Issuu

Publisher Cindy Melland VP of Sales and Marketing Deb Geissler Advertising Manager Kimberly Brucks Marketing Specialist Judy Moore Bob Cloyd Brandi Larson Cynthia Chavez Layout Design Jose De La Cruz Graphics Designers Teri Aitken Mary Rider

Contributors Alison Elsner Distribution All delivery inquiries should be directed to Desert Fox Distribution at 760-989-0882 or DesertFoxDist007@aol.com. Desert Entertainer Office 760-318-2882

in this issue 4

Health Beat

Don’t Worry Be Happy

6-8

On the Cover: Roberta Linn

Book-Ends

16-18

Datebook

Reading books may add years to your life.

From Lawrence Welk’s “Champagne Lady” to popular desert entertainer.

Money Matters

Five smart money tips that take a matter of minutes.

10-11 Recipes

Refreshing, dairy-infused dishes for warm days.

12 13

Puzzled?

Have some fun!

Social Security

Full listing of outstanding happy hours.

Pick up a book today.

Rev up the fun during these events.

The Filler Files

Strange but true news.

Get the fun Rolling Beat the heat and hit the bowling lanes.

At the Movies

Upcoming releases.

Changes in 2019.

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PRIMETIME

HEALTH BEAT

Reading books may add years to your life We all know that books can enrich our lives, but do they have health benefits as well? And if so, does reading books have greater health advantages than reading newspapers or magazines? Researchers at Yale University School of Public Health designed a study to try to answer those questions. The researchers studied the records of 5,635 participants in the Health and Retirement Study, an ongoing investigation of people who were 50 or older and had provided information on their reading habits when the study began. They determined that people who read books regularly had a 20 percent lower risk of dying over the next 12 years compared with people who weren’t readers or who read periodicals. This difference remained regardless

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of race, education, state of health, wealth, marital status, and depression. These findings suggest that the benefits of reading books may include a longer life in which to read them.

Chopped, uncooked spinach offers more antioxidants Spinach is one of the best sources for the antioxidant lutein, which may promote eye health and reduce the risk of macular degeneration. A new study in the March 30, 2019, issue of Food Chemistry suggests that eating uncooked chopped spinach can ensure you get the highest amounts compared with traditional cooking methods.

The researchers measured the lutein content of baby spinach after it was fried, boiled, and steamed. They found that lutein levels dropped by 40 percent after only four minutes of boiling, and by 90 percent after 90 minutes, while levels decreased by more than 60 percent after just two minutes of frying. Spinach lost about 50 percent of its lutein after four minutes of steaming. The researchers concluded that the best way to get the most lutein from spinach is to not cook it. While eating raw spinach is good, it’s better to chop it in a blender — for instance, by making a smoothie — or in a juicer, as this releases more lutein from the leaves, according to the researchers. When adding spinach to a salad or sandwich, cut it into strips to get the same effect.

COVER FEATURE

Roberta Linn dazzles with music and memories From Lawrence Welk’s “Champagne Lady” to popular desert entertainer By Alison Elsner for Primetime Magazine

hose who are fortunate enough to see Roberta Linn perform live on stage are surely struck with two thunderbolts of realization: 1) They’ve just witnessed the entire story from “That’s Entertainment,” and 2) What a crying shame for the rest of the poor souls who are missing out. Fortunately for anyone yet to be initiated, as well as for those who eagerly return again and again to catch her act, Linn continues to headline throughout showrooms and country clubs in the Coachella Valley and southern California. She’s also in high demand as a guest speaker at special events, spinning her tales of old Hollywood like only a true pro can do. Linn insists on performing with her four-

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piece band – no karaoke machines or canned music for her. Even more jaw-dropping is the fact that this show biz icon is about to turn 91 years young. Her life in entertainment began at the age of four, when she started appearing in some 20 movies like “Little Miss Marker” and in “Our Gang” films. Her life from that point on was a whirlwind of performing around the country. In 1949, she was personally selected by Lawrence Welk to be his “Champagne Lady” (the first one on the televised show). She performed regularly with Welk’s band at the Aragon Ballroom in Santa Monica, California. Linn simultaneously starred in her own KTLA television show, “Café Continental,” for

Roberta Linn and Lawrence Welk

COVER FEATURE which she received an Emmy Award in 1953 for “Most Outstanding Entertainer on TV.” And, somehow, she also managed to squeeze in vocal performances for the syndicated television show, “Frosty Frolics,” providing viewers with an escape to the world of theatrical skating at a fictional alpine hotel. Throughout her youth, Linn’s mother would hand-sew her elegant outfits, and mom always accompanied daughter on the road. One of the standout moments for Linn is when she scored her first Las Vegas gig at the New Frontier Hotel, with musical direction by Nelson Riddle, choreography by Charlie O’Curran and costumes designed by Edith Head. This was the big time. The popular stage and screen star headlined in major nightclubs throughout the world, including The Sands, Stardust and Desert Inn in Las Vegas and Cal-Neva in Lake Tahoe. It was at the Riverside in Reno that she met her future co-star in the group Freddie Bell and

Roberta Linn and the Bellboys, the high energy and versatile Vegas lounge act referred to as “A Hurricane of Entertainment” following their headline show at the Copa in New York. They are also the act that took over for Louis Prima and Keely Smith at the Sahara. Linn was married to her co-star, Freddie Bell, from 1961 to 1973, and she made the decision to relinquish her headliner status on main stages and transition over to lounge acts with Bell so the couple could work steadily in Vegas and take care of their young son, Fred. Lynn has worked with and been friends with a panoply of old – and sometimes new – Hollywood. You name a star, and Linn has worked with him or her: Al Jolson, Shirley Temple, Frankie Laine, Elvis Presley, Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Bing Crosby, Marge and Gower Champion, Danny Thomas, Jimmy Durante, Cary Grant, Clark Gable, Kirk Continues on page 8

Freddie Ball and Roberta Linn

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COVER FEATURE

Roberta Linn with desert entertainer Denny Pezzin

Roberta Linn performing at Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida

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Douglas, Howard Keel, Don Rickles, Frank Sinatra (a good friend), Ronald Reagan …believe us, this list is merely a smattering. Linn fondly recalls performing for the troops alongside friend and colleague Bob Hope on one of his USO World Tour shows as well as singing alongside Jack Benny and Nat King Cole at a special awards tribute. The 1970s brought a major performance contract at SeaWorld Amphitheater with the San Diego Symphