holiday season as a free pass to eat and do what ever we would like. I’m not implying you can’t have a little treat here and there. Keep in mind the calories, extra carbohydrates and sugar will debilitate you. If you find it challenging to resist then you may need to forgo those special invitations.

You can be selective in how you choose to spend your time during the holidays. Perhaps shopping at the mall is time consuming for you. Cyber shopping may be the route you take this holiday. Think… no crowds, no waiting in line, and you may score a better deal online. Plus, you can simultaneously be preparing your favorite holiday dish to share

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at one of the many Christmas parties you have been invited to this season.

The holidays can be stressful. Here are some suggestions on how to avoid feeling trapped in the hustle and bustle of the holidays…

Maintain your existing exercise regimen.

If you do not have one it may be a good time to adopt one. Exercising will alleviate stress, provide more energy, render you centered, calm and at peace.

Consider devising a plan before your commence your day. My day begins with a daily devotional. It sets the tone for my day, allows me to adopt a plan, and implements a course of action on how to approach my day.

You may also want to write a short gratitude list. Studies have revealed, happy people are grateful.

Construct a plan for your day. Know exactly what you need to accomplish and consummate in your day. Of course it is possible you may be thrown off track every so often. If you are lead astray, remain diligent and get right back to your plan. Plan, your work, work your plan.

Stay rested. Make sure you are getting enough rest. Fatigue will not allow you to enjoy the holidays. You should relish in the festive times not dread this time of year.

Stay healthy. Be grateful. Enjoy your family and friends. Invoke love and kindness.

Blessings to everyone this holiday season!

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

Life & career Coach

by Sunny Simon

Just Think About It

I

’ve always considered my car an educational institution. While commuting any distance, I plug in a motivational or interesting CD to expand my knowledge base.

Recently on a drive I listened to an interview with self-made billionaire, Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, women’s shape-wear. I had to smile when she described the use of her vehicle.

Sara has a five minute commute from home to the Spanx headquarters but spends 45 minutes driving aimlessly around Atlanta before arriving at her office. Why? Her car is her think tank. She even describes thinking as one of her favorite hobbies. Driving around provides the opportunity to let her mind wander. She is compulsive about capturing creative thoughts and never leaves home without her trusty spiral-bound Mead notebook.

What works best for Sara is her car; however, accomplishing some heavy-duty creative thinking can be done anywhere. While some prefer a solitary walk in a quiet setting to brainstorm, others like an environment with background noise. According to a study performed by researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 70 decibels is an ideal setting for percolating out-of-the box ideas. This explains why many individuals enjoy working at coffee shops.

Beside the background noise factor,

birthing creative ideas has something to do with your body clock. Although it may seem counterintuitive, there is a school of thought professing your brain works better when you are fatigued. For some individuals, a tired brain lacks singular focus and tends to wander which is often ideal for abstract original thinking.

Another way to garner those eureka moments is exercise. This may be the reason many people like to go for an invigorating run.

Albert Einstein claims the theory of relativity came to him while riding his bike.

On the flip side, try dreaming your way into creative ideas. Apparently this worked for Keith Richards who credits sleeping for part of the song “Satisfaction,” the smash hit released in 1965 by the Rolling Stones.

Whatever your modus operandi, it pays to awaken your creative juices. Doing so can help you discover the answer to a nagging problem , or set the stage for a brilliant new product idea as was the case for entrepreneur Sara Blakely.

Get introspective. Whether it’s fresh air and a brisk walk to erase those cobwebs from your mind, or perhaps you do your best thinking in the shower or when taking a power nap, find that sweet spot and engage your creative spirit.

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

Ask The Doctor

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December 10 to December 16, 2015

by dr peter kadile

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

The word of the week: “VITAMIN”

Dr. Peter, I’ve been hearing a lot about Vitamin D. I’m outside a lot, how do I know if I’m getting enough?

-Lisa, Cathedral City

Lisa, your body does make its own vitamin D from sunlight. Exposing your bare skin is the best way for your body to produce the vitamin. But, if you wear sunscreen or keep yourself covered with a hat or long sleeves or pants, you may not have adequate exposure to produce vitamin D. You can also get vitamin D from over the counter supplements and a very small amount comes from diet.

Vitamin D is important for good overall health and strong and healthy bones. It is also important in making sure your muscles, hearts, lungs and brain work well and that your body can fight infection. It may even have some anti-cancer effects.

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to cancer, asthma, diabetes type 2, high blood pressure, depression, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease.

I have been routinely checking my patient’s vitamin D levels with a simple blood test for the past 6 years and I am no longer surprised to find that a majority of my patients are vitamin D deficient. You would think that since our desert climate is mostly sunny for the majority of the year, vitamin D deficiency would be rare, but it is not. We spend most of our time indoors and you can’t absorb the sunlight through a window. We have also been taught to wear sunscreen to protect against skin cancer if we spend a lot of time outdoors.

So, if you would like to know if you have enough vitamin D, ask your doctor to order a simple lab test (called the vitamin D, 25 - hydroxy level). If you don’t spend enough time outside, you can supplement with vitamin D3 to achieve optimum vitamin D levels. Different organizations recommend

different daily intakes of vitamin D, so work with your doctor in determining which dose to start with depending on your lab results.

Dr. Peter, the local health food store is offering vitamin B12 injections, should I get one?

- Mark, Palm Springs

Mark, vitamin B12 is found in every cell of the human body and is very important for energy production. It contributes to skin health, immune and nervous system functions and muscle function.

Unfortunately, individuals may not be getting enough vitamin B12 in their diet or may have a problem absorbing it. Meat is a good source of vitamin B12, thus vegetarians may be lacking in vitamin B12, Taking over the counter and prescription antacids regularly, can interfere with vitamin B12 absorption. If you are low in vitamin B12, your body is not getting enough fuel for energy.

Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin, so if your body doesn’t need it, it will flush away the excess. Since lack of vitamin B12 may be due to a gut absorption problem, injections or under the tongue would be the preferred routes for supplementation.

Vitamin B12 benefits: • important for energy production, can decrease fatigue • healthy regulation of the nervous system, reduces depression, helps with stress • essential for healthy skin, hair and nails.

You can consult with your doctor and get a blood test to check your B12 level to see if you are deficient or you can try supplementing with vitamin B12 with daily sublingual (under the tongue) tablets or injections every 1-4 weeks and see if you feel any better.

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December 10 to December 16, 2015

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December 10 to December 16, 2015

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