August 26, 2010 • Special Edition
WEEKLY
Reggae Fest Friday night, the Spotlight Showroom at Spotlights 29 Casino in Coachella near Palm Springs, California, “be a jammin’ maahn.” The show opened with the gentle reggae sounds of local band Tribe O, to warm up the audience. ~Photos by Cathy Jardine
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Contributors:
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Scott Pilgrim
Contents
Page 20
Save Time & Money Neal Rouzier, M.D. Reggae Fest Back to School Tribe-O to open for Ziggy Marley Palm Springs Fiesta Days The Bill Maher Interview Healthy Dog, Healthy Family Movie Review by Jack Lyons PalmSpringsGuide August 26, 2010
4 5 6-7 8 9 10-11 12-13 14 18-21
PalmSpringsGuide August 26, 2010
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SAVE
Earth Day reminds us all how important it is to protect the environment. Living “green” may seem like a luxury in the middle of a recession, but surprisingly it’s becoming increasingly effortless and budget-friendly. There are many small, easy changes you can make this year that are good for the planet and can also save you time and money. Josh Dorfman, environmental activist and author of The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget: Save Money. Save Time. Save the Planet. (April, 2009), is an expert on living a green life that’s also easy and affordable. “There are many environmentally friendly choices that don’t require much effort or financial commitment,” he says, “yet their significance is as great – and sometimes greater – than changes that require lots of time and money.” One of the easiest changes Dorfman suggests to save money and reduce waste is giving up bottled water. “Bottled water is a classic example of a habit that hurts your budget and the environment, especially since bottles left in landfills can take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade,”i Dorfman explains. “In America we’re lucky enough to have a great resource like safe drinking water running through our taps,” he says, yet Americans spent $15 billion on bottled water in 2006, more than they spent on iPods or movie tickets.ii Instead, Dorfman recommends using a Brita pitcher and reusable bottle. Each pitcher filter delivers the same amount of healthier, great tasting water as about 300 plastic water bottles, making Brita filtered water a greener and more affordable alternative to bottled water. Brita now offers a recycling program for its pitcher filters, making it an even more responsible choice. Individuals can take the FilterForGood pledge at filterforgood.com to commit to reduce their bottled water waste, receive a coupon for a Brita filtration system or filter and purchase a FilterForGood reusable bottle. Organizations committed to setting environmentally responsible examples for their members can visit filteforgood.com/groups to learn about other budget-friendly ways to go green and receive a personalized recommendation for Brita and FilterForGood products. Since Brita filtered water costs just pennies per glass, making the switch could mean huge cost savings for any group. "If everyone in the United States pledged to give up bottled water for just one month it could save more than 5 billion bottles,” says Dorfman. “If laid end-to-end, that's more than enough bottles to stretch from the earth to the moon and back.”iii, iv
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Time, Money & the Planet
Keep Mother Earth and your wallet green In his new book, Josh Dorfman offers a guide to eco-friendly ideas that are easy and affordable. From the common to unexpected, going green has never been more appealing. • Discover green in unexpected places. Some of the world’s largest corporations are making it even easier to go green simply and affordably. Whether you’re shopping for outdoor furniture, organic bedding or baby products, Wal-Mart now offers eco-friendly products at rock-bottom prices. • Try the fourth R – renting (after reuse, reduce and recycle). Explore sites like Irent2u.com, which allow you to borrow things you don’t need very often – like blowtorches, speed
boats and golf clubs – rather than buying your own. • Go meatless one day per week. It’s easy, will save you money and helps reduce your environmental impact. According to a study by the UN, raising cattle for food generates more global warming greenhouse gases than transportation.v • Don’t just turn a new leaf, turn a profit. Believe it or not, recycling your computer and other electronics can make you feel good and make you money. Web sites like myboneyard.com will recycle your electronics and cut you a check. • Recharge your batteries. Invest in rechargeable batteries that can be used hundreds of times, exponentially offsetting their higher initial cost. Be sure to dispose of old
batteries properly; they can leach toxic chemicals into landfills. • Your jeans deserve some T.L.C. for making you look so good. Send them to denimtherapy.com for a few oneon-one sessions with their denim therapists, who use a unique reconstructive technique to add new cotton fibers to existing fabric. You’ll be reunited with your favorite duds and won’t have to spend big on a new pair. • Go low-flow. Install a low-flow showerhead to lower your heating and water bills and you’ll also help the planet by saving thousands of gallons of water each year (as well as the fossil-fuel energy required to make that water hot). Source: The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget: Save Money, Save Time, Save the Planet. (April 2009)
i Arnold, Emily, and Janet Larsen. "Bottled Water: Pouring Resources Down the Drain." Earth Policy Institute. 2 Feb. 2006. ii Fishman, Charles. "Message in a Bottle." Fast Company Magazine July 2007: 110. iii All distance statistics are calculated by dividing a known length 8 inches, the height of an average water bottle. E.g., Americans use 5 billion bottles a month (see equation in following footnote), which would stretch more than 3.34 billion feet if laid end-to-end. The distance those bottles would cover divided by the distance from the Earth to the Moon (1.26 billion feet) is 2.65, meaning the bottles could travel to the moon and back. iv According to a March 21, 2007 article in The San Francisco Chronicle, which sources the Beverage Marketing Corporation, the average American consumed 26 gallons of bottled water in 2006. 26 gallons is equivalent to 3,328 ounces, or 197 16.9-ounce water bottles per person, per year. The consumption of any population is 197 divided by a period of time (365 days, 52 weeks, 1 year), then multiplied by the population. v UN report: Global livestock sector generates more GHG emissions than transport. (2006, December 10). Content provided by ECES, Inc.
