In this issue: welcome to the palm canyon paradise the paper for people who love palm springs Time to gear up and geek out! The magnificent return of comic con palm springs! our comic con top 10 zombies! And more zombies! Lynda Carter shows off her singing superpowers at comic con palm springs tales from the hangar - ian sitren talks about the dunkirk experience at the palm springs air museum Hwy 111 - the beer
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omic Con Palm Springs only began last year, and it already feels like one of our area’s prime annual events. The inaugural event brought in more than 15,000 attendees, and this year’s Comic Con is expected to reach 25,000. “We are so excited that Comic Con Palm Springs continues to grow in popularity,” said Founder/Executive Producer Christopher Spellman. “The fans have made it clear that there is a demand for the kind of Comic Con programming we are able to provide, and that they want it in Palm Springs.” With legends and celebrities from the world of comics, gaming, film, TV, cosplay, and more, Comic Con Palm Springs has, literally, something for everyone. We’ve compiled our Top 10 Comic Con Palm Springs events inside, but we warn you—there are far more reasons to get yourself to Comic Con than we can count on the fingers of both hands! Plus, zombies!
Comic Con Palm Springs August 25-27 Palm Springs Convention Center and other venues
Paradise Style!
comicconpalmsprings.com
Poolside in Palm Springs with professional model and actress Maria Bertrand. A photo shoot of a contemplative moment in her writer and creator career. photo by ian l. sitren, www.secondfocus.com.
the palm springs easy living and sun drenched lifestyle makes it ideal for photographer ian l. sitren to shoot for clients from around the world. Model: College track star and pole vaulter, Randalene Sergent.
there’s more paradise online! www.palmcanyonparadise.com 1
t a o d o t s g n Our Top 10 Thi f o d l r o W c i t s a t n a F , y k e e G e Th
! s g n i r p S m l a P n o C c i Com
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by Steve Brown
t first glance, Palm Springs seems somewhat of an unlikely city to host a major comic con event. A city known for Sinatra and the Rat Pack, Sonny Bono, Mary Bono, a giant statue of Marilyn Monroe, the White Party, great architecture, Cahuilla roots, and lots of “dry” heat, may not come across as suitably geeky enough. But as we creep closer to the second annual Comic Con Palm Springs, it’s apparent that we have the right venues, the right organizers, and a suitable level of stylish (not a real word), to host a crazily successful and fun geek fest. In fact, Comic Con Palm Springs is produced in such a way that pretty much anyone who likes to have fun, geek or no, will have the opportunity to utterly enjoy themselves. In that spirit, and to help prompt some ideas for those who may be wondering if Comic Con Palm Springs is for them, we’ve put together our Top 10 Things to do for the event, highlighting the variety you may not have known existed. There truly is something for everyone here, and even some of the things you think you know, well, there’s probably more to the story.....
Meet the legendary Stan Lee Founder of Marvel Comics
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tan Lee is a legend. He co-created SpiderMan, the Hulk, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Thor (the comic book character, not the Norse god), the X-Men, and a slew of other iconic comic characters. He’s a comic book writer, editor, publisher, producer, TV host, actor, and former president and chairman of Marvel Comics. As a child, Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber, in 1928), was influenced by books and movies, especially movies with Errol Flynn playing heroic roles. His family was of modest means and lived in the Bronx. He graduated high school early, and became an assistant at the new Timely Comics, which by the 1960s had evolved into the iconic Marvel Comics. Lee made his comic book debut with Captain America Foils the Traitor’s Revenge, in Captain America Comics #3, from May, 1941, with his pseudonym “Stan Lee” in print. Lee is reported to have said he had been saving his given name for more serious literary work. Lee served in the Army during World War II, and the post-war era saw the rise of the superhero. But in some ways, Lee was a superhero himself. He battled comic censors and published a series in The Amazing Spider-Man with an anti-drug abuse subplot. He supported including social commentary in comic books, dealing with racism and bigotry. In 2010, he founded the Stan Lee Foundation to promote literacy, education, and the arts. Lee is not just a legend in the world of comic books. He’s a true American icon. From humble beginnings, he has exerted enormous influence over American popular culture, and inspired many of us during our lives. We’re honored he is coming to Palm Springs!
