Coachella Valley Weekly - January 16 to January 22, 2014 Vol. 2 No. 43

News

Music

Movies

Dining

Community Events

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com • January 16 to January 22, 2014 Vol. 2 No. 43

Max Lightbender Andrea Carter JP Houston Congressman Raul Ruiz PS Underground pg 15

pg 7

pg 6

pg 13

pg 20

January 16 to January 22, 2014

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28th AnnuAl

Coachella Valley Weekly

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com info@coachellavalleyweekly.com P r e s e n t e d b y t h e I n d Io C h Am b e r o f C o m m e r Ce

January 24, 25, 26, 2014 Featuring over 250 acclaimed artists showing traditional, contemporary and abstract fine works of art — clay, drawing, glass, jewelry, metal works, painting, photography, sculpture and textile. empire Polo Club, 81 800 Avenue 51, Indio, CA • 10 am to 5 pm Tickets $8 • 2-Day Pass $12 • Children 16 and Under Free Tickets sold until 4 pm • Cash/CC accepted at gate For information: www.southwestartsfest.com • 760-347-0676

m e d I A sP o n s o r s

760.501.6228

Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Brian Michaelz, Woody Reppert Classified Manager & Nightlife Editor Philip Lacombe Features Writer Marissa Willman, Judith Sulkin, Denise Ortuno Neil, Heidi Simmons Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Lola Rossi-Meza, Craig Michaels, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Rachel Montoya, Angela Janus, Janet McAfee, Heidi Simmons, Dale Gribow, Raymond Bill, Jack St. Clair, Rob Brezny, Amanda Dorta, Eleni P. Austin, Curtis Hendricks, Noe Gutierrez, Jill Coleman, Jennifer Tan, Sunny Simon, Richard Weiss, Dr. Peter Kadile, Dr. Maria Lombardo, Bruce Cathcart, Patte Purcell, Julie Buehler, Flint Wheeler, John Paul Valdez, Laura Hunt Little, Eric Robertson, Scott Pam, Brian Michaelz Photographers Laura Hunt Little, Lani Garfield, Chris Miller/ Imagine Imagery Distribution Jim Fox Distribution/ William Westley, Rudy Mendez

Contents

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Dr Bobby Bhasker-Rao.................... 3 Public Pers.- Dr. Raul Ruiz.............6 Public Pers.- Danielle Gersh..........7 Pers. Profile- Angela Carter...........7 Sports Scene..................................8 Sports.............................................9 Film - PSI Film Society.................10 Film - The Square.........................11 LMS - Buck-O-Nine.......................12 LMS- JP Houston..........................13 Consider This ...............................14 Art - Max Lightbender ................15 Pet Place.......................................16 The Vino Voice..............................17 Club Crawler Nightlife.................18 Pampered Palate - PSU: KAOS...20 Screeners......................................22 Book Review.................................23 Happy Hour Hotspot...................25 Don’t Be Clueless in the CV ........26 Haddon Libby: It’s All Local.........27 ShareKitchen................................27 Dale Gribow.................................28 It’s Your Nickel..............................28 Safety Tips....................................29 Gaemer Girl..................................29 Don’t Be Clueless in the CV Cont...30 Free Will Astrology......................31 Mind, Body, & Spirit.....................31 Life & Career Coach......................32 Ask The Doctor.............................32 Comics - Weiss Cracks..................34

ROBOTIC WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY DR BOBBY BHASKER-RAO IS CHANGING PEOPLES

January 16 to January 22, 2014

by TJ Johnson

LIVES ONE POUND AT A TIME, ROBOTICALLY

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any people have New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, for many it becomes their resolution year after year. If you’re looking for a new healthier you in the New Year, you have a cutting edge solution offered by one of the best surgeons in the nation here in the Coachella Valley. Renowned weight loss surgeon Dr. Bobby Bhasker-Rao is the first and only surgeon in Southern California to offer comprehensive weight loss surgery with the assistance of a robot.

Upon completing medical school and several years of surgical training, Dr. Bobby Bhasker-Rao found his passion in helping others lose weight to lead a healthier lifestyle.

In turn, Dr. Bhasker-Rao, better known as “Dr. Bobby,” geared his interests toward a specialty in bariatric surgery. “I saw amazing changes. Morbidly obese patients come in afflicted with diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, some with a history of heart attacks, strokes, severe back issues, knee issues, and ankle issues. We operate on them, and almost immediately after surgery we see significant improvements in individual health issues. For example, in most cases the diabetes completely disappears and it happens overnight. The patient hasn’t even lost weight yet and the diabetes is completely gone. The same goes for high blood pressure. The very next day after surgery most patients are either able to cut back or completely discontinue taking their blood pressure medications. All of their cardiovascular risk factors significantly improve with the weight loss. I saw that as a huge benefit of these procedures, and I realized it’s not just the weight loss, the weight loss is great, but it also changes their lives. Furthermore, by getting rid of the diabetes, the hypertension, and other health conditions you’re not just changing lives, you’re actually saving lives. That’s what inspired me to get into bariatric surgery. It is where I knew I could be of most help to the people around me. With obesity growing at a rapid rate, today we find that 1 out of every 3 individuals is obese. Morbid obesity in this country is a huge problem, and I want to be a part of the solution for this population.”

Embracing technological advancements in bariatric surgery for the past 10 years, Dr. Bobby has been successful in utilizing the minimally invasive laparoscopic approach.

In addition, his surgical advancement with robotics and technology led him to be recognized as the first Surgeon in Southern California to offer a more precise way of performing these operations. “Being the most experienced Robotic Bariatric Surgeon in Southern California, I am frequently used as a proctor and trainer for other surgeons who want to offer robotic surgery, that’s rapidly being recognized as a technique to provide safer outcomes especially continue to page 5

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January 16 to January 22, 2014

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com continued from page 3

for patients requiring such complex procvedures.”

Dr. Bobby explained that the use of the robot is not necessarily new to surgery; for years it has been used in prostate and gynecological procedures. Robotics is superior according to Dr. Bobby, “The advantage of robotics is the ability to perform finer, more precise, accurate and safer surgery. When using robotics you get 3-D visualization of what is inside the abdomen. Based on this image, along with the added wrist action and flexibility of instrumentation that fit through these tiny keyholes, I am able to dissect, cut and sew more accurately. So being able to visualize, manipulate, dissect tissues more accurately, and drive the needle more precisely, translates into a superior operation resulting in safer surgery with less risk for complications.”

Dr. Bobby performs the Gastric Bypass, which is considered the gold standard for bariatric surgery because it has been practiced for over 45 years with benefits and risks studied in both short and long term settings. In addition, it is known to have the best outcomes for those with diabetes and other co-morbidities. He also performs the Sleeve Gastrectomy, the Lap-Band, and various other revisional procedures utilizing the da Vinci robot. When Dr. Bobby perfected his laparoscopic technique he took interest in the surgical advancements of the robot. Seeking additional training with world

renowned surgeons, Dr. Bobby can now say he has perfected both the laparoscopic and robotic approaches to surgery. His expertise can be seen through his outstanding surgical outcomes that stand far above the national average. Dr. Bobby noted that “When looking at each procedure; on average the Lap Band will help lose 50-60% of excess body weight, the Sleeve Gastrectomy will help lose 60-70%, and the Gastric Bypass will help lose 70-80% of excess body weight.

Typically, the more complex the procedure the more weight loss you will see.”

However, there are several patients that will achieve weight loss of a 100% of their excess body weight regardless of the procedure. Nevertheless, this is true only for those patients that diligently participate in a comprehensive weight loss program that includes the support, guidance and counseling of his Registered Dietitian, Annie Mohamed. Dr. Bobby emphasizes that one of the most important aspects of successful weight loss is pre and postsurgical education and tool management counseling offered by his registered dietitian. Annie is a key member of Dr. Bobby’s staff. She has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in nutrition and has received additional training and certifications after completing her dietetic internship through rotations over L.A. county.

Annie understands bariatric and weight loss patients from both a medical and surgical perspective. “She teaches patients how to utilize the tool that they have been given to maximize their weight loss and health

January 16 to January 22, 2014

outcomes. Annie educates patients on diet and exercise throughout their weight loss journey. She also runs the bariatric support group, sends out newsletters, and writes articles for patient support on our blog. They are constantly under her guidance which I feel is the kind of support that is needed to stay on track and make them successful,” states Dr. Bobby.

Dr. Bobby and his staff offer support groups for all patients who have had

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surgery. Patients are encouraged to meet on a monthly basis to discuss barriers and successes. The support group utilizes guest speakers from the community and enables patients to be successful in the long term.

Support from the registered dietitian as well as their peers, proves to be an effective resource in encouraging weight loss and maintenance.

With Dr. Bobby leading the way in Robotic Bariatric Surgery, it is without doubt the finest way to perform the minimally invasive procedures. “We are now able to do these procedures on an outpatient basis.

After using the safer more precise technique of Robotic Surgery, the surgeon is confident that he has done a good operation free of complications.”

His compassion and willingness to help people overcome weight issues and health complications associated with morbid obesity continues with more than 2000 successful procedures and a zero mortality rate. One such success story is Brian Michaelz, who prior to surgery weighed over 500 pounds. “I was not well, and I literally had about 6 months to live. I had severe diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and numerous other health issues. I had surgery on April 25, 2012 with Dr. Bobby and da Vinci robot, the very next day the hospital staff could not give me insulin. I am no longer diabetic, I no longer have high blood pressure, I no longer have sleep apnea, and I went from 27 medications a day to 4. I am now 21 months post op and weigh 250 pounds.” Michaelz attributes his second lease on life to Dr. Bobby and his staff at Lite Life Surgery. “I know without a doubt if I had not made the decision to move forward with this surgery from Dr. Bobby, I would not be here today enjoying life. Dr. Bobby saved my life.”

Dr. Bobby certainly has gifts and talents and they do not go unrecognized. Most recently Dr. Bobby was recognized as one of the Top Surgeons in the Nation as seen in The New York Times (June, 2013). He has received several accolades for Patients Choice Awards as being their Favorite Physician. In 2010, he was one of only four surgeons in the nation named Surgeon of the Year, with Dr. Bobby being recognized specifically for the field of Bariatric Surgery.

Additionally he has also been awarded as Top Doctor in Palm Springs, Top Doctor in Los Angeles, and Top Doctor in San Diego.

Dr. Bobby is affiliated with Eisenhower Medical Center, Desert Regional Medical Center, and other facilities in Orange County and Beverly Hills. Dr. Bobby stated, “It all depends on where the patient is located, all of these facilities offer robotic surgery.”

For more information on Lite Life Surgery visit www.litelifesurgery.com or call (760) 778-5220 or toll free at 1-866-DrBobby The change is one that begins with the patient; the surgery is a tool with a support team dedicated to success at Lite Life Surgery, led by a compassionate man, Dr. Bobby Bhasker-Rao better known as Dr. Bobby. It’s not a quick fix, it is not a diet, it’s a lifestyle change with benefits toward overall health and a better quality of life.

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January 16 to January 22, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

public personalities

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

By Heidi Simmons

A Call for Doctor Ruiz D

r. Ruiz is Congressman Raul Ruiz and he has been serving the 36th congressional district for just one year. Yet his service to the Coachella Valley has been for much, much longer.

Raised in Coachella, the valley’s farthest eastern incorporated city, Ruiz’s parents exemplified hard work, dedication and duty, instilling in their son a love and respect for people and community. After his high school graduation, Ruiz made a promise to come back home, work as a doctor and be a community advocate.

At 17 years old, he donned a cheap suit, uncomfortable and two sizes too big. He drafted a contract offering locals an opportunity to invest in their community by investing in his education.

He put the agreement in a borrowed briefcase and went door-to-door, business-to-business, asking for support and a vote of confidence.

That summer he raised $2,000 for his education.

More significantly, it raised his commitment and determination to make a difference.

“I grew up with the idea that if there is something you want to do, if there’s a wrong you want to right, you have to work hard. My father always said never to complain unless I was going to be part of the solution,” said Ruiz. “When Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack was voting in ways that was hurting the middle class, working families, our seniors and our students, that’s when I decided that I was going to do something about it.”

Elected in 2012, Ruiz went straight from the emergency room to the halls of congress for one reason and one reason only. “I wanted to improve the lives of the people that I served,” said Ruiz. “It’s the same mission I had as a physician taking care of thousands of people throughout the years in the emergency department. That is the exact same mission I have in Congress.” Only now, Ruiz does it through policy. His concern today is the broader population base instead of the individual base, although none-the-less important.

In 2007, with a Medical Degree, a Masters in Public Policy and a Masters in Public Health, Ruiz returned home as promised. “I started in farmworker trailer parks doing free public health education,” said Ruiz. “I organized with the Flying Doctors to provide free health care in the eastern Coachella Valley. I helped Volunteers

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in Medicine start a free clinic in the CV and I started a pre-med mentorship program with kids throughout the entire valley.”

Ruiz is also the founder of the Coachella Valley Healthcare Initiative.

His research discovered that the valley had the equivalent of only one fulltime physician per 9,000 residents in the eastern Coachella Valley and in Desert Hot Springs. The purpose of the Coachella Valley Healthcare Initiative is to improve healthcare access and wellness for all residents of the CV. Being out in the community, Ruiz listened to the stories of the people he took care of. “Seniors would tell me they went days without eating to save money to pay for their medications,” said Ruiz. “I literally saw them going through trash picking out aluminum cans so they could pay for diabetes medicine.” His students came to him in tears because they had to defer their education to work in the fields, in construction or in restaurants to save money in order to pay for just one more semester. Patients who were recently uninsured because they were newly unemployed, would come to him with severe illnesses.

“Much of the risks of better or poorer living has to do with the social determinants of health,” said Ruiz. “Do my patients have jobs?

Do they have health insurance? Do they have a high school or college education? Do they have safe streets? Do they have the ability to start a business? All those factors affect my patients health and community wellness.”

For Ruiz the congressman, those are the extensions of his work as a physician. His mission has always been to not only treat individual patients, but to also focus on the social determinants of health, which are dealt through policy.

There is no sense that Ruiz brags or boasts, even though he is immensely qualified in his field. There is no hubris or arrogance in his tone or attitude. He is confident, friendly and willing to share. He listens carefully and answers fully.

Ruiz takes his job seriously.

“A humble beginning” is how Ruiz describes his early life. But humble may be an understatement. Born in Zacatecas, Mexico, Ruiz was an infant when his mother died. His father gave up custody to his sister and her husband, Blanca and Gilbert Ruiz, who adopted baby Raul. Gilbert Ruiz was born in Fresno, California.

When Ruiz came to the United States with his new parents, he became a citizen.

Now with an older brother and a younger sister, the family lived in a trailer. He shared a bed with his brother. His adopted parents were migrant farm workers. Settling in the Coachella Valley, his father and mother worked hard to support their family. His father was a mechanic in the fields and then worked in the packinghouse for Sun World, Inc., where he eventually became a manager. His mother provided childcare for neighbors and kids in the community.

“I was always involved,” said Ruiz. “My mother really insisted that her children, my brother, sister and I, be involved with community activities. Specifically with our church and little league baseball. It was one way for her to keep us busy, for us to really socialize and to keep us out of trouble.”

Educated in the CV, Ruiz graduated from Coachella Valley High School. His counselor paid his college application fee. That gesture

continues to affect him even today. “I still think of the beauty of those angels,” said Ruiz. “There at the right time, at the right moment.”

Ruiz was classmates with California state assembly member V. Manuel Pérez. Both were involved with student government at CVHS. Ruiz was class president all the way through high school until his senior year, when he was elected student body president.

With the money he raised that hot summer and with the help of scholarships and loans, Ruiz went to UCLA where he studied pre-med. He graduated with high honors. “Back then I didn’t even know where Harvard was,” said Ruiz. “It was the only out-of-state school I applied to and I got accepted.”

Ruiz earned and received his Medical Doctorate from the Harvard School of Medicine and simultaneously a Masters in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Ruiz did his emergency medicine training at the University of Pittsburg. After finishing his residency, he returned to Harvard to do a fellowship in International Emergency Medicine, focusing on Humanitarian and Disaster Aid. As part of the program he earned a Masters of Public Health from the Harvard School of Public Health. Ruiz is the first Hispanic to receive three graduate degrees from Harvard University.

Returning back to the CV, Ruiz went directly home. “I essentially stayed with family members until I saved some money,” said Ruiz. “I wanted to pay off debts and help my mother.” He continues to provide total support for his beloved mother.

Ruiz worked at Eisenhower Medical Center and eventually got an apartment in Palm Desert where he still stays when he’s in the valley. “I simply like the apartment,” said Ruiz. “I’m waiting for the right moment to move out and buy a home.”

With his first year in office behind him, and with the intense problems in congress, Ruiz continues the care of his constituents. “We are definitely earning our battle scars,” said Ruiz.

“Through the dysfunction of congress, we are really able to focus on our constituents back home and do some great work.”

For Ruiz, it is not only through the projects and programs but also through individual advocacy for the people who live in the CV. “That’s something that I said I would do when I ran for office and it’s something that remains a priority for me,” said Ruiz. “I want to bring a voice to everyone in our district. Not merely to represent, but to advocate. To improve lives.”

It’s essential that Ruiz stay in touch with his

constituents. “Getting involved with the office, with our community forum and community events when we gather information, priorities, issues, and solutions that will help, is very important. Especially in our service to our veterans and seniors in our district,” said Ruiz.

He is also a big advocate for the valley’s youth. “We need to inspire our youth to pursue high quality professional public service,” said Ruiz. “We want to help them become problem solvers in our communities.”

Positive about the future, Ruiz said, “I think this year we are going to have some opportunities to create jobs and opportunities with economic development.”

When Ruiz is in Washington, D.C. he lives in a small apartment. It is just a 12-minute walk to his office. “I don’t know D.C. very well. I do know the path from my apartment to the capital building, because that is what I essentially do everyday.” Ruiz is not fond of the cold weather in D.C., but the majority of his time there is spent working in-doors.

Home for the holidays, Ruiz spent Christmas with his family and the community. He woke up early and did a few things that were personal in nature or as he says, “things to feed the soul.”

Feeding his soul means feeding the hungry and visiting with seniors.

Ruiz passed out dinners with Meals on Wheels from the Mizell Senior Center. He went to three homebound seniors who don’t have family or friends in the area. Ruiz delivered them food and spent nearly an hour with each asking about their lives and getting to know them personally.

“It’s something I have always enjoyed doing ever since I was a little boy growing up in Coachella,” said Ruiz. “It was very special. I got to meet some really good, good people.”

After delivering meals, he joined the charitable organization, The Well of the Desert, at the Palm Springs Convention Center where he helped serve turkey dinners and passed out gifts for children. The organization served over 1,200 people. “It was a wonderful, wonderful Christmas,” Ruiz said.

Ruiz spent the rest of the day with loved ones.

His brother and sister are both married with two kids each. Ruiz’s nieces and nephews range in age from two to 11 and live in Indio. “I am a very proud and happy uncle,” said Ruiz. “They are my treasures. I absolutely love and adore them.” His mother still lives in their Coachella family home.

Ruiz’s father (adopted) died in 2002.

Last October, on a flight back to California from D.C., there was a call for a doctor over the airplanes PA system. A passenger had collapsed.

Without hesitation, Ruiz provided emergency help reviving and stabilizing the patient until the flight could make an emergency landing in North Carolina.

At 41 years old, the boyish Ruiz seems an unlikely hero and politician.

Yet, over the last year, not just as a doctor, but also as a congressman, he has shown that he is his own man, capable, responsible and ready to do what’s needed.

Dedicated and committed to putting his district first, Ruiz says it is an honor and a privilege to represent his constituents. He is a homegrown son. An example of the good things this Coachella Valley can produce.

Besides his office in Washington, D.C., Ruiz has offices in Hemet, Indio and Palm Springs.

He encourages everybody, regardless of party affiliation, to engage in the elections. If you would like to volunteer, contact his office and when there is an opportunity to participate, they will reach out by call or email.

public personalities By judith salkin

January 16 to January 22, 2014

personal profile

By Denise Ortuno Neil

photos:evan kaminsky

Danielle Gersh’s career gallops at KESQ Andrea Carter Cooks Up Creative Marketing

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magine being a 22-year-old woman and, for the most part, getting your dream job from one of the first demo tapes you sent out.

But that’s pretty much what happened to Danielle Gersh who started as the weekend weather anchor at KESQ last September.

“When I was growing up my family used to come out to Palm Springs all the time for holidays and weekends,” she said earlier this week from her Palm Springs home.

“When I was in school in Texas I wanted to come back to Southern California and thought that Palm Springs would be the perfect place to be. And it is.”

Gersh grew up in Westlake Village, in the west end of L.A. County, and was more into horses than she was in broadcast journalism as a child.

“I always loved horses,” she said. “Since I was a little girl; I was never afraid of them and I always wanted to ride.”

She learned as a child and was soon riding in competitions. “I loved everything about it,” she recalls.

Riding led Gersh to another interest: the weather.

“My mom said I was always asking about the weather,” she said. “I used to ask how the weatherman got in the television to tell us about what was happening outside!”

While some teens dreamed of getting into a party school for college, Gersh wasn’t looking at party ratings or majors, but trying to find a school where she could trade her riding skills for scholarship money.

She found it at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. “I rode for SMU for my freshman and sophomore years,” she recalled. “I tried a couple of different majors, but none of them really stuck until I got into the journalism program.”

She even gave up riding for the program to anchor the early morning news show at the school’s television station. “I loved (working at the station), but I couldn’t do both,” she said. “We used to complain about having to be at the studio at 6:30 a.m., and now it makes laugh when I think of coming in at 3:30 a.m. for the morning broadcast here.”

At first SMU’s morning broadcast didn’t do weather until Gersh. “We didn’t have any weather resources,” she said. “I had to do all my own maps and someone in the

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control room had to advance them by hand.

Sometimes that didn’t work so well…”

She got an internship at the CBS station in Dallas and that turned out to be the weather classroom Gersh needed. “I had people there who mentored me and showed me how to run the software.”

And while she was at the station, Gersh also got to make demo tapes to send out with her job applications. As she got closer to graduation and actively looking for a job, Gersh was hoping to find a station in Southern California.

In April 2013 she saw a job posting for the weather position at KESQ. “It took a while,” she said of the hiring process. “I wasn’t hired until August and didn’t start on air until September.”

What she’s found at the Thousand Palms station are the mentors she hoped she would find in her professional life.

“I remembered coming out here with my family and thinking that it would be a perfect place to be for me,” she recalled.

“I knew the area and it’s only a couple of hours from where my family lives.”

The job is everything Gersh hoped it would be, professionally and personally.

“Everyone here has been so wonderful and welcoming,” she said. “Ginger (Jeffries) and Patrick (Evans) are both so nice and I really am learning so much.”

To advance her weather reporting, she is enrolled in the University of Mississippi Meteorology program.

Along with hiking and hanging out with friends from work, being back in SoCal means Gersh gets to spend time with her family (“They were just here for three weeks,” she said. “And we had a great time!”) and gets back to Westlake Village as often as possible to ride her horse, Pixie.

“Not as much as I’d like,” she said. “But I see her as much as I can.”

She’s looking forward to spending time in Indio over the next six weeks at the HITS Horse Show at the Polo Grounds. “I used to ride in the HITS show when I was kid,” she said. “That’s one of my best memories.”

arketing and public relations in business is essential to insure success. To get your name out there through unique and creative ways can make the difference between getting the most out of your venture or not. Andrea Carter & Associates Strategic Marketing leads the way in assisting businesses to get their message across with innovation and creativity.

Andrea Carter has carved out a successful career for herself through the art of using effective marketing tools to propel businesses into the spotlight. She started in marketing and public relations twenty years ago and has worked for companies including AAA, The International Registry of Bone Marrow Donors National Bone Marrow Program, and General Mills. Her versatile marketing skills allowed her to benefit from the industry giving her vast opportunities to travel around the country taking part in the glamorous side of the business doing high end public relations, media interviews and event services.

Carter came to the Coachella Valley fourteen years ago from Minneapolis. While on business in Palm Springs, she visited a childhood friend during the winter, she took one look at the snowcapped mountains while enjoying warm valley temps poolside and decided that this was the kind of place she belonged in. Tired of the Minneapolis cold, she along with her husband picked up their roots and re-planted them in the desert. “We traded in the cold winters for the paradise that it is out here,” said Carter.

After moving to the Coachella Valley, Carter went to work for Kiner Communications. She worked her way up from account executive to V.P. of Client Services. In 2008, she decided to move on with her career and started her own marketing and public relations company Andrea Carter & Associates Strategic Marketing. Her company offers many services enabling her to customize the perfect marketing plan to suit her client’s needs.

Carter just recently launched her website for her company and has incorporated her love of cooking into its theme. When visiting her website, you will find her in a cozy kitchen setting, inviting clients to have her “Cook Up Great Marketing and Public Relations Ideas” for them. Her Marketing Menu includes Public Relations, Copywriting, Strategic Marketing, Social Media, Event Management, Spokesperson, Radio Production, Crisis Communication and Media Buying. “It was a lot of fun just to do something a little different and outside the box,” said Carter.

Besides her marketing company, Carter indulges other interests. She has worked as stage manager for The Palm Springs International Film Fest Festival Gala for the past eight years, assisting celebrities on and

off the stage. She is also the PR Director (pro-bono) for the Patrick Warburton Golf Tournament, which benefits St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. The tournament takes place at the Classic Club in Palm Desert February 27th through March 2nd. Carter also serves on the board of the charity as well, “I’m very passionate about St. Jude’s,” said Carter.

Carter is the mother of two daughters, ages 11 and 12. She finds balancing her career and family challenging at times, requiring a certain amount of multi-tasking, but explains that having her own business allows her the flexibility she needs to do it all. On her downtime she enjoys spending time with her family, taking trips to Lake Havasu during the summer months. Trained in vocals, she also enjoys singing, leading worship at Southwest Church once a month, and also gets invited to sing along with musicians at local venues once in a while, “It’s something I do for fun,” she says.

Carter’s goals for the future are to expand her company after her daughters have grown, adding employees and more in-depth services. “It’s been a really fun mix in my career of being able to do a variety of different marketing services,” Carter said. It is Carter’s ability to offer so many different services to her clients that makes her company so unique, making her business a flavorful recipe for success.

For more information visit www. andreacarterassociates.com For information about the Patrick Warburton Golf Tournament visit www. patrickwarburtongolf.com

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January 16 to January 22, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

sports scene

by Julie Buehler

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by Flint Wheeler

Oh Baseball, please get your act together..

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• • • • • • • Kobe blew out his Achilles. They begged Dwight Howard to stay. The season began with a roster than couldn’t strike fear in the minds of D-leaguers and made less sense for a team that had a coach who wanted to run.

But at the beginning, Lakers fans at least clung to hope. The clung to the notion Kobe would return, the team would regain it’s fire and passion and the season could be saved.

But much like watching Charlie Theron in Monster, the Lakers are unrecognizable from their former self.

Except no amount of Hollywood makeup can mask their glaring issues.

They recently needed to employ their video coordinator and assistant coach Mark Madsen in scrimmage to have 5-on5 practice. Nick Young joked about pulling his coach out of retirement and signing the coordinator to a 10-day contract, but the joke wasn’t far enough away from reality to actually be funny. It was a cry for help.

Meanwhile, as Mitch Kupchek offers public endorsements of D’Antoni, you can sense the ending of this flick isn’t going to be happy.

Yes, the Lakers have insurmountable injuries, but more importantly, the team has been quitting in games. Leaving defense at the door when they come out at the half and allowing teams to blow them out night in and night out.

It’s not pretty. And for a franchise that used to be a beauty to behold, the real question is how long will fans be watching?

There’s no easy solution and certainly no quick fix. Laker fans will just have to hunker down, and get used to their newly debeautified team.

Julie Buehler hosts the Coachella Valley’s most popular sports talk radio show, “Buehler’s Day Off” every day from 3-6 on 1010 KXPS, the valley’s all sports station.

She’s an avid gym rat, slightly sarcastic and more likely to recite Steve Young’s career passing stats than American Idol winners.

Tune in M-F 3-6 pst at www.team1010.com or watch the show on Ustream.

January 16 to January 22, 2014

www.FlintWheeler.com Financial Advisor representing New York Life. Owner Indian Wells Insurance & Wealth Management. Host of Tilted Sports Radio on Team 1010, KXPS. Former PGA Class A Professional. U.S.P.T.A. Tennis Professional.

Titleist Performance Institute Certified Fitness Trainer

This Won’t Be Pretty.

alle Berry in Monster’s Ball.

Cameron Diaz in Being John Malkovich.

Salma Hayek in Frida.

All beautiful women who look ugly for a time in order to set up entertainment for millions. It makes sense. Because as rough as those ladies looked in the movies, the reality is they can re-adjust their appearance and return their beauty at will.

No such luck for the Los Angeles Lakers, who used to be the NBA’s most illustrious franchise. Dressed in the finest NBA Championship banners, strutting their designer digs down Rodeo Drive and titillating the imaginations of southern California basketball fans with big names and bigger plays, the Lakers looked and performed like true A-listers.

But then Phil Jackson retired.

And then Lakers hired the Mike Brown.

Fired him. Looked to rehire Jackson. Flipped a U-turn and hired Mike D’Antoni. From there, the beautiful franchise that, perhaps at times, played a role that was less-thanattractive, like Demi Moore in GI Jane, you just figured the squad would grow back it’s charm and vibrancy.

Except it didn’t.

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ndependent arbitrator Fredric Horowitz ruled Saturday that beleaguered Yankees superstar Alex Rodriguez must serve a full, 162-game season suspension — plus the 2014 postseason — for his involvement with Biogenesis, the shuttered South Florida anti-aging clinic. It is the longest penalty ever given to a baseball player for using illegal performance-enhancing drugs.

The decision represents a reduction from the initial 211-game suspension imposed by Major League Baseball, but it’s nevertheless a clear loss — perhaps a career-ender — for A-Rod. Nevertheless, he vowed he wouldn’t yet surrender. He filed a lawsuit against MLB last October as a preemptive strike against this moment, and his lawyers are expected to ask for an injunction to prevent the suspension from being enforced until the lawsuit has played out.

“I have been clear that I did not use performance enhancing substances as alleged in the notice of discipline, or violate the Basic Agreement or the Joint Drug Agreement in any manner,” Rodriguez said in a statement, “and in order to prove it I will take this fight to federal court.”

The suspension will cost Rodriguez $22,131,147 from his overall 2014 salary of $25 million, and it gives the Yankees a chance to achieve their goal of getting their 2014 payroll under $189 million.

Nevertheless, the 38-year-old tried to paint himself as fighting for his fellow players.

“This injustice is MLB’s first step toward abolishing guaranteed contracts in the 2016 bargaining round, instituting lifetime bans for single violations of drug policy, and further insulating its corrupt investigative program from any variety defense by accused players, or any variety of objective review,” his statement read. “I am exhausting all options to ensure not only that I get justice, but that players’ contracts and rights are protected through the next round of bargaining, and that the MLB investigation and arbitration process cannot be used against others in the future the way it is currently being used to unjustly punish me.”

Said MLB in its statement; “For more than five decades, the arbitration process under the Basic Agreement has been a fair and effective mechanism for resolving disputes and protecting player rights. While we believe the original 211-game suspension was appropriate, we respect the decision rendered by the Panel and will focus on our continuing efforts on eliminating performance-enhancing substances from our game.”

The Yankees now owe Rodriguez $61 million from 2015-17, and the team could try to negotiate a buyout, void what’s left in the contract, simply release Rodriguez, or welcome him back in 2015. The void is as much of a legal long shot as Rodriguez’s injunction, while he has little incentive to give up any of his

remaining money owed in a buyout.

The news marks the end — or at least the near-end — of a public saga that began nearly a year ago, when the Miami New Times first reported of Rodriguez’s connection to Biogenesis and its founder, Anthony Bosch.

MLB officials, having long suspected Rodriguez of illegal PED usage even after he vowed in 2009 to never use them again, pounced on the story.

MLB’s big break developed when, after suing Bosch for his role in helping players violate the game’s Joint Drug Agreement, it cut a deal with Bosch by which it would drop him from the suit in return for his cooperation.

Bosch provided extensive evidence. Most notably, text-messages between him and the accused — Rodriguez and 13 other players used illegal PEDs, even as they passed baseball’s drug tests.

Brewers star Ryan Braun was first, agreeing to a 65-game suspension on July 22. On August 5, MLB suspended A-Rod and 12 fellow Biogenesis clients, with the other dozen all accepting 50-game suspensions.

The discipline disparity prompted Rodriguez to appeal and set in motion one of the ugliest “player vs. league” battles in the history of professional sports. A 12-day hearing that began Sept. 30, ended Nov. 21 and featured endless trash talk along the way. Bosch testified for nearly five days, and Team A-Roid spent much of its time trying not only to discredit Bosch, but the entire MLB investigative team. A-Roid’s group succeeded in rattling MLB officials with its legal and publicrelations strategy.

The case essentially ended on the 11th day, when Rodriguez stormed out of the proceedings after it was ruled commissioner Bud Selig wouldn’t be required to testify in front of A-Rod’s lawyers.

Bosch’s spokesperson Joyce Fitzpatrick released a statement reading, “Tony Bosch doesn’t take joy in seeing Alex Rodriguez suspended from baseball, but he believes the arbitrator’s decision was appropriate. He is glad to have the arbitration behind him and believes he can play a valuable role in the future by educating athletes about the dangers of performance enhancing drugs.”

Flint Wheeler Financial Services Professional Visit www.FlintWheeler.Com

9

January 16 to January 22, 2014

film

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by heidi simmons

Palm Springs International Film Society

strive for a world in which enlightenment, knowledge and tolerance prevail. They believe film is an art form and has the power to bridge cultures and illuminate the universality of the human experience.

According to their website: the PSIFF and the Palm Springs International ShortFest are presented under the auspices of the Film Society and manifest the organization’s mission by nurturing and encouraging new filmmaking talent, honoring the great masters of world cinema and providing audiences with a unique opportunity to engage in an appreciation of, and a dialogue about, the art of cinema as it is represented around the world.

A wonderful mission and a noble goal realized, the Film Society has not only made the incredible world of film available in our valley, but also through their education and community outreach. They have made their programs accessible through the Palm Springs Art Museum and Rancho Mirage Library.

“I think the educational outreach that the film Society does throughout the year and the short film festival is a beautiful package,” said du Toit. “It always surprises and impresses me what we are able to

1995

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deliver to the valley based on the support of the sponsors and the audiences that make it possible.”

Seventy percent of those attending the festival are from out-of-state. It has been estimated that those coming into town for the PSIFF will spend $100 to $320 a day during their stay in the Coachella Valley. It is a significant financial contribution to local communities.

With 130,000 tickets sold, box office revenue far exceeds a million dollars.

However, the Festival itself will just break even. But the joy of discovering a film, entering its world and the fun of sharing, is priceless.

January 16 to January 22, 2014

by heidi simmons

A Filmmaker Enters A Revolution

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elgium, Iceland, Kazakhstan, Norway, Israel, Japan and Morocco were just a few of the countries around the globe filmgoers were able to visit during the 25th Annual Palm Spring International Film Festival. New cultures were discovered in the theater and new friends we made in line.