PalmSpringsGuide August 26, 2010
Menstrual Cycle Affects Cholesterol Levels
Women’s Cholesterol Screening Should Take Menstrual Cycle Timing Into Account By Neal Rouzier, M.D. For many years women have been told the “evils” of Hormone Replacement Therapy, HRT, a recent study demonstrates one of the major advantages of HRT, that it can save lives. In a recent study, researchers demonstrated that blood cholesterol levels ebb and tide according the woman’s menstrual cycle. Now this provides new evidence that HRT can assist women in managing their cholesterol. The actual study was performed in order to understand the usage of cholesterol screening tests and how they should be timed. The study was performed under the auspices of the National Institutes of Health and was reported in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. In this study, total cholesterol levels were shown to vary as much as 20% over the course of women’s cycles. It noted that the differences in cholesterol levels were even more pronounced in women over 40 years of age and especially in obese women. “Cholesterol levels are the highest in the first half of the cycle and then after ovulation, they start to go down,” says study researcher Sunni L. Mumford, PhD, of the epidemiology branch of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in Rockville, Md. Researchers measured the levels of the female sex hormone estrogen as well as total cholesterol and triglycerides in 259 healthy women between the ages of 18 and 44. As many as 16 measurements were taken from each of the women over the course of two menstrual cycles. The women were
asked to chart their own ovulation using at-home fertility test kits. The study found that as the level of estrogen rose just before ovulation, HDL-cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol, increases and finally peaks at ovulation. Total cholesterol, LDLcholesterol, the “bad” cholesterol, and triglycerides dropped as estrogen levels increased. Estrogen appears to functions to stave off heart disease, which is why a woman’s risk rises after menopause when her natural supply of estrogen diminishes. Elevated cholesterol levels are a known risk factor for heart disease. A total cholesterol of less than 200 mg/dL is considered desirable, while cholesterol between 200 and 239 mg/ dL are considered borderline high. Total cholesterol above 240 mg/dL has long been considered high, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. While only 5% of women consistently had total cholesterol levels greater than 200 mg/dL, nearly 20% demonstrated cholesterol levels greater than 200 mg/dL at least once during the course of the study. This study now clearly demonstrates that when estrogen levels are highest, cholesterol levels are lowest. This along with facts we have known for years that after the onset of menopause, an individual woman, especially one not using any form of HRT, will likely have an increased risk for heart attack and stroke when compared to a woman who uses HRT regularly. The study re-enforces the need for women to maintain optimal levels of estrogen after the onset of meno-
PalmSpringsGuide August 26, 2010
pause. This along with other evidence of the benefits of HRT clearly reenforces the need for estrogen replacement therapy
Cholesterol Screening for Women The study also changes one other crucial factor, in women who are still menstruating. In the past, we tested all women in the morning having fasted from at least midnight the night before, now we must add a second consideration when testing, knowing where she is in her menstrual cycle. If we do not time cholesterol screening tests with the woman’s menstrual cycle, we may needlessly treat some women and under treat others. If cholesterol levels vary with a woman’s menstrual cycle, then cholesterol treatment decisions should be tailored accordingly. We can no longer use the old norm when developing cut off points and standards of care. We must treat women individually. Cholesterol testing should be done at the same time of your cycle each month and cholesterol treatment decisions must be based on the most accurate readings. If you have elevated cholesterol or you are 45 years of age or older, entering into the menopause or already in it, you may have questions regarding hormonal replacement therapy or how to better mange your cholesterol then call and set up an appointment with Dr. Rouzier to be evaluated for hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Rouzier is located at the Preventive Medicine Clinics of the Desert, in Palm Springs, at 2825 Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite B-200. Call 760.3204292 for an appointment.
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REGGAE FEST Story by Lisa Robyn Lawrence Photos by Catherine Jardine Friday night, the Spotlight Showroom at Spotlights 29 Casino in Coachella near Palm Springs, California, “be a jammin’ maahn.” The show opened with the gentle reggae sounds of local band Tribe O, to warm up the audience. They performed for the early arrival crowd for almost an hour. At 9 p.m., the headline act Steel Pulse took the stage and the whole showroom transformed. Pungent smoke clouds blanketed the room, the crowd got up on their feet and began dancing and couldn’t sit down. Steel Pulse had an almost hypnotic effect on the audience. Lead singer David Hinds really got the crowd going with his singing, jumping, hopping and dancing around the stage. At several intervals, Hinds stepped forward, down stage to shake hands with his adoring audience. One of the highlights was the band’s masterful delivery of a cover version of Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl.” By this time, there wasn’t a body in the showroom sitting down. Screams and shouts of enthusiasm and appreciation rang out with a standing ovation. Steel Pulse’s origin was in 1975 in Handsworth, the inner city area of Birmingham, England. Primary songwriter and lead vocalist guitar-playing David Hinds was one of the band’s original founders. Their early music reflected 6
much social commentary and they were labeled as being a politically “subversive Rastafarian band.” Through the many years, Steel Pulse’s albums have been nominated five times for Grammy awards. In 1985, they won a Grammy for their album “Babylon the Bandit.” Steel Pulse even held the distinction in 1993 of being the first and only reggae band ever to be invited to play at the White House by invitation of President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton for the Inaugural Party festivities. Steel Pulse has undergone many incarnations of music style from reggae, hip-hop and R&B, and has endured an ever-evolving band of talented musicians and vocalists, yet they returned to their musical roots as champions of human rights in Afrocentrics, politically charged, socially vocal, rebellious songs that are non inflammatory. Their songs ask for the world to embrace the idea of “One Heart.” Local residents, Tami and Chuck, recalled the first time they saw Steel Pulse, about 20 years ago in Tampa, Florida. Tami exclaimed” I couldn’t believe how good they still are…(most of all) we had fun… that was such a good show!” To read more about Reggae Fest, go to www.PalmSpringsGuides.Com PalmSpringsGuide August 26, 20100
‘Live’ at Spotlight 29 Casino ~Photos by Cathy Jardine Desert Local News August 26, 2010
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Create a Back-to-School Lunchbox Delight ECES
Score an A+ with your kids this back-to-school season by packing healthy, delicious lunches courtesy of Ziploc® Brand, the food and home storage solution families trust, and Taste of Home, the world’s No. 1 cooking magazine. The pair have teamed up to develop the “Healthy Lunchboxes” online recipe guide to provide families with nutritious, affordable and convenient options. The guide features more than 30 lunchbox ideas that will inspire your kids to eat a wholesome meal. The recipes provided here are creative solutions that will please even the pickiest eaters and have them jumping for joy in the cafeteria. For more great recipes, visit www.TasteofHome.com/ziploclunchideas. Simply enter two Ziploc UPCs then click “enter now” to download the guide, which is available until December 31, 2009. Ziploc bags and containers help transport kids’ lunches from the bus stop to the cafeteria, while protecting food freshness – and parents can feel good about using them because they do not contain Bisphenol-A (BPA).
Rec courtesy of Tasipes/photos te of Home
pepper dip man YIELD: 3 servings (1 cup dip).
3 small green peppers 1 small sweet red pepper 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese 1/3 cup chunky salsa, drained 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish, drained 1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce 2 tablespoons chopped celery 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion 3 pitted ripe olives 9 fresh baby carrots, cut lengthwise into three pieces • Cut each green pepper in half; remove seeds. Chop green pepper tops; set aside 2 tablespoons for dip. Cut top off red pepper and remove seeds. Cut out three mouths and chop 2 tablespoons red pepper; set aside. • In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, salsa, pickle relish and pepper sauce until blended. Stir in the celery, onion and reserved chopped peppers. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. • Make cuts for mouths and eyes. Insert olives for eyes and reserved red pepper mouths. Place each pepper in a Ziploc Brand Twist ‘n Loc® Container. Fill each with 1/3 cup dip. Insert reserved carrot sticks into dip for hair.
butterfly sandwiches YIELD: 4 servings.
1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 green onion, chopped 2 tablespoons shredded carrot 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese 41⁄2 teaspoons ranch salad dressing mix 1/3 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise 8 slices white bread 8 fresh baby carrots 16 fresh chives (about 2 to 4 inches long) 16 carrot strips (about 11⁄2 inches long) Sliced pimiento-stuffed olives • Place chicken in a large skillet; add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12-14 minutes or until chicken is tender and juices run clear. Drain and cool. • Shred chicken; place in a bowl. Add onions, carrot and cheese. Combine the salad dressing mix and mayonnaise; add to the chicken mixture. • Spread over half of the bread slices; top with remaining bread. Diagonally cut each sandwich in quarters, creating four triangles. To form wings, arrange two triangles with points toward each other and crust facing out. For each butterfly body, place one baby carrot between triangles; insert two chives into filling for antennae. Place one carrot strip in the center of each triangle. Place olive slices on wings.
NUTRITION FACTS: 1 serving equals 138 calories, 9 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 27 mg cholesterol, 357 mg sodium, 11 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 5 g protein.
Tip: Use a sweet yellow or orange pepper instead of a green pepper to change up the fun look of Pepper Dip Man.
pizza biscuit bears YIELD: 6 servings.
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NUTRITION FACTS: 1 sandwich equals 303 calories, 11 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 42 mg cholesterol, 1,276 mg sodium, 35 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 16 g protein.
Tip: Send the parts of this sandwich to school with your child in Ziploc Brand Sandwich Bags so he or she can assemble the butterfly to the amazement of the other kids at the lunch table. If you prefer, these sandwiches could be assembled using your favorite tuna salad instead of the chicken salad in this recipe.
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For additional recipes visit www.TasteofHome.com/ziploclunchideas PalmSpringsGuide August 26, 2010
tube (16.3 ounces) large refrigerated buttermilk biscuits 12 slices pepperoni 12 slices ripe olives 1 tablespoon chopped green pepper 1 jar (2 ounces) sliced pimientos, drained 2 tablespoons shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese 1 can (8 ounces) pizza sauce, optional • Separate biscuits; place six biscuits 3 in. apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Cut each remaining biscuit into six pieces; roll each into balls. Attach two balls to each whole biscuit for ears; pinch dough to seal. • Decorate each bear with a pepperoni slice on each ear, olive slices for eyes, green pepper for nose, two pimiento strips for mouth and mozzarella cheese for furry forelock. Bake at 375° for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with pizza sauce, if desired. NUTRITION FACTS: 1 bear equals 288 calories, 13 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 5 mg cholesterol, 976 mg sodium, 35 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 7 g protein.
Tribe-O and Siah Nix: Local Talent To Open For Marley At World Music Festival BY LESLIE ANDREWS DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CALocal musician Siah Nix is just as passionate about music as he is about the youth of the community. And through his messages, he believes that music always plays a positive impact. Desert Local News sits down with Siah as he talks about his band Tribe-O, who will be opening for Ziggy Marley as he headlines the Wellness and World Music Festival in Desert Hot Springs. “We’re all about aspiration and love, peace and prosperity. That’s the essence of Tribe-O and we’re trying to bring that back,” he said. “Music is a powerful form of communication. We want to unify people and inspire them.” Featured in his band, Nix has members of many ethnic groups playing, each giving their input. As powerful as the melodies can be, music can also impact people through its lyrics. “Music is all about dancing and showing your skills. Nowadays, it’s changed a lot. It’s all about shock value,” Nix said, in regards to how sometimes music can give negative impacts. Rap music, for example, has been an avenue for promoting violence and hatred. However, Nix stated that not all of that genre of music is bad. He continued, “Not all rappers are drug dealers or gangsters. Some have gone to college. Negativity has no place in the world today. We’ve got to understand people.” PalmSpringsGuide August 26, 2010
And as the days draw closer to the weekend of October 9th, Nix is anxiously awaiting to participate in the music festival in Desert Hot Springs, opening for one of his most favorite artists of all time. “This will bring a good notoriety to the city. The people of Desert Hot Springs will have something to be proud about,” he stated, believing that this festival will forever change the city’s image. “It will be an honor to open for the son of Bob Marley. I will be privileged to share the stage with him.” Nix serves an active role as the Unit Director of the La Quinta Boys and Girls Club. He has been in the Coachella Valley since 1990 and pretty much started with being a youth mentor ever since. He originated from Miami, Florida. Currently, he does business all over Southern California and has performed quite a bit in the Coachella Valley, even in the Morongo Basin at the Joshua Tree Music Festival. Overall, Nix has the youth of the world in the back of his mind at all times. He concludes by saying, “This is one of the most rewarding job I’ve ever had in my life. I believe that all people that are involved with the youth are not in it for the money but are in it for the cause, which is making a positive person in the community making a difference in the lives of others. That’s why I love this business.”
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PalmÊ SpringsÊ FiestaÊ Days
La La, Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles, Los Fabulocos with Kid Ramos & Malo featuring Jorge Santana to Headline Palm Springs Fiesta Days 2-Day Festival to Showcase Latino Culture & Heritage By Jeff Hocker Palm Springs, CA August 26, 2010... Palm Springs Fiesta DaysA Celebration of Latino Heritage and Culture presented by Spa Resort Casino will be held Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19 at the world-famous O’Donnell Golf Course in the heart of downtown Palm Springs. Tickets are available for purchase at Latino Books y Mas, Margarita’s and El Mirasol Restaurants and the Spa Resort Casino and Agua Caliente Casino box offices. The line-up includes the incomparable sounds of La La, Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles (all female mariachi group), Los Fabulocos with Kid Ramos, The Blazers, Mark Guerrero, Cannibal & the Headhunters, MC Magic, El Chicano, Quetzal, Tierra, Serenata Mexicana and Malo featuring Jorge Santana. For performer bios, sponsors, 10
charities, general information or to purchase tickets, visit www.psfiestadays. com. “Keeping the dream alive for my father Lalo Guerrero who is recognized as the “Father of Chicano Music” is further fulfilled by playing events like Fiesta Days which celebrates the Latino culture,” said Mark Guerrero. Palm Springs Fiesta Days which coincides with Latino Heritage Month and the Bi-Centennial of Mexico’s Independence will showcase traditional Mexican mariachi music, Chicano rock, R&B, TexMex and good old fashion rock ‘n roll. Known one of the hottest, multi-talented, young Latino entertainers in the country today, Latino comedic star Ernie G will emcee the 2-day festival. He has appeared on HBO
Latino’s “Habla Again,” MUN2’s “Loco Comedy Jam,” as well as Sí TV’s “Latino Laugh Festival!” and their hip new show, “Inside Joke!” Currently, he can be seen on MTV Tr3s’ “Los Super Icons” and you might also remember him as the “Angry Angelino” from the Channel 13 News in Los Angeles! Fiesta Days presented by Spa Resort Casino will benefit a number of charities that serve the Coachella Valley including: American Friends of our Armed Forces, the Lions Club and the Rotary Club of Palm Springs, The Pinnacle Fund for Excellence in Education, Palm Springs USO, Odyssey Writes of Passage, Pegasus Riding Academy for the Handicapped and the Golden Rainbow Center SAGE. The festival would not be possible without the generous support of Spa
PalmSpringsGuide August 26, 2010
Resort Casino, Budweiser, Coca-Cola, City of Palm Springs, Wells Fargo Foundation, The Southern California Ford Dealers, Palm Springs Motors, Costco, el Jimador and Herradura tequilas and Latino Books y Mas. Fiesta Days will feature over 30 vendors and sponsors that will adorn the grounds of the O’Donnell Golf Course and surround the Music Festival. Vendors will include Latino arts & crafts, books, apparel, accessories, food and more. Ticket prices are $35.00 for adults, $60.00 for two day pass; $25.00 for children 12-17, $40 for a two day pass and a 10% discount for students, seniors and military personnel with valid identification. Children under 12 accompanied by an adult are admitted free.
Ticket Sale Locations: Palm Springs Fiesta Days Official Website • www. psfiestadays.com
Latino Books y Mas
123 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs 760-323-3778
Margarita’s Restaurant
Spa Resort Casino
1000 East Tahquitz Canyon Drive, Palm Springs 760-778-3500
Agua Caliente Casino
140 East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs 760-323-0721
401 East Amado Road, Palm Springs 1-800-585-3737 (Star Tickets) 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage 1-800-585-3737 (Star Tickets)
El Mirasol Restaurant
For more information contact: J. Alex Gomez, 760-314-9392.; Clancy Grass, 818-908-9777 or AmClassicsMedia@aol. com or visit www.psfiestadays.com. For press inquiries contact Jeff Hocker, 760-320-5272 or jeffhocker1@gmail.com. PalmSpringsGuide August 26, 2010
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Bill Maher Story by Lisa Robyn Lawrence I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Bill Maher, the liberal, politically charged and loaded-with--social-commentary icon of our day. Our chat proved an informative and insightful view into Bill Maher the person and the comedian. Warning: This interview might evoke some emotional reactions due to its nakedly honest content. Readers may feel compelled to ask questions, even think a little more about a most serious issue that could irreversibly impact our society and maybe become inspired to make a difference in our global community. Yes, we even discussed religion.
Lisa: We recently viewed your film “Religulous” and I have so many questions for you, but I don’t know if we should go there. Maher: Oh let’s go there! Lisa: Okay. So what would you do if you
were in the same position as Lot in the Bible, when two angels arrive at your door and the townspeople have threatened to rape them? What would you do with your daughters?
Maher: Of course I would protect them … What is so funny … we did that little scene in front of the cave at Sodom and Gomorrah … in the Bible, Lot is portrayed as a good man. One thing about the Bible that we found out in making “Religulous,” is that nobody … especially the religious people, have ever read it. They have no clue … And if they read it, I certainly hope they would be appalled ... the best part of it is, I guess, it occasionally stumbles upon morality, but most of it is either nonsense or sheer wickedness. Lisa: You do know that the Coachella Valley and many surrounding areas are a Republican domain?
Maher: Yes, but I play a lot of places that are predominantly Republican domain and … there are always a lot of progressive people. They may not be the majority … and when someone who thinks like them comes to their town, they’re thrilled. So, I love playing the “red” places. Lisa: What format do you use for your live performances? Maher: I work very hard on an act before I hit the stage … When I do a live show, I want people to leave the theater and say to themselves, “WOW, that is something I cannot see on television.” I like to just make them laugh until they can’t breathe ... really, just run down the whole gambit of what’s going on in the world and in the country at the moment. So I just spiel for 90 minutes or two hours. Lisa: When did you know that comedy was in your blood? Maher: Early! I knew when I was, oh, God, 10 years old that I wanted to be a comedian. My father was funny, and I wanted to emulate him, and I loved people like Johnny Carson and Robert Klein and George Carlin and Don Rickles and Alan King. So, from very early, I was plotting in my little brain to be a comedian. I was too shy to tell anybody, but that was what I was plotting. I absolutely did not have the guts to say to somebody, “I’m going to be a comedian!” I just didn’t have that kind of self esteem. Don’t miss Bill Maher at Morongo Casino Resort at 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug, 28. Come have an evening where you can “laugh until you can’t breathe.” For more Lisa Robyn Lawrence’s interview with Bill Maher, go to www.PalmSpringsGuides.Com
PalmSpringsGuide August 26, 2010
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Healthy Dog... Happy Family Any pet owner will tell you, dogs are not just four-legged friends but bona-
Superfoods: Not just for humans!
The ULTRASSENTIAL Superfood Blend
fide members of the family. Whether they are accompanying you on a walk to the park, warming your feet as you read your morning paper, or the first ones to greet you when you arrive home from a long day of work, dogs aren’t just ‘man’s best friend’ but an integral member of the famil y. And, just like any member of your family, your dog deserves the nutrition that will best serve his or her needs. Since keeping every member of the family healthy and active is important, NUTRO ULTRA food for dogs contains the ULTRASSENTIAL Superfood Blend. It blends a unique mix of highquality proteins, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy oils that deliver added performance benefits for your dog, including heart and joint health, strong eyesight and healthy brain function. The ULTRA food for dogs recipe
Photo courtesy of Nutro ULTRA.
includes well-known superfoods like pomegranates, blueberries and pumpkin while leaving out ingredients like wheat, ground yellow corn and artificial flavors or colors. “In the right combination, individual superfoods are stronger by working together, like taking a multivitamin. It’s this extra nutritional punch that makes the ULTRASSENTIAL Superfood Blend ideally suited for aiding in total dog health.” said nationally renowned veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, who has teamed up with the ULTRA brand. “Making sure your dog eats a nutritionally balanced diet is vital to his longevity and happiness.” Now that is something the whole family can get excited about.
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Keeping You and Your Dog Happy and Healthy Dr. Marty Becker shares tips to stay active with your dog • Stay fit. Nutrition and exercise are vital to the well-being of your dog. Dogs need a well balanced diet just like people, and you can greatly improve the longevity of your dog’s life by paying close attention to his eating and exercise habits. Exercise, besides helping keep a pet near its ideal body weight, greatly reduces bad behaviors like excessive barking, digging and chewing. • Clean teeth. Daily oral care is so important for their health, but it is often overlooked. While brushing your dog’s teeth at least weekly is the gold standard, any steps you take to help clean their teeth can prevent illness and help them live a
longer life. An added benefit: No more “doggy breath!” • Have fun. Dog parks and dogfriendly beaches are great ways for you and your dog to get out, exercise and socialize. Just as it helps to have a fitness buddy at the gym, your dog can be your walking or jogging buddy and they never forsake you for a better offer. When you’re having fun together, it won’t feel like exercise!
Pets • PalmSpringsGuide August 26, 2010
• Blueberries - Packed with antioxidants to help maintain a strong immune system, a healthy heart and sharp mind • Pomegranate - Packed with antioxidants and to help support a strong immune system • Pumpkin - A member of the squash family, pumpkin is a natural source of Beta Carotene and fiber that helps both the digestive health and vision of your dog • Avocado - Avocados are rich in Omega fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat. In ULTRA food for dogs only the fleshy part of the fruit is used, and not the skin, pit, leaves, or ste ms • Oatmeal - Oatmeal is a healthy grain with beneficial insoluble and soluble fiber recognized for helping promote easy digestion and heart health • Sunflower Oil - This healthy oil is rich in Linoleic Acid to help your dog have a healthy skin and coat • Tomatoes - Packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants, tomatoes help support a strong immune system and a healthy heart • Spinach - High in antioxidants and essentia l minerals, spinach helps support a strong immune system, strong vision and cognitive development • Eggs - Considered one of the most perfect proteins, eggs not only help maintain your dog's lean muscle mass, but also support cognitive development and help provide a healthy skin and coat • Alfalfa Meal - This natural grass rich in antioxidants and fiber provides the nutrients needed for a healthy immune system • F laxseed - Flaxseed is a natural Omega-3 and 6 fatty acid source that helps maintain a healthy skin and coat, and support healthy joints for your dog • Carrots - Carrots contain one of the most concentrated sources of Beta Carotene for strong vision and a strong immune system • Brown Rice - Provides an excellent source of energy through easily digestible carbohydrates • Cranberries - This natural source of Vitamin C helps keep your dog’s immune system strong
Dog Owners Hold Vigil For Homeless Pets By Leslie Andrews PALM DESERT, CASince 1992, a special date has been set for honoring the homeless animals out there all around the world. On Saturday, Desert Paws honored the National Homeless Animals Day by holding a candlelight vigil at the Civic Center Park. “This has truly grown to be an international event. Gatherings like this are happening all around the globe,” said Lori Kirshner from Desert Paws. “This is to inform the tragedy that overwhelms our shelters every year, which is animal overpopulation.” Wearing a dog picture on her shirt, Palm Desert Mayor Cindy Finerty was honored to attend and support the event. She encouraged dog owners to spay or neuter their pets and to encourage future pet owners to adopt from local shelters. Poems and prayers were recited, including a very moving tribute called “A Dog’s Prayer” recited by animal shelter leader Sherri Sale. Tamara Hedges from the Palm Springs Animal Shelter also read a few words of her own as well, encouraging people to care for their animals and prevent future tragedies. Professor Henry “Hank” Holzer from the Brooklyn Law School was the guest speaker for the evening. “There should be mandatory spay and neuter legislation without loopholes. If we don’t, this will go on and on,” he explained. Also, he encouraged people to write and support their legislators supporting animal rights laws. At the end, people placed glow-sticks in the form of the word “Home” on the grass to symbolize every abandoned or unloved animal coming to a loving home. Palm Desert • PalmSpringsGuide August 26, 2010
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SPOTLIGHT 29 CASINO
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The Valley’s Leader in Dining & Entertainment
PalmSpringsGuide August 26, 2010
© 2010 Taste of Home Media Group. All Rights Reserved.