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Do the Zombie/Saber Walk 7:30 p.m., Friday August 25
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tay off the streets of Palm Springs on Friday, August 25, if you value your brains! Starting at 7:30 that evening, brain dead congressmen, errrr..... zombies, will be turned loose from Comic Con Palm Springs at the Palm Springs Convention Center (you do not have to have a pass to the event to participate), with the hungry mob wandering the streets until they reach the Hard Rock Hotel. The Comic Con Palm Springs Zombie Walk lets all self-styled zombies and zombie-wanna-bes shuffle along with the occasional Imperial Stormtrooper and Jedi Knight, in the eternal zombie quest for tasty brains. There will be a post-walk Zombie Party at the Hard Rock, of course. The party is open to all ages and free for everyone who has a CCPS badge. Non-badge holders may purchase an entry ticket at the door for $20, cash only. (Note to self: Zombies carry cash? Why? Zombie parties, that’s why!) The Comic Con Palm Springs website has some Zombie Walk rules and guidelines for all participating undead. Things like no actual weapons, and no walking out into traffic, should sound like common sense, but you might want to check the website before heading out to join the mayhem. It’s going to be hot, so we’ll have lots of stinky, smelly, sweaty zombies hamming it up. Why not join in the fun and be a zombie, if just for the day? continued on page 5
Lynda Carter shows off her own superpowers at Comic Con Palm Springs by Steve Brown
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or those who somehow missed our recent Wonder Woman craze, it might be tempting to dismiss the original Wonder Woman, Lynda Carter, as a 1970sera pop cult idol, but you’d be making a yuuuuge mistake. (Don’t say we didn’t warn you!) Carter, is a multi-faceted star, and while she’s here in Palm Springs for Comic Con, she’s going to prove it beyond a shadow of a doubt, as she brings her “The Other Side of Trouble” concert tour to Comic Con Palm Springs for a one night performance. Oh, Wonder Woman’s a musician? You bet. She has been nearly all her life, starting her public musical career at the age of five in a Phoenix talent show, then she progressed to bands while in high school, and even played Vegas while a teenager (Gary Burghoff—Radar O’Reilly from M*A*S*H was the drummer!). Not to be stuck in any one box, she also won the title of Miss World USA in 1972. And dang, she just refused—and continues to refuse—to be bound to any stereotypes or limitations. While starring as Wonder Woman in the 1970s, Carter performed a lot of her own stunts, even hanging from a helicopter. We just want to say this—that rocks! She’s had a number of TV specials, but was edited out of her role in Apocalypse Now, which is a dang shame. Married to Robert Altman, Carter does motivational speaking appearances, and, as you will see at Comic Con Palm Springs, she will bring the house down with her concert performance (her tour continues with dates in Baltimore, Florida, and The Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York). None of this comes as a surprise to those who have followed her career as she headlined Caesar’s Palace, and performed with the likes of Michael Jackson, Merle Haggard, Tom Jones, the Muppets, Ray Charles, and plenty of others. She starred as Mama Morton in the musical Chicago in London and New York. Heck, she even hosted an episode of The Midnight Special. (Ooops—we’re showing our age!) But wait! She also has written and recorded five original songs for the awesome video game Fallout 4. “I grew up in a house filled with music. My mother, who is of Mexican and Spanish descent, used to sing to my English-Irish father, and between the two of them I was introduced to a diverse array of music, ranging from country to blues to classical,” Carter noted. “I was encouraged to sing since I spoke my first word, and I’ve sung every day of my life since then.” She’s also made us proud, as a role model, not just for young women, but really, for all of us. She’s served as grand marshall for Pride celebrations and parades, and received honors for her humanitarian work. Carter’s even played the president. We might want to look into having her play that role one more time.....
Lynda Carter’s The Other Side of Trouble Tour in concert for Comic Con Palm Springs Saturday, August 26, 8 p.m. Palm Springs Convention Center Tickets: comicconpalmsprings.com/ lynda-carter-tickets There’s more on our website!
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Wings over Palm Springs
Spitfire!