A quarter century ago, the charismatic Palm Springs Mayor Sonny Bono, had a vision: A festival that would draw international attention and bring people from around the world to our sunny, warm valley in the middle of winter. Even today, it is easy to imagine Bono’s bright eyes and wide, mustached smile. Certainly, he would be extremely pleased and proud of the Festival’s continued success.

The triumph of the PSIFF is the work and passion of many. There is an astonishing Board of Directors with an amazing array of members. The charming Chairman Harold Matzner, the diligent Festival Director Darryl Macdonald and the astounding Artistic Director Helen du Toit, bring forth one of the best film festivals in the world.

With the help of local and international sponsors, along with a community of film industry advisors, Bono’s dream has been fully actualized. Behind the glamorous galas and fabulous films there is the non-profit Palm Springs International Film Society.

The charitable organization’s mission is to cultivate and promote the art and science of film through education and cross-cultural awareness.

Over the years, Du Toit has worked for PSIFF as well as other film festivals. “I’m always astonished when I come down here. What a great value it is to have a membership with the Film Society,” said Du Toit. “They get so many films year round.

It’s not just about supporting the festival; the benefits you get in return far out weigh the investment. It feels good to get so much in return.”

The vision of the Film Society is to

film

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For information on how to become a member of the Palm Spring International Film Society, go to: www.psfilmfest.org

s inexpensive video technology has become readily accessible around the world, cameras are now in the hands of many, changing how we view the world. For filmmaker Jehane Noujaim, her documentary, The Square, is a powerful experience she hopes will resonate globally.

Noujaim with the help of three others, filmed the Egyptian revolution as it began in Cairo’s, Tahrir Square. Her film follows several characters -- real people -- as they gather to fight for change. Their incredible bravery brings down the country’s longstanding dictator Hosni Mubarak. The film doesn’t stop there, but continues to follow the intense and deadly events that lead to successor Mohamed Morsi’s election as President through his subsequent arrest.

“It was a revolution that we were filming on the outside but it was also a revolution for all of us on the inside,” said Noujaim.

“We learned so much from the people we followed. We learned fearlessness and courage. It’s a complete surrender and sacrificing of everything in your life because of the importance to sticking with one’s principles. All the characters come from different backgrounds, but they all had that conviction in common.”

Having participated in civil right marches in the US, Noujaim had her doubts about the success of protests in Egypt. “I thought the people would be chased out or imprisoned and wouldn’t come back again.

But they did come back and people stayed,” said Noujaim. “To see it actually succeed.

To see the leadership step down and other successes happen because of people’s pure determination and will and refusal to compromise on principal. It redefined possibilities for me. I was change on a very deep level.”

Born here in the US, Noujaim grew up in Cairo. Her mother is from Connecticut and Noujaim has a dual citizenship. She frequently travels back and forth between the US and Egypt. The Square is Noujaim’s second documentary film about the people of Egypt. She has a production office five

minutes from Tahrir Square.

When Noujaim set out into Tahrir Square, with a consumer DSLR camera -- the only legal video camera allowed -- recording the events was a way to show the people of Egypt and the world what was happening on the ground. It also served as a way to record any actions against the protesters.

Shortly, amazing characters presented themselves and captivating stories unfolded in front of her lens.

“The film came out of the square,” said Noujaim. “It was an incredible collaboration of talented people fighting for something much bigger than themselves.” Noujaim met Karim Amer in the square and he became the producer on the project. The director of photography and the sound guys were all protestors. Their footage has been used in court cases and on news stations when media agencies were not present.

“When I got there, I experienced a magical atmosphere,” said Noujaim.

“Imagine living in a country where for 30 years you were under emergency law and you couldn’t speak openly about political beliefs or your hopes for the future. For the first time, people who had never spoken to each other before -- men, women, different classes, religious, secular -- were all speaking about their dreams for the future.

People loved each other and took care of each other without even knowing them.

And that’s what happens when you are in a situation where people are being killed next to you for no reason. I immediately wanted to share it with the world.”

Noujaim knew the best way to share such a story with a wide audience, who may know nothing about Egypt or the Middle East, was to tell a deeply personal story about compelling characters. Some of the characters in the documentary Noujaim knew and others she met sleeping next to her in the square. She found people who would take her to places that she would never have ordinarily experienced.

The Square is an intimate, incredible and intense journey that puts the viewer directly in the midst of a significant shift in

history. Noujaim and Amer attended the Palm Springs International Film Festival to help promote the film and talk about their experiences. Both speak passionately about Egypt and the significance the revolution has on all people who value human rights and civil liberties. The Square made the Best of Fest screening list. The documentary is powerful, poignant, emotional and meaningful. Noujaim wants people who see the film to be empowered to fight for what they believe in to generate change.

Eventually shooting over 1,600 hours of footage, they started filming January of 2011 and completed July 2013. Through the revolution and the changes in leadership, Noujaim and her team took a year and half to edit voluminous footage into the 99-minute documentary.

This week, Egyptians will vote on a new constitution. The Square is currently banned in Egypt. It is the hope of Noujaim and Amer that the international attention of their movie will generate the films’ release in Egypt. The Square will be on Netflix January 17 and in theaters the 19th.

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January 16 to January 22, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Local Music Spotlight by eric the red

Jon Pebsworth of Buck-O-Nine

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’ve decided that this week, I’d change up my format a little bit. Most weeks, I write my articles by trying to give a little bit of background on the band and then some interesting interview answers to spice things up. This week, I had the honor of interviewing the singer for a band that wrote the first ska song I can actually remember; Jon Pebsworth of Buck-O-Nine.

I remember hearing “My Town,” as I was driving home down I-5 in San Diego and thinking to myself, “what is this intoxicating mixture of sounds coming from the stereo?”

In honor of this tremendous occasion, I’ve decided that this week’s article will be in the question and answer style, so you get to see each question and answer, instead of just the quotes.

Eric The Red: It’s been 7 years since the band’s last album. Any chance for a new album in the near future?

Jon Pebsworth: I hope so, yes. We have been talking about it a lot lately. We still love doing this, so I’m sure we’ll do another album at some point!

ETR: If you could play your dream show, who else would be playing and where?

JP: There might be a couple I would just hit rewind and re-play! We’ve had some amazing moments that I’ll never forget.

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I hope I enjoyed them in the moment as much as I do in my memories. Life check list: Dream show - Check.

ETR: How do you feel about the state of ska today?

JP: I think ska music will live forever without any doubt. It has been popping up all over the world at different times and with different approaches since the 60’s.

Where is it today? As far as new bands?

There are some cool new bands out there. I hope to hear great things from them in the years to come.

ETR: Do you feel like there will ever be a 4th Wave of Ska? JP: Yes, in some form or another, for sure will happen. It is a true art form and there will always be new people, young and old, creating ska tunes in some form.

ETR: What is your advice to anyone wanting to start a band?

JP: Have fun with it, love it, live it, hate it, kill it, love it again!

ETR: What does the band do aside from making music? Any side projects?

JP: We all work and have families. Some side projects, yes. Nothing crazy or worth mentioning.

ETR: Are there any final notes or words of wisdom you’d like to add?

JP: No real wisdom... I just know that we always did what we thought was right and sounded the best to us. It’s a struggle and a fight around every corner, so you gotta have guts to keep it alive!

Make sure to catch Jon and Buck-ONine at The Hood Bar & Pizza. They will be performing with Spankshaft and Machin’.

Doors open at 8:00pm, $10 cover at the door, 21+ only.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Local Music Spotlight

January 16 to January 22, 2014

by Robin Linn

JP HOUSTON’S AMERICAN PARLOR SONGBOOK

....is a concept born from a wildly diverse background and the merging of two great talents with several creative influences?

P Houston and his new bride Julie Van Dusen have created a brand new concept by combining vintage influences with their musical and acting talents. APS is a radio program. It’s a live show. It’s a love story. It’s a fresh new idea inspired by one of the first forms of American entertainment...the great American radio show. Influenced by nostalgic radio show programs such as Jack Benny....but in this case it’s “Say goodnight JULIE”. American Parlor Songbook begins with a new twist on an old idea and incorporates in-studio performance art featuring some of the hottest new music acts to come out of our region.

I first met JP at the Joshua Tree Saloon. I heard him at Ted Quinn’s Variety show and thought he was JT’s answer to Billy Joel and Elton John...all rolled up into one. We chatted on the patio that evening, and I learned he would be playing with my friends in Waxy that coming weekend. It was a Kyuss reunion show and also a benefit for my dear family friends Sean and Amy Poag, whose toddler son had been diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer.

When Waxy played that weekend, I was blown away by JP’s contribution on the keys. He had incorporated some vibey electronic sounds using pedals attached to a keyboard. It was a broad and bold jump from the piano man I had witnessed just days before in the high desert.

Since that day I have seen JP in a number of musical situations. Each of them JP brings a humble and welcoming presence and top notch level of musicianship. His ability to win over a room with his gentle demeanor and comedic dialogue while single handedly whipping out tune after tune is nothing to balk at. From a gig at a jet setter country club to the studio of NPR/ KCVR....JP is a consummate professional, a warm

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individual, and a beautiful entertainer.

This week I tuned into American Parlor Songbook and listened to half a dozen past episodes. What I discovered was a wealth of local talent such as David Macias and his band Machin’, Chris Unck with partner Gabriella Evaro, The Black Tongue Bells, and a dozen other completely original and unique musical artists I had never before experienced. Newlyweds JP and Julie have combined their variety show satire with JP’s piano man performance to blend the type of old school radio show program Jack Benny was famous for. American Parlor Songbook is regularly featured on our local internet radio program, Radio Free Joshua Tree as well as on KCVR, a public broadcast radio station out of Santa Monica. The show is being syndicated this season and new stations are picking it up all the time. This season JP and Julie will also be recording in New York and we will be privy to some fresh east coast talent as well. I imagine that one of those east coast shows will include Jane Lee Hooker, an all-girl blues band featuring JP’s sister on drums. Jane Lee Hooker will be appearing at Pappy & Harriet’s on February 1st. I will be in Texas that week but recommend catching their show.

I asked JP and Julie the following questions and will share their answers in their own beautiful words. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did.

RL: Briefly tell me about your introduction to music and a bit of personal background?

JP: Growing up in Toronto, my parents were creative types…my father a journalist, my mother a theater person. She had a Shirley Temple type act in the 40s raising war bonds in Canadian theaters. They had crazy friends that were dancers, singers, actors, writers, and artists.

They threw big parties with everyone around the piano singing standards and show tunes. Those gatherings were a big influence on me, and the show.

I was the youngest of 9. We all put on plays and played music in the basement. Most of the family went into other fields. My sister Melissa and I went into music and entertainment. She became a professional drummer and lives in New York City. She has a great band, Jane Lee Hooker, an all-girl blues, rock group. They do lots of cool covers of deep blues cuts. They’ll be up at Pappy & Harriet’s the first of February. I’m really excited for people out here to hear her play.

RL: I understand you worked with the PBS program, Sesame Street. Tell me more about that?

JP: As a teen in Toronto, I became pretty well known in bars. I played in bands, and on my own since age 14, often needing a note from my parents to get into venues. I self-released cassettes of my songs. One of those albums got passed from a daughter to a mother... Cheryl Wagner, who was producing a new children’s series. They got in touch and arranged a meeting.

I showed up, 17 years old, hopped on the piano and banged out a bunch of original muppet-ish songs. They hired me on the spot. That began a long relationship with Radical Sheep Productions.

The company was founded by Rob Mills, a former Henson puppeteer. I became their songwriter and over 10 years we created many series and hundreds of episodes with lots of awards and accolades. I was nominated for best score at the Geminis (Canadian Emmy equivalent) The biggest series we did in the U.S. was The Big Comfy Couch, which was a hit on PBS for a decade. There were toys, touring productions, and even a float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. It was an amazing experience to have a song float down the street in that event! I still do composing work for various film and television productions. I’m working on a song for a Danish film this week.

RL: What inspires you musically?

JP: My biggest influences are probably on my sleeve. From a young age I was in love with storytellers, mostly on pianos… Billy Joel, Paul Williams, Freddy Mercury, Paul McCartney, Harry Nilsson...and later, discovered the older generation, Hoagy Carmichael, Coal Porter, George Gershwin, all the Hollywood composers.

My goal is always to write songs with melodies you can sing, and interesting stories, or ideas, or even jokes. I write two kinds of songs.

The first are assigned pieces. I always try to stay honest and free when writing to order, but there is definitely more craft involved in the process.

The second is from inspiration....my personal songs. Inspiration comes anywhere from true love to the weather.

The second type of songs on APS are a combination of the two. They are assignments due to the time constraints of broadcast schedule, and in the sense that they have to fit the theme of the show. But since I’m creating the theme, they are from inspiration at the same time.

RL: How did you meet Julie?

JP: I met Julie at The Joshua Tree Saloon. She had just moved to the area. We were introduced by a mutual friend, a brief hello on her way out. I turned to my friend Ray Woods and said “I want to marry her.” Our first date was at Pappy and Harriet’s at our friend Ted Quinn’s open mic. I must admit it was a clever ruse to get on stage and sing love songs!

RL: How has she impacted your life and your music?

JP: We instantly began improvising together.

Everywhere we went we were doing characters and voices. I had worked comedy clubs before and had sort of forgotten that side of myself. In rock and roll, it’s not cool to be light or funny in songs. I’d reached a point where I was getting bored with a lot of what rock is, posturing, shoe gazing... and I wanted to find a way to change course. Meeting Julie inspired me to bring humor back into things. I also knew I didn’t want to continue spending my time in vans and bars. So it made sense to come up with something we could do together… something that allowed me to sing and write songs, and both of us to perform.

The show was born of that. Adding up all of the things we liked doing. Put those together with my background in Television and production, and out comes APS. The show wouldn’t exist without Julie, that’s for sure, we’re a team. It’s such a nice surprise in life, the kind of thing you dream of...

RL: When did you conceive the idea for your American Parlor Songbook?

JP: I hid a small black and white TV under my bed as an 8 year old. I would sneak under to watch Johnny Carson on school nights. As a teen, I discovered old radio shows. I bought cassette tapes of George and Gracie, Jack Benny, all those old greats. From back then, I always fantasized about a show. When I met Julie, I knew I found Gracie, so it just came together. I started kicking around format ideas and writing things. I decided we needed to go for it and start making episodes.

I knew we’d need to iron out the kinks before taking it anywhere. We spent a few months doing weekly shows. Once we had the format dialed in, I approached KVCR about picking up the show.

RL: Have there been any stand out guests for you on the APS show, anyone that musically inspired you?

JP: There have been so many great guests.

It’s been a lot of fun, and very rewarding getting to help people get some air time. Everyone we’ve had on has been really talented. Machin’ impressed me right away. They’re really original continue to page 30

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January 16 to January 22, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Eleni P. Austin

JONATHAN WILSON

“Fanfare” (Downtown Records)

Consider This

art

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

January 16 to January 22, 2014

By rebecca pikus

MAX LIGHTBENDER

J

onathan Wilson is often referred to as the wunderkind of Laurel Canyon. Having just turned 39, he isn’t really that young.

However, he is a generation younger than the septuagenarian musicians who populated that bohemian enclave back in the sixties.

Back then the tiny canyon that separated glamorous Hollywood from the Brady Bunch-y San Fernando Valley, was home to seminal Los Angeles musicians like the Byrds, Joni Mitchell, Peter Tork, Frank Zappa, Jackson Browne, Gram Parsons, Warren Zevon, Jim Morrison, Mama Cass and the Buffalo Springfield.

By the early 80s, most Canyon denizens had migrated to Bel Air and Malibu. The rustic charms of Canyon life was supplanted by cocaine cowboys and life in the fast lane. It took another 20 years, but by the21st century, Jonathan Wilson managed to return musical focus to Laurel Canyon.

Jonathan Wilson is a native of Forest City, South Carolina. His grandfather was a Baptist preacher and his dad was a musician and band leader. Jonathan mastered guitar and piano at a young age. He hooked up with Benji Hughes and they formed the band Muscadine. In 1998, they released an album through Sire records.

Wilson arrived in L.A. with Muscadine. The band folded, but he persevered by learning the basics of engineering and producing. He also amassed an impressive collection of analog recording equipment. Setting up a recording studio, he provided production and worked as a session musician for an impressive array

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

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of artists including; Shooter Jennings, Erykah Badu, Elvis Costello and Jenny Lewis.

At the same time, he began hosting informal Wednesday night jam sessions at his Laurel Canyon house. The weekly event attracted bands like the Wallflowers, Black Crowes and Dawes, along with Canyon elder statesmen like Jackson Browne and Graham Nash.

In between production work and touring, Jonathan began working on his own solo material. His debut, FrankieRay was never formally released. Instead, Wilson just handed out CD-Rs to friends and fans.

Gentle Spirit arrived in late 2011. Best described as Neil Young’s Harvest meets Pink Floyd’s Dark Side Of The Moon, the album garnered rave reviews and landed in several Top 10 lists. British music mags MOJO and Uncut both named him Best New Artist of 2011.

The following year, Wilson was back behind the mixing board producing Man & Myth for legendary British Folk musician, Roy Harper.

He also assisted Father John Misty with his first “official” solo effort, Fear Fun. As 2013 wound down, Wilson released Fanfare.

The album opens with the title track, a lengthy and ornate overture accented by warm piano tones, mellotron, pounding percussion, Moog synthesizer and flugelhorn. It’s a full three minutes before Wilson’s vocals come in, husky with regret, yearning for a romance that has already failed.

On both “Her Hair Is Growing Long” and “Illumination” Wilson handles all the instrumentation himself. The former is a confessional ballad that blends feather soft acoustic guitar notes. The melody recalls the early 70s gravitas of Led Zeppelin’s epic “Stairway To Heaven” and Crosby, Stills &

Nash’s “Guinnevere.”