As families launch into back-toschool routines, moms are thinking ahead to get organized for the busy school year – and seeking easy, affordable mealtime solutions. Make magnificent family meals this back-to-school season with fresh mealtime ideas courtesy of Ziploc® Brand, the food and home storage solutions families trust, and Taste of Home, the world’s No. 1 cooking magazine. The pair is scoring an A+ with the “Back-to-School Menu Plan” online recipe guide, which provides families with fun, hassle-free and budget-friendly recipes and tips. The guide features more than 20 breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack ideas that will help moms tackle meal planning and stay organized while getting their families back into the school routine. “These recipes [Chicken Tortilla Roll-Ups, Motoring Munchies, Happy Face Cupcakes] are great, creative meal solutions that will save moms time and money and— most importantly—please even the pickiest eaters in the family,” said Catherine Cassidy, Editor in Chief of Taste of Home magazine. Check out more family-favorite recipes from Ziploc® and Taste of Home at www.TasteofHome.com/ziplocbts.
Make the Grade WITH EASY BACK-TO-SCHOOL RECIPES! 2 dozen
6 servings
Kids of all ages will delight in these funny-faced cupcakes. You can even enlist your little ones to help decorate them. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
If you are on the run, you won’t have to take along a fork and knife to enjoy these tasty, hearty roll-ups. —Darlene Brenden - SALEM, OR 3/4 cup sour cream 6 spinach tortillas or flour tortillas of your choice (8 inches) 11⁄2 cups ready-to-use grilled chicken breast strips or cubed cooked turkey 1 cup (4 ounces) finely shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup shredded lettuce 1/2 cup chopped ripe olives 1/2 cup chunky salsa Spread 2 tablespoons sour cream over each tortilla. Top with chicken, cheese, lettuce, olives and salsa. Roll up each tortilla tightly; wrap in plastic wrap or store in a covered container. Refrigerate until serving. Tip: Ziploc® Brand Small Square Containers are great for carrying lunch on the go!
1 package (18-1/4 ounces) yellow cake mix 1 can (16 ounces) vanilla frosting Assorted candies of your choice Prepare and bake cake according to package directions for cupcakes. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Frost cupcakes. Decorate with assorted candy to create smiley faces. Tip: To keep Happy Face Cupcakes fresh, moist and delicious, store them in Ziploc® Brand Containers.
+ A
3 quarts
Packed with peanuts, dried fruit and other goodies, handfuls of this sweet snack will make kids happy on long car rides as well as at school! —Nancy Schlinger - MIDDLEPORT, NY 1 package (18 ounces) granola without raisins 1 can (12 ounces) salted peanuts 1 package (15 ounces) raisins 1 package (14 ounces) milk chocolate M&M’s 1 package (14 ounces) peanut M&M’s 2 packages (7 ounces each) mixed dried fruit In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. Store in a Ziploc® Brand Slider Gallon Bag. © 2010 Taste of Home Media Group. All Rights Reserved.
PalmSpringsGuide August 26, 2010
Ziploc® Brand bags and containers are moms’ mealtime solution by helping moms maximize their resources and get more out of their day. Busy moms can also feel good about using Ziploc® Brand products because they are not formulated with Bisphenol-A (BPA). For additional recipes from Ziploc® and Taste of Home, visit www.TasteofHome.com/ziplocbts. To find more savvy and resourceful household management tips—and to share your own—like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Ziploc.
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Review by Palm Springs Guides Theatre & Cinema Critic/Reviewer Jack Lyons
Ferry Park Theatre
San Francisco, California I doubt that when J. M. Barrie wrote “Peter Pan,” his most famous work, that even he could imagine how his story of a young boy who chooses never to grow up would become so very popular in the imagination-filled world of children’s stories. /private/var/folders/BB/ BBEISBrpGw0+9dLvJmGfBk+++TI/ Cleanup At Startup/InDesign Snippets/Snippet_30286443C.idms In the threesixty production of “Peter Pan” currently performing at the Ferry Park Theatre in San Francisco, James M. Barrie’s tale of pirates, mermaids and a loving family environment, complete with family pets, is fully realized. The inspired and loving direction and staging by Ben Harrison is complemented by his creative team that includes the play’s adaptor or librettist Tanya Ronder; and set, costume and 3D
projections designer William Dudley, who brilliantly brings to life the virtual undersea and flying worlds of Peter Pan for awe-struck audiences to see and enjoy. Thanks to the wonderful lighting and sound designs by Mark Henderson and Gregory Clarke, respectively plus the choreography and aerial movement in the skilled hands of Fleur Darkin. “Peter Pan” is a show full of fanciful, imaginative and magical visual experiences that treat both the eye and the ear. Kids love the idea of being able to fly like birds or to swim underwater like fish or mermaids. So do adults. It’s one of mankind’s earliest dreams — that of breaking the bonds of being earthbound. In “Peter Pan,” all of these wishes and dreams are fulfilled by the actors, and through them, the audience. It’s a unique feeling to be part of the action as one watches five actors “flyContinues on Page 20 -21
Desert Local News August 26, 2010
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Review by Palm Springs Guides Theatre & Cinema Critic/Reviewer Jack Lyons
Peter Pan and Friends Soar Above London in 360 Degree Show
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PalmSpringsGuide August 26, 2010
