Coachella Valley Weekly - December 17 to December 23, 2020 Vol. 9 No. 40 by CV Weekly

coachellavalleyweekly.com • December 17 to December 23, 2020 Vol.9 No.40

CV Music Awards 2020

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The Living Desert Re-Opening

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California Fish Grill

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December 10 to December 16, 2020

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December 10 to December 16, 2020

GINA CAREY SHINES LIGHT ON HER NEW PROJECTS

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

CONTENTS Gina Carey............................................. 3-5 Screeners ................................................. 6 Pet Place ............................................. 8 - 9 The Living Desert Reopening................ 9

ike many plans set in motion during 2020, this year took an unexpected turn and left plenty of those goals on the back burner. There are some exceptions to this common occurrence, as the multitalented Gina Carey continues to embark on several new projects. Having launched the grand opening of GNA Universal Media in January of this year, Carey started her own television network, NDME TV NETWORK, as well as a web-based magazine, The Indie Post. Additionally, the two companies that she had prior to launching these companies were Gina Carey Films and Gico Music. Within the last two months, Carey has launched two additional projects: Under the Radar Magazine and Indie Music TV. “Quarantine has not affected my creativity in any way. On the contrary, it has given me loads of time to build my business to be even more solid than it was in January. Before COVID, I didn’t have as much time as I do now. I know that I would have gotten a lot of things done, but sometimes circumstances can cause pivotal points in our life. The stories that I’m telling now, I would not have thought of these things if COVID had not happened. I think it’s all in how you look at life. As long as we’re on the face of this earth there will be good and bad days, but we have to be determined regardless to stay on course,” stated Carey. A jack of all trades, Carey is also currently a radio presenter on her own radio station, Indie Soul Radio, where every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. PST, she presents a gospel radio show that features old and new school gospel music called “Glorious Grooves”. Her radio show has gained traction, as one day after her first show, Carey was asked by

Surrey Hills Soul Train Radio that broadcasts from the UK to syndicate her show through their radio station every Tuesday from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. GMT. She was also asked by another large radio station in Italy, Soul City the Beat, to syndicate her radio show through their radio station every Sunday, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. PST. With a current presence on three radio stations worldwide, Carey also had the opportunity to travel to the UK a few months ago to begin the process of producing new music to release in 2021. Indie Soul Radio currently has five radio presenters from around the world. Three radio presenters are from the UK, and two

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

reside in California. The radio station plays a variety of musical genres including soul, funk, disco, hip hop, reggae, jazz, and Latin music. “I recently went into a co-partnership for Indie Soul Radio with my station manager, Andrew Sedman, who resides in the UK. He has over 36 years of experience as a renowned DJ and spinning vinyl, so I’m really excited about that. I believe the further our reach, the more opportunities that we can create for independent artists to have their music heard,” said Carey. Carey just launched a new channel on the NDME TV Network, Indie Music continue to page 5

The Vino Voice ...................................... 11 Cannabis Corner ................................... 12 Safety Tips ........................................... 13 Theatre................................................... 13 Good Grub - California Fish Grill.......... 13 Haddon Libby........................................ 14 Dale Gribow........................................... 14 Free Will Astrology .............................. 15

December 10 to December 16, 2020

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GINA CAREY

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December 10 to December 16, 2020

continued from page 3

TV. This 24-hour music TV channel gives independent artists a platform to show their music videos and their live performances. The television network is open to multiple genres, however, it does not publish music that is considered sexually explicit, controversial, or videos that use strong language. Indie Music TV can be accessed through two different platforms: Indie Me TV and Indie Soul Radio. Her latest projects for NDME TV are the “Behind Closed Doors” episodic shorts. They are all Gina Carey films productions and are being shown through The NDME TV Network that can be streamed from your smart TV through the NDME TV YouTube Channel. Each one of these short films tells the story about everyday people experiencing everyday problems set in the current environment that we are all experiencing at this present moment. The series currently has three episodes out, with the latest being “Equally Blind,” starring Lisa Gilbert and Wayne Lundy, and tells the story of two opposite siblings and brings attention to the comparison of physical and spiritual blindness. “Although I prefer to write feature films, I chose to write a series of short films to keep my set small and intimate, especially in the light of this pandemic that we’re all currently trying to navigate through. The second reason I chose to write these shorts is that sometimes I think about the people that we see every day and I realize that

everyone has a story to tell, so I thought I would just tell stories about things people go through behind closed doors. They all don’t have happy endings. But life is that way,” explained Carey.

Since the first COVID-19 lockdown in March, Carey has been filming a talk show starring Marcus Lantero with special guest Stanly Butler, called “Tell My Story,” about people who had big dreams to set major goals in their life but feel as though they have not reached those goals yet. COVID safety measures have been taken, such as having a small cast of no more than one to three people in a script, having shorter filming times and producing only short films. Temperature checks are also conducted upon arrival and actors agree to take a COVID test before filming. “I approach everything I do with passion, excellence, and focus. I love to be creative

and whatever I can do that allows me to express that creativity, whether it is music, film, writing, or television, I’m enjoying it. Although I congratulate people who have achieved the pinnacle of their careers, I consider everyday people to be the most inspirational to me. I’m surrounded in a world of independent entrepreneurs who strive hard every day to try and fulfill their lifelong dreams. Most of them have regular jobs that may or may not make so much, but I see them laboring alongside with me dreaming and working hard outside of work hours to do something greater doing what they’re doing right now,” said Carey.

pecial Awards will go to: Pioneer Award: Tony Tornay Trailblazer Award: Armando Flores Lifetime Achievement Award: Kal David & Lauri Bono ICON Award: Keisha D Michael Keeth: Live from the Road Josh & Linda Heinz: Live from the Living Room We will announce 15 of the 39 nominated categories and will have at least 5-7 live performances. More details next week after we know more about the lockdown.

December 10 to December 16, 2020

SCREENERS

hristmas movies are a self-perpetuating industry that never fills the gaping maw of its assumed audience. Mostly drivel, these sickly-sweet, smarmy or thuddingly unfunny narratives would-be farcical productions crowd the cable and streaming calendar this time of year. But every once in a while, a holiday themed movie breaks through and connects with a greater truth that resonates with an audience no matter how many times it has been viewed. If you’re already familiar with great family fare that includes “NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION,” “A CHRISTMAS STORY,” “MIRACLE ON 34th STREET,” and of course the ritualized liturgy of family gatherings to pay homage to “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE,” (now availkable in a beautiful hi-def Blu-ray transfer from Paramoubt) here are some additional titles that might fit your Christmas mood – whether cynical or sincere. “THE BISHOP’S WIFE” (1947) "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for some people have entertained angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:2 Cary Grant is Dudley, an angel sent down as a result of the prayers of new bishop David Niven in

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THOUGHTFUL & TWISTED CHRISTMAS TALES SINCERE AND CYNICAL CINEMA FOR THE SEASON

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1947's sly and wise treat from MGM. So caught up in trying to raise funds to build a new cathedral, the bishop neglects his beautiful, devoted wife, a doe-eyed Loretta Young. The obviously tempted Dudley shows the bishop's wife how to celebrate the precious, passing moments and the bishop learns the greatest lesson of all. The world's three great religions incorporate angels as real, created entities, messengers between the world of mortals and God. And movies about angels, both good and bad, will always be messengers of film entertainment. This exceptional black and white title about a very good angel is worthy of your time. Incidentally, when Sam Goldwyn got a look at the initial production footage, he hated what he saw. Fired director William Seiter, had switched the roles of Niven and Grant, hired Henry Koster to direct and voila! a sublime classic was created. Highly recommended. Black & White full frame.) RARE EXPORTS Originally an award winning series of short films, now expanded by director Jalmari Helander into a highly unusual feature. This strange, sometimes horrifying Christmas

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

tale is set in the frozen wastes of Finland where local reindeer herders battle an ancient, mythic but newly manifest evil: Santa Claus. Yes, THE Santa! But it’s his vast army of vicious brutish, elfish “helpers” that must be killed -- or tamed. Single father Rauno (Jorma Tommila) and his young son, Pietari (Onni Tommila) must sort out a truth for themselves that will ensure their future. This disturbing, regional folktale made real is unlike any so-called Christmas movie you have seen. “SANTA CLAUSE CONQUERS THE MARTIANS” (1964) Incredibly bizarre, this vintage public domain film widely copied and resold is in terrible condition. Spices, dirt, faded color, bad sound and so on. But that only adds to the ambient power of this demented foray into the fragmented Clausian mythos. Although there is a plot, the title pretty much says it all. It seems that Martians are upset because their children have been watching TV broadcasts from earth and have learned about Santa Claus. Of course, everyone knows there’s only one Santa, so the Martians come to earth and kidnap two kids who lead them to the North Pole. There, the Martians kidnap Santa and the kids and return to Mars. A bunch of stuff happens on the trip to Mars and after they get there. Bla bla bla. Suffice it to say, the Gospel of Santa does eventually reach Mars. But here’s what makes this movie a masterpiece for me. I turn off the sound and play the opening of Wagner’s “Ring” very loud. And then I found “The Three Penny Ring Cycle” by Les Grooms. This is an 80 minute reduction of Wagner’s massive 17 hour opera and if fits perfectly the length of SCCTM. The resulting experience is surreal in the extreme, it works even better the worse quality of your DVD transfer. Be sure to turn up the contrast ratio and set the picture to “vivid.” Beware. “MARCH OF THE WOODEN SOLDIERS” (AKA “BABES IN TOYLAND”) (1934) On the far end of the musical movie spectrum is the colorized Laurel and Hardy "March of the Wooden Soldiers." Originally released as “Babes in Toyland,” adapted from Victor Herbert's operetta "Babes in Toyland," there's more of the Holiday Spirit in this 1934 classic than in most of the insipidly lame attempts of movies that exploit the holiday season. Dum (Stan) and Dee (Ollie) are Santa's toymakers preparing for the big delivery on Christmas eve. Mother Goose and nursery rhyme characters are all over the place and Stan and Ollie are in constant trouble ("Is that 100 six-foot toy soldiers or 600 one-footers?") Silas Barnaby, (remember "the meanest man in town"?), Bo Peep (she's being forced into marriage by Silas

or he will evict Bo's mom, who is in fact The Old Woman In The Shoe). And there's Tom Tom the Piper's Son (Ms Peep's true love) and the big finale with the creepy attack of the Bogeymen. This classic has been cleaned up, digitally remastered and colorized and looks about as perfect as the best of old style children's book illustrations and I bet Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy themselves would want this one colorized. Stan even said he regretted they couldn’t shoot this in color. It's certainly no sacrilege. This is one beautiful, Fauvistic fever dream of a movie; a weirdly mesmerizing treat. Laurel and Hardy forever! Let's all love each other, OK? That said, there is something else to consider. For those who dare to read between the lines (or movie frames), this film can be seen as a subversive horror fest that plumbs deeply disturbing psychological and political issues not touched on in contemporary films. I am amazed that someone hasn't examined this in detail and I have often wondered how much of it may have been intentional -- perhaps from the brilliantly demented mind of Stan Laurel. Only on the surface is this a children's movie. John McCabe mentions in his liner notes to the soundtrack LP that Stan felt Babes in Toyland had more consistent entertainment values than any of their films, and his one regret was that it hadn't been made in color. Three-strip Technicolor was still a year or so in the future in 1934. “BAD SANTA” (2003) There are currently three different versions of Bad Santa available: the 93-minute theatrical cut, the 98-minute “Badder Santa” (Unrated) edition, and the newer 88-minute Director's Cut. The changes are slight and only affect the tone of the film. Not everyone’s cup of tea, this brilliant film about an alcoholic criminal and his midget partner-in-crime has an unfiltered look at life on the dark edge of the manufactured holiday that celebrates Christ’s birth. It is not only an unblinking look at the business of Christmas, but also showcases the unexpected and ironic unconditional love of a misfit kid who still yearns for a real Santa even if he’s a reprobate fraud at death’s door. Billy Bob Thornton is Santa, Lauren Graham is his girlfriend (she likes men in uniform), the late John Ritter is a befuddled store manager and the late Bernie Mac is a dubious store detective. The late Tony Cox is a little person elf partner of Thornton. But it is Brett Kelly who will break your heart as the bullied fat kid who still believes in the goodness of a real Santa in spite of all the evidence to the contrary. The story came from the Coen brothers and Terry Zwigoff directed with a very sure hand and a clear vision. I love this near-perfect film with its profound and timeless message of love for the unlovable. Here is the ultimate American Christmas movie and should be required viewing for all those who are sick of the forced gaiety and obligations of the holidays. Times are tough enough. (Director’s cut: Not rated. Merry Christmas. God bless us one and all. Comments? robin@coachellavalleyweekly. com

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December 10 to December 16, 2020

PET PLACE

he tiny kittens huddled together for comfort in a cardboard box inside a trash dumpster. It was August 4, 2020, a scorching Coachella Valley summer day. The air in the dumpster was suffocating and the stench overwhelming. Their little bodies ached with hunger, and time was running out for them to survive. They meowed desperately seeking their mother. That day, Jasmine walked to a dumpster at her Cathedral City apartment complex. She was shocked to hear the cries of animals inside a cardboard box containing 3 tiny kittens. She removed the box, and then scooped up another kitten from underneath the garbage. How could someone leave such innocent animals to suffer a slow and painful death? Jasmine recalled this wasn’t the first time litters of kittens were abandoned at the apartment complex. She had to act quickly. She called Jeanette Guzman at Loving All Animals. Jasmine’s texted photo showing their size told Jeanette the kittens’ situation was urgent. She knew they would need a foster home that could bottle feed every 3-4 hours!

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THE LION KING KITTENS, A LESSON IN LOVE!

Kari Penny recently contacted Loving All Animals to offer her services as a kitten foster mom. Kari’s friend, Meredith Greenwood, suggested she call after learning Kari fostered and bottle fed many litters of neonatal kittens. Kari used to live in Los Angeles, and the dumpster behind the Burbank television studio where she worked was a dumping ground for cats and kittens. Her veterinarian walked her through the process of bottle feeding for her first litter of rescued neonatal kittens. A miracle life-saving connection was made when Kari said “Yes” to taking the dumpster kittens. Kari recalls, “My children, 11-yr-old Jax and 13-yr-old Skye, were home during the pandemic, and my daughter asked about fostering kittens. My children and I have always taken in injured and abandoned animals. The kittens appeared to be about a week old. They appeared to have been fed by a mother cat up until they were discarded.” The family pitched in as Kari bottle fed at night, and the children took turns during the day. The children named them after the animals in The Lion King, Simba, Pumba, Timon, and Nala. The kittens were soon vetted and diagnosed positive for the coccidia parasite. They were prescribed medication, but sadly Simba didn’t survive. The kittens were so young and their early deprivation made them more vulnerable to parasites and disease. Everyone was heartbroken but determined to fight for the lives of his siblings. Kari reports, “There was a happy and a sad side to fostering these kittens, but our family pulled together for the happy side. Sometimes our commitments change, but it’s no reason to give up, and we had these 3 to give a better life. Fostering is a great teaching opportunity for children, showing them not only the importance of caring and loving, but also how frail life is and how it should never be discarded.” Nala, Pumba and Timon thrived and played with kitten joy. Once the kittens were retested and cleared from parasites, family pups Coco and Cupcake, became part of the team to care for them. The dogs are pictured here watching over Timba. Loving All Animals took

them back to the vet clinic to be spayed and neutered, dewormed, FIV tested, vaccinated, and microchipped in preparation for forever homes. The Lion King kittens taught the children valuable lessons about love and triumph. Skye and Jax were involved in all aspects of caring for the playful trio. Skye tells us, “Animals can be your best friend, even for a short while when fostering. Even if no person makes you happy, an animal will definitely put a smile on your face. I can’t wait to foster again!” Skye took part in the kittens’ adoptions, and after a brief bit of sadness, happily got to see the “joyful light on the adopters’ faces.” Jax wisely reports, “Fostering is definitely a big responsibility, but anybody can do it if they like animals. Taking care of animals is like being a father or mother, it’s a good feeling. I loved watching them grow and get different personalities. Please adopt a homeless animal, because there are so many strays on the street that might not make it.” The crisis of cat overpopulation continues. Our public shelters do not have night time staff available to bottle feed motherless neonatal animals, and their fate there is uncertain. Without a foster home available to bottle feed, abandoned litters of kittens suffer from disease, predators, starvation,

MEET LUNA

MEET SOCKS & MITTENS

This sweet angel girl, just 2 yrs old, waits at our county shelter since Nov 25 to get a home. She’s 45 lbs of love, a mix between a Beagle and a Lab, dog ID#A1516773, a the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms. Call (760) 343-3644 and follow instructions at www.rcdas.org. (Shelter closed to walk ins)

Precious brother and sister kittens seek a home together to double the love and double the fun! Rescued by www.ForeverMeow.org these 3-month-old kittens are at PetCo in Palm Desert on Hwy 111. Call (760) 335-6767.

BY JANET McAFEE

and human cruelty. Jeanette tells us, “There is help available. Please treat animals as the living, breathing, beautiful creatures they are. Loving All Animals supports Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) clinics to help stop the suffering of unwanted kitten litters. Low cost spay and neuter programs can help family pets. Get your pet spayed or neutered because your roaming cat can add to the problem.” There are simply not enough homes for all the kittens being born. Low cost spay/neuter services are available through Animal Action League, (760) 366-1100. Thanks to an amazing family who worked as a team to save them, the Lion King Kittens thrived. Thanks to Loving All Animals and their generous donors, the Lion King Kittens bring comfort and joy to their new ‘furever’ families this holiday season. Please donate online at www.lovingallanimals.org or mail a check to Loving All Animals, 83496 Avenue 51, Coachella, CA 92236. All donations are tax deductible to this 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. With your help, Loving All Animals can save more cats and dogs….the young and

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frail, in addition to seniors needing special veterinary care. Give a holiday gift to a friend by donating in their name. Your gift to Loving All Animals helps to end to the tragedy that the newborn Lion King Kittens endured and keep little hearts beating across the Coachella Valley. Photos by Kari Penny 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 walkins, and you must call for an appointment.

You can view most of their animals online before calling. If you seek a specific breed, you can also check on www.petfinder.com and put in the breed and your zip code. 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 Wed. through Mon. 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) 601-3918. (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) 3356767. (Private) PRETTY GOOD CAT – Foster based rescue for cats located in La Quinta. Contact them at www.prettygoodcat.com, (760) 660-3414 (Private) BFF4pets – Foster based rescue for dogs and cats located in La Quinta. Email them

THE LIVING DESERT ZOO AND GARDENS SET TO REOPEN AS AN OUTDOOR RECREATION FACILITY ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17

he Living Desert Zoo and Gardens will reopen daytime operations as an outdoor recreational facility on Thursday, December 17. Under the State of California’s December 6th regional stay-athome order, outdoor recreational facilities are permitted to operate with additional safety precautions. Set on more than 1,200 total acres, The Living Desert features miles of hiking trails and paved garden pathways, allowing guests the opportunity to pursue physically distanced, personal health and wellness through outdoor exercise. To adhere to the State of California’s outdoor recreational facility operating requirements, The Living Desert will close all food and beverage outlets, areas of gathering, indoor exhibits, giraffe feeding, and the

carousel. Advanced reservations are required for all admissions including members and guests. In addition, face coverings continue to be required for all guests over 3 years of age. “The Living Desert is known for a variety of attributes including being a beautiful place to walk and hike,” said Allen Monroe, President/ CEO of The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. “We are grateful that we can continue to provide our community the opportunity to safely connect with nature during these challenging times.” The original mandate from the State of California included zoos, however, The Living Desert does not fit the traditional zoo definition with its vast hiking trails and more than 50 botanical gardens. The cities of Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and Rancho Mirage,

along with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) wrote formal letters to Riverside County stating that The Living Desert officially meets the criteria and intent of an outdoor recreation facility. After legal review, the City of Palm Desert issued a determination that The Living Desert was officially classified as an outdoor recreation facility. Therefore, The Living Desert has outlined a revised COVID-19 reopening strategy with the following modifications: Health and Safety Precautions: Advanced reservations required, limited guest capacity, required face coverings for all guests 3 years and older, easy access to numerous handwashing/sanitizing stations, in addition to the Park’s current COVID-19 safe operating procedures. What will be Open: Paved walking paths

December 10 to December 16, 2020 at rescues@bff4pets.com, (310) 431-7818 (Private) LOVING ALL ANIMALS – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to 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 – The 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) 384-1304 or (909) 3847272. (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)

NEWS

and unpaved hiking trails; The Appel Gift Shop will be open with 20% capacity. What will be Temporarily Closed: All food and beverage outlets, indoor exhibit spaces, outdoor play spaces, giraffe feeding, wildlife and reptile shows, keeper chats, carousel, private tours, and other points of gathering. WildLights remains canceled. “The health, safety and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers, animals, and guests continues to be our highest priority, and we remain diligent in our efforts to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The enforcement of mask-wearing and physical distancing throughout the Park will be a high priority for our team,” continued Monroe. “As outlined by the Riverside County Department of Health and State of California, outdoor recreation continues to be a low-risk activity, and we look forward to welcoming guests back to the Park.”

December 10 to December 16, 2020

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December 10 to December 16, 2020

THE VINO VOICE BUBBLY BUBBLY 2020

ell folks—so this is Christmas... Hanukkah...Kwanzaa...Ōmisoka... Boxing Day, you name it. As this tumultuous year comes to an end—we’re up for a delicious cheer! and we toast to the new hopeful year! Throughout the pandemic year, our column has hopefully provided its share of tasty wine recommendations to be found at a reasonable price or even at a great deal of the day. We’ve even recommended wines priced at $3 a bottle: The Gallo Sauvignon Blanc and the Aconga Red Blend, both scoring a solid 86 points. But as is our tradition at this time, we highlight the best Champagnes to consider— no matter what the cost. And while many of us quaffers will tend to spend the extra bucks for the well-deserved holiday treat, we all will be enjoying these wines described below—if only in our dreams. Following, in quotes, are Wine Spectators top reviews: Bollinger Brut Champagne La Grande Année 2012 ($175) 97 points. I forget now the occasion in which we opened the 1996 Grande Année, six years ago. But as we know, opening a great bottle of wine is the occasion. And the ‘96 Année was one of the best Champagnes I’ve ever had: Although its color was turning from bright to a touch darker hue, the liquid tasted fresh, complex, great mouth-feel and finish. We could tell that Champagne could age well for a couple decades. Bollinger makes great stuff. “[the 2012 La Grande Année] goes from zero to 60 right out of the gate, with an intense spine of acidity driving tightly meshed flavors of crushed black currant, ground coffee, candied grapefruit peel, and toasted almond. The profile expands on the palate, carried by the fine, raw silk-like mousse. Richly aromatic and expressive from start to lasting, spiced finish...drink now through 2037.” Krug Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne Clos du Mesnil 2006 ($1050) 97 points. As many wine enthusiasts know, Krug has been the Champagne of royalty and gazillionaires for years. And the Krug’s single vineyard, Clos du Mesnil is hallowed ground. A bucket list for top Champagne collectors and cultists. “A stunner, displaying all the lithe grace of a ballet dancer that belies the underlying powerful musculature. Sleek acidity creates a mouthwatering impression throughout, seamlessly knit, with the fine, creamy texture. Expressive lime blossom and spice aromatics are layered with fruit flavors of poached apricot, dried cherry and a touch of passion fruit coulis. Long and minerally on the racy finish, echoing rich, savory notes of grilled nut and espresso ...drink now through 2036.” Louis Roederer Brut Champagne Cristal 2012 ($279) 97 points. Of course, Cristal has its own Facebook page and was the rage of many folks who wished to display their wealth at restaurant dining. But hey! It’s always been a delicious Champagne—and who wouldn’t want a glass of that bubbly?! I did have a glass and it was fab! “A classic beauty, fresh-faced and focused today, but with a harmonious grace of form suggesting a long career ahead. There’s a creamy, viscous quality to the mousse that swathes the palate, carrying finely detailed flavors of poached quince, Mandarin orange preserves, toasted almond and pickled ginger. Mouthwatering throughout, with a pleasing, soft zestiness to the mineral-laced finish. Drink now through 2035.”

