Coachella Valley Weekly - December 10 to December 16, 2020 Vol. 9 No. 39

coachellavalleyweekly.com • December 10 to December 16, 2020 Vol.9 No.39

Desert View Studio/Records

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CV Rescue Mission Toy Drive

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the innocence mission

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December 10 to December 16, 2020

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Coachella Valley Weekly (760) 501-6228

publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com coachellavalleyweekly.com facebook.com/cvweekly twitter.com/cvweekly1 Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Kirby Club Crawler Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Head Music Writer Noe Gutierrez Head Feature Writer Crystal Harrell Feature Writers Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmons, Tricia Witkower, Jason Hall, Esther Sanchez Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Eleni P. Austin, Craig Michaels, Janet McAfee, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Sam DiGiovanna, Dale Gribow, Denise Ortuno Neil, Rob Brezny, Dr. Peter Kadile, Dee Jae Cox, Angela Romeo, Aaron Ramson, Lynne Tucker, Aimee Mosco, Michelle Anne Rizzio, Ruth Hill, Madeline Zuckerman Photographers Robert Chance, Laura Hunt Little, Chris Miller, Iris Hall, Esther Sanchez Videographer Kurt Schawacker Website Editor Bobby Taffolla Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

December 10 to December 16, 2020

“ACCIDENTAL DATE” FILMS IN PALM SPRINGS

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lthough the film industry has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, many professionals in the entertainment business are still creating their art with carefully regulated COVIDcompliant guidelines to follow as they shoot their productions. One of the most recent projects that filmed in Downtown Palm Springs this week was the short film “Accidental Date” co-directed by Kim Waltrip and Kate Spates.

“Accidental Date” follows the comedic tale of a Russian girl, played by Daria Diache, who comes to Palm Springs looking for a date. The inception of the film was spurred

by Waltrip, who is also the President of Palm Springs Women in Film & Television (PSWIFT) and thought it would be an incredible opportunity to educate some of its members on how to actually make a film.

“We organized a committee to produce a short film… It's been a wonderful experience.

Our Vice President, Kate Spates, thought of the story, and PSWIFT member, Carolyn Moloshko, wrote the script, and then we all gave notes and finally got a script we all loved and then…..COVID hit. We put everything on hold,” explained Waltrip.

The film crew also consisted of several different producers, all part of PSWIFT. Producers of “Accidental Date” include Andrea Carter, Angela Romeo, Carolyn Moloshko, Caryl Eagle, Cindy Shoemaker, Janice Lopez, Kristin Johnson, Nicole Hughes, Patti Gribow, Renae Madore, and Steve Ciceron, in addition to Spates and Waltrip

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

Photos by Crystal Harrell

themselves.

When the COVID-19 pandemic started, production of “Accidental Date” was put on hold. Last month, the production team decided to just pick a date to begin making the film and hope for the best. They started a GoFundMe campaign and many people donated money to the project.

“This is an education arm of our nonprofit and I think people were impressed that we were actually going to go make a film and give our members hands-on experience.

And then, we had a few angel donors that got us to our goal: Terry Weiner, Vince Battaglia, and Rod Vandenbos, to whom we are forever grateful. We're grateful to all of our donors, large and small! And every donor will be acknowledged in our credits.

Sometimes you just need to give yourself a goal and go for it!” stated Waltrip.

The cast and crew were very mindful about taking precautions as coronavirus cases continue to surge in Riverside County, requiring everyone included in the production to get tested. They all held negative results and there is a COVIDcompliant officer on set, Janice Lopez, who is also one of the producers and is certified to make sure everyone is taking all necessary precautions.

One of the most difficult parts of shooting was not being able to meet in person and having to coordinate all of the COVID testing for the entire cast, crew, and extras. The new Rancho Mirage free testing site at the Library continue to page 5

CONTENTS "Accidental Date" by PSWIFT.............. 3-5 Desert View Studio/Records ................. 6 CV Rescue Mission.................................. 6 Consider This - the innocence mission... 9 The Vino Voice ...................................... 10 Screeners ............................................... 11 Safety Tips ........................................... 11 Pet Place ........................................... 12-13 Haddon Libby........................................ 15 Dale Gribow........................................... 15 Swag For the Soul ................................. 16 Free Will Astrology .............................. 16

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December 10 to December 16, 2020

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ACCIDENTAL DATE

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became very convenient and most of the production team got tested there.

“We know that businesses are suffering and being shut down, so it feels nice to be able to give some business to one of our locations that we will also use for catering.

And we hope to highlight businesses in the film to give them some much needed publicity once everything opens again,” said Waltrip.

One of the other challenges was working around the schedules of cast members that had other jobs and casting a Russianspeaking actress. PSWIFT members and casting directors Steven Ciceron, and Angela Romeo put out a casting call and found Daria Diache, who became the lead of “Accidental Date”.

The rest of the main cast of “Accidental Date” includes Griffin Wade, Bella da Ball, Scott Khouri, AnnMarie Gracey, Emily Neiderman, Max Del Rio, and David Warpness, who are all local.

“I play the love interest to the leading lady. It is a really sweet film and everyone has been in good spirits about working on this comedy. It’s been an awesome experience,” said Griffin Wade, who has also worked with local director Christian Sesma on his latest film, Take Back.

“Accidental Date” was filmed in Downtown Palm Springs and features several local businesses. Scenes were shot in front of Blonde Clothing Boutique, Lolli & Pops, the Rowan, and Crazy Mel's Burgers.

Other companies and businesses that make appearances in the production are Renova Energy, Leeds & Son, Buzz Box, and Destination PSP, who provided props.

“We hope to bring a little joy to people’s lives and give them a heartfelt glimpse of our beautiful city as seen through the eyes of a tourist. This happens every day in this town, and we decided to throw a little romance in

December 10 to December 16, 2020 with it. It's actually a great marketing piece for this city!” said Waltrip.

The production team hopes to enter “Accidental Date” in film festivals in the early summer of 2021.

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December 10 to December 16, 2020

LOCAL MUSIC

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ven if you’ve never heard of the term ‘sync licensing’ you’ve likely listened to the music inserted into any video content; it’s a license that enables the matching of music within a movie, television show, commercial, video game or any other form of visual media. The term ‘synchronization’ refers to the harmonious matching of video with music.

Sync licensing is quickly shooting upward, with artists gaining increased revenues. In the past several years, the entertainment industry has witnessed an infinite outbreak of video content. What started with YouTube now encompasses big-budget productions on Netflix and Disney Plus, as well as a continued stream of video games.

A majority of video necessitates music, which is where the sync license comes in.

Desert View Studio/Records is a fullservice multi-genre record label, studio and publishing company with Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) and American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). Established in Desert Hot Springs, California, the enterprise of musicians and producers has distributed their music throughout multiple projects that you may have already unknowingly witnessed.

They also provide assistance with music development, production, drum kit recording, mastering, voice over, video production with Thomas Gill (videographer), distribution and management.