Continued from Page 19 ing” at the same time over the city of London and on to the Caribbean Sea some 50 to 75 feet above you. In the lead role of Captain Hook is the fine, classically trained Shakespearean actor Jonathan Hyde, who also plays Mr. Darling. His performance is a sheer delight, both as Hook and as Mr. Darling, the harried father of the family. He brings years of experience to both roles (and I suspect a couple of seasons in the uniquely English art form of theatre known as the “pantos”). His Captain Hook is especially delicious and menacing without scaring the pants off the youngsters in the audience. He is very capably assisted and supported by Nate Fallows as Peter Pan, an actor who makes one believe he really does fly and he will indeed, remain a young boy forever. Itxaso Moreno, as Tinkerbell, brings just the right edge to her performance (after all, she really wants Wendy out of the way, so she and Peter can cause all sorts of mischief forever). The actors who make up the pirate crew punctuate the action scenes with relish to the delight of the young set. Pirates have always been welcome in children’s theatre. Portraying the Darling family is Samantha Hopkins as the sensible and nurturing Wendy, Shannon Warrick as the loving Mrs. Darling. In the roles of John and Michael Darling, Wendy’s younger brothers, adult actors Arthur Wilson and David Poynor score high marks, respectively. The English theatre has a history of training its actors to play both children and adults with equal ability and those efforts are very evident in their convincing portrayals. For more about “Peter Pan,” go to www. PalmSpringsGuides.Com PalmSpringsGuide August 26, 2010
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‘Scott Pilgrim vs. The World’ Movie Review by David Mikelberg Take equal parts one-liners, sight gags, a Tex Avery cartoon, an episode of the 1960s “Batman” TV series, great performances, pop culture references, cameo appearances, video games, quick camera cuts, a great writer/director, utter silliness, pure heart and honest emotion. Stir, put on film, and you get “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World,” a lightning bolt of summer movie entertainment. With his first two movies, “Shaun Of The Dead” and “Hot Fuzz,” writer/ director Edgar Wright created spoofs/ tributes to specific film genres. At first glance, I thought Wright was doing the same thing here with the oldest story in the book — boy meets girl, boy has to fight to keep her. Here, along with cowriter Michael Bacall, Wright created something very special. There is such reverence and affection in this movie that about 15 minutes into it, something happened to me. Based on the graphic novels by Bryan Lee O’Malley, Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera of “Juno” and “Superbad”) is a 22-year-old slacker. He shares a studio apartment (and bed) with his gay friend Wallace (Kieran Culkin). He plays guitar in a lousy band and has not had a girlfriend in more than a year. You might consider Cera to be a one-note actor. As Scott Pilgrim, he does it so well that he is the coolest nerd to hit the screen in a while. Scott has dreams about a girl with pink hair, whom he believes is his destiny. He meets her at a party and immediately begins to win her over. She is a moody young woman named Ramona Flowers (the gorgeous Mary Elizabeth Winstead). He wins her heart, but the only way he can keep her is to defeat her “seven evil exes.” 22
It seems they have formed an alliance to kill whoever dates her. Scott has to find their weaknesses, defeat them and move on to the next level. What, you’re still reading this? You should be getting dressed to go to the movies. One-million bonus points if you figured out that this sounds like a video game. It does, and Wright has created a world (in Toronto, that “every city” of the movies) that is a tribute to video games. You’ll see this in the opening minutes of the movie. If this were a movie based on a video game, it would be the best of its kind. Everything in this movie, the visuals, the editing, the sound effects, the music is great. Even the cameos from Chris Evans, Brandon Routh and others are terrific. Getting your car keys? Calling a cab? Got an extra ticket for me? Good. All the performances are excellent. Culkin and Allison Pill get the most laughs as the gay roommate and the sarcastic ex-girlfriend in the band with Scott. Ellen Wong puts in a touching performance as a girl named Knives Chau (I love that name). I can’t say enough about Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Her eyes alone are so expressive, that I might get in line to fight the seven exes. Make sure the lights are off. Leave enough food for your pet. This review is over. Get out of here. Just go see it, now! For more about “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World,” go to www.PalmSpringsGuides.Com PalmSpringsGuide August 26, 2010
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Coming September 5th
MARY J. BLIGE 8PM · SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5th SPECIAL EVENTS CENTER TICKETS $59 - $109 • Purchase Tickets Special Offers
MARY J. BLIGE CONCERT HOTEL SPECIAL
One Night Package from $469 (Promo Code: MJB10) INCLUDES: Deluxe Room for 2 2 Premium Seat Tickets $20 in Free Play $100 Restaurant Credit for Bistro or POM
Call 800-827-2946 for Reservations. For what’s sure to be a fun-filled Labor Day weekend, Mary J. Blige has been confirmed to play her very first concert in the Palm Springs area on Sunday, Sept. 5th at 8pm at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. The nine-time Grammy award winning artist plans on playing songs from her 2009 release, “Stronger with Each Tear” and hits from her long R & B career. Blige has recently appeared as a guest judge on American Idol, 30 Rock and several film projects. She and opera singer Andrea Bocelli recently released a duet of Simon & Garfunkel’s classic song “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
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PalmSpringsGuide August 26, 2010