The hero of Dunkirk
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Story & Photos by Ian L. Sitren
elebrity movie critic “Manny The Movie Guy” came to the Palm Springs Air Museum to video his promo for the new Warner Brothers motion picture Dunkirk. It was obvious he would use the type of aircraft as his backdrop that was so important in this tragic, but yet so very heroic event of World War II. The aircraft is the Spitfire manufactured by Supermarine Aviation Works which first flew the airplane in 1936. It entered service in 1938 as a single seat fighter for the British RAF (Royal Air Force). By May 26, 1940 the German Army had pushed the British, French and Belgian troops to the beaches of the French port of Dunkirk. These 400,000 troops were entirely surrounded by an adversary of 800,000 and would become easy targets for the German dive bombers and fighters. With their backs to the English Channel, the situation was desperate. Yet almost within sight was escape and the safety of the White Cliffs of Dover. Then began what is one of the most amazing stories of battle and bravery. British Naval ships and over 800 civilian boats from simple pleasure craft to fishing vessels commenced the arduous and dangerous task of sailing from the small ports of England to the beaches of Dunkirk under submarine and air attack. The plan was to rescue a few at a time, to as many at a time as possible, and continue across the channel as many times as necessary to save the troops faced with capture and death. Not only were lives at stake, but the protection of England itself, now faced with the real threat of invasion. Under constant air attack, came but one defense, the Supermarine Spitfire. Designed as a short range, high performance interceptor, it would fly to a maximum of 370 mph with a combat range of 470 miles. It’s armament was eight Browning .303 caliber machine guns in the wings. Over and over again, the Spitfires would engage the German Luftwaffe dive bombers and fighters attacking and strafing the men in the open on the beaches, and the rescue ships. Many Spitfires would be shot down and many were lost as they ran out of fuel engaging the enemy to the very last moment. The Battle of Dunkirk and evacuation lasted through June 4 of that year. Sadly approximately 68,000 Allied troops were killed, wounded and captured. Six naval destroyers and 200 marine vessels sank to the bottom of the ocean. However the heroism of the British civilians and the Allied Forces rescued over 338,000. It is estimated that the British lost between 135 - 177 aircraft and the Germans as many as 240 aircraft. The powerful and agile Spitfire flown by the dedicated RAF pilots emerged as a prominent hero of this amazing time in history. Dunkirk, the movie by director Christopher Nolan, is a heart-pounding portrayal of the rescue, with real flying Spitfires and German aircraft. Having already seen the movie Manny The Movie Guy must have had a different feeling entirely when standing on the wing of an actual Spitfire. Personally, having now seen the movie, when I now walk past and stop and look at this Supermarine Spitfire, I certainly feel much differently too. See the movie and then go see the Spitfire at the Palm Springs Air Museum in person. You will come away with great respect for this airplane and what it represents.
Open Cockpit Dates August 5: P-47 Thunderbolt August 12: F-100 Super Sabre August 19: AT-6 Texan August 26: F4U Corsair All times: 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Palm Springs Air Museum 745 N. Gene Autry Trail 760-778-6262 www.palmspringsairmuseum.org Check out Manny the Movie Guy (Manny Dela Rosa of KMIR News), and his review of Dunkirk, at: www.mannythemovieguy.com. 4
Comic Con Top 10, continued from pages 2 and 3
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Geekfest Film Fest
e’re huge film festival fans, ever since Sonny Bono and Craig Prater rolled out Palm Springs’ signature film fest, many years ago. With GeekFest Film Fest, you’ll be treated to science fiction, fantasy, horror, fan films, and some nigh on unclassifiable stuff, on Saturday and Sunday of Comic Con Palm Springs, in the GeekFest Theater. You can vote on your favorite GeekFest films, and then see the best of fest, and the awards, on Sunday. Drop by the GeekFest booth on the exhibition floor to win some cool stuff from the festival’s sponsors. GeekFest has a variety of shorts, as well as a Fan Film Block that revolves around Star Wars. There’s even a GeekFest Filmmakers Panel where you can meet the GeekFest filmmakers and learn the art of indie filmmaking on a low budget. The panel is followed at 4 p.m. on Sunday with the Best of GeekFest and Awards. The horror blocks, no surprise here, are R-rated, but the lineup looks dynamic—worth the Comic Con admission on its own. Take in the whole GeekFest, or just drop in for a break from Comic Con adventures. It’s guaranteed to be entertaining.
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3D Film Fest and VR Fun
Comic Con Top 10, continued from page 5
Super Sonic Speed Dating
Zombies, Zombies, Everywhere
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ho doesn’t love 3D movies? The 3D Film Festival, presented by RealD, has a new home at Regal Cinemas Stadium 9 theaters as part of Comic Con Palm Springs, and it’s a winner! On Friday, August 25, from 6 to 10 p.m., they celebrate the first day of Comic Con with the 10th Anniversary Edition of the world’s first 3D Film Festival ever presented by RealD—the godfather of immersive tech events and the birthplace of VR Fest. Friday’s film festival includes a special presentation, a 3D short film program and panel, followed by their feature presentation with a Q&A session. VR Fest and VR Arcade, presented by Alienware and Oculus, will be showcasing exhibits on the main showroom floor and in the VIP Lounge, throughout Comic Con Palm Springs.