At the helm is Mike Rizzio, exceptional sound engineer and multifarious musician.

Rizzio has had a storied history in the music industry. He has also had his fair set of challenges that he has had to overcome.

After a significant time away, he has returned with music as his driving force and healing factor. He shared, “I’ve never played live. I did a few times when I was a kid in the 70’s then I joined the military.

BY NOE GUTIERREZ

That changed everything. After 13 years of military service, I got hurt and came home in a wheel chair. I didn't start playing again until 2015. Then I met Bruce in 2017. This is the end result.”

Through synch licensing, Rizzio has made a comeback of sorts while providing a career for himself. “Sync licensing has become an industry that we all enjoy producing music for. The daily challenges that we experience makes us that much better at our craft at producing backing instrumentals. The rewards are worth a lifetime of royalties when our music is placed,” he declared.

His newest project, Iron Oxide, is an Indie Rock/Metal hybrid mix of music available for exclusive sync licensing. The band of studio musicians includes all BMI licensed songwriters and artists Bruce Walton, Jr.

(Axiom), sound engineer, lead guitar, Jeff Brown, sound engineer, bass guitar and Cory Barnhart on drums. Rizzo stated about the band, “The members of Iron Oxide are dedicated musicians with extensive backgrounds in music. We write, compose, arrange and produce as a team to create high-quality tracks. Cory is a neighborhood kid who came on board as our drummer in January 2020. He's managed to keep up the chops and fit right in. He drums in a few bands locally and went to middle and high school with my daughter Michelle here in DHS, this music venture has really helped him get a grasp on life these past few months. Jeff has an extensive background and has been playing bass with Bruce back in the day of Axiom. They played on bills with the likes of Ted Nugent and Kenny

Wayne Shepherd in the 90’s.”

When you listen to their music, you can envision a car chase scene that might need a rapidly moving drumming sequence with intense guitar parts or an intro to an ESPN segment that requires the emotional connection that only a strings effect on a keyboard can provide. Music will instinctively find its way into all types of content.

Another recently completed project you can listen to on Spotify is Millenium

by Force It produced by Thomas Morris and Jeff Brown and recorded and released

by Desert View Studio/Records in 2020.

It is a straight-up Rock EP. Rizzio has also produced artists such as Black Heart Boys, Project Desert Wind, Stephen Floyd, Gregg Lee Alexander, Barry Raccio, Tony Edwards, Higher Heights, ProjektHYDE, Mike Davidson and Axiom. In addition, he has worked with desert musicians Ryan Diaz (drums), Mario Quintero (vocals), Dan Davis (drums), Mike Fernandez (vocals), Thomas Morris (producer), Shawn McBride (drums), Steven Floyd (producer), John Undernehr (electric guitar) and Adrian Fernandez (keyboards).

Desert View Records on Reverbnation: reverberation.com/desertviewrecords Desert View Records Spotify Playlist: o p e n . s p o t i f y . c o m / playlist/5EheLlzYD1dmNBSM0UStre Iron Oxide - Sundown - Licensed to (Merlin) FUGA Aggregation: youtu.be/EKeZZVtg02c For consideration or collaboration please email Rizzio at: desertviewrecords@ gmail.com or call at: (760) 660-9713

COMMUNITY

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he Coachella Valley Rescue Mission will distribute about 15,000 toys to an estimated 5,000 children at 8 a.m.

December 21 during the Annual Toy Giveaway.

The event, which includes a random giveaway of bicycles, begins with Santa and Mrs. Claus greeting children while Santa’s elves will be handing out candy canes.

“Our desert community is so very generous and loving as they support those in need. We look forward to partnering with our community in making Christmas dreams come true for these children,” said Executive Director Darla Burkett.

To make the Annual Toy Giveaway a success, she said, CVRM requests donations of new unwrapped toys for boys and girls from infant to pre-teen. Dolls, books, games, skateboards, sports equipment, balls, action figures, Legos, cars, trucks, and Barbies are

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some of the favorites.

“Many of our donors and supporters organize a Toy Drive at their office, church, neighborhood or country club. Everyone who can give even a single toy will put a smile on a child’s face,” Burkett said. “It will brighten your own Christmas as you invest in the spirit of the season.’’

Toy donations can be brought directly to CVRM at 47470 Van Buren Street, Indio.

To volunteer for this event or future events, donate a toy, or organize a drop box for a company, organization or club, please call Desire Tegge at 760.347.3512 ext. 221.

Founded in 1971, the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission provides food, clothing, and safe shelter to anyone in need. Additionally, CVRM helps people end their cycle of homelessness with extensive counseling, job training and job placement services.

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December 10 to December 16, 2020

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December 10 to December 16, 2020

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CONSIDER THIS nos·tal·gia (noun) a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy associations he term “nostalgia” comes from the Greek (but of course), it’s the combination of two words, nostos meaning homecoming and algos a Homeric word meaning “pain”or “ache.” In a penultimate “Mad Men” episode, Don Draper refers to it as “a twinge from your heart far more powerful than memory alone.” That is how I feel whenever I listen to the innocence mission. There’s an ache in my heart that makes me feel equally happy and sad. the innocence mission (they keep it low key and lower case) has been a going concern for over 30 years. Karen Perris (ne’ McCulloch) grew up in Lancaster, Pa. and heard plenty of Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel as a kid, but when she heard Judy Collins’ version of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” on the radio, she knew she wanted to be a musician. She received her first guitar for her 10th birthday.

Fast forward a few years to high school and Karen was performing in a school production of “Godspell.” It was there that she met bassist Mike Bitts, drummer Steve Brown and guitarist (and future husband) Don Perris. Soon enough they had formed the innocence mission. After a few years of paying dues, they signed with A&M Records. Their self-titled debut arrived in 1989. Ironically, it was produced by bassist/ producer Larry Klein, who was (at that point) best known as Joni Mitchell’s husband.

Critical acclaim was nearly unanimous, the band’s gossamer sound lingered in the ether somewhere between like-minded artists such as 10,000 Maniacs, Suzanne Vega and Opal and presaged upcoming bands like the story, Mazzy Star and the Sundays. Sales were respectable, buoyed by stint as opening act for Don Henley. The innocence mission quickly followed with two more quiescent charmers, 1991’s Umbrella and 1995’s Glow.

The latter featured their break-out hit, “Bright As Yellow,” which had a prominent place on the soundtrack for the indie film, “Empire Records.”

By the turn of the 20th century the band had pared down to a trio, Mike Brown having quit to pursue a culinary career. They’d also split A&M Records once it was subsumed in a giant corporate merger. Their fourth effort, Birds Of My Neighborhood was equally amazing, and released via the tiny Kneeling Elephant label.

The following year, the trio discreetly reaffirmed their Catholic faith by self-releasing an EP of hymns entitled Christ Is My Hope. All the proceeds went directly to hunger relief charities. The only original song was the sprightly title track.

For the next decade Don and Karen mostly concentrated on raising a family.

They quit touring, but continued recording, albeit sporadically. Still, the results remained brilliant on albums like Small Planes (2001) and Befriended (2003). A year later, music and family intertwined with the release of Now This Day Is Over, a collection of standards and lullabies that included a sublime version of Henry Mancini’s “Moon River,” which had

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December 10 to December 16, 2020

YOU TOMORROW” (THERESE RECORDS) THE INNOCENCE MISSION “SEE

long been a staple of their live show.

Between 2007 and 2018 they released four more albums, 2007’s We Walked In Song, 2010’s My Room In The Trees, 2015’s Hello I Feel The Same and 2018’s Sun On The Square.

Karen also recorded a solo EP in 2012 and Don somehow found time to release a clutch of (mostly) instrumental solo albums. Now they have returned with their 12th long-player, see you tomorrow.

The record opens gingerly with “The Brothers Williams Said.” On the first verse, downcast piano chords are matched by Karen’s tremulous vocals, rather quickly, the piano notes accelerate, enveloped by shimmering guitars, liquid strings and an offkilter thump. Tender lyrics offer comfort and reassurance to a bashful child; “The brothers Williams said you don’t even talk, I know you best, I see you shine/A million stars out in a very dark night, brilliant tourmaline, gold and copper light, don’t pay attention to them, ok?

Tomorrow, today, today, tomorrow, see you tomorrow.” The instrumentation swells to crescendo before a wistful piano coda brings the song to a close.

The world that the innocence mission seems to inhabit sometimes feels preserved in amber. It’s a place where riding bikes, flying kites, building sandcastles, watching the seasons change and reading books are cause for celebration. There’s a painterly quality to both “St. Francis And The Future” and “John As Well.” On the former prickly acoustic guitars dovetail with lilting accordion and a wash of Mellotron. There’s a pointillist appeal to lyrics like “And in the background of St. Francis there were rivers, spires a long way off, we could not really see them very well/I want to be beside you through all these things. Cannot. I want to keep this future from such close measure.

Cannot very well.”

The latter blurs delicate piano notes, fluttery guitar arpeggios and lush accordion.

The enigmatic lyrics speak to the limits of language, the passage of time is signaled in mile markers; “And the symphony in the park and the lawn chairs, and the moving van, and the first day of the school year in the distance, and the wedding banns.”

The best tracks here capture quiet moments of camaraderie, intimacy and affection. On “We Don’t Know How To Say Why” intertwined acoustic and electric guitars accentuate the yearning of lyrics like “And you want to reach out, to speak now, to be loved as much as anyone/And scenes from a distance easily make us cry, though we don’t know how to say why, don’t feel we are different when these things will make us cry, though we don’t know how to say why.”

About halfway through, brushed percussion and tumbling drums kickstart on the break, and pinging electric guitars ricochet over wordless harmonies, before gently dissolving.

The melancholy “Movie” is awash in cinematic instrumentation, propulsive piano chords are matched by willowy guitars and winding melodica, all in ¾ time. Lyrics act as a spiritual travelogue offering flashing imagery; “California windmills, let the arms

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

move the other way, turn around the days, if we could be returned in the heart, remade in the heart, and returned in the day/Notice the air is wonderous, with all the weather, the possible light and the streets to reach, and you are here, and we have just only arrived.”

As churchy piano notes gather speed atop swirly guitar on the break, there’s a sense of longing just beneath the surface, that can’t be contained by the cool, calm words collected herein.

Spidery guitars connect with lissome strings, spectral keys and chunky percussion, weaving a rich tapestry for “On Your Side.” A meditation on all things maternal, the lyrics mine the subconscious; “In my dream I would be in Paris with my mom, in cafes she would sip coffee, she would be smiling on, she’d say I never let you out of my sight, I have not gone/ She’d say the light is bright around you now and I’m always on your side, your side.” Which in turn leads to this reassuring epiphany meant for her own children; “Some days we don’t know where we are going, some days we don’t know where we have gone, but I’m always on your side, your side.”

Don takes the lead on “Mary Margaret In Mid-Air.” Jangly guitars phase and shiver.

The lyrics offer a tender encomium to his own mother; “My mother in her teens, had a joy for all to see, brought her boy up to believe, sings ‘I love you, pass it on.” Karen’s beatific harmonies brush up slightly behind each verse. Stately piano and typewriter-y percussion underscores the grief that never quite diminishes following the loss of a parent.

Other interesting tracks include “At Lake Maureen” which fuses dour piano and rippling guitars. Lyrics recall halcyon days that were sweet, but fleeting; “Make my soul come clean, a sail above Lake Maureen, sing into the storms, sing into the storms, this day is going.”

Meanwhile, sun-dappled guitars wrap around fragile piano fills, serpentine strings, wheezy harmonica and thundering timpani on “This Boat.” Lyrics like “What was wrong has never been your fault” offer cryptic consolation.

The record winds down on the final two tracks. “Stars That Fall Away From Us” taps into that feeling of desolation that has gripped everyone at one time or another.

Cascading guitars twinkle and glow, latticing over Mellotron, melodica, accordion and pump organ. Karen and Don’s vocals knit together on the second verse, diffident and confidential; “Far away, looking out for a way back, loneliness is the star that we all see/ Mostly we don’t shout it out, it’s a secret, almost never at all.”

Finally, there’s something ecclesiastic and joyful about “I Would Be There.” It unfurls slowly, all shuddery keys and lanky guitars, before it all coalesces around wistful melodica, burnished bass and a surprisingly slinky beat.

The lyrics offer a hesitant declaration of independence; “And now, I won’t be turned around, by the long detour, fear or the fear of the fear, or the revolving door.” It’s a sunny finish to another great album.

Karen played guitars, piano, pump organ, accordion, melodica and low harmonica. Don was in charge of guitars, drums and timpani.

Mike Bitts played upright bass on a handful of tracks.

These are desperate days. For the first time in a century, a disease has the world in its grip. We are just now, hopefully, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. see you tomorrow alleviates some of that uncertainty.

From the moment the needle hits the groove, the innocence mission manage to mitigate that hopeless feeling. Providing instead, that happy, homesick ache, and just enough comfort to get us through.

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December 10 to December 16, 2020

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THE VINO VOICE

BEEFING-UP THE HOLIDAY WINE TABLE

BY RICK RIOZZA

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hristmas and winter holiday dinners have always been an occasion or at least an opportunity to showcase one’s favorite wine of the past year, or, to change things up, and present a new and different wine for holiday cheer!

This particular holiday season is most humbling given our circumstances and we’re all being mindful to keep things safe and looking perhaps to a more meaningful and simple celebration of sorts.

So, to chime in on that sobering gustatory thought, for this writing, why not consider a simple wine-pairing dinner of meat & potatoes!

I mean it’s not all that bad!—We’ve got hearty roasts and succulent steaks; ribs of all sorts and Beef Stroganoff, Hungarian Goulash, beef bourguignon, corned beef, meatballs, meatloaf— geez, I’m making myself hungry here!

I’m always in for a great steak no matter what time of year! A New York cut or a Delmonico aka rib-eye steaks are my personal favorites.

A great wine can provide an acidic tang and a delightful sweetness that pairs perfectly with the salty, fatty, umami butteryness of a steak. One of the world’s best culinary delights is the flavor sensation of pairing a wine with a steak.

If one were to ask the simple question to a wine enthusiast: what wine would you drink with beef? Some answers you’d expect would include—Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah or Shiraz, Grenache or a GSM blend, Malbec, Zinfandel, and probably throw in an Italian, perhaps Barolo.

Well—talking about cutting to the chase, indeed, these reds do in fact go great with beef dishes generally.

So it’s not too hard to find a red wine that’ll work with meat & potatoes—along with your favorite as there’s always an element of personal preference when it comes to wine and food matching. But I’ve got to write something here— so, what wine columnist are wont to do when it comes to points of matching wine with beef is to think about matching the flavor intensity of your wine along with the beef’s cut, age, cooking time and accompaniments if you’re seeking to try a more precise pairing.

As cooks all know, the fat in your cut is where all of the flavor is locked up. More fat equals more intense beefy flavor. You’re able to picture this: think of a heavily marbled rib-eye with headon flavors as compared to the leaner cut filet mignon on the more subtle side of things. The filet is beautifully melt-the-mouth tender, but a big bold red wine could over-power the nuance of the steak. Pinot Noir from anywhere will work.

My recommendation for a delicious California Pinot Noir to pair with your filet is the 2017 Eternally Silenced from the Prisoner Wine Company. As many of you know, this producer can make some pretty bang-around heavy-duty wines. But the Eternally Silenced Pinot Noir is full of nuance and complexity. It’s rich but elegant; soft and well-balanced. Aromas of pine needles, cranberry, dark cherry, cedar, clove, and brown spice that leads to fresh red berry flavors. A world class wine with seamless tannins.

As to the rib-eye steak, it goes without

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saying—feel your gut! The classic Cabernet Sauvignon that’s well-balanced will have tannins to help dissolve the fat, acidity to lift the dish and lots of black fruit flavors that can stand up to the richness of the meat. The higher the fat content of the beef, the higher its capacity to pair with richer wines that have bolder tannins.

It’s been said by many a sommelier, “Fat content washes away tannin in your mouth and vice-versa. That’s what keeps you coming back for more of both your wine and your steak.”

I’ve just enjoyed a well-marbled grilled-rare New York steak and matched it with the 2017 Double Diamond Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. ($70) It’s one of the best matchups in all steak & wine history. Thomas Rivers Brown was the winemaker and was produced and bottled by Schrader Cellars. It’s one of the darkest colored Cabs of the vintage and it packs everything from classic dark fruit, balance, harmony, tannins, acidity, on its way to a great finish to happily conclude each bite of steak.

Fantastic!

Down in the beef-eating country of Argentina, Malbec surely comes with the territory. In the south of France and in the north of Spain, they all chime in with their sense of tannins from a hearty Syrah, a Grenach/Syrah/Mouvedre (GSM) blend, or a black red wine from Cahors. The Spanish love an old school Rioja/ Tempranillo that often times tastes like a Bordeaux Cab. It’s interesting to note that if you’re into dry-aged steak or beef, that gamey flavor goes extremely well with—well, you guessed it: a well-aged vintage wine. Now’s the time and the perfect reason to open up that bottle that has been staring at you for so long. An aged Barolo or red Burgundy would be a winning ticket!

Hey—wait a moment! Even though the famous Indio International Tamale Festival will not be held this month due to the pandemic, there still will be a portion of our population taking down their share of beef tamales along the way. And way-back in December of 2014, this column did an article on tamale and wine pairings (Cold Duck Today—Hot Tamale) dealing with all sorts of types and styles. coachellavalleyweekly.com/22832.

As to the Beef Tamale with Red Sauce we recommended a “California Central Coast Pinot Noir or a young light Merlot, or go the other way with a chilled-up Spanish Fino Sherry. The Pinot and Merlot fit like a soft shoe with this tamale.

The dry fino Sherry is the sexy choice and puts you at the head of the class.” Wine reviews… whaddya gonna do? Bon Appétit and Cheers!

MANK

SCREENERS

What may be the best movie of the year is in limited theatrical release and streaming on Netflix.

David Fincher’s brilliantly crafted masterpiece is about old Hollywood and the power of the written word.

The beautiful black and white film is meticulously composed and edited to look like an old restored film. Finch’s obsession with detail is astonishing and a perfect canvas

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BEST BETS FOR THE HOME THEATER

for Gary Oldman’s incredible incarnation of functional alcoholic screenwriting genius Mankiewicz, during the time he was writing the Orson Wells directed Citizen Kane which was originally called The American (RKO came up with the Kane title).

This engaging film is a time virtual time machine to another place and era.

Mankiewics was a very complex man. The movie is a character piece about a truly gifted but tormented genius, filled with shame and self-loathing along with a prodigious wit. Oldman doesn’t look much like “Mank,” nor does he appear to wear significant prosthetics. He does bring to Finch does not hesitate to incorporate all the delicious nastiness and cynicism of the movie biz of then (and now). Mank came to Hollywood to write title cards for silent films. His writing

SAFETY TIPS FROM THE CHIEF’S CORNER

THE WILDFIRE THREAT INSIDE

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA YOUR HOME!

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here is a wildfire threat that will be in most everyone’s home – Christmas Tree Fires!

Christmas Trees are being sold earlier than normal. This is good news as many people are in a “Covid – Funk” and want to bring some needed joy into their homes.

The flip side to this is trees will become drier increasing the fire danger as we near Christmas. Add in the Santa Ana winds in the forecast and trees are becoming even more zapped of needed moisture increasing the

December 10 to December 16, 2020

danger.

When buying your tree follow these safety tips: Choose fresh over cheap and dry. The fresher the tree, the less likely it will pose a fire hazard. Look for flexible needles that don't break, and a trunk with sap Keep the water coming. The tree stand should contain a continuous source of water and be sturdy enough to resist toppling by kids or pets.

Trees don't need warmth. Keep the tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, candles and even a TV. Not any lights will do. Use low energy, safe lighting that's been certified by a safety testing lab. Don't use damaged or frayed cords.

Turn off the lights. Never leave the lights on overnight. Same goes for any appliances not in use when you are home or away.

Do not block exits or doorways. Keep trees clear of access/egress points.

Don't keep a dry tree around. Dispose of it at this point properly. Don't even keep it in the garage.

Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Make sure everyone knows its location and how to use it. Make sure your smoke detectors are working as well.