The latter is anchored by pummeling drums, skronky, broken shards of guitar and floofy keyboard runs. The stop-start meter and Wilson’s falsetto are mindful of Neil Young’s “Hey Hey, My My (Into The Black).” The mood is dour and downcast as Wilson details an emotional abyss… “All my faculties are empty.”

The track ends with an extended organ-guitar coda.

The album’s best four tracks are “Love To Love,” “Future Vision,” “Moses Pain” and “Cecil Taylor” and they arrive one after the other.

“Love To Love” offers a pocket history of Wilson’s pilgrimage to Los Angeles. A chugging rhythm propels jangly guitars and soulful organ fills. The lyrics name check L.A. landmarks like Topanga, Hollywood and Yamashiro.

As the title implies, “Future Vision” is rife with portentous proclamations about infatuation…”She’ll make you feel the sweet caprice of love again.” Pedal steel guitar and tumbling drums get the track off to a raucous start, but midway through, the melody pivots on a dime, locking into a Honky Tonk piano groove. Swirly-psych seagull guitar riffs give way to a sweet piano finish.

“Moses Pain” is the album’s centerpiece.

Blending the country comfort of Elton John’s “Levon,” with the expansive storytelling of Jackson Browne’s epochal “Running On Empty.”

Moses is a would-be troubadour who escapes rural poverty for a life on the road.

The instrumentation is a perfect storm of guitar, bass, Hammond organ and harmonica.

Cresting over the arrangement are Mike Campbell’s graceful slide guitar and Benmont Tench’s soaring piano.

“Cecil Taylor,” is named for the octogenarian

Jazz pianist. But the song is the antithesis of the avant-garde style Taylor pioneered in the 50s.

Anchored by finger-picked acoustic guitar and a metronome beat, Wilson’s ethereal, multitracked vocals are front and center. Completing the spiritual torch pass, David Crosby and Graham Nash chime in with their distinctive, celestial harmonies.

The percolating “New Mexico” was cowritten with British Folk icon Roy Harper. It features a flashy flute solo that would make “Anchorman” Ron Burgandy blush! Handling all the instruments except sax, Wilson wanders into Steely Dan territory with an adroit cover of Sopwith Camel’s “Fazon.”

Other interesting tracks include the melancholy waltz of Dear Friend,” the arid serenity of “Desert Trip,” and “Love Strong.”

That song is Wilson at his most ambitious.

The instrumentation is by turns lush and spiky, blending burnished piano runs, Prog-Rock/ Folkadelic guitar riffs, clavinet, synthesizer, mellotron and cello.

Fanfare closes with the wistful “All The Way Down.” A repeated cluster of guitar chords forms the bare bones melody. Swirling in and out are piano, percussion, vibes mellotron, chamber radio and a string section, another sad lament of love gone wrong.

Clocking in at nearly 80 minutes, Fanfare offers 13 songs of exhilarating highs and lacerating lows. On this album Wilson seems to take inspiration from eccentric singersongwriters like Harry Nilsson and Leon Russell.

It’s also apparent he has spent time exploring the solo work of Dennis Wilson. (While Brian Wilson was the brains behind the Beach Boys, Dennis was the band’s soul. The only real surfer in the group, Dennis recorded an amazing solo effort, Pacific Ocean Blue in 1977. Sadly, he was at work on a follow up when he died in a drowning accident 30 years ago).

Jonathan Wilson was born at the wrong time. Had this record been released the year he was born in 1974, it would be been as essential as George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, Nilsson Schmilsson or John Lennon’s Plastic Ono Band.

This is “headphone music.” We live in a disposable, downloadable world where the tinny convenience of “earbud music” has made it simple and easy to aquire music. But it takes an effort to really listen. Do yourself a favor and find time to really listen to Fanfare. Your ears will thank you.

W

hen meeting Max Lightbender for the first time, you just know you are in the presence of a true Visionary Artist.

With his playful yet piercing blue eyes, his shock of blond hair, & his handsome chiseled features, he looks like he just stepped out of a cover for GQ Magazine. Max’s personality is Effervescent and his Enthusiasm about his Art is overflowing. Max’s Spirit Animal is the Hummingbird -- which symbolizes the Enjoyment of Life and Lightness of Being.

The Hummingbird lifts up Negativity and expresses Love everywhere it exists. It can travel great distances and fly backwards -- Hummingbirds symbolize “Adaptability & Resilence while keeping a Playful & Optimistic Outlook”. So -- this explains Max Lightbender -- and his Art -- perfectly.

Once you meet Max Lightbender -- or rather, Experience him -- you will never forget him. continue to page 25

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January 16 to January 22, 2014

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PET PLACE Baby, from Blindness to Hope T

he animals and their owners patiently stood in line awaiting their appointments at the low cost spay and neuter clinic in Indio. Suddenly the pace was broken by a frantic woman who suddenly appeared carrying a small pug dog, seeking medical care of a different nature.

The bystanders were horrified to see that the dog’s eyes were hideously injured and practically hanging out of her head. The dog’s deliverer said someone she knew saw the dog get hit by a car and that person gave her the animal. Neither of them had any money for veterinary care.

Lindi Biggi, president of Loving All Animals, was volunteering at the clinic that December morning, and she quickly arranged for emergency surgery at Country Club Animal Clinic. Dr. Lillian Roberts performed her surgery and she believes the dog was in this condition for at least several days and possibly as long as a week.

Dr. Roberts reports, “One of her eyes had ruptured and the other was dangling loose.

Her injuries were caused by some sort of blunt force trauma. Without treatment she

Handsome Cocker I’m a handsome fellow if I say so myself! I’m already neutered and ready to be your new best “furfriend”.

Fabulous buff colored male Cocker Spaniel at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus shelter, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644. Dog ID#071504.

gorgeous gaby This 2-month-old girl has the cutest face! Gaby would be thrilled if you would also adopt her brother Linus, and together they promise to entertain you. Contact Forever Meow rescue at (415) 385-6195.

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probably would have died from the infection in her eye spreading to her brain.” By the time she arrived at the clinic, the dog had no sight left, and with no way for her to regain her vision the only treatment option was enucleation, the complete removal of the eyes.

What is her prognosis? Dr. Roberts observed that Baby’s sunny disposition still shone brightly even as she recovered from her trauma and operation. Dr. Roberts explains, “Blind dogs can function quite well, and I understand Baby has already quickly adapted to her new circumstances and should live a normal and happy life. There is no reason to think of her as disabled, one just needs to carefully introduce her to new surroundings. She’s only about one year old, and may not remember all of the trauma that happened to her.”

Baby is now in the custody of Loving All Animals’ rescue and adoption program. It is a joy to watch her navigate her way around and happily interact with humans and other dogs. You easily forget her blindness as Baby enjoys the warmth of companionship

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by Janet McAfee

by Rick Riozza

Romantic Evenings of Wine at Miramonte

T

and explores the world. She freely gives hugs and kisses. Dogs speak through their bodies and Baby moves through the world with confidence and optimism.

Lindi describes the moment she saw the dog she named Baby, “I could only imagine the pain she must have been in. Today she is incredibly grateful and loving. My hope is that Baby will become certified as a therapy dog and join our 3-legged dog, Cassidy, doing goodwill in the community, going to schools, hospitals, and nursing homes, bringing happiness to people while also educating them about disabilities. Baby will do best living in a home that is one level and has no swimming pool or water works.”

Blind dogs have the ability to distinguish between millions of different smells, allowing them to literally “see” the world through smell. Baby quickly learned to map out her surroundings in her mind and navigates quite well independently.

Dogs easily pick up on our feelings, so it’s important that others speak to Baby in a cheery voice, and not convey whatever sympathy they might feel for her. Lots of verbal communication is good for a blind dog, and the sound of soft music playing when she is alone is comforting. Blind dogs like Baby can even continue to play games such as fetch with a squeaky toy, as long as

any sharp corners on tables are padded with bubble wrap or other fabric. Scent markers strategically placed in the home help them find important locations and avoid obstacles.

Dogs tend to live in the moment, and dogs like Baby remind us humans how a positive attitude can overcome one’s circumstances. Lindi describes this fabulous little dog, “Although she is totally blind, Baby spends no time feeling sorry for herself.

She is enjoying life by keeping in perfect focus all the wonderful things and people that surround her.” Part of a lovely poem about blind dogs tells us more about these “differently-abled” animals: “You took me in, you gave me love and we will never part!”

“Because I’m blind with just my eyes, I see you with my heart!”

Baby would love to find someone who has a lot of time to spend with her, and who will join her mission to become a therapy dog helping others. For more information about Baby, call Loving All Animals at (760) 834-7000.

January 16 to January 22, 2014

here is no better way to enjoy your new year’s resolutions of healthy dining, a broadening wine experience, and enhancing romantic scenarios than to begin with the up-coming wine dinner series over at the Miramonte Resort & Spa. The next fabulous dinner event in this series is scheduled for Friday, January 24, 2014.

In Italian, we call it Le Serate di Vino [ley say-RAH-tay dee VEE-no], in English, The Evenings of Wine. Last year the series was one of the top highlights in the valley’s culinary scene. This season we’re all expecting the same, and, the excitement is way up as the resort’s new Executive Chef Adam Votaw takes center stage: A master chef who’s traveled the world and launched restaurants in his wake.

Chef Adam is a graduate of the C.I.A. and a covert international operative; just kidding of course—but he cooks like James Bond with flair and confidence and is able to prepare stellar meals when entertaining movers & shakers while simultaneously saving beautiful damsels in distress. Actually it’s the Culinary Institute of America that’s on his résumé as well as his classic French training with Chef Michel Roux at the esteemed Le Gavroche in London.

You may recall Chef Adam directed the opening of the award-winning Circa 59 restaurant at the Riviera Resort & Spa and served as their executive chef. Recently he held the culinary helm at Amalgamated Holdings, that Australian entertainment and restaurant giant, overseeing 45 hotels and 12 restaurants. So the guy can cook and run a kitchen and keep America safe.

The dinner’s theme is World Class Wine, as selected by the prestigious publications Wine Spectator and The Wine Advocate.

These magazines go on to state that wines rated between 90 and 94 are considered to be “outstanding” with “exceptional complexity and character”. When I spoke to Chef Adam as to his “attack” or gustatory game strategy

to pair with the panoply of wines, he stated, “Oh—the wines offered bespeak a ‘global take’, there’s French, Italian, Napa Valley, and Washington State. And the weather here is perfect—we’ll accentuate with high-end comfort food to match the warmth of the day and the cool of the night.”

Chef continues, “We’re playing with so many fabulous flavors here, it’s a chef’s dream working with such a variety of great wine”. The Wine Reception will begin with hors d’oeuvres that include Shrimp Brochette, Smoked Duck & Date, Prosciutto & Melon Spoon, and a Brie, Walnut and Orange Canapé.

Pairing with the above appetizers is the French Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Brut.

This 92 pointer is rich and creamy with dried fruit, nut and spice notes, and flavors of lemon meringue, quince and honey. It’s elegant with wonderful citrus acidity. With such an onslaught of savors, Chef Adam said he was keen to match the combo of flavors in the Champagne with the smoky, salty, citrusy verve of the food. Plus he’s marrying the shrimp with chorizo for the dual dash of tastes en Brochette.

The Starter Course will match PankoSearched Halibut to the Napa Valley 2012 Antica Chardonnay. This 92 pointer Chardonnay is such an élite wine from a fantastic vintage. It’s pure, ripe, and richly flavored, yet fine and delicate. Lots of distinctive nectarine, pear and lemony notes, finishing with subtle hints of vanilla and toast flavors.

To be accompanied with Roasted Baby Artichokes, Oven Tomatoes, Lobster Nage, and Rainbow tiny greens, chef says the Lobster Nage will be a flavorful “essence”—a very lightly reduced bisque with butter. The harmonization between the plate and the Antica will be divine. Yum! The Second Course will be Pan Roasted Breast of Duck with a Kumquat Glaze, Baby Lola Rosso, Mâche, Frisée, and Green Oak. This duck is lightly marinated with grapeseed oil and cooked with the skin side down allowing natural flavors to permeate the breast. The lola russo, mâche and frisée will serve as fresh palate cleansers, and as you’ll see, the kumquat glaze is an inventive turn on sauce a l’orange where Chef hinted there

could be a light chutney flavor lilting about.

The pairing here is the 91 pointer Italian 2009 Prunotto Barbaresco—which is 100% Nebbiolo grape—and opens with aromas of sweet marzipan and bright forest berry, with subtle tones of ginger, cola and underbrush.

A medium to full-bodied wine, the palate is of dried herbs, tobacco, crushed flowers and sweet red berries. This course definitely sets the stage both as an elegant and romantic dish with the vino.

The Main Course will be Roast Brandt Beef Tenderloin Wellington with Porcini Duxelle, Truffled Jus, Haricot Verts, Fondant Potatoes, and Baby Gold Starburst. The Wellington will be prepared medium-rare in traditional puff-pastry alongside with the tastiest of

beef-brined potato coins and the freshest starburst squash. The wine match-madein-heaven selection is the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Stag’s Leap Fay Vineyard.

This 93 pointer Cab is the current darling of the famed Stag’s Leap Winery. This wine opens with vibrant blackberry compote, black cherry and dark chocolate aromas that lead into the signature bright cherry note of the vineyard. The aromas are followed by rich dark berry and plum flavors with enticing hints of French vanilla and sage. Fullbodied—perfect for the evening, with finegrained tannins and a smooth texture.

For Dessert, none other than the scrumptious 92 pointer Chateau Ste. Michelle Late Harvest Riesling to be complemented with a Blackberry Triple Chocolate Demi Sphere, Grand Mariner Glaze and Candied Orange. The fun thing here, said Chef Adam, “the dessert is still a work-in-progress”—so what other sweet ideas are we looking to?

Miramonte Resort & Spa, 45000 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, CA 92210; $95 Wine Dinner Reservations: (800) 237-2926

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January 16 to January 22, 2014

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Club Clu luubb Crawler CCr Craw raaw wle wl w ler Nightlife Nig NNi iigggh ght httltlilliiifffee ht COUNTRY WESTERN(CW) VARIETY / DANCE(VD) ROCK N ROLL(RR) PIANO BAR(PB) JAZZ(JZ) POP ROCK(PR) BLUES(BL) CLASSIC ROCK(CR) CABARET(CB) LATIN ROCK(LR) REGGAE(RG) ACOUSTIC (AC) METAL(M)

THUR JANUARY 16 29 PALMS INN; 29 PALMS; 760-367-3505 Bev and Bill 6pm (JZ) ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Reunion w/ DJ Day in the Amigo Room 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Paul Elia 7-10pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Paula Prince 7pm (PB) BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CLINIC BAR & LOUNGE; PS; 760-864-4119 Kyd Icarus 9pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm DESERT FOX; PS; 760-325-9555 Thirsty Thursdays 8pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm DILLON ROADHOUSE; DHS; 760-251-1991 Karaoke ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-992-0002 Lola Rossi, Rob Carter and Denise Motto 5-9pm (JZ) EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 The Hive Minds 8pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Sonny Evaro 6pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Industry Night w/ Mike Bent 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Frank Di Salvo 6-9:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke w/ Roberto 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Bob Allen in the lounge and Tom on the patio 6pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Country Night w/ Gold Rush Country 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-9991995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 8-1am (LR) MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm (PB)(VD) MIRAMONTE RESORT; IW; 760-341-7200 “Sassy & Sultry” featuring Gina Carey 5-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry

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6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm (PB) O’LEARY’S; PS; 760-325-4913 Karaoke 9pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Islands w/ Haunted Summer 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Dan Wheat’s Birthday Party w/ Remnants of Man and Boycott Radio 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760327-1161ext.230 Machin’ 7pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 Martin Ross & Jesse Davis 6pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Spaghetti Western Night 5pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8-12am VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Carolyn Martinez & The Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Casey 5:30pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 6-10pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Bill Saitta Jazz 6pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Singles Night 9pm

FRI JANUARY 17 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T Bone 9pm 29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 Dana Larson 6pm (AC) ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Bart davenport & DJ Infinity 10pm Amigo Room AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Karaoke w/ AJ The KJ 8-12am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Nash 8pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 T.B.A. BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 Live Music 6-10pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 DJ PWee 8pm (VD) BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am

CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CLINIC BAR & LOUNGE; PS; 760-864-4119 All Night Shoes 9pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760-3252600 Lassie Jo’s Best Damn Karaoke 7pm DILLON ROADHOUSE; DHS; 760-251-1991 EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Sonny Evaro 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 Dude Jones 9pm HAMILTON’S; LQ; 760-698-8303 Comedy Night 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Buck O Nine w/ Spankshaft and Machin’ 8pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Frank Di Salvo 6-9:30pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live DJ 8:30pm (VD) KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 T.B.A. 7:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Bob Allen 6pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Reall Deall 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Vision 9pm (VD) MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm (PB)(VD) NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm (PB) O’LEARY’S; PS; 760-325-4913 T.B.A. 9pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 The Hive Minds 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-3450222 R Buckle Road 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Sickstring Outlaws 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760327-1161ext.230 The Gand Band 9pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Se7en4 and The Hellions 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 8pm, Scott Carter Band Sidebar Lounge 10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Tribe-O 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Country Night w/ Walt Young 5:30pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. (JZ)(RR)

TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Rancho Relaxo 9pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 Tilted @ Night 10pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-755-5391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm (VD) VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Pat Rizzo & All That Jazz Band 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Scott Carter 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Inca Kings 5:30pm, John McCormick & The Mac Band w/ DJ Randy Johnson 9:30pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Live Entertainment 9pm THE WINE BAR AT OLD TOWN; LQ; 760-5642201 Rob & jb 7-10pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallet 6:30pm (JZ) ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Girl’s Night out w/ The Men on the Hollywood Strip 9pm

SAT JANUARY 18 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 9pm 29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 Beverly & Bill 6-9pm (JZ) ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Jason Mason noon poolside, T.B.A. 10pm amigo room AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Cabaret on the Green w/ Les Michaels & Joel Baker 7-10pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Comedy Night 8pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 BAR’s 1 Year Anniversary Social w/ Pawn and AilmLo 10pm BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 Live Music 6-10pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-7755566 DJ PWee (VD) BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Steve Madeo 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CLINIC BAR & LOUNGE; PS; 760-864-4119 All Night Shoes 9pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6:30-9:30pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760-3252600 T.B.A. 8pm DILLON ROADHOUSE; DHS; 760-251-1991 EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 The Vibe 3-7pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Sonny Evaro 6pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 T.B.A. 9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 The Refills 8-11pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm

HAMILTON’S; LQ; 760-698-8303 Agave Blues Masters 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Caxton, Giselle Woo & The Night Owls plus a special guest 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Frank Di Salvo 6-9:30pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 T.B.A. 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 T.B.A. 6pm, Karaoke w/ Roberto 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Bob Allen 6pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Reall Deall 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Vision 9pm (VD) MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm (PB)(VD) MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm (PB) O’LEARY’S; PS; 760-325-4913 T.B.A. 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 T.B.A. 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-3450222 Kal David 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, RT N The 44’s w/ The Ben Reddell Band 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 Scarlet Roads 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760327-1161ext.230 The Gand Band 9pm RENAISSANCE PALM; PS; 760-322-6100 Art of Sax featuring Sax Man Will Donato & Eddie Reddick 7-10pm (JZ) RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 T.B.A. 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 Martin Ross, Starlite Lounge 5pm, Esjay Jones, Sidebar Lounge 10pm, DJ Shasta, Starlite Lounge 10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Pigeons of Shit Metal 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 The Mighty Delta-Tones 9pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 Tilted@Night 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 DJ Hektik 10pm (VD) VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Pat Rizzo & All That Jazz Band 6:30pm

VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & JB 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Jeff 5:30pm, Slim Man 9:30pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm THE WINE BAR AT OLD TOWN; LQ; 760-5642201 Missoni Lanza 7-10pm (LR)(PR) WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Stanley Butler Band 7pm (JZ) ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm (VD)

SUN JANUARY 19 29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 Bob & Allison Garcia 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Intoxica Radio Live w/ Howie Pyro 10pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Steve Madeo 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm (LR)

January 16 to January 22, 2014

COME JOIN US FOR THE FUN!!

• 14 flat screen televisions • NTN Trivia and poker with QB1

While you are here you can try one of our ten tap beer selections from a frosty cold glass or choose one of our 30 tequilas or vodkas to make your favorite cocktail.

PLAYOFFS I THE PLAC S E TO BE

12105 PALM DRIVE DESERT HOT SPRINGS

(760) 251-2644

continue to page 24

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January 16 to January 22, 2014

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The Pampered Palate

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January 16 to January 22, 2014

By Raymond Bill

Palm Springs Underground: kaos

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ow in the peak of the season, I am receiving dozens of requests from friends and readers of where to dine in the desert. Many have grown tired of the same dining experience over and over and are seeking something that is memorable. We have many options but there is only one dining venue in the desert that proves to be unparalleled. If you are looking for an unforgettable event that is certain to satisfy your cravings and wow your guests, you must attend a PS Underground dinner.

The desert’s first and most successful wandering supper club has been creating some amazing theme dining experiences since 2012. Guests are encouraged to dress according to the theme and having attended several of these events, two of my favorites were, “Last Dinner on the Titanic” where

the multi coursed meal was a recreation of the first class meal provided on the Titanic that fateful night, and “A Nod to Mod” which allowed for guests to once again dress for the occasion and enjoy a classic 1960’s dinner party. At each event, a hors d’oeuvres reception is included, allowing guests to mingle and make new friends.

This is not a restaurant one can simply call for reservations. As the name implies, there is a little mystery involved. To be “in the know,” one must first visit their website, www.psunderground.com and click on the tab, “Join the Club” and share a little information. This will include dietary restrictions, contact information, as well as

some personal thoughts on how you heard about them and what are some of your favorite foods. The answers are completely confidential and help them to provide the best possible dining experience. This will also ensure that you receive email notifications of upcoming events. To attend one of these exclusive events, reserve your seats online quickly as they always sell out.

The next event is rumored to be the biggest and best of all. Running three nights only, January 28th through the 30th, “Kaos” is described as a “Kaleidoscope for the senses”. One could only imagine what to expect. The location will be revealed only to those attending just after midnight the day of the event but I have been told it is a rather unusual location. I will be present

and I look forward to sharing my experience with everyone. Prices vary between each event and are appropriate for the quality of food and service provided. There are still seats available so hurry and join me with PS Underground for a night to remember.

PS Underground has created such a buzz around our valley that others have tried to replicate the concept. I assure you that the plating, presentation and quality of their food are one of a kind! The culinary staff is incredibly talented and creators, Michael and David clearly love what they do. Don’t miss out on what everyone is talking about.

Reserve today at www.psunderground.com

“THE BEST MEXICAN FOOD THE WEST HAS TO OFFER!” Our wonderful staff is committed to giving you the best dining experience. We have a nicely stocked bar and great desserts as well. Our authentic mexican food main courses are truly mouth watering.

We have an award winning sweet corn tamale that you just have to try for yourself.

Once you dine at Pueblo Viejo Grill, you'll be back for more soon!

3PM TO 6PM

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2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU:

36901 COOK ST. STE.#3 PALM DESERT, CA 92211 (760)836-1133

81931 HIGHWAY 111 INDIO, CA 92201 (760)342-5900

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January 16 to January 22, 2014

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Movie Reviews with Robin E. Simmons

LINGERING IMPRESSIONS FROM PSIFF

T

he just-ended 25th edition of our wonderful winter film fest was for me the best ever selection of eclectic world films. The only problem for a shameless film addict was the impossibility of seeing everything. This year, we picked random titles, knowing nearly nothing -we avoided catalog descriptions -- about the films themselves. It’s far more fun seeing films cold, as it were. We were lucky to catch some remarkable movies.

Following are a few of the films that made the strongest impressions and are worth finding when they come to a theater, Netflix or retail shelves.

THE BROKEN CIRCLE BREAKDOWN

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r t a in me n te t

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Felix Van Groeningen’s latest feature was shortlisted for the best foreign language Oscar. Based on the hit play of the same name and set in Belgium, it’s the story of the marriage between a tattoo artist and a bluegrass musician who connect over a shared enthusiasm for American music and culture. They dive headfirst into a sweeping romance, but when an unexpected tragedy hits their new family, everything they know and love is tested. A seductive bluegrass score weaves together old and newly

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written tunes, lively and sad, that deepens the understanding of the characters’ inner lives. (The score is the best-selling soundtrack of all time in Belgium!)

OF HORSES AND MEN

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a few eccentric, visionary individuals who settled on the remote island seeking their own distinct and sometimes clashing notions of Eden. Great vintage film and photographs add immensely to the increasingly disturbing story of human behavior stripped down to our basic and basest elements.

YOUNG AND BEAUTIFUL

Set in Iceland, this country romance about the human streak in the horse and the horse in the human is an affectionate, unflinching portrait of a remote valley community as seen from the horses’ perspective. Director Benedikt Erlingsson’s beautiful film is punctuated with humor and pathos. It’s also a story where love and death are interlaced with immense, unforeseen, consequences. Just like in life.

Erlingsson said, ”This is a story about horses and men. It is important to state that no horses were hurt in the making of this film. The entire cast and crew are horse owners and horse lovers.” And it shows in every frame in which these magnificent beasts appear.

Writer director Francois Ozon’s frank, non-judgmental, look at teen prostitution in Paris is as cool and detached as Marine Vacth, the former model who plays the young woman with an assured confidence and innocence that is gripping, unsettling and heartbreaking. The casual, necessary nudity and sexual encounters are shot with an honest, non-exploitive eye that only creates more tension and concern. This decidedly French film plays with ideas and images that touch our collective culture in uncommon ways. But it’s Vacth’s remote, somber, inward-directed personae you will most remember. She is a child of our time.

THE GALAPAGOS AFFAIR: SATAN CAME TO EDEN

MY SWEET PEPPER LAND

Dayna Goldfine and Dan Geller’s murder-mystery documentary takes place in the Galapagos Islands during the 1930s.

The film features evocative voice work by Cate Blanchett, Diane Kruger and Gustaf Skarsgard among others. The doc follows

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The packed audience we saw this with loved it. Set in Kurdistan, an exotic border region in a distant corner of the world we rarely see on or off screen, Hiner Saleem’s film reboots classic western cinema tropes but with volatile regional, ethnic and religious specifics. All the actors have chemistry not only with each other but the story and especially the landscape. The lead actors are fresh and perfectly cast. Not for a moment did anything take me out of this terrific film.

WORDS AND PICTURES My favorite film of this year’s PSIFF is Fred Schepisi’s terrific romantic drama about a troubled but brilliant alcoholic English teacher (Clive Owen) at an east coast prep school who meets his match when an accomplished artist (Juliette Binoche) struggling with rheumatoid arthritis is hired to teach art. What could’ve been a maudlin, pretentious film is instead a scintillating, mentally engaging, witty and visually rich

Book Review

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January 16 to January 22, 2014

By Heidi Simmons

Words and Pictures

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experience that informs, enlightens and satisfies on many levels. But finally it’s the wise, original screenplay by Gerald Di Pego that gives singular life to the two charismatic leads who remain in our hearts long after final fade out.

Two other films made a vivid impression.

Jahane Noujaim’s incredible documentary THE SQUARE makes vivid and real the unfolding drama of Egypt’s birth pangs for a truer democracy. The Danish crime thriller THE KEEPER OF LOST CAUSES held a packed theater in a kind of suspended, breathless thrall for the final 30 minutes.

And new for the home theater: UNMANNED: AMERICA’S DRONE WARS

If the high tech bloodletting that’s done in your name around the world concerns you, this terrific documentary is required viewing. Filmmaker Robert Greenwald investigates the impact that U.S. drone strikes and reveals the realities of drone warfare -- the violation of international law, the loss of life, the far-reaching implications for the communities that live under the threat of invisible death strikes from drones. Greenwald, who has directed scathing documentaries on Fox, Wal-Mart and the Koch Brothers, keeps a sharp focus on the growing blowback faced by the United States. Oliver Stone said: “… essential viewing if you want to understand what’s going on.” This riveting film covers drone policy, international law, significant drone strikes, “double tap strikes” and the nebulous legal justification that allows this method of warfare that will, inevitably, soon be used by more countries as well as internal police departments and private security forces. We live way in the future -- and it’s a dangerous place. Stay informed.

Comments? RobinESimmons@aol.com

t’s a wonderful gift to be able to write words that conjure images. In fact, for a screenwriter it is essential magic.

Attending the Palm Springs International Film Festival was screenwriter and novelist Gerald DiPego. His new film, Words and Pictures voted among “Best of Fest” will open in May. At the young age of 72, this storytelling wizard is at the peak of his powers.

An original screenplay, Words and Pictures is about a troubled Honors English high school teacher (Clive Owen) who is desperate to inspire his students with an appreciation for language. When a physically challenged Honors Art teacher (Juliette Binoche) joins the faculty, a rivalry ensues which stimulates the entire school into a debate about the power of words verses the power of images.

“I wanted to push myself to elevate the English language like I never have before,” said DiPego. “The characters are two highly educated people that could really handle the language as far as I could push it. The romance that develops between them harkens back to the movies of the 30s and 40s when language was important.”

DiPego also wanted to write a movie

about love in the challenging atmosphere of characters who are fighting their own personal demons. Owen character has a drinking problem and Binoche’s has severe Rheumatoid Arthritis. They struggle with their craft. DiPego wanted to know if love could still triumph. “Love has to be earned in this movie,” he said.

“I’ve taught high school English. I know about the society of the teacher’s lounge and about trying to impress high school kids,” said DiPego. “Using my own past and experience, I put it all together and that’s where the story came from.”

For DiPego, Words and Pictures was his opportunity to not only honor some of his favorite authors, but also quote some of his favorite lines from those authors. DiPego’s characters read and discuss John Updike, Ian McEwan, Jeanette Winterson and James Agee among others in scintillating repartee.

Over his long career, DiPego has had five novels published and at least 35 produced screenplays. Some of his original screenplays include Phenomenon with John Travolta, The Forgotten with Julianne Moore and Instinct with Anthony Hopkins.

Adapted screenplays include Sharky’s Machine from William Diehl’s bestseller and Nicholas Spark’s popular Message in a Bottle. He adapted his own book Keepers of the City, a detective novel, which was made for Showtime starring Lou Gossett, Anthony Lapaglia and Peter Coyote Of his novels, he says Cheevey, is his best. “It’s a significant book to me. The other books that came before it were very

dependent on plot, and ticking clocks.

Cheevey is a coming of age story. It’s much more character-driven.”

Of his feature films, DiPego says he has only had two experiences where there were no changes made to his script. At the beginning of production on Phenomenon, the studio got nervous and wanted to change the script. “It was John Travolta who said he would leave the project if there were any changes made. Studios forget all the things they loved about the material.

It’s a terrible and fragile time for a script,” said DiPego. “Travolta said the character in Phenomenon was the closest to playing himself.”

Words and Pictures is the other script that made it to the screen unchanged. When producer Curtis Burch approached DiPego about making the film, he promised him he would not tamper with the material and DiPego could participate in the production and approve the director. Fred Schepisi (Roxanne, Six Degrees of Separation, A Cry in the Dark) directed Words and Pictures.

“It was so valuable to me,” said DiPego. “All my other movies were studio movies. In the indie world, you can do this. Curtis, Jerry and Fred -- it was just three guys making this movie! Nobody above us. It was a wonderful feeling.”

When DiPego was nine, he remembers reading a young adult science fiction series.

“I just caught fire,” said DiPego. “I thought to myself, This is magical!” Growing up in the late 40s and 50s, he watched old movies on television. “I got the benefit of seeing all these classic films. Story telling captured me and it was all magical.”

“It think film is the closest art form to the human dream state,” said DiPego. “There is a great power in film because it seems like a dream is occurring right in front of us.”

By the time DiPego was 12, he began to wonder if he could make the magic. “I was such a fan of the magic, I wanted to see if I could possibly make it myself.” From then on he knew what he wanted to be.

Today, Gerald DiPego is one of our finest storytellers who lets us in on the magic.

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January 16 to January 22, 2014 continued from page 19 CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke 9pm DILLON ROADHOUSE; DHS; 760-251-1991 Sunday Jam 4-8pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Hal Sweasey 6pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Bob Allen 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 The John McCormick Band 7pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Longest Running Jam Session in the valley. Hosted by JB, Sign up 6pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Parquet Courts & Destruction Unit 7pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760327-1161ext.230 Sharon McNight-Twisted Xmas 6pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3274080 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 5pm, Will Donato’s Art of Sax Sidebar Patio 5pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Acoustic Open Mic hosted by Walt Young SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Smooth Brothers (RR)(LR) VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770

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Jazz Time Band 2-5pm, John Stanley King 6pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Scott Carter 1:30-4:30pm, Rob & JB 4:30-9pm, DJ Idol Eyez 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Ben 11am, The Carmens 6:30pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Line Dancing w/ Tina 5:30-9pm THE WINE BAR AT OLD TOWN; LQ; 760-5642201 Michael Keeth 6-10pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 The Smooth Brothers 6:30pm

MON JANUARY 20 29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 Bonnie Scott 6pm (AC) ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Sissy Bingo w/ Linda Gerard 7-9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Hal Sweasey 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Mark Gregg 5pm, lounge, Bob Allen 6pm outside patio NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm (PB) SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 T.B.A. 6pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Linda Tate 7pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Michael James & 3sum 9-2am WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Art of Sax 8-11pm

WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Trish Hatley Barney McClure Jazz 8pm

TUE JANUARY 21 29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 T.B.A. 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Mikole Karr’s Jazz Quartet 6pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm (CB) CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-9920002 John Stanley King 5-9pm (JZ)(BL) FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Hal Sweasey 6pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke INDIAN CANYONS GOLF RESORT; PS; 760833-8700 DJ Randy Johnson 6-9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm (VD) KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Dana Larson 6:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Mark Gregg 5pm, Bob Allen 6pm outside patio LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Purple Reign and The Mothership Connection 9pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45 (PB) PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Eclectic Tuesdays. Singer/songwriter night. All acts welcome. Hosted by JB, Sign

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com up 7pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Open Mic 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Opne Mic 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. (RR)(JZ) VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Rodeo Drive’s Happy Hour Cabaret 4pm, Michael Dees & Trio 7pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Live entertainment VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Einstein 5:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 John Bolivar Jazz 6pm (JZ)

WED JANUARY 22 29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 Bobby And Randy (BL) AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Mikole Carr AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Paula Prince 7pm (PB) BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CLINIC BAR & LOUNGE; PS; 760-864-4119 Derek Jordan Gregg and Sean Poe 9pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-9920002 Rose Mallet 5-9pm (JZ) FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Sonny Evaro 6pm HAMILTON’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL; LQ; 760-698-8303 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8:3012:30am THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Open Mic 8pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live Music (RR)

KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke w/ Roberto 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Bob Allen in the lounge and Tom on the patio 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Michael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm-1:15am Singles Night !!!

THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm (PB) NYPD; PS; 760-778-6973 Live DJ 9pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-288-1199 Karaoke w/ KJ Ginger 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Michael Holmes Trio 6:30pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-4080 Martin Ross, Starlite Lounge 5pm, Open Mic w/ Esjay Jones, Sidebar 7pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 D Phillips Band 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Straight Ahead Jazz (JZ) VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Pat Rizzo & All That Jazz Band 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Nite Fixx 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Ben 5:30pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Art of Sax 7-10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Karaoke WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Brian Nova Trio Jazz 6pm

PUMPING SERVICE

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continued from page 15

Max is a Visionary Digital Artist as well as the Owner of Max Lightbender Studios and Creare Fine Art Gallery on El Paseo, in Palm Desert, Ca. He opened a few months ago in the current location at 73255 El Paseo, Suites 1-3 -- relocating from Lightbender Studios a few doors down, and previously from Backstreet Galleries in Palm Springs, as well as Galleries in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Although Max’s work is stunning and aweinspiring, he has no problem appreciating other great artists, who he generously gives spacious accommodations to in his Gallery -- Contemporary Sculptors & Painters. Max wanted to create an edgy -- cutting-edge Gallery on El Paseo -- the first of its kind in this more conservative art enclave. Max’s Creare Fine Art Gallery -- and its eclectic & electrifying Art Events -- are already Rocking the Desert! In addition, an Invitation from Max to have a personal tour of his Production Studio is an exciting privilege for those invited in. Max Lightbender recently participated in Laurie & Larry Weitz’s private “Art & Espionage” Event at their iconic home in Palm Springs, Ca. Max Lightbender was born in Memphis, Tenn., raised in Kansas City, Kansas and later went to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla. where he earned a BS in Aeronautical Science. His love of Flying and dreams of becoming a Pilot were crushed when he sustained serious injuries to both of his eyes in a Motorcycle accident. Max went on to have a career with the Ritz-Carlton, and later in the burgeoning

field of Computer Software. Max was later diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D.) and discovered to his amazement that the prescribed medication gave him focus, an unexpected side effect of unleashing a torrent of creativity, and an obsession & inspiration to make the remarkable Computer-generated Images that he now creates.

As everyone knows, the greatest Artists are those who have suffered terrible adversity, and heartbreak and pain -- but like the Hummingbird -- rise above it. Such is the case with Max, who was diagnosed with HIV/Aids 27 Years ago -- he is not only a brave survivor, but this on-going condition has had a most profound influence not only on his outlook on life, but his Art and its

happy hour hotspot

S and G

January 16 to January 22, 2014

many Subject Matters. Max has committed himself fully to the creative expression of his artwork, and as a result has established the Lightbender Artist Studio LLC as an outlet for not only his work, but also that of other Artists living with HIV/Aids.

The Lightbender Artists Studio will provide a viable creative entity for those whose financial & economic circumstances might ordinarily preclude their personal creative process & artistic expression.

Max has contributed many of his artworks to Charitable Organizations for their Fundraisers. Max Lightbender Studios is a working art & reproduction Studio (with the most inexpensive rates here in the Desert) --for Commissioned Digital Artwork, Corporate Art Printing, Art Reproduction.

by Patte purcell

Happy Hour Hotshots! Slim Man “King of the Springs show” at VUE

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COLE VOCATIONAL SERVICES NOW HIRING

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Slim Man and fans Donna and Warren Sacks

he new late night Happy Hour Hotspot, VUE, which features the only place in the desert with entertainment fit for a king. Slim Man in his King of the Springs show. The show is sponsored by Coachella Valley Weekly, Crater Lake Vodka and Gin, Wilson Creek Winery and Kimbals’ women’s clothing of Palm Springs.

Slim Man is a national recording artist with 13 CDs under his Slim Man name and 3 under Bona Fide with a 4th to be released in February with Marc Antoine. Slim Man’s

weekly show encompasses his many hits, a few covers, and his classic ‘Slim Man Swings’ which are his Dean Martin standards and swing songs.

J.D. Considine (Rolling Stone Magazine) calls the Slim Man style... “...a near-perfect example of how jazz and soul can be combined as pop.”

Slim Man was nominated for International Vocalist of the Year by the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards.

Billboard Magazine said of Slim Man’s CD. ‘Remarkable”

Photo restoration, & Large-Format Giclee Artists Reproductions (His Printer is a Canon Image Prograph 9100. 60”) Max now composes images of remarkable complexity -- his God-given talent for composition, innovative subject matter, color, and symbolism have produced several hundred magnificent canvases. Max Lightbender’s Giclee Digital Image artworks now have National and International Collectors. Max was recently challenged to do a series on Palm Springs Celebrities -- So! -Max created his “Palm Springs Celebrity Series -- Flight of a Hummingbird” -- Sinatra’s “Boyz Night Out At Frankie’s Digs with Marilyn”, “Cher & Sonnys Star at the Kaufmann House” and “Marilyn’s [Monroe] Riviera Hotel Pool Splash Party in Palm Springs”. Max’s amazing large canvases range from Dogs to Horses, Birds, Tigers, to Leonardo Di Vinci, Benjamin Franklin, Einstein -- to Glamour: Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Liberace, Elvis, Rita Hayworth -- Acquatic ocean scenes, post Modern architecture -- the expansive images emanating from of Max’s mind are unending! Max also accepts Commissions from Art Lovers. The public is invited to Max Lightbender Studios / Creare Fine Art Gallery 7 Days a week to meet Max and his new Teacup Chihuahua puppy “Euro”!

MAX LIGHTBENDER WILL BE THE FEATURED ARTIST AT CREARE FINE ART GALLERY 73255 EL PASEO, P.D. at the ARTWALK Friday, Feb. 7, 2014, 6:00--9:00pm DJ, Wine, Food & Lots of Beautiful People!

BB Ingle and Slim Man

Accompanied by ‘A List’ musicians from LA including; talented saxophonist Rodney Taylor, Patrick Ready on drums, and Tateng Katindig on keys, it is perfect music for dancing and romancing, the show includes dancing on the beautiful dance floor.

Here are just a few of the people that came to last week’s Slim Man show from 9 pm to 12 am every Saturday night. Vue is located at 44500 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells.

Call for reservations 760-834-3800. Join us this Saturday for Slim Man’s Birthday party!

Anna Pitsarous, Lola Rossi, Kathleen Toner, Kim Galland of Kimbals and Patte Purcell

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January 16 to January 22, 2014

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Don’t Be

CLUELESS IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY

EVENT CALENDAR IT’S BACK! FANTASY SPRINGS’ IMPROV COMEDY SERIES MAKES A COMICAL RETURN FOR THE 7th SEASON You’ll be laughing all the way to the slots in the coming months. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino’s Improv Comedy series opened for a 7th season on January 10th with some of the biggest names in comedy.

Top-name comedians such as Fritz Coleman, Dat Phan, Rondell Sheridan, Jack Gallagher, Bob Zany and many more, will hit the stage and make audiences roar with laughter. You’ll see well-known acts, as well as get introduced to some rising stars in the industry.

The Improv series runs every Friday and Saturday night through April 12th. Three comedians perform at every show, which take place each Friday at 9pm and Saturday at 8pm & 10pm. Tickets are $20 per show and are available by calling 800.827.2946 or online at www.FantasySpringsResort.com. Guests must be 21 or older to attend Improv performances.

DESERT HORIZONS COUNTRY CLUB PRESENTS “THE LETTERMEN” IN CONCERT TO RAISE FUNDS FOR NON PROFIT ANIMAL RESCUE GROUP HAVE FUN & HELP ANIMALS! Grab your guy or gal, polish your dancing shoes, and get ready for a memorable night with Reunion, formerly known as The Lettermen, for a not-to-be-missed concert that will raise much-needed funds for Keeping Animals Safe Everyday (KASE). Desert Horizons Country Club in Indian Wells is hosting the benefit concert on Tuesday, January 28th at 7:00 p.m.

Nostalgia will reign supreme when Reunion performs all their chart topping hits including, “When I Fall in Love,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” “Theme From a Summer Place,” “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” and many more.

“This concert is going to be a blast from the past, and every audience member will be helping us save animals,” says Nanci Kovac.

“We’re hoping to raise enough funds at the concert to save at least 20 animals during the first half of the New Year.”

KASE is an animal welfare organization that specializes in providing medical treatment and rehabilitation to lost and abandoned animals in the Coachella Valley. For the volunteers of KASE, helping a wounded or abandoned animal regain health and find a loving home is a labor of love. Yet, treatment and surgeries to save injured animals is expensive. Some of the many animals rescued by KASE include Ringo, who suffered an acid attack before being abandoned; Sydney, a hit and run victim who went through seven hours of surgery; and Jilly, who lost a leg due to an old, untreated injury. For these three animals, the outcome was positive and they’re all now healthy and in loving homes.

“The work we do is hard, heart wrenching, and expensive, but for those of us who love animals, there’s really no other option,” says

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Kovac. “We are dedicated to helping injured animals regain health, and by doing so, lower the Coachella Valley animal euthanasia rate.”

All concert proceeds will benefit KASE. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. The show begins at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $50 for the concert, and $20 to attend a VIP after party with gourmet appetizers and a no host bar. The VIP party gives fans an opportunity to meet and mingle with members of the group for conversation and photos.

Desert Horizons Country Club is located at 44-900 Desert Horizons Drive, Indian Wells.

For tickets, or more information, call 760-5671989 or go to www.kaseanimalcharity.com.

About KASE: Keeping Animals Safe Everyday (KASE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the welfare of injured, lost, abandoned and otherwise homeless animals. Contact KASE at kasekids@gmail. com. Donations can be sent to K.A.S.E., P.O. Box 682, Thousand Palms, CA 92276. For more information, go to www.kaseanimalcharity. org.

COMMUNITY DRUM CIRCLE HONORS THE NEW MOON AND CHINESE NEW YEAR’S EVE The Joshua Tree Retreat Center at the Institute of Mentalphysics will host a New Moon/Chinese New Year’s Eve Drum Circle on Thursday, January 30, 7pm to 9pm The circle, facilitated by well-known Morongo Basin percussionist Sam Sloneker, will be held in the center’s Sanctuary.

“Legend identifies the New Moon as a particularly auspicious time; it’s a time of birth and beginnings, a time to plant seeds, to start new projects, to begin relationships, and it often brings a burst of dynamic and creative energy,” says Sloneker. “And this New Moon is also on the eve of the Chinese New Year of the Green Wood Horse, so we have even more to celebrate. The Wood Horse year is a time of fast victories, unexpected adventure, and surprising romance. It is an excellent year for travel, and the more far away and off the beaten path the better. Energy is high and production is rewarded. Decisive action, not procrastination, brings victory. Those born in horse years are cheerful and clever, skillful with money, perceptive, witty, talented, and good with their hands. This is a wonderful time for our first community drum circle of 2014, and drumming together is an experience that can take us all right back to our creative and expressive roots, so come play with us, and bring your family and friends to share in our merriment!”

Studies have shown that participants in group drumming receive a number of worthwhile benefits, including creative self-expression, an expanded sense of self, community connection and a heightened sense of belonging, increased rapport with others, relief from stress, emotional balancing, and strengthening of the immune system. Participants are encouraged to bring drums, shakers, tambourines, etc.-a number

of instruments will also be available at the event. There is no charge to attend, though a suggested donation of $5 per participant or $10 per family will be gratefully received and appreciated.

The Joshua Tree Retreat Center is located at 59700 Twentynine Palms Hwy. in Joshua Tree-on the north side of the Highway, just east of the intersection of La Contenta Rd./ Yucca Mesa Rd. The Sanctuary is the building with the tall spire (follow the signs to the Drum Circle). For additional information please call the Center at 760-365-8371.

Tickets Available Now for the 5th Annual Spa Tour!

Celebrating the beautiful healing hideaways of California’s Spa City, the Desert Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce along with the Hoteliers Association of Desert Hot Springs will host the 5th Annual Spa Tour on Thursday, January 30, 2014 from 5pm to 8:30pm.

Overlooking the Palm Springs area, Desert Hot Springs is home to dozens of boutique resorts known world-wide for their natural, healing, hot mineral waters and represent various styles to include Mid-century Modern, Moroccan, casual, classic and clothing optional. Spa Tour is an amazing opportunity to see several of these properties in one evening, and the beauty that rests within.

Tickets are available for the 5th Annual Spa Tour and can be purchased Monday-Friday from 9am to 4pm by calling the Desert Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce at 760-3296403 or in person at 11-999 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs. Available ticket levels and prices are as follows: VIP Tour: $125 if purchased by January 10th, $150 from January 11th Ø (VIP Tour ticket includes: Welcome Reception at the new Essense restaurant located in Two Bunch Palms Resort, swag bag, spa robe, guided coach tour, one additional drawing entry and an After-Tour Party at Miracle Springs Resort) Guided Coach Tour: $40 if purchased by January 10th, $50 from January 11th Self - Guided Tour: $20 if purchased by January 10th, $30 from January 11th *All ticket sales are final and nonrefundable Palm Springs Writers Guild At The Rancho Mirage Library Features Panel Discussion on: “Writing a Reality Novel” Featuring Three Established Authors Offering “Insider Insights On Researching, Writing and Publishing Reality Topics For Today’s Market. February 1st Program From 2:00pm-4:00pm Meetings Are Open To Non-Members.

There is no charge for this event sponsored by Palm Springs Writers Guild The Palm Springs Writers Guild’s monthly meeting and program is on Saturday, February 1 from 2:00pm -4:00pm at the Rancho Mirage Library. The afternoon’s panel features; Stephen Maitland-Lewis, Author of Ambition and Jim McFarlin - Author of Aftershock: A Novel. The panel will be moderated by noted author, Jim Misko. Those attending will hear first-hand about the realities of researching, writing and publishing reality topics for today’s competitive marketplace.

Author Stephen Maitland-Lewis had a long career as an attorney and investment banker before turning to writing. An award-winning author, he is a member of the Executive

Advisory Committee of the International Mystery Writer’s Festival. His first novel, Hero on Three Continents, received numerous accolades. His second novel, Emeralds Never Fade, is the 2012 Benjamin Franklin Award winner in the category of Historical Fiction and the 2011 Written Arts Award winner for Best Fiction.

Upcoming monthly Palm Springs Writers Guild monthly meetings/programs for 2014 include; The Grammar Game, 2014 Annual Short Story Contest, Desert Writers Expo, Cracking Screen Story Structure and the Annual Day of New Works.

Friends of the COD Library Author Luncheon with Hector Tobar February 8, 2014 at 11:30 am at Rancho Las Palmas Resort, 41-000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage Description of Event: Fundraising event to benefit the Friends of the College of the Desert Library. Lunch and book signing with guest speaker, Hector Tobar, Pulitzer prize-winning journalist and author of The Barbarian Nurseries. Each attendee will receive a complimentary copy of the book which was named a New York Times Notable Book for 2011, and won the 2012 California Book Award gold medal for fiction.

Name of non-profit: Friends of the College of the Desert Library Public contact info: 760-333-0733 or CODLibraryFriend@aol.com Cost of Event: $60 for members of the Friends of the College of the Desert Library, $65 for non-members.

DAME EDNA IMPERSONATOR TO APPEAR AT THE PURPLE ROOM Michael L. Walters Performs His Rendition of Famed Character Renowned actor, vocalist, and female impersonator Michael L. Walters will take the Purple Room stage by storm in “A Royal Audience with Michael L. Walters as Dame Edna,” on Sunday, February 9 and Monday, February 10, 2014. Dinner begins at 5:30 pm with the performance at 7 pm and reservations are recommended. Tickets for the dinner show are $40 per person and may be purchased by calling 760-322-4422 or by visiting purpleroompalmsprings.com. Walters will also make a special late night appearance at 9 pm on Sunday for $20 per person (cocktail and food menus available).

A fun-filled evening of glamour and sidesplitting laughter featuring glittering gowns, outrageous comedy, and original musical numbers, the show is a full-scale homage to the fabulous Dame Edna. Michael Walters, who first donned the wisteria coif and rhinestone glasses in 2001, never dreamed he would still be performing the character today. His impersonation has received the blessing of Dame Edna’s original creator, Barry Humphries, who Walters had the honor of appearing with in 2010.

The legendary Purple Room is open for dinner from 3 pm to midnight Tuesday through Sunday, with a late night menu served from 11 pm until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and top quality entertainment six nights a week (closed Mondays). For reservations and more information about upcoming performances and shows, call 760-322-4422 or visit purpleroompalmsprings.com. continue to page 30

Speak Canadian C

oachella Valley loves our friends to the north who visit us from Canada.

When these snowbirds migrate to our warmer surroundings for the winter, the desert seems to become a happier and more crowded place. Despite laws between our countries that make it tough for Canadians to borrow money when buying a house or using local investment advisors to manage their loonies, Canadians still find a way to buy homes, invest in things and prop up our local economy.

To help you engage in friendly chatter with our most welcomed of visitors, let’s take a look at a few current Canadian news stories.

Since Canucks are all a’twitter about the Hog Town’s mayor (Rob Ford), here is a brief update: Last Saturday night, the Mayor stopped by T Dot (Toronto) nightclub, Muzik,

January 16 to January 22, 2014

Haddon Libby:It’s all local

but did not get snokked (drunk), have a forty pounder (beer) or do to the rock (crack cocaine). Doug Ford aka Jones (the Mayor’s nickname for Doug) who is the Mayor’s campaign manager and brother said that the appearance created a larger buzz than the Bieber. Jones continued that they went to breakfast the next morning as Jones (Doug’s nickname for the Mayor) “needs eggs” as part of his “strict diet”. Jones didn’t mention whether Jones had a double-double (coffee with two creams and sugars). No more jambusters at Horny Tim’s (doughnuts at Tim Horton’s) for the Joneses.