o, Friday kicks off with the undead and Star Wars characters shuffling down the streets of Palm Springs in the Zombie/Saber Walk. But the zombies don’t just go home after their party at the Hard Rock. Oh no. You don’t have it that easy. Think you and your “friends” (Are they really your friends?) have what it takes to survive the Zombocalypse? Well, there’s one way to find out for sure—prove it in the dreaded Zombie Maze Room! You and your friends will have to use your wits, stealth, and determination not to part with your brains, in order to find the cure and save humanity—and yourselves. Seek clues, solve puzzles, and sneak your way through to craft a cure as you are the last line of defense from a zombie horde outbreak. But all that saving the world stuff can work up an appetite, so head on over to Zombie Café. If you’re considering the undead lifestyle (or “deathstyle”), but don’t want to commit to the whole zombification thing quite yet, this is for you. Not only will you be treated to delectable zombie cuisine such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob Casserole (we made that up), but you’ll be busting out undead dance moves with a Zombie quintet hosted by an emcee (Does a Zombie quintet qualify as “live” music?). You’ll meat the undead and get more comfortable with their world. Consider it a cultural enrichment experience.
BB’s Comic Con After Party K, let’s be clear—nobody throws a party like BB Ingle,
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here’s nothing quite like geeks in love, and where better to meet your cosplay soul mate than at Comic Con Palm Springs? Well, they’ve got it all arranged. If you’ve been searching for your own Princess Peach in all the wrong castles, or your dream Vulcan in a universe devoid of Vulcans, then Super Sonic Speed Dating at Comic Con Palm Springs is for you. Whether you need a Dragon ball hunting partner, or just a cold, clammy zombie to shamble alongside you on those endless hunts for fresh brains, put down those aimless apps and speed date! You know you want to! What have you got to lose (other than that left arm that’s not too attached right now)?
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producer and host of massive, legendary parties here in Palm Springs. It’s no surprise then, to learn that BB is producing the official Comic Con Palm Springs After Party. No surprise at all. Saturday night during Comic Con, will see a huge after party at the Hard Rock Hotel with DJs, live bands, dancing, cosplay photo opps, Nerd Karaoke, and lots of costumed fun. The party runs from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m., and the $20 cover is well worth it (CCPS VIP members and Lynda Carter concert ticket holders enter free). Costumes and cosplay are strongly encouraged but not required, but you must be 21 or older. Get tickets at partywithbb.com, and if you need Comic Con passes, use the promo code BB for a 15% discount. It always pays to get to know BB! Party on!
Symphony Pop Orchestra Concert
The 25th Anniversary of Death of Superman
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his is one of our favorite parts of Comic Con Palm Springs—the part where Brian Ingelson and the Palm Springs High School and Comic Con Palm Springs Orchestra come together for a spectacular performance. You can enjoy clips of classic films like Star Wars, Star Trek, and Lord of the Rings while the orchestra plays the music and sound effects. You’re right in the moment! Kids of all ages will enjoy this, with music from Frozen, How to Train Your Dragon, and a live video game medley as part of the show! This is truly awesome!
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o, Superman didn’t really die. But back in 1992’s DC Comics Superman series, it sure looked that way. Superman battled one of the most powerful opponents of all time—Doomsday. At the conclusion of their battle, both Doomsday and Superman appear to have been killed. But have they? Nah. Comic Con Palm Springs celebrates the 25th anniversary of this famous series with a panel hosted by Brett Breeding (DC Superman comics artist), Jon Bogdanove (artist and writer for Death of Superman), Mike Carlin (writer/editor for Marvel and DC), and Karl Kesel (writer for Death of Superman). But wait—there’s more! We can’t leave Batman out! There will also be a panel hosted by Jean Maccurdy (former president of Warner Brothers Animation), Eric Radomski (producer of Batman, the animated series), and Alan Burnett (DC Comics executive producer), discussing Batman, the animated series. Originally developed by Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski, the series was produced by Warner Bros. Animation from 1992-95. The Batman series was known for its thematic complexity, dark tones, film noir aesthetics, and artistic quality. It went on to win four Emmy awards. With these panels, fans can get the backstory to their favorite classic comic series from the people who made them happen.
The Stan Lee Museum
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omehow, it seems appropriate to return to Stan Lee for our #10 slot. Lee is bringing his full Stan Lee Museum exhibition with him to Comic Con Palm Springs, and this is a must-see collection of Marvel memorabilia, and Lee’s personal items. But why stop at #10? There’s so much more coming to Comic Con Palm Springs—Rob Lefeild, the artist and creator of Deadpool; Dana Gaier, the voice of “Edith” in Despicable Me; Khary Payton from Walking Dead; the Bionic Woman, Lindsay Wagner; Chester Rushing, Tommy H. in Stranger Things; the Mandalorian Mercs, 501st Legion, and the Rebel Legion; the So Cal Ghostbusters; DB’s Turtles; and so many artists, actors, writers, voice actors, cosplayers, and producers, and they all have stories to share. (Yes, you are likely to run into some of your favorite Game of Thrones characters.) To top it off, there are more than 450 merchandise vendors, Sean Rich’s collection of weapons from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, a Lego room, an arcade expo, Twisted Toonz script reading of Back to the Future with some of your favorite voices (Marty McFly sounds like SpongeBob SquarePants!), and a $1,000 grand prize costume contest. Comic Con Palm Springs has emerged to be one of Palm Springs’ premier events. For more photos and fun, see our website, and for tickets: comicconpalmsprings.com.