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

gift was early noted and he became a go-to writer, a “script doc” who was hired to “fix” scripts others had written.

The film incorporates themes that are relevant in our age of politics and media manipulation as it recounts publishing titan William Randolph Hearst’s attempts to shut down production of a movie that appeared to be about him in what was a mostly unflattering portrait of his private life at his sprawling San Simeon estate.

Amanda Seyfried is just about perfect as Heart’s actress girlfriend Marion Davies.

Tom Burke is convincing, especially vocally, as Orson Wells.

The period feel of 1930s Hollywood and the Victorville ranch where Mank went to recover, reflect and work is something to behold and reason enough to enjoy this amazing movie.

The biggest controversy about Citizen Kane among both film buffs and scholars is who actually wrote it? This movie, in a witty final shot, sides with Mank.

David’s father, Jack Fincher who died in 2003, wrote the screenplay years ago. It has a clever structure that in many ways mirrors Citizen Kane’s.

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS director John Hyams’ visceral, taut, and predictable yet unsettling film work.

This remake of a Swedish film is a great looking, twisty thriller devoid of emotional heft.

DRAGON SOLDIERS

ALONE Fine performances from Jules Wilcox and Marc Menchaca as victim and villain make Almost laughable in its inept and amateurish cheapness, this is a perfect example of wheat the denigrating term “straight to video” used to mean. It’s not a compliment.

When locals start vanishing from a small Colorado town, the mayor hires a squad of elite mercenaries to fight off the menace – whoever or what ever it may be. The leader Cameron (Ruben Pia) and his team suspect a ruthless gang of mercenary survivalists… until they come face to face with a massive airborne fire-breathing reptile.

Now, stopping the creature and surviving the attacks will take weapons, explosives and gunfire, along with every ounce of courage they have left. Lionsgate. DVD robin@coachellavalleyweekly.com

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December 10 to December 16, 2020

PET PLACE

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his precious Shih Tzu spent the first three years of his life suffering in a small cage inside a garage in the sweltering high desert heat. Other dogs were caged above, below, and next to him. Frankie was part of an illegal large scale “backyard breeding” operation also known as a “puppy mill” where dogs are bred indiscriminately, confined to small cramped spaces, frequently mistreated, and often experience untreated illnesses and death.

These cruel facilities operate out of the public eye, posting cute pictures of puppies costing many thousands of dollars online and in newspapers. There is a fine line between smaller local operations, and large scale operations that ship fragile and often sick puppies across the country to unsuspecting

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FRANKIE'S MESSAGE, DON'T ADOPT A PET ONLINE!

buyers. In 2018, California unanimously passed Assembly Bill 485 which banned the retail sale of dogs and cats in pet stores unless they were from rescues and shelters. The supply of animals in pet stores came mainly from puppy mills. Meanwhile, millions of adoptable homeless dogs and cats were tragically euthanized at public expense in public shelters. Dishonest puppy store merchants then “forged” records to circumvent the law. Additional legal efforts and public pressure eventually closed their businesses in California. The unscrupulous became more creative, hiding behind computers as they lure prospective adopters with cute photographs and deceiving information on social media.

How are the parent dogs treated? Frankie tells you his story, hoping to help save some of

the millions of animals still suffering in these cruel operations: “My feet were sore and swollen from standing on the wire mesh of my cage in the sweltering garage. I could barely stand up in the small cage. I could not turn around, and my legs cramped with pain. The stench was overwhelming, and the wail of the dogs beside and above made it difficult to sleep.

Sometimes waste products from the dogs above me dropped into my cage, and it was awhile before someone came to clean it.

Some days we had no food. We dogs in the garage never saw the sun, the moon, or the clouds. We never smelled the flowers, saw the rain, or felt the soft grass underneath our feet.

We never knew a loving touch from a human.

Sometimes one of the men got angry and hit me as he shoved me back into my cage.

We were roughly removed for brief times to mate with the females who were weak from having so many puppies. In the summer, the heat was sweltering and I smelled death coming from some of the cages. Many of the dogs were sick. My fur was so matted it felt like a painful helmet encasing my body. I was shut down and frozen from the endless suffering.

One day the garage door opened! Humans in uniforms took us away, and a nice woman took me and a few of the other dogs to Loving All Animals. I was scared when my new foster mom tried to touch me, and even more afraid of being groomed and going to the vet. I went to live with Kim Bledsoe and Linda Williams who have another dog who was also different.

My new sister Willow only has one eye.

Willow seemed happy and wanted to play. I wondered if I would ever be like Willow.”

Linda Williams recalls, “I learned that dogs like Frankie lacked socialization and feared people because of their horrible treatment and living conditions. I prayed I was up to the challenge of helping Frankie. He wouldn’t look at me in the eye, and it took me five days to get him to walk. He slept standing up with his head drooping. I pushed Frankie in a pet stroller around the neighborhood to introduce him to the world. Lawn mowers, leaf blowers, cars, people talking….all were new and frightening.

I was determined he would get the chance at a new life he deserved. One night a miracle happened. It was late in the night when Frankie had a bad dream, and I woke him up.

MEET MAX

MEET MAMA NANI

This magnificent pure breed German Shepherd boy dreams of a home for the holidays! Max is just 1 ½ years old and full of lively puppy energy.

He’d like a home with indoor/ outdoor access and a fenced in yard for playtime. Rescued by the Humane Society of the Coachella Valley orphanpet.com. Call (760) 3290203 for appointment to meet him.

This pretty young girl sits in the window at the Humane Society of the Coachella Valley hoping to see someone coming to adopt her. She watched all her kittens go to homes. Located in N. Palm Springs. Call (760) 329-0203 for an appt to meet this cuddly kitty.

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BY JANET McAFEE

He ran to me and put his front legs around my neck and gave me a huge hug. It took a while, but that was a turning point. He is still a bit timid around strangers, but he is a happy boy and always stays near me. When I’m coming home and I’m a block away, he knows it and becomes overjoyed. I have never been loved to the extent of how much Frankie loves me.”

As the demand for puppies and kittens increases over the holidays, puppy mills operating online are seeing a boom in their business. A recent national news broadcast described how some “scam” operators require large deposits and airline fees in advance, and then no dog ever arrives. Don’t be fooled by how friendly the seller might be! They don’t care about the dogs’ welfare, as “pets for profit” is about the dollar signs that come with each litter. Sadly, many breeders are profit motivated, and won’t let you see the conditions for the breeding parents. If the pet you purchased online or from a backyard breeder arrives with a medical or behavior problem, don’t expect to be compensated or have your emails and phone calls answered.

Sandy Miller, local dog trainer extraordinaire, warns her clients they are asking for problems when they purchase a pet online. The problems are compounded if the animal has to undergo the dangers of airline travel in the baggage compartment, where animals get lost or suffer health problems.