BY RICK RIOZZA

Krug Brut Champagne Grand Cuvée 168ème Édition NV ($160) 95 points. Krug again! A seamless bubbly “of racy acidity with a detailed range of crème de cassis, raw almond, toasted saffron, and candied ginger flavors; salty mineral and rich hints of coffee, toasted brioche and Mandarin orange peel. Drink now through 2030.” Pierre Péters Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne L’Etonnant Monsieur Victor Edition MK.13 NV ($289) 94 points. A ChampagneHouse always under the radar. The Pierre Péters estate, situated in the heart of the "Côte des Blancs" in the village of Le Mesnil sur Oger, has been a family house for six generations and has produced Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs since 1919. “This classy Champagne packs a lot into a svelte and finely knot frame, defined by sleek, mouthwatering acidity and driven by an underpinning of salty mineral, with flavors of pear tart, salted almond, pastry cream and Mandarin orange peel unfolding on the palate through lasting finish. Drink now through 2027.” For you folks who’d love to try a Pierre Péters Brut Blanc de Blancs Cuvée de Reserve NV ($60) 92 points, to experience the quality of their terroir, check out: “Sleek and mouthwatering, with a fine, satiny mousse and a fresh panoply of crunchy pear, grapefruit sorbet, pickled ginger and spring blossom notes. Bright and finely knit, with rich hints of toast and mineral echoing on the finish. Drink now through 2025.” G.H. Mumm Brut Champagne Grand Cordon NV ($45) 91 points. “Bright and graceful, with a lively bead and delicate flavors of Granny Smith apple, grated ginger and toast point. Lacy, citruslaced finished. Drink now through 2023.” Piper-Heidsieck Brut Champagne Cuvée NV ($47) 91 points. “Bright and lively with citrusy acidity enlivening rich hints of crème de cassis, toasted almond and crystallized honey. Accents of minerally smoke and saline linger on the creamy finish. Drink now.” Moet & Chandon Brut Champagne Imperial NV ($44) 90 points. “Lively and balanced, offering a round and accessible mix of juicy tangerine and ripe blackberry fruit flavors underscored by toasted brioche, grated ginger, graphite and spice. A fresh crowd-pleaser. Drink now through 2023. Tattinger Brut Champagne La Française NV ($49) 90 points. A toasty Champagne in an aperitif style, creamy on the palate and showing flavors of poached apricot, preserved lemon and grated ginger underscored by a hint of smoke. Drink now. Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne NV ($49) 90 points. Lightly toasty on the nose, will grilled nut and smoke notes underscoring poached pear and pasty cream flavors. Rapierlike acidity keeps this fresh and focused. Drink now. And cheers to you all!

December 10 to December 16, 2020

CANNABIS CORNER

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he American Cannabis Nursing Association (ACNA) held their virtual conference on December 5th to th 8 with over two hundred attendees. The organization has seen an influx of members this year mimicking the 68% of US adults who believe weed should be legal. (acna. memberclicks.net) The seed for ACNA was planted in 2006 by two visionary nurses, Mary Lynn Mathre and Julia Glick. They saw the need to represent the emerging field of endocannabinoid therapeutics to professional nurses, providing scientific, patient educational opportunities, and research. The vision was born in 2015 when the tax except status was granted for ACNA. Nurses provide the missing link between the physician and the dispensary. Yes, many users can view the plethora of products behind the counter, receive advice from the nonprofessional budtender, and effectively treat their symptoms. But a majority of clients with complex medical conditions require a medical professional to discern the best mode of administration, storage, the ability to adjust dosage requirements, and the coordination with physicians on the possible elimination of pharmaceuticals. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing, (NCSBN), released guidelines in 2018 for caring for patients using marijuana. (ncsbn. org/marijuana-guidelines.htm). It allows nurses to legally teach about marijuana like they teach many other medications either prescribed by a physician or over the counter.

BY RUTH HILL R.N.

The ACNA provides the vehicle for nurses to attain these guidelines. The innovation and “out of the box” mentality of nurses helps mitigate the outrageous price seniors pay for a drug that is more effective than many pharmaceuticals. Topics discussed were legal policy issues, the history of cannabis, the endocannabinoid system, cannabis extraction methods, organic home growing practices, the making of cannabis edibles, effective use of vape pens, using DNA, the science behind treating Crohn’s Disease, replacing opiates with cannabis, modes of administration, interactions with pharmaceuticals, cannabis and spirituality, cannabis and end of life, and many more science based research topics. Uwe Bleshing PhD discussed a rating system for scientific studies. His book: The Cannabis Health Index is a source book containing over 1000 evidence based studies for over 100 chronic diseases. Mary Bailey discussed the Last Prisoner Project (LPP),

lastprisonerproject.org LPP advocates for the release of prisoners with life sentences for nonviolent cannabis crimes. LPP helped release Richard DeLisi the year, after 31 years. He is the longest serving nonviolent cannabis prisoner in the US. The ACNA is seeking nurse certification for the specialty of cannabis through the American Nurses Credential Center, (ANCC). ANCC determines the guidelines for certification in many areas of nurse specialists i.e. cardiology, oncology, critical care, infusion, obstetrics, hospice, and palliative care to name a few. Cannabis Nurse Navigator certification from the ANCC will give the public confidence in the competence of this specialty. ACNA and Radical Health by Eliose Theison are developing a protocol for advanced practiced nurses and medical institutions. Once marijuana is legalized federally, the industry must be ready for hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, home health and hospice agencies onslaught of demand for policies

and procedures. Currently there is a Jewish Convalescent Home in NY that allows patients to self administer their own cannabis products. This will be an emerging practice in the next few years. Nurses across the country who offer professional counseling services to clients can be found on the ACNA website. The UN this week has removed cannabis from its dangerous drug category. On November 3rd seven new states decriminalized marijuana, thirty-eight ballot measures in CA in thirtysix cities or counties across the state won by large margins. The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, passed in the House 228-164 last Friday. Five Republicans voted for the bill. There is so much great news for the industry, 2021 looks even better. I invite my nurse readers to check out the ANCA website for education and networking with other specialists. If you need a coach to improve on your self medication of cannabis/ marijuana, email info@ruthahillrn.com Enjoy entering into a spiritual journey to wellbeing with marijuana. Marijuana is a blessed Hanukkah or Christmas gift for your aging parents, loved one, or yourself. Send comments to info@ruthahillrn.com

SAFETY TIPS FROM THE CHIEF’S CORNER

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BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

THE BEST GIFT DOESN'T COST A DIME!

he holidays provide a good opportunity to spend quality time with family, friends and co-workers. 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 longterm 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, selfimportance, passion? Whatever the underlying cause, when we're talking about ourselves, we're not learning much about anyone else. 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? There's a lot that goes into it, and it's not something you'll master overnight. But remembering a few key points can help: 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. Even a well-meaning attempt to relate with someone by sharing a similar experience draws the focus away from them and onto you, so speak less!

Demonstrate you're 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 open-ended questions and actively listen to their responses. Try to listen without the intent to reply. Practice patience and listen completely until the person finishes his or her point. Let the conversation go where it needs to naturally — resist the temptation to bring it back around to what you want to say. Imagine you'll be describing the conversation to someone else later. Just like having to teach something is the best way to learn it, knowing you'll have to relay a conversation to someone later can help you focus and retain the important information. To test yourself, try to summarize the conversation several hours or days later, even if you're just talking to yourself. This process can show you how much information you're retaining and whether you need to improve. It can also make a big difference in your next conversation with that person. We live in an increasingly busy and chaotic world. No matter how busy you are — or who you are — use this holiday season to try to improve your listening skills. Break out of the old habits of needing to be the center of attention or always having a witty reply. Remember, you're great just the way you are — it's OK to let someone else have the spotlight! 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!

December 10 to December 16, 2020

THEATRE PALM CANYON THEATRE PRESENTS “SOUNDS OF THE SEASON” VIRTUAL HOLIDAY CONCERT alm Canyon Theatre will present a

special holiday concert fundraiser, Sounds of the Season: At Home Edition, with about 30 performers including many favorite company members, talented youth and some special guests. Among the headliners performing holiday favorites from their homes are Mark Almy, Se Layne, Paul Grant, Ryan Holmes, Brent Schindele and Anthony Nannini. All performers are donating their talents to benefit Palm Canyon Theatre, which is the oldest live stage production company in the Coachella Valley. The TWO DAY streaming event will get people in the holiday spirit as talented vocalists perform many beloved holiday favorites and some fun, unconventional seasonal tunes. Because each performer submitted their own video, the segments range from traditional to outrageous. Each song will be a new “favorite” for the “athome” audience, who can watch the program at their leisure – and even more than once – over a two-day period from December 22-23, 2020. Additional performers include: Morgana Corelli, Michael Pacas, Suzie Thomas Wourms, Kellee McQuinn, Terry Huber, Nicholas Sloan, Jamie Walker-Sloan, Ron Coronado, Michele Davis, and Laurie Holmes. Because of the “at-home” format, some performers are from outside the valley, including Jovi Olivas, from San Diego, Jenn Paulk from Florida, and Nicole Tillman, from New Jersey. Young performers include Everett Nickolopoulos, Makayla and Logan Smith, AJ Fernandez,

Fabrizio Ibanez, Matthew Pichler and Isabella Morrison, Ben and Gracie Van Dijk, and Grace Carey. The show will be hosted by Derik Shopinski and Virginia Sulick, with direction by Derik Shopinski and post production by Anthony Nannini. Tickets for this streaming show are only $25 and are available for TWO DAYS ONLY on Showtix4U.com, which is also the platform to view the recorded production! Sounds of the Season: At Home Edition is available for streaming for the 48-hour period between 12 a.m. on December 22 through 11:59 p.m. on December 23. Purchase at: showtix4u.com/ event-details/44129. The nonprofit theatre has been dark since March, and is relying greatly on the generosity of donors and grant support through the pandemic. For more information about Palm Canyon Theatre go to facebook. com/ThePalmCanyonTheatre or www. PalmCanyonTheatre.org.

CALIFORNIA FISH GRILL

ocated in Palm Desert, their fish is inspected daily for freshness and quality, and is always responsibly sourced. Great food and a wonderful menu. Due to recent Covid-19 restrictions, California Fish Grill is open for take-out, phone orders, and online ordering for in-store pickup, curbside delivery or third-party delivery at order.cafishgrill.com/menu/cfg-palm-desert. Popular for Lunch and Dinner. HIGHLIGHTS: Small plates, Quick bites, Healthy options, Vegetarian options, Good for kids. HEALTH & SAFETY: Masks required. Staff

GOOD GRUB

wears masks. HOURS FOR PICKUP: Sunday – Thursday – 11AM - 9PM Friday & Saturday – 11AM - 9:30PM *HOLIDAY HOURS* December 24 – 11AM - 4PM December 25 – CLOSED Merry Christmas December 31 – 11AM - 8PM January 1 – 11AM - 9:30PM Happy New Year 2021 For more info and menu: cafishgrill.com. Think Amazing Fish and Enjoy Your Meal!

December 10 to December 16, 2020

HADDON LIBBY

he Claremont Graduate University’s Drucker Institute recently released their annual list of the best managed companies for 2020. In compiling the list, 886 companies were evaluated using 33 indicators of management effectiveness that are broadly split into five categories: Customer Satisfaction, Employee Development, Innovation, Social Responsibility and Financial Strength. Topping the list is Microsoft with strong ratings across the board. This company replaced Amazon atop the list as Amazon’s rating fell over 20% from last year to the #4 spot. Microsoft’s strength comes as this company has excelled as the use of cloud-computing has grown, innovation and taken greater social responsibility by looking to be a carbon neutral firm. Amazon’s decline is due to concerns about lower customer satisfaction scores, worker safety and pay as well as issues surrounding their sourcing of goods from China and the copying of high selling third party products with

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2020’S BEST MANAGED COMPANIES

self-branded options. Moving the second on the list was Apple followed by IBM. IBMs strength is largely due to their efforts to position itself as a cloud-computing powerhouse following the acquisition of Red Hat. Eight companies were defined as the ‘All Stars’ of the ranking. To be considered an allstar, the company have to rank one standard deviation than average in five categories that each company is rated upon. Microsoft (#1), Apple (2), Cisco (6), Procter & Gamble (8), Merck (11), Nvidia (12), Adobe

DALEGRIBOW ON THELAW

(16) and Eli Lilly (39) were the only companies consistently strong enough to rank as an allstar. Rounding out the top ten were Google (5), Intel (7), Johnson & Johnson (9) and HP (10). Some companies that score highly on the list have some red flags that indicate weaknesses that could impact future health. While Facebook is rated twelfth on the list, only 1% of their users are satisfied with the service. A key component of satisfaction relates to the recent US election, spread of false news and rise of arguments between people on the platform. One of the oldest publicly traded companies is General Electric. While rated 20th overall, this company is in the 10th percentile as it relates to their financial health. A slowdown in aviation as well as years of financial engineering used to make their financials look better are red flags to watch as the company digs out from years of poor management. Similarly, Boeing has taken large hits to its financial strength and standing due to issues with the 737 Max. While a 66th place rating would be good for many companies, its standing has eroded. Other ‘Red Flag’ stocks due to their financial conditions include Ford (19), Molson Coors (85), Workday (92), DuPont (95), Owens Corning (99), clothier PVH (123), Nielsen (135), Capital One (141) and Western Digital (175). In addition to Facebook (12), other companies with poor customer satisfaction scores include Verizon (69), Philip Morris (78),

BY HADDON LIBBY Bristol-Myers (82), Air Products (137), Yum Brands (143), Blackrock (158), Netflix (165), Stryker (169), Exelon (170) and Exxon (177). Looking at Innovation, Prologis was the highest ranked company with a poor score at 170. Progressive (189), First Solar (210) and PNC Bank (217), T. Rowe Price (228) and Tractor Supply (24) were other lowly rated on innovation. As it relates to social responsibility, Zoom was the highest rated company with a low score at 210. Uber (236) was the only other company in the top 250 to rank in the bottom quartile with Zoom. Lastly, an engaged employee is typically your best employee. McDonalds (125), Bio-Rad Labs (156), Xerox (177), Lowe’s (185) and CVS (201) are companies that have trouble with this key component. While a company may be doing well for its shareholders, a workforce with low morale or future advancement prospects often struggle when compared with companies that develop their people. For more information, visit CGU.edu and the Drucker School of Management. Haddon Libby is the Founder and Managing Partner of Winslow Drake Investment Management. For more information, please visit www.WinslowDrake.com or email Hlibby@ WinslowDrake.com.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF THE INJURED & CRIMINALLY ACCUSED

WILL COVID STAY HOME ORDERS ELIMINATE HOLIDAY ACCIDENTS?

he reality of life is that there should be almost no auto accidents from now until at least Jan 2, 2021. We are supposed to stay in place and not go out. If everyone followed these orders there would be now cars on the roads, in addition to less Covid incidents. However, I would have no business if all my neighbors followed the rules. One way to look at this is that I am fortunate so many people are foolish enough to evade the Governors Orders and shop in person. We all want our local merchants to survive and more on line shopping from our locals, would be a great idea. However I still see to many cars on the road when there should be very few. Ok, so now what do you do if you are driving down Hwy 111 and you are rear ended in front of Desert Crossing? Well the insurance companies (but not me) would want you to do the following: At The Scene: The insurance company does not want the victim to use their cell phone and takes picture of the cars, witnesses, parties, insurance cards, CDL, injuries and then take video of the driver admitting liability and speeding. The insurance company doesn’t want a police a report or for the victim to take an ambulance to the hospital. Delay in treatment allows the carrier to argue if there was an injury there would have been immediate treatment. Many lawyers reject soft tissue accident cases if there is no ambulance or hospital right after the accident. Follow these suggestions and your case will have minimal value. What about “Picking an attorney”: A victim

without the name of an attorney BEFOREHAND is stressed and disorganized and cannot think straight. They often hire a TV advertising “mill” attorney or worse yet, they use their business or estate planning attorney who knows nothing about this area of the law. The less competent the attorney the less the case is worth. Out of town attorneys do not know the local court personnel and judges preferences. LA or San Diego lawyers are less likely to make court appearances…especially in the summer. Local lawyers know the local defense attorney’s. This alone may result in an early settlement. A lawyer who was also in an accident will be a lawyer who truly understands the pain you are going through and the change to your quality of life….so the insurance company would want you to avoid a lawyer with that experience. Body Shop: The insurance company would prefer you use their body shop or use a friend who has body shop and will do the work for less. This plays into the hands of the insurance company as the amount of PD is important when settling. If there is less damage they can argue, how could the plaintiff have so many injuries with so little damage? So do what they want to get less money. Choosing a doctor: The insurance company wants victims to delay treatment and then treat with their family doctor. Their doctor may be competent to treat but may not be trained in preparing a medical legal report. Thus the poorer the report, the less value for the case and the less money the insurance company has to pay. For 12 years I would annually lecture to

the International College of Surgeons on How to Write a Medical Legal Report. Clearly the insurance company would not want you to use a doctor trained in writing accurate reports as that would increase the value of your case. When you treat with your own doctor, your existing medical records can have damaging information such as prior injuries, drug/alcohol use, and mental issues. Report notations about an affair, sexually transmitted disease and an abortion can likewise prejudice a jury against the victim. Thus the insurance company would be delighted if you provided that to them. For maximum value, you must immediately see the doctor and not be given an appointment two weeks later. When that happens the adjuster can argue how do we know the injuries were from the accident and not a slip and fall in the shower or around the pool in the last few weeks. They will argue, if the victim was really hurt s/he would have been treated right away. So accommodate the insurance company and delay treating. When you do see the doctor that you saw for your stiff neck or toe nail fungus, that delights the insurance company. These medical providers will screw up the case for you, and play into the hands of the insurance company. A good local lawyer has doctors, with whom they can use up a favor to get you an appointment right away. This alone can make the difference between a successful resolution or a substandard one. Don’t fall into the hands of the insurance company and see a doctor right away. Social Media: The new tool used by insurance companies is checking out the accident victim’s

Facebook posts. A good lawyer would want you to take down social media until the case is over. However, to impress the insurance company you should publish information about your playing touch football, Tennis, bowling and entering sports tournaments where you may fall and are injured. The insurance company can see that information about the victim playing tennis/ golfing or going on a trip and lifting luggage so why not make it easy for them to argue against you. They can also get the names of your friends and contact them to try to dig up dirt on you. All this can reduce the value of the case and plays into the hands of the carrier. This is especially true if your friend innocently divulges the sports you have been playing together after the accident…when you have told the doctor you hurt in every way, everywhere and can’t do anything. If you follow this tongue in cheek article, I can assure you, that you will get minimal dollars on your case…no matter which lawyer you retain. If you have any questions or suggestions for future columns contact Dale Gribow 760-8377500 dale@dalegribowlaw.com. DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, CALL A TAXI OR UBER………IT IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN HAVING AN ARREST OR ACCIDENT AND CALLING ME ………SO DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER DALE GRIBOW - Legal Representation Of The Injured and Criminally Accused PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating

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December 10 to December 16, 2020

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

WEEK OF DECEMBER 17

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Temporary gods are deities who come alive and become available for particular functions, and are not otherwise necessary or called upon. For instance, in ancient Greece, the god Myiagros showed up when humans made sacrifices to the goddess Athena. His task was to shoo away flies. I encourage you to invent or invoke such a spirit for the work you have ahead of you. And what’s that work? 1. To translate your recent discoveries into practical plans. 2. To channel your new-found freedom into strategies that will ensure freedom will last. 3. To infuse the details of daily life with the big visions you’ve harvested recently. What will you name your temporary god? TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Author Virginia Woolf said that we don’t wholly experience the unique feelings that arise in any particular moment. They take a while to completely settle in, unfold, and expand. From her perspective, then, we rarely “have complete emotions about the present, only about the past.” With that as your starting point, Taurus, I invite you to take a journey through the last 11 months and thoroughly evolve all the emotions that weren’t entirely ripe when they originally appeared. Now is an excellent time to deepen your experience of what has already happened; to fully bloom the seeds that have been planted. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “Wonder is a bulky emotion,” writes author Diane Ackerman. “When you let it fill your heart and mind, there isn’t room for anxiety, distress, or anything else.” I’d love for you to use her observation as a prescription in 2021, Gemini. According to my understanding of the coming year’s astrological portents, you will have more natural access to wonder and amazement and awe than you’ve had in a long time. And it would make me happy to see you rouse those primal emotions with vigor—so much so that you drive away at least some of the flabby emotions like anxiety, which are often more neurotic than real. CANCER (June 21-July 22): I’ll use the words of Cancerian painter Frida Kahlo to tell you the kind of intimate ally you deserve. If for some inexplicable reason you have not enjoyed a relationship like this before now, I urge you to make 2021 the year that you finally do. And if you HAVE indeed been lucky in this regard, I bet you’ll be even luckier in 2021. Here’s Frida: “You deserve a lover who wants you disheveled . . . who makes you feel safe . . . who wants to dance with you . . . who never gets tired of studying your expressions . . . who listens when you sing, who supports you when you feel shame and respects your freedom . . . who takes away the lies and brings you hope.” LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In 2019, singer Ariana Grande got Japanese characters tattooed on her palm. She believed them to be a translation of the English phrase “7 Rings,” which was the title of a song she had released. But knowledgeable observers later informed her that the tattoo’s real meaning was “small charcoal grill.” She arranged to have alterations made, but the new version was worse: “Japanese barbecue grill finger.” I offer you this story for two reasons, Leo. First, I applaud the creativity and innovative spirit that have been flowing through you. Second, I want to make sure that you keep them on the right track—that they continue to express what you want them to express. With proper planning and discernment, they will. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): While sleeping, most of us have over a thousand dreams every year. Many are hard to remember and not worth remembering. But a beloved few can be life-changers. They have the potential to trigger epiphanies that transform our destinies for the better. In my astrological opinion, you are now in a phase when such dreams are more likely than usual. That’s why I invite you to keep a recorder or a pen and notebook by your bed so as to capture them. For inspiration, read this testimony from Jasper Johns, whom some call America’s “foremost living artist”: “One night I dreamed that I painted a large American flag, and the next morning

I got up and I went out and bought the materials to begin it.” Painting flags ultimately became one of Johns’ specialties. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): I composed a prayer that’s in alignment with your current astrological omens. If it feels right, say it daily for the next ten days. Here it is: “Dear Higher Self, Guardian Angel, and Future Me: Please show me how to find or create the key to the part of my own heart that’s locked up. Reveal the secret to dissolving any inhibitions that interfere with my ability to feel all I need to feel. Make it possible for me to get brilliant insights into truths that will enable me to lift my intimate alliances to the next level.” SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Author Herman Hesse observed, “Whoever wants music instead of noise, joy instead of pleasure, soul instead of gold, creative work instead of business, passion instead of foolery, finds no home in this trivial world.” I hope you will prove him wrong in 2021, Scorpio. According to my reading of astrological omens, the rhythms of life will be in alignment with yours if you do indeed make bold attempts to favor music over noise, joy over pleasure, soul over gold, creative work over business, passion over foolery. Moreover, I think this will be your perfect formula for success—a strategy that will guarantee you’ll feel at home in the world more than ever before. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): According to researcher Nick Watts and his documentary film The Human Footprint, the average person speaks more than 13 million words in a lifetime, or about 4,300 per day. But I suspect and hope that your output will increase in 2021. I think you’ll have more to say than usual—more truths to articulate, more observations to express, more experiences to describe. So please raise your daily quota of self-expression to account for your expanded capacity to share your intelligence with the world. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “Our thinking should have a vigorous fragrance, like a wheat field on a summer’s night,” wrote philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. I encourage you to adopt that joyful mandate as your own. It’s a perfect time to throw out stale opinions and moldy ideas as you make room for an aromatic array of fresh, spicy notions. To add to your bliss, get rid of musty old feelings and decaying dreams and stinky judgments. That brave cleansing will make room for the arrival of crisp insights that smell really good. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Have you heard the term “catastrophize”? It refers to when people experience a small setback or minor problem but interpret it as being a major misfortune. It’s very important that you not engage in catastrophizing during the coming weeks. I urge you to prevent your imagination from jumping to awful conclusions that aren’t warranted. Use deep breathing and logical thinking to coax yourself into responding calmly. Bonus tip: In my view, the small “setback” you experience could lead to an unexpected opportunity—especially if you resist the temptation to catastrophize. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): My Buddhist friend Marcia says the ultimate goal of her meditation practice is to know that the material world is an illusion and that there is no such thing “I” or “you,” no past or future. There is only the quality-less ground of being. My Sufi friend Roanne, on the other hand, is a devotee of the poet Rumi. The ultimate goal of her meditation practice is to be in intimate contact, in tender loving communion, with the Divine Friend, the personal face of the Cosmic Intelligence. Given your astrological omens, Pisces, I’d say you’re in a prime position to experience the raw truth of both Marcia’s and Roanne’s ideals. The coming days could bring you amazing spiritual breakthroughs! Homework: Carry out an act of love that’s unique in your history. Testify at FreeWillAstrology.com. ---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny - Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

December 10 to December 16, 2020