Highway 111’s Never Tasted So Good W
e need something to celebrate, and something to celebrate with, during summer. Our weathermen and women can try to make us feel like 110+ degree heat is a cooling trend, but we know better. Thankfully, Hangar 24 Craft Brewery has stepped up to the plate with their Highway 111 Lime Gose, “an ode to palms and being poolside.” Named for the highway that weaves its way to, and through, Palm Springs, then on through every city in the Coachella Valley, Highway 111 is a top fermented germanic gose wheat beer infused with local California limes, resulting in a dry, refreshing beer. It’s sweet-tart, herbal sour, with a hint of salt—a veritable summer’s oasis of taste for your happy waiting mouth. No mirage here! Highway 111, the beer, not the actual boiling hot asphalt roadway, is only available for a limited time, and just like those sun drenched summer memories of Splash House and Comic Con, it’ll fade away at some point and be just a memory, so drink ‘em while you’ve got ‘em, we say!
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he Palm Springs Public Library has joined more than a thousand libraries across the country to participate in the celestial event of the century—the August 21 solar eclipse. During this astronomical event, the shadow of the moon will cover the sun as the phenomenon sweeps across the continent in a narrow band from the Pacific to Atlantic. Since the eclipse will mainly be visible in the United States is has been named the Great American Eclipse. The eclipse will be a great opportunity for the Palm Springs community to celebrate science with fun, hands-on activities, and learning opportunities, culminating in an eclipse viewing event on August 21. The library is offering a few programs prior to the eclipse for children and adults. Youth are invited to come to the library on Wednesday, August 16, at 1:30 p.m. to make their own shoe box viewer and hear a special eclipse story. At 6:30 that evening, adults can hear Dr. Stephanie Slahor discuss lunar and solar eclipses, historical events, and information to prepare for the upcoming eclipse. On Thursday, August 17, during the toddler story time from 10 to 11 a.m., a special story will be read. At the end of all these events, solar viewing glasses will be given out, one per attendee, while supplies last, On Monday, August 21, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., the library will host a viewing party outside the library to watch what will be a partial eclipse in our area. Bring your lawn chairs and telescopes. The library will hand out remaining solar viewing glasses while supplies last. “We are proud that Palm Springs Public Library will participate in this national program,” said Jeannie Kays, library director. “We think people of all ages will find the solar eclipse to be an experience they will remember the rest of their lives.” For more information: www.palmspringslibrary.org or call 760-322-READ (7323). The Palm Springs Public Library is located at 300 S. Sunrise Way.
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published by the sun runner, po box 2171, joshua tree, ca 92252 (760)820-1222 publisher@sunrunnersw.com www.palmcanyonparadise.com www.facebook.com/palmcanyonparadise www.instagram.com/palmcanyonparadise published monthly. distributed free of charge in palm springs and the coachella valley. Editor/Publisher: Steve Brown Assistant to the editor: Juliett, the mojave sand leopard Editorial contributors: steve Brown, ian l. sitren Photos by: Steve Brown, ian l. sitren, Comic Con Palm Springs our thanks to the palm springs bureau of tourism and greater palm springs cvb for photos. Distribution: the sun runner Submit story ideas, photos for consideration, dining/shopping/lodging/favorite places and event photos to: publisher@sunrunnersw.com advertising inquiries: publisher@sunrunnersw.com or 760-820-1222 (voice or text) see the advertising page at www.palmcanyonparadise.com for pricing and specs. remember – support your local independent media and it will support your community! distribution inquiries: publisher@sunrunnersw.com join the joshua tree tortoise telegraph online at: www.jttortoisetelegraph.com, on facebook at: www.facebook.com/jttortoisetelegraph on instagram at: www.instagram.com/jttortoisetelegraph join the sun runner, the journal of the real desert, online at: www.sunrunnersw.com on facebook at: www.facebook.com/TheSunRunner watch southwest stories with steve brown online at: www.southweststories.us on facebook at: www.facebook.com/RealDesert experience the real desert with our fall tours: www.sunrunnersw.com/events
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thanks for joining us!