Sandy warns, “You don’t know what problems you are getting when you adopt online. When the animals are unknown and unseen, adopters may experience the tragedy of having to put a new pet down due to the extreme medical and behavior problems these pets can come with. The indiscriminate breeding done by these sellers can produce genetically inferior dogs when related animals mate. Many of my clients have adopted from pet stores and online sellers only to have huge medical bills.”

The list below can help in your search for a wonderful new rescue pet. Did you know that 35% of the dogs and cats in shelters are pure breeds? Rather than pay thousands of dollars for a pet, you can adopt a vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed/neutered animal from shelters and rescues for a nominal cost.

One of these organizations may have the

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pet you seek this holiday season. The Palm Springs Animal Shelter, the San Bernardino City Shelter, and the Coachella Valley Animal Campus are large shelters that often take in abandoned litters and may have puppies and kittens. Kittyland has lots of cats and kittens.

Don’t forget the middle aged and older animals who need homes for the holidays too, and they often arrive house trained! If you seek a specific breed and age of dog, go to www.perfinder.com and type in the breed along with your zip code for a list of dogs close to your home. Email me for additional ideas.

Rescue dogs and cats rock!

Merry Christmas to you and your 4-legged family members. (photograph by Alicia Bailey) Janetmcafee8@gmail.com ---------------------------------------------------

Below is a partial list of shelters and rescues in the Inland Empire with animals for adoption.

They are currently closed for walk-ins, and you must call for an appointment. You can view most of their animals online before calling.

Thank you for rescuing!

COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS – The county shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. You can view the animals at all four Riverside county shelters at www.rcdas.org, and get the ID number of the animal you want to adopt. Email them the animal’s ID number at shelterinfo@rivco.org, or schedule a virtual adoption appointment at www.rcdas.org, 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644. (Public) PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. They schedule

appointments Wednesday through Monday. View their animals online at www. psanimalsshelter.org, 4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, (760) 416-5718. (Public) ANIMAL SAMARITANS – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. View their animals at www. animalsamaritans.org. Email acorrow@ animalsamaritans.org to foster. Located at 72307 Ramon Rd, Thousand Palms, (760) 6013918. (Private) CALIFORNIA PAWS RESCUE - The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 73650 Dinah Shore, Palm Desert. View their animals at www. californiapawsrescue.com, (760) 656-8833.

(Private) HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt a dog or cat. This shelter has lots of big dogs in addition to small dogs and cats. View some of their animals at www.orphanpet.com. Located at 17825 N. Indian Canyon, Palm Springs, (760) 329-0203.

(Private) KITTYLAND – The shelter is closed so call for an appointment to adopt a cat. Located at 67600 18th Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, www. kittylandrescue.org, (760) 251-2700. (Private) FOREVER MEOW – Foster based rescue for cats located in Rancho Mirage. Contact them at www.ForeverMeow.org, (760) 335-6767.

(Private) PRETTY GOOD CAT – Foster based rescue for cats located in La Quinta. Contact them at www.prettygoodcat.com, (760) 660-3414 (Private) LOVING ALL ANIMALS – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to

December 10 to December 16, 2020

adopt. Located at 83496 Avenue 51, Coachella, www.lovingallanimals.org, (760) 834-7000.

(Private) MORONGO BASIN HUMANE SOCIETY – Located at 4646 Sun View Rd, Joshua Tree, www.mbhumanesociety.com, call between 11am-4pm for updates (760) 366-3786 (Private) CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ANIMAL SHELTER – Shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Hours for adoption 10am – 4pm Tuesday thru Sat. Google “City of San Bernardino Animal Shelter” for website to view animals and get the ID number of the animal you want to meet. Located at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, (909) 3841304 or (909) 384-7272. (Public) SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER AT DEVORE – Shelter closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Call (909) 386-9280 daily. View animals at www. sbcounty.gov/acc and get the ID number of animal you want to meet. Located at 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino (Public).

DREAM TEAM ANGELS RESCUE - Foster based rescue located in Grand Terrace/ San Bernardino area. Contact them through website www.DreamTeamangelsrescue.com, (360) 688-8884. (Private)

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December 10 to December 16, 2020

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HADDON LIBBY

A GRIM HOLIDAY SEASON

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hat is the unemployment rate?

This seems like a straightforward question. Giving someone a straightforward answer is not so easy as the definition of who is employed has evolved over time.

Before we can calculate the unemployment rate, we need to know how many people are employable. As such, we exclude children and the retired. This leaves us with a base of employment-aged people although a large number of people do not participate in the workforce. Different reasons why someone might not participate could include child raising, early retirement or a personal or family illness. Others are unemployable due to skills, geography and any number of other reasons.

At present, 61.6% of those of employment age are participating in the labor force. Stated differently, six out of ten people who are not retired, in school or retired are working while the other four do not. If we compare this with 20 years ago, nearly one more person in ten is not in the labor force than in the past.

The labor force participation rate amongst men is 70% and 55% amongst women.

Amongst minorities, 65% of Hispanics, 63% of Asians and 60% of blacks participate. Only one in three under 20 years of age participate.

Now that we know the percentage to include amongst the potentially employable, the unemployment rate is simply the percentage of those folks who are not employed.

BY HADDON LIBBY

Over the last fifty years, the government in consult with economists, have regularly redefined who to include as unemployed.

At the most basic level, people looking for work should count as unemployed. If we include those working a part-time job because a full-time job as well as those out of work for up to 12 months, we come up with something called the U-6 rate of unemployment. As of the end of November, one in eight people across the United States was considered unemployed. If you add those who do not work, we had more people of working age who were not working than those who were.

While this sounds nice in a 1950s-style Ozzie and Harriet world, is that the case today?

What happens to those who want to work but have not over the last year? They are simply excluded.

The headline unemployment rate that you typically hear in the news excludes people

DALEGRIBOW ON THELAW

2020 COVID HOLIDAY SCAMS

CONTACT TRACER: Beware of phony Contact Tracers who pretend they are gathering info about Covid 19, and ask for money or information that can steal your identity or your money. They may request social security numbers, financial info, money immigration status etc. All of these may be necessary for authentic contact tracing, however, they pray on the elderly in the CV. If you are not sure of the legality, contact our local health department to verify that the caller or message is from a valid tracer.

DOGS IN DEMAND: With Covid 19 causing us all to stay indoors, the need for companionship has never been greater. The demand is so great that some shelters have stopped accepting applications from those wanting to foster animals, and breeders say the waitlist for puppies has skyrocketed.

The problem is that demand like this brings out scammers.

Some have set up phony websites and fake advertisements for dogs that don’t exist. Often they want payment up front and never ship the animal they claim to have. This is not too different from the scammers that advertise to rent homes/rooms for Coachella and the tennis tournaments. They get the money and do not produce or have what they promised.

However, these pet scams are not only risky

December 10 to December 16, 2020

out of work for more than 15 weeks as well as those working part-time. If you exclude these fairly common groups of unemployed folks from the unemployment numbers, you get a 6.7% unemployment rate – a number that sounds a whole lot better than 12%.

None of this speaks to the millions of people who are underemployed in jobs that pay less than they would normally make and/or underutilize their skills.

Here in California, the official unemployment rate was 6.7% as of the end of November. This figure undercounts the true number of unemployed as the Employment Development Department (EDD) have a backlog of claims of approximately 1 million. Properly counted, California’s official unemployment rate is closer to one in ten than 6.7%. One can estimate that our U-6 rate is closer to 15%. Following Governor Newsome’s most recent shutdown orders, we

can expect this number to swell in December.

At the end of October, the official unemployment rate for Riverside County was 9.0% or 2.3% higher than the national and state averages. This suggests that the U-6 unemployment rate is at least 15%.

While figures are not available for the Coachella Valley, it is fair to assume that the unemployment levels are higher here than throughout the county or state due to our reliance on tourism. Without official figures, it is fair to estimate that closer to one in five folks are unemployed or working part-time in search of full-time work in the Coachella Valley. None of this considers the plight of undocumented workers in our region.

Unless we get a Christmas miracle, things that were going poorly before the shutdown and can only be expected to get worse over the next month. While we can expect relief in six to nine months, that does not help those in need today.

For those with the ability to help others in need, now is the time.

Haddon Libby is the Founder and Managing Partner of Winslow Drake Investment Management. To reach him, please email Hlibby@winslowdrake.com or visit www.WinslowDrake.com.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF THE INJURED & CRIMINALLY ACCUSED

but tear at the heartstrings of those in need of love or a companion.

GRANDPARENT SCAM: There are many of these. Sometimes it is your alleged grandchild or someone calling on their behalf because they have been arrested or in an accident. Maybe your grandchild fell ill or was injured and was taken to the hospital or jail and needs money. Contact is typically by phone but could come by email or mail. The story will be convincing. They even give the phone number to a partner claiming s/he is a doctor, police officer or lawyer…who needs money.

To protect yourself ask questions that only your grandchild could answer. This could be their first pet or where they went to school.

DISASTER REQUEST FOR MONEY: We all want to help one another during a disaster. This could be an earthquake or even our Covid Pandemic, where they ask you for money to help your neighbors. The scammer may impersonate a government agency that offers to help, but first demands an inspection fee. Sometimes it is just a contractor showing up without an appointment offering to do work on the spot…but only if you pay up front.

COVID TEST OFFERED FOR MONEY: A robocall might direct you to a website that looks like a clinic or medical supply company that offers Covid help. This might be

supplies or testing etc. They ask you to fill out a form and have you pay up front with a credit card.

SCAM OF ELDERS: Elders are more vulnerable, and susceptibility increases with age. The elderly are more susceptible to investment fraud and romance scams. This results in victims losing thousands of dollars. There are new scams that occur when the government is sending out stimulus checks and the scammer contacts the consumer to offer to get the money more rapidly with the payment of a fee.

PHISHING SCAMS: Scammers may claim to be from a governmental agency or offer IT support or claim the computer has a virus which will be fixed for a reasonable sum. They may tell you the computer may crash if certain work is not performed…for a sum of money.

Before you agree to a company, either a known or unknown one, you should check AVVO and their website for reviews. Be sure the company you are talking to is the company that will make the move. If you think you have been taken go to protectyourmove. gov. Research a charity before donating; charitynavigator.org and give.org are two good resources.

If you paid for a product through any scam sites, report to your bank, credit card company and the sites below: Inspector General: 1-800-269-0271 / oig. ssa.gov/report.

Fraud alert hotline: 855-303-9470 / aging. senate.gov/fraud-hotline FTC ID Theft Hotline: 877-ID-Theft / consumer.gov/idtheft SS hotline: 800-269-0271 / ssa.gov/oig Equifax: 800-525-6285 / equifax.com Experian: 888-397-3742/ experian.com Transunion: 800-680-7289 / transunion.com DRINKING AND TEXTING BOTH CAUSE ACCIDENTS OR MAKE A DRIVER LESS LIKELY TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT THAT WOULD NOT BE THEIR FAULT. BEING INTOXICATED IS JUST AS SERIOUS AS BEING INTEXTICATED. A DRIVER MUST DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO AVOID AN AT FAULT ACCIDENT. THE BOTTOM LINE IS “DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE OR TEXT AND GET A DUI OR ACCIDENT...

CALL A TAXI, LYFT OR UBER….THEY ARE A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME” Ideas for future columns contact Dale Gribow 760-837-7500 or dale@ dalegribowlaw.com.

DALE GRIBOW - Legal Representation Of The Injured and Criminally Accused “TOP LAWYER” - California’s Prestige Magazine, Palm Springs Life (PI/DUI) 2011-21 “TOP LAWYER” - Inland Empire Magazine 2016-19 PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating

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December 10 to December 16, 2020

SWAG FOR THESOUL

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BY AIMEE MOSCO

HEALING YOUR PAST TO GET UN-STUCK

“Many of us struggle with behavior patterns that cause us harm and keep us stuck in uncomfortable situations. Often the reason we cycle with these patterns is because subconsciously we dwell on the dysfunction…

We focus on what we don’t want and therefore we get more of it!” Daily Agreements, Guidelines & Intentions, by Aimee Mosco and Donald L. Ferguson, page 57 e all experience the same thing in that we are born and then we grow physically, emotionally and mentally through the different stages of life. There are no two days in the existence of anyone living and breathing in which they experience the same exact thing. This means that we all grow at least a little bit each day.

How many times have you learned something new and wished you had known that piece of information earlier in life? Or lamented your lack of wisdom ‘back in the day’?

While it is not possible to turn the clock back and re-create the events of your past knowing what you know now, you can look at your past and review your experiences with a new view to initiate healing.

Childhood is a wonderous time. There is beauty in the innocence of children because they see life with an unrefined openness that gets lost along the way. It is purposeful to lose this because the openness can invite as much pain as it can joy. Discernment and boundaries are a necessity to function with balance in the adult world.

There is benefit in reviewing the events of your childhood, both the wonderous memories as well the ones that left deep wounds in their wake. It is not always necessary to relive trauma in detail to spark healing, but it can be helpful to identify your mindset at the time of the trauma and compare that to your current understanding.

Often times you get trapped in an old mindset, a mindset that was born before you knew differently. Your brain continued

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recirculating that un-awakened perspective even though it was not as applicable as you grew.

It is important for you to remember that you are the keeper of your memories. You can choose to recirculate your memories with a mindset formulated once upon a time, or you can choose to apply an overlay of your new, current perspective and love to shift the impact those old stories have on your life now. It takes some soul searching as well as a willingness to see the soul lessons associated with the past, and it may not be easy, but it will likely inspire a healing event that moves you forward from a stuck position.