Those from the Van (Vancouver) over on the Left Coast are talking about the recent discovery of a 16th century coin buried in clay on The Island (Vancouver Island). It is thought that Sir Francis Drake did a secret, undocumented voyage to Canada in 1579, two centuries before Captain James Cook’s “discovery” of the area. Former cabinet minister Samuel Bawlf believes that the trip

was intentionally hidden by Queen Elizabeth I to mask England’s intentions in the New World.

Looking at Canada’s interior, Neil Young is upset with the government in Harper due to their mining of oil sands in the Cow Town (Alberta) area and last Sunday held a concert in Hog Town to bring attention to the problem. Young is pointing out that pollution from mining is causing the landscape to look like Hiroshima after the atomic bomb while poisoning local First Nations (Native Americans to us).

Wine aficionados might prefer discussing a raging fight between most Canadian vintners and their Quebecker counterparts as it relates to ice wine. Ice wine is created by letting the grapes freeze and thaw on the vine repeatedly. Once the grapes get to a 35% sugar content, the grapes are harvested and made into ice wine. While the conventional way to make ice wine is to let the grapes mature on the vine, Quebeckers cut their grapes after the first freeze while leaving the grapes outside until the sugar content is high enough. A Canadian oenologist (wine scientist) has analyzed both approaches and found that there is very little difference.

Nevertheless, legislation is being passed to ban the approach used by Quebeckers.

While ice wine accounts for only 1% of all Canadian wine sales, it represents 45% of industry profits according to the Canadian

Vintners Association.

Lastly, while Americans try to understand the Affordable Care Act, Canadians are debating whether they should know how much is being spent on their personal healthcare.

Healthcare is nationalized in Canada as they believe healthcare is a right and not a privilege. The Progressive Conservatives feel people should know how much has been spent on their healthcare while the New Democrats and healthcare professionals believe that knowledge is a waste of time despite healthcare accounting for 40% of budgets in some provinces (states to us). Globally, Canadian healthcare system is ranked 30th (USA 37th; France 1st) by the World Health Organization.

Armed with these current news stories, you can better avoid a kerfuffle (stressful situation) with a Canadian because you didn’t know what to talk about.

ShareKitchen W

ith the recent lifting of the ban against food trucks in Riverside County, people are beginning to think about mobile food eateries. This emerging business type to the county will present a variety of opportunities for investors, food truck operators, restaurateurs and foodies alike.

On Thursday, January 30th at 6:30pm, ShareKitchen’s Executive Director Angela Janus will be hosting an informational workshop on the topics ranging from the local and county legislations that will be governing food truck operations and what these mean to the Coachella Valley’s residents and businesses to the operational requirements of the Department of Environmental Health. Costs associated with starting up and operating a food truck will also be discussed as well as an overview of the custom options available in these gourmet kitchens on wheels.

Are you interested in owning and operating a food truck? ShareKitchen can help you in taking your idea and making it a reality via our signature “Concept to Consumer” business development program. We are offering an intensive business planning program for food truck entrepreneurs beginning in March.

Our programs are catered toward the

background and experience levels of each participant and our goal is to help you fulfill yours.

Food trucks are also attractive investments if you are looking to diversify your portfolio and support a local burgeoning industry.

ShareKitchen’s Finance Director, Haddon Libby will speak on the Return on Investment potential of purchasing a truck and how leasing a truck to a new business operator can help build our local economy and create jobs.

ShareKitchen’s “Kitchen Cabinet” of industry specialists has helped grow this industry in Los Angeles County to what it is today and is excited to bring their skills and expertise here to the Coachella Valley.

Space for this workshop is limited so reserve your seat online today at www.

ShareKitchen.org

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January 16 to January 22, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Dale Gribow On The Law

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

safety tips

by Dale Gribow Attorney at Law

725 Arrested in Riverside County Anti-DUI Campaign

I

had planned to write this week’s column on Accidents or Trusts or maybe even Business matters but the amount of arrests (725 arrests in 3 weeks over the holidays) and the large volume of questions I have rec’d from those arrested for the holiday DUI’s is staggering and we have not even had the Super Bowl.

There has never been a worse time to get a Drunk Driving because of all the focus on DUI’s by MADD, Shutdown Drunk Driving, Clinton Health Matters and the CVAG Public Safety Committee. The Coachella Valley Association of Governments Public Safety Ad Hoc Committee comprised of police chiefs and elected officials from each city and me as the sole attorney met on January 13, 2014 they are serious about upping the ante on Drunk Drivers.

Increased penalties will be put into place by using the programs utilized in Redlands and the laws being codified in Indian Wells that will be unified for the entire CV to keep “impaired drivers” off the road. If you are arrested for a DUI and your car is towed (and it will be) the administrative fee for recovery will be $670. But the penalties are not going to stop with the arrest itself. Plans are being discussed to prosecute those who throw parties and allow a Buzzed guest to

leave who then causes an accident. These are referred to as Social Host laws.

After your arrest you better get a good DUI attorney because the penalties are becoming more severe with Jail time demanded on all DUI’s usually starting with 10 days and going up from there depending on your reading. A DUI lawyer could cost you up to $15,000 but that too is not the end of your costs.

A driving under the influence arrest/ conviction in the Indio Court is more serious today than ever before. Drunk drivers can and do cause catastrophic or fatal injuries to themselves and pedestrians. And AFTER ALL THE DUST SETTLES there will be a number of costs associated with your decision to Drive Under the Influence, not to mention a license suspension, jail time and home arrest. Recovering from a Drunk Driving conviction can be a tedious and drawn out process too. Other consequences may include Bail & Towing fees, ignition interlock installation fees, DMV fees and increased insurance premiums…to name a few. If you fail to contact DMV within 10 days your license will be suspended.

DMV Warning.

CVAG is focusing on penalties and education of CV residents to deter them

it’s your nickel

from drinking and then getting in a car and driving…just in case what I have said herein does not scare you...and it should. From an educational standpoint the public must understand it is not the number of drinks but the amount of alcohol in each drink.

Many restaurants and bars pour generous servings so that when you order one wine it is not the 4 ounces that equals I drink but rather 8 ounces…which is 2 drinks. We will work on educating the CV that you do not have to be drunk but merely buzzed or impaired. A couple of drinks will do that for most people….and a drink is a little more than 4oz of wine; 12oz of beer or 1oz of liquor.

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

The bottom line is DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, CALL A TAXI……IT IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN HIRING ME! Dale Gribow has been “Rated” TOP LAWYER by Palm Springs Life Magazine from 2011-2014 and has a Superb AVVO Peer Reviewed Legal Rating. Dale Gribow has been Man of the Year 7 times including the City of Palm Desert and the City of Hope and Dale Gribow Day has been declared 4 times. He was the only attorney appointed in December 2013 to the Coachella Valley Association of Government’s Public Safety Ad Hoc Blue Ribbon Committee. This group consists of the police chiefs from every city and the mayor of each city as well as the Sheriff of Riverside County and the head of the CHP and Border Patrol. In addition Gribow was selected to the Clinton Foundation’s “Clinton Health Matters” committee that is also addressing cutting down DUI’s and working in conjunction with MADD and Shutdown Drunk Driving.

If you have any questions regarding this column or ideas for future columns please contact Dale Gribow Attorney at Law at his NEW number 760 837 7500 and or his new email: dale@dalegribowlaw.com

J

O

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NOT a paid spokesperson for any firm I may mention here and there are generally many competitors in each of these areas. Look any of them up on the internet and make your independent choice.)

UBER is a car sharing system that costs less than a cab ride and uses less of a carbon emission footprint because these cars are already operating on the road.

You are enhancing personal economies of individuals living in the valley when you use these services at less cost to you. Why risk a DUI when there’s UBER? TV has become daunting. In the valley,

Don’t Let Your Guard Down!

anuary 17, 1994 seconds before 4:31 a.m. There were no immediate foreshocks or warning, out of nowhere a 6.7 earthquake struck Northridge CA. Most people felt the shaking for 20 to 30 seconds. The earthquake caused very large ground motions. Areas near recorded over 1 g of vertical acceleration! It’s been twenty years and were all at risk and long overdue says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Our guard is down. Now is the time to prepare as this risk grows greater every minute. Secure all items of furniture. Secure breakables and collectibles. Store emergency tools, including gas shut-off wrench and safety light-sticks. Prepare emergency supplies (food, water, blankets) and First Aid kits, including prescription medications. Learn how to turn off gas, water and electricity in case the lines are damaged. Know the safe spots in every room - under sturdy tables, desks or against inside walls, and know the danger spots - windows, mirrors, hanging objects, fireplaces, tall furniture.

Secure water heaters with two-strap kits.

Create a disaster preparedness plan so that everyone in the family will know what to do in the event of a quake or other emergency.

by john PAUL VALDEZ

Decide where your family will reunite if separated and choose an out-of-state friend or relative whom family members can call after an earthquake to report whereabouts and conditions. Chief DiGiovanna reminds “these guidelines may reduce the chances of injuries to you and your loved ones and lessen the likelihood of having household contents damaged or destroyed in an earthquake.”

For additional Earthquake Preparedness information contact your local fire department and visit these links: lafd.org/ eqbook.pdf or www.redcross.org/prepare/ disaster-safety-library

by Jennifer Tan aka mrs. fett

CES 2014: A New Path

Alternative Fuels in Your Personal Economy

K. So you haven’t lost any weight yet, and you have given up on your New Year’s resolution already. Allow me to help you feel better and get empowered.

Everyone is seeking new ways to solve old problems in the new economy. How do we get the same or better services for less money? The answers are closer than you may believe. Be willing to change is probably the best answer overall. Things are changing quickly, and the modern consumer must be willing to jump ship.

Here are some examples: (NOTE – I am

one would think they basically have only the choice of Time Warner Cable or DISH. Not true. Signing up for Hulu and Netflix will result in a 50-60 percent savings and deliver similar or better content to the viewer.

TWC’s $15.00 internet service is two-thirds as fast as their $50.00 internet service and costs only a third. Take the lower service level to save money.

Cell phones. If you are still signing two year agreements, you may as well buy a rotary phone too. Get a month to month contract. Your overhead is FAR lower, and the dropped call rate very similar. Why spend on this over your electric bill?

Get solar if you can. It is particularly useful here in the desert. There are arguments for leasing over owning, but shop around.

On your landline service, try getting virtual lines for business and fax and personal use on Phone.com for very little. This costs a fraction of what Verizon charges…. Even less than the phone company’s “lifeline”

January 16 to January 22, 2014

service for the disabled. Lily Tomlin has officially won this argument. Join her. You don’t have to pay the phone company as if you don’t have choices. This is America, not Verizonland. They provide a wonderful service at a premium if you like burning money as a hobby. The same is true of other more traditional phone service providers.

Get virtual.

Get the international dialing plan if you are calling anywhere internationally. You’d be amazed at how many people forget something this simple.

Following these simple steps will save the average valley household over a hundred dollars a month, and possibly much more.

This amounts to a Merry Christmas a bit early from your favorite consumer advocate.

It’s all about putting yourself in control of your own finances.

C

ES 2014 has finally wrapped up, leaving everyone with a shopping list an arm long. A convention filled with new technology, new experiences, unforgettable moments, like the Michael Bay meltdown, and hundreds of needless phone accessories.

Playstation Now, which was not a total surprise, definitely had me the most excited. The first ever, stream based gaming service powered by cloudbased technology. This service will start on PS3, and PS4, and then later move to the Playstation Vita, BRAVIA’s TVs, and to other Sony, and non-Sony based devices.

Oculus Rift also made headlines, with its extremely impressive display of the newly improved prototype, the Crystal Cove. Although the new edition has

vast improvements over the previous model, the fact that it tracks your lean, and not actually where you lean, causes some disorientation, and “stimulation sickness.” After 75 million dollars in investments, here’s to hoping a few more million will get them on the track to success, and less nausea.

Razer Nabu is, by far, the greatest wearable technology that I am dying to get my wrist into. More wristband than

smartwatch, this dual OLED bracelet tracks your every activity, awarding you for good lifestyle choices, and makes the information that you value most, easily accessible, and sharable. Pairing with an iPhone or Android smartphone app over Bluetooth LE, the Nabu can receive notifications for text messages, incoming calls, emails and even social networking updates from the likes of Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Samsung announced the soon-todominate Galaxy S5. In a head to head battle with Iphone, Samsung has some pretty impressive technology. Eyescabbing technology, a curved back, and aluminum frame design. The phone will most likely run Android 4.4 Kit-Kat OS, and release between April and May of

Gaemer Girl this year.

There were dozens more examples of technology breakthroughs at CES, including tilted, and bendable TVs. All of which are sure to flood the market here in just a few months. These four however, made my list not because they were “cool” or “trendy” but because the technology and design are sure to make paths, not follow them.

Also, for those wondering, Michael Bay walked OFF stage, during a presentation of a new curved TV. Due to a traumatic case of stage fright, he cut off the CEO before he could properly introduce him, lost sight of the Teleprompter, and could not “wing-it” even after he tried. So, he apologized, and walked off stage. The ULTIMATE RAGE QUIT!

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January 16 to January 22, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Don’t Be

CLUELESS IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY

competition are Kathy & Mike Rodier and Kathleen Collins & Sonny Routt. A special treat is the competition of three couples from our local schools featuring Red Hot Ballroom’s “Red Hots”.

Celebrate the Valentine’s Day weekend with the special person in your life and enjoy romantic entertainment by our hostess Sharon DiHaworth, dinner, the dance competition and dancing for all the guests several times throughout the evening. Hosts will be on hand to dance with guests.

For additional information, contact lynne@ acharityaffaire.com, 760-218-1687 or go to www.dancingwithourstars.com.

TRIO RESTAURANT’S 5TH ANNUAL “HOLLYWOOD’S BIGGEST NIGHT” TO BENEFIT AIDS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM In celebration of the 86th Annual Academy Awards, Trio Restaurant in Palm Springs will once again host “Hollywood’s Biggest Night” beginning at 4:30 pm, on Sunday, March 2, 2014. The glittering evening will include the now signature ‘orange’ carpet arrivals, and a special greeting from dynamo hostess and local celebrity, Bella da Ball. Proceeds from this event will benefit AIDS Assistance Program. Those in attendance will view the Oscars® pre-show and awards presentation on special screens.

“Traditionally, this has truly been a magical

evening of dining, drinks, and the greatest awards show on earth,” says Tony Marchese, co-owner of Trio. “You immediately feel the energy and the excitement as our guests wait with anticipation for the winners, and everyone in attendance has such a wonderful time. It’s hard to believe this is our fifth year hosting this event, and each one seems to be more magnificent than the last.”

Tickets for Hollywood’s Biggest Night start at $125 per person for bar seating, $150 for general seating, or $175 for VIP/premium seating, which includes a prix-fixe dinner, well drinks, wine, and champagne. Tickets should be purchased in advance by visiting www.aidsassistance.org or by calling AAP at 760/325-8481.

“You don’t have to be an A-list celebrity to experience the magic and excitement of Oscar night, and Trio is the best place in the Valley to view one of the most entertaining and highly anticipated awards shows in the world,” says Mark Anton, CEO/Executive Director of AIDS Assistance Program.

PSWIFT to honor women who have smashed through the glass ceiling The film and television industry was founded by a small group of visionary men, but over the past 100 years it has been women such as Mary Pickford, Ida Lupino and Sherry Lansing who have proved it isn’t simply a man’s world.

To honor the pioneering women of the industry and those working today as actors, directors, producers and writers, the Palm Springs chapter of Women in Film and Television (PSWIFT) will present the 6th

Annual Broken Glass Awards on March 8 at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage.

The event is one of the highlights of the Coachella Valley’s social season!

It includes red carpet arrivals that attract media from all over Southern California, dinner and a show featuring the honorees, presenters and Coachella Valley performers that are all open to the public to purchase tickets.

The 2014 slate of honorees and presenters are set to be announced in January, and as they have in past years, will to honor the women who have dedicated their lives and talents to making the film industry a better place for all women to work.

As they have since the 2008 creation of the Broken Glass Awards, PSWIFT slate of honorees will include Broken Glass Awards who live and work in the Coachella Valley, as well as Los Angeles-based industry leaders.

Broken Glass Awards are given to women who have distinguished themselves as successful pioneers in the arts and philanthropy. Past BGA honorees include Jacqueline Bissett, Della Reese, Suzanne de Passe, Gale Ann Hurd, the Team Todd sisters, Kim Waltrip, Gloria Greer, Donna Mills, Raquel Welch, Shirley Jones, Alfre Woodard, Ruta Lee, Mary Hart and philanthropists Jackie Lee Houston, Helene Galen, Barbara Keller, Lisa Houston.

For more information on the 2014 Broken Glass Awards, contact Judith Salkin at FG Creative at (760) 773-1707 or judi@fgcreative. com.

show on there. And our first station, KVCR has been great. We’ve been really happy working with Rick Dulock, the program director over there. He’s been a great help teaching us the ropes of the radio format and business. We’re aiming to make the jump to an hour program soon. We hope to add a few more stations this season. We’re working on a plan with our agent to push for a national distributor. We are definitely aiming for public radio. I like the noncommercial freedom, and it seems like the most interesting stuff is on PR these days.

RL: What do you have planned for APS in 2014?

JP: We’ve got 8 shows recorded ahead. Those will air the next couple of months. We start taping more episodes at the end of February.

We’ll be announcing dates in Palm Springs, Lake Arrowhead, Joshua Tree and Claremont soon.

We’ll do another 8 in California, before we head back east. Then we’ll record 6 shows in the midwest to round out the season. We should hit 32 episodes by July. Then in fall, we’ll start a fresh batch RL: Do you have other creative aspirations for yourself in the future in addition to what you are doing with APS? JP: I’ll always work away on albums. I’ve been slowly building my next one for a couple of years. I’m thinking I’ll put something out in 2015. I’m constantly writing screenplays and teleplays. I absolutely see myself prodvucing a film or television show in the next few years.

Another thing that has always been on deck is a musical. I completed one about 10 years ago that got tied up with rights issues and won’t see the light of day. But I’ve written an outline and some songs for another. It’s one of those things that everyone bugs me to do. I guess it seems like a natural with my songwriting style. One of these

days I’ll get one out there I’m sure.

About the process of the show...I write the show starting with an idea for a theme which could be based on anything....the season, a feeling, a concept. I always write the monologue first and then the featured story, then I’ll work on the sketches. Julie and I improvise around the house. I pull characters and lines from those improvs. Then I boil them down into the skits.

You can hear a little taste of us going off on the uncensored outtake I posted on the website...

I love playing rock and roll, and have had the privilege of playing with some great folks.

I had a lot of fun helping out Gram Rabbit on their country stuff. They’re talented folks who always work really hard. Over the last couple of years I’ve worked a bunch with Brian Bell from Weezer on his side project The Relationship.

I had a couple of fun little tours with him. His music is really intricately arranged, and was an interesting challenge to reproduce live. Waxy was a great time, and Robbie Waldman is a good friend. It was cool to apply keyboards to such guitar riff based music. Always having to try and invent what made sense. We got into using pedals on the electric piano in some really cool ways. And our tour in Europe with Kyuss was a blast. Although I can tell you it’s no fun to change Wurlitzer reeds in the basement of a German theater 2 minutes before show time.

JULIE VAN DUSEN RL: Julie....give me a brief bit of background on where you come from, your connection to music, and your creative aspirations....and your version of how you and JP met?

JULIE: I grew up in Northern Michigan. As far back as I can remember I’ve had the desire to entertain people. I was always interested in dancing, singing, and acting. I narrowed it down to acting and pursued that in my education. I

attended the theater program at the Interlochen Arts Academy in high school, and then at Oakland University for my BA. Acting in the theater department at Oakland lead to my professional work in Detroit. I performed in plays like Psycho Beach Party, Twelfth Night, Diary of Anne Frank, and Hair. I also did improv and comedy regionally in Michigan.

I come from a musical family and dabbled in a few instruments, but found that my strongest connection to music was through Dance. Music has always inspired me. It makes me move, it makes me happy. Although I don’t often sing on stage, you might catch me belting along to my Barbara Streisand and Barry Gibb record at home. I feel lucky that I live with someone who creates music for a living. I get to peak behind the curtain to see how it happens. It amazes me how it all comes together, and how talented he is.

My goal is to entertain people with something genuine. I’m an actor at heart, and I’m so happy to have the show. It’s amazing to be able to play so many characters week to week. Creating the show has really been this amazing bonus. I feel like the show is a gift that JP created, not just for the audience but for me. It’s a cool thing on its own, and it also gives us a way to share our work life together. I get to do what I love with the person that I love. When you’re on stage and things come up, like a change in a line or a light goes out... Since we are so close, we have an extra ability to communicate. We just know what each other are thinking.

Check out American Parlor Songbook and past episodes at: www.americanparlorsongbook.com Check out Jane Lee Hooker (JP’s sister from NYC) on Youtube at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU1g-Pz-pmQ

continued from page 26

EVENT CALENDAR DANCING WITH OUR STARS CELEBRATES THEIR 13TH SEASON Grab your dance shoes and join us for the original multi-charity dance competition fundraiser, Dancing with Our Stars. Always a popular event, local professional dancers share the dance floor with community members for the charity of their choice. Since 2006 we have raised over $350,000 for 76 charities.

Event tickets for Dancing with Our Stars, Sunday, February 16th at 5 pm at the Agua Caliente Casino are $90 and include one vote for the charity of your choice. Votes are $20 each and can be purchased in advance of the live competition to support your favorite participating charity.

The following charities and dancers providing a magical, inspiring evening of dance are: o CASA – Galiena Jacobs & Dennis Gimenez o Red Hot Ballroom – Genevert Tan Martz & Isa Lapaj; Traci Kaylor & Don Ramos o Safehouse of the Desert – Frank Dimick & Kristin Staszek o Soroptimist House of Hope – Rose Marie Rae & McNeil Atwood Also enjoy the tantalizing non-charity Pro/ Am competition from our dance community featuring Elvia Gomez & Tim Dawson and Lowell Fox dancing with Elizabeth Wood & Nancy Gardea. In the non-charity Amateur continued from page 13

and entertaining. David Macias writes great songs, and the arrangements are so interesting.

RL: What is your vision with this radio program?

JP: Creatively, I want to expand the show. I’m developing ideas to take the content to really surprising places. I want to push the envelope and bend the medium a little. We’ll be doing a couple of episodes this year that will give a clue of what I’m talking about. Expect it to get a little weirder, and more original, and maybe break the radio 4th wall a little... But overall, the goal is an entertaining show.

Our goal is national broadcast, and we are working hard to make that happen. RFJT are a great group of people and we love having the

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Week of January 16

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Whose enemy are you? Are you anyone’s adversary or obstructionist or least favorite person? Answer honestly, please.

Don’t be in denial. Next question: Do you derive anything useful from playing this oppositional role?

If your answer is yes, that’s fine. I won’t try to talk you out of it. Continue to reap the benefits of being someone’s obstacle. But if, on the other hand, you get little value out of this negative relationship, now would be a good time to change it. You have more power than usual to free yourself from being an antagonist.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You Tauruses are customarily more grounded than the rest of us. But this week, I’m wondering if you will be tempted to escape the laws of gravity and rebel against the call of duty. I suspect that your dreams, at least, will feature uninhibited forays into the wild blue yonder. While you’re sleeping you may float weightlessly in an interplanetary spaceship, become an eagle and soar over forests, wear a futuristic jet pack on your back and zip through the sky, sail across the Serengeti Plains in a hot-air balloon, or have a picnic on a cloud with a feast of cotton candy and sponge cake and mint tea. Would you consider bringing this kind of fun into your waking life?

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): What part of your life is too small, and you want to make it bigger? Is there a situation that’s overly intense and dramatic, and you wish you could feel more light-hearted about it, less oppressed? Are you on a quest that has become claustrophobic, and you’d love to find a way to make it more spacious and relaxed? If you answered yes to any of those questions, Gemini, there’s good news. Very soon now, you will have a close encounter with the magic you need to open what has been closed and expand what has been narrow. Be alert for it. Be crafty as you gather it in and harness it for your use.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): In her poem “Catch a Body,” Ilse Bendorf says she dislikes the advice “Don’t ever tell anybody anything.” On the other hand, “Tell everyone everything” isn’t the right approach, either, she says. Judging from your astrological omens, Cancerian, I surmise that you’re wavering between those two extremes.

You’re tempted to think you’ve got to do one or the other. Should you cultivate the power that comes from being silent, and keep people guessing about your true feelings? Or should you seek greater intimacy but risk giving away your power by confessing all your inner thoughts? I suggest you take a middle path. Tell the vivid truth, but carefully and incrementally.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): If a substance has been burned, it can’t be burned again. There’s no flammable stuff left to feed a fire. That’s simple physics. Now as for the question of whether a person can be burned more than once -- we’re speaking metaphorically here -- the answer is, unfortunately, yes. Some folks don’t learn from their mistakes and don’t have enough emotional intelligence to avoid the bullies and manipulators who burn them again in the future. But I’m confident that you aren’t one of these types, Leo, or that at least you won’t be in the coming days.

You may have been burned before, but you won’t be burned this time.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “People who don’t take risks generally make about two big mistakes a year,” said author Peter Drucker. “People who do take risks generally make about two big mistakes a year.” In general I agree with that assessment. But I think it needs to be altered for your situation in the coming months. Here’s the adjusted version of the formula: Virgos who don’t take risks in 2014 will make an average of 3.1 big mistakes. Virgos who do take risks in 2014 will make, at most, a half a big mistake.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “You know what the greatest tragedy is in the whole world?” asks novelist Terry Pratchett. “It’s all the people who never find out what it is they really want to do or what it is they’re really good at. It’s all the people

© Copyright 2012 Rob Brezsny

who never get to know what it is that they can really be.” If that description applies to you even a little, Libra -- if you’re still not completely sure what you’re good at it and what you want to do -- the coming months will be prime time to fix that problem. Start now! How? Open your mind to the possibility that you don’t know yourself as well as you someday will. Take vocational tests. Ask smart people you trust to tell you what they think about your special aptitudes and unique qualities. And one more thing: Be wildly honest with yourself about what excites you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In his book Schottenfreude: German Words for the Human Condition, Ben Schott dreams up new compound German words for use in English. Here’s one that would serve you well in the coming week: Fingerspitzentanz, meaning “fingertips-dance.”

Schott says it refers to “tiny triumphs of nimblefingered dexterity.” His examples: fastening a bracelet, tightening a miniscule screw, unknotting, removing a recalcitrant sticker in one unbroken peel, rolling a joint, identifying an object by touch alone, slipping something off a high shelf. Both literally and metaphorically speaking, Scorpio, you now have an abundance of this capacity. Everything about you is more agile and deft and limber than usual. You’ll be a master of Fingerspitzentanz.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The four elements that compose cocaine are the same as those that make up TNT, caffeine, and nylon: hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen. The combinations and proportions of elements are different in each substance, of course. But the point, for our purposes, is that the same raw materials lead to different results. I foresee a similar drama unfolding in your own life, Sagittarius. How you assemble the ingredients you currently have at your disposal could produce either a rough and ragged high, a volatile risk, a pleasant stimulation, or a useful resource. Which will it be?

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Metaphorically speaking, you have recently come into possession of some new seeds. They are robust. They are hardy. They have the potential to grow into big, strong blooms. So when should you plant them, metaphorically speaking? I’m going to suggest that you wait a while longer. It wouldn’t be bad for them if you sowed them right now, but I think their longterm vitality will be even greater if you postpone the planting for at least a week. Two weeks might be better. Trust your intuition.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The Flemish artist Jan van Eyck (1385-1441) was renowned for his innovative mastery of oil painting. He signed many of his works not just with his name but also with his motto: Als ick kan. Its idiomatic translation is “The best I can do.” What he meant was that he had pushed his talent and craft to the limit, and then stopped and relaxed, content that he had given all he could. I invite you to have a similar attitude as you wrap up the projects you’re currently involved in, Aquarius. Summon all your passion and intelligence as you create the most excellent outcome possible, but also know when to quit.

Don’t try too hard; just try hard.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): It’s an excellent time to rise up and revolt against conventional wisdom. I urge you to immunize yourself against trendy groupthink as you outwit and outmaneuver the status quo. Have fun and activate your playful spirit to the max as you create workarounds to the way things have always been done. At the same time, Pisces, stay acutely attuned to your compassion and common sense. Don’t be a quarrelsome intransigent. Don’t be rebellious just to please your ego. If you follow these guidelines, you will be able to pull off a graceful insurrection that both soothes and stimulates your soul.

Homework: When they say “Be yourself,” which self do they mean? Testify at FreeWillAstrology.com.

Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

January 16 to January 22, 2014

Mind, body & Spirit

by Bronwyn Ison

PROTEIN: ARE YOU GETTING ENOUGH?

P

rotein is essential for our diets and educating yourself of the importance of this nutrient is vital to a healthy body. One must have an appropriate amount of protein in their daily diet. If you exercise and desire to build muscle, eating the proper amount of protein will enhance muscle growth. The word protein is a derivative of the word protos, which means “first.” The body utilizes protein to build new cells, maintain tissues and synthesize new proteins so you can perform better and be healthier.

Proteins are the building blocks of life. We need protein to maintain and repair itself. Did you know every cell in the body contains protein? In fact, our hair and nails are mostly made of protein.

Other structural proteins include collagen, cartilage, elastin and keratin that form the skin. Another important component are enzymes. Enzymes are proteins. When we have adequate protein it maintains good energy, stabilizes blood sugar, assists adrenal and thyroid activity, controls weight and assist with good bowel function. Unlike carbohydrates and fat our body does not store protein. Protein is considered a macronutrient. This simply means you need a large amount of it to stay healthy. Most people are on the go and find it challenging to sit down for a meal. Supplementing with

a protein bar or shake is good way to ensure you are getting enough into your diet.

However, do not be dependent on them as your main source of protein.

There are several high protein foods.

Animal protein is an excellent source because it provides the complete set of essential amino acids the body requires.

However, if you are vegetarian you can still receive the essential amino acids through a variety of plant foods. It is recommended that women between the ages of 19-70 have 46 grams of protein per day and men 19-70, 56 grams per day. You can find some the highest amounts of protein in turkey/ chicken breast, fish (tuna, salmon, halibut), cheese, pork loin, lean beef and veal, tofu, beans, eggs (egg whites), and yogurt and milk.

A diet low in protein can be dangerous.

Your body cannot function properly or repair itself without the right amount of protein. However, be cautious not to consume too much protein. This can be harmful especially if you have a kidney or liver disease. Be conscientious of what you choose as your protein source and be sure to diversify your diet.

Bronwyn Ison, Owner of Evolve Yoga ~ To learn more about staying healthy and living a vibrant life visit: www.e-volveyoga.com or (760) 564-YOGA (9642)

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January 16 to January 22, 2014

Life & career Coach

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Sunny Simon

One Month, One Goal

O

ptimism runs high in January.

Most of us get pumped up about a number of challenges like creating a fitness routine and sticking to it, losing weight, expanding our business or earning that coveted promotion. Typically somewhere around the middle of March upon reviewing our goal list we discover we are severely off-track. What went wrong?

My hypothesis is; we tend to bite off too much too soon.

For example, my friend Nancy created a list of her top ten goals. On January 1st, she tried to leap from a non-existent exercise routine to a five day, 5:00 a.m. gym regiment while juggling her daily responsibilities and working on her other nine goals. I called her today to see how she was progressing.

Nancy admitted as hard as she tried, she could not keep up the pace. Her gym visits had dwindled and she admitted to little or no progress with her remaining goals.

We often set ourselves up for failure by trying to over compensate for our lack of achievement in previous years. The new system we create for ourselves unravels and we become discouraged. More than one client has walked in my office lamenting the inability to get to the goal line. If this sounds familiar, don’t despair, but do read on.

Years ago, I was a Nancy. While

popping the cork on a great bottle of the bubbly each New Year’s Eve I had visions of incredible success swirling around in my head. I happily watched the ball drop, kissed my husband and claimed the New Year as my time to soar. It didn’t take long to see those visions break like the bubbles in a glass of Champagne. My epiphany came when I read Gretchen Rubin’s book “The Happiness Project.” What fascinated me was Gretchen’s thirty day concept.

Gretchen spent an entire month focused on a limited number of goals. I found pairing my list down to only one goal each month works.

Want to avoid the mid-March blues over goals that have flat-lined? Create a list of no more than twelve goals. Decide where you will start. This year I want to streamline my life, reduce clutter and finish every project I start. My January activity involves ridding myself of ten things every day. They can be physical items or time-wasting activities that crowd my calendar. Give it a try. One month, one goal. I promise as you toast the year away on December 31st your goal score card will reveal all items completed.

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

Ask The Doctor

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

DesertHouseCalls@aol.com. www.deserthousecalldoc.com.

Dr. Kadile will be writing a regular column for CV Weekly. Please send any medical questions you have to editor@coachellavalleyweekly.com for him to answer.

Canker Sores, Cold Sores, & Thrush.

Dear Dr. Kadile, I get painful sores in my mouth several times a year. I’m confused if they are canker sores or cold sores. Is there a difference?

-Joyce, Palm Desert

Joyce, yes, there is a difference.

Canker sores, also called aphthous ulcers, occur inside the mouth.

Women are more likely to get canker sores and the sores generally can appear on the tongue, roof of the mouth, gums or inside of the cheeks. Sometimes a tingling or burning sensation will be felt prior to the appearance of the sores. The sores are usually round, white or gray, with a red border. Severe canker sores may also cause fever and swollen lymph nodes. The exact cause of canker sores is unknown, but stress or local injury to the area, play a role.

Certain foods such as citrus or acidic fruits and vegetables can trigger canker sores.

Sometimes dental appliances irritating the surrounding oral tissue can also trigger a canker sore outbreak. Canker sores are not contagious.

There is no cure for canker sores, they will resolve on their own in one or two weeks.

There are several over the counter topical gels or ointments that may help relieve the pain of a canker sore. If the pain is too severe, your doctor or dentist may prescribe an ointment or mouth rinse.

Natural remedies such as goldenseal, lysine, probiotics or propolis may help with the discomfort and hasten recovery.

Cold sores or fever blisters are caused by the herpes simplex virus and generally occur on the lips and/or the surrounding skin, but can also occur on the gums or roof of the mouth. Cold sores are contagious. Pain and tingling may also occur a few days before the appearance of the lesions. Physical or emotional stress can also trigger a cold sore outbreak. The sores are small fluid filled blisters on a red base. The blisters may sometimes rupture and leak a clear fluid.

Like canker sores, cold sores have no cure and generally resolve on their own in one to two weeks. Over the counter and prescription ointments can be applied to help ease the pain of the lesions. Your doctor can also prescribe oral anti-viral medication that can shorten the duration and severity of the outbreak. Natural remedies such as lysine, lemon balm, propolis and resveratrol can also be beneficial.

Even though the virus that causes cold sores is contagious, an infected person may never develop the lesions.

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Dear Dr. Kadile, my baby has thrush. Is it contagious?

-Valerie, Indio Valerie, thrush is an overgrowth of yeast occurring it the oral cavity. It is common for babies to get thrush because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. If you are generally healthy, then unlikely you would contract thrush from your baby.

Adults with weakened immune systems, diabetes or nutritional deficiencies are susceptible to getting thrush.

January 16 to January 22, 2014

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