In my pursuit to help human beings move forward with love, I invite you to join Facebook group Evolve through Love hosted

by Elizabeth Scarcella and me. Go to facebook. com/groups/evolvethroughlove and share with us your joy.

Aimee Mosco is an Author, Intuitive Channel, Spiritual Teacher and Co-Founder of Intentional Healing Systems, LLC. Aimee’s desire to help others inspired her book “Gratitude + Forgiveness x (LOVE) = Happiness”. Aimee is one of the founding members of World Game Changers and she serves on the Board of Directors of this charitable CIC based in the UK. Find Aimee at www.ihsunity.com.

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

WEEK OF DECEMBER 10

ARIES (March 21-April 19): According to Taoist scholar Chad Hansen, “Western philosophers have endlessly analyzed and dissected a cluster of terms thought to be central to our thinking,” such as truth, beauty, reason, knowledge, belief, mind, and goodness. But he reports that they’ve never turned their attention to a central concept of Chinese philosophy: the Tao, which might be defined as the natural, unpredictable flow of life’s ever-changing rhythms. I think that you Aries people, more than any other sign of the zodiac, have the greatest potential to cultivate an intuitive sense of how to align yourselves vigorously with the Tao. And you’re in prime time to do just that.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): What’s the cause of the rumbling at the core of your soul? How do we explain the smoke and steam that are rising from the lower depths? From what I can discern, the fire down below and the water down below are interacting to produce an almost supernatural state of volatile yet numinous grace. This is a good thing! You may soon begin having visions of eerie loveliness and earth-shaking peace. The clarity that will eventually emerge may at first seem dark, but if you maintain your poise it will bloom like a thousand moons.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Author and student Raquel Isabelle de Alderete writes wittily about her paradoxical desires and contradictory qualities.

In accordance with current astrological omens, I encourage you to ruminate about your own.

For inspiration, read her testimony: “I want to be untouchably beautiful but I also don’t want to care about how I look. I want to be at the top of my class but I also just want to do as best as I can without driving myself to the edge. I want to be a mystery that’s open to everybody. A romantic that never falls in love. Both the bird and the cat.”

CANCER (June 21-July 22): What would it take for you to muster just a bit more courage so as to change what needs to be changed? How could you summon the extra excitement and willpower necessary to finally make progress on a dilemma that has stumped you? I’m happy to inform you that cosmic rhythms will soon be shifting in such a way as to make these breakthroughs more possible. For best results, shed any tendencies you might have to feel sorry for yourself or to believe you’re powerless.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Novelist Tom Robbins says you have the power to change how you perceive the world. You can change reality—and how reality responds to you—by the way you look at it and interpret it. This counsel is especially useful for you right now, Leo. You have an unparalleled opportunity to reconfigure the way you apprehend things, and thereby transform the world you live in.

So I suggest you set your intention. Vow that for the next two weeks, every experience will bring you a fresh invitation to find out something you didn’t know before.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi was re-elected in 2019. During his campaign, the Virgo-born politician arranged to be photographed while wearing the saffron robes of a Hindu priest and meditating in an austere Himalayan cave. Why did he do it? To appeal to religious voters.

But later it was revealed that the “cave” was in a cozy retreat center that provides regular meals, electricity, phone service, and attentive attendants.

It will be crucial for you to shun this type of fakery in 2021, Virgo. Your success will depend on you being as authentic, genuine, and honest as you can possibly be. Now is an excellent time to set your intention and start getting yourself in that pure frame of mind.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): When author Ernest Hemingway was working on the manuscript for his novel A Farewell to Arms, he asked his colleague F. Scott Fitzgerald to offer critique. Fitzgerald obliged with a ten-page analysis that advised a different ending, among other suggestions. Hemingway wasn’t pleased. “Kiss my ass,” he wrote back to Fitzgerald. I suggest a different approach for you,

© Copyright 2020 Rob Brezsny

Libra. In my view, now is a good time to solicit feedback and mirroring from trusted allies. What do they think and how do they feel about the current state of your life and work? If they do respond, take at least some of it to heart.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Mistletoe is a parasite that grows on trees, weakening them.

On the other hand, it has been a sacred plant in European tradition. People once thought it conferred magical protection. It was called “allheal” and regarded as a medicine that could cure numerous illnesses. Even today, it’s used in Europe as a remedy for colon cancer. And of course mistletoe is also an icon meant to encourage kissing. After studying your astrological potentials, I’m proposing that mistletoe serve as one of your symbolic power objects in the coming months.

Why? Because I suspect that you will regularly deal with potencies and energies that could potentially be either problematic or regenerative. You’ll have to be alert to ensure that they express primarily as healing agents.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I’m envisioning a scene in which you’re sitting on a chair at a kitchen table. At the center of the table is a white vase holding 18 long-stemmed red roses. The rest of the table’s surface is filled with piles of money, which you have just unloaded from five mysterious suitcases you found at your front door. All of that cash is yours, having been given to you no-stringsattached by an anonymous donor. You’re in joyful shock as you contemplate the implications of this miraculous gift. Your imagination floods with fantasies about how different your life can become. Now, Sagittarius, I invite you to dream up at least three further wonderfully positive fantasies involving good financial luck. That’s the medicine you need right now.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Boisterous Capricorn novelist Patricia Highsmith (1921–1995) once made the following New Year’s Eve Toast: “To all the devils, lusts, passions, greeds, envies, loves, hates, strange desires, enemies ghostly and real, the army of memories, with which I do battle—may they never give me peace.” Right now I suspect you may be tempted to make a similar toast. As crazy-making as your current challenges are, they are entertaining and growth-inducing. You may even have become a bit addicted to them. But in the interests of your long-term sanity, I will ask you to cut back on your “enjoyment” of all this uproar. Please consider a retreat into an intense self-nurturing phase.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In the French city of Strasbourg, there’s a wine cellar built in the year 1395. Among its treasures is a barrel filled with 450 liters of wine that was originally produced in 1472.

According to legend, this ancient beverage has been tasted on just three occasions. The last time was to celebrate the French army’s liberation of Strasbourg from German occupation in 1944. If I had the power, I would propose serving it to you Aquarians in honor of your tribe’s heroic efforts to survive—and even thrive—during the ordeals of 2020. I’m predicting that life in 2021 will have more grace and progress because of how you have dealt with this year’s challenges.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): There are too many authorities, experts, know-it-alls, and arrogant ideologues trying to tell us all what to do and how to do it. Fortunately, the cosmic rhythms are now aligned in such a way as to help you free yourself from those despots and bullies. Here’s more good news: Cosmic rhythms are also aligned to free you from the nagging voice in your own head that harass you with fearful fantasies and threaten you with punishment if you aren’t perfect.

Homework: What’s the one thing you don’t have that would help you make the biggest improvement in your life? FreeWillAstrology.com.

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

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December 10 to December 16, 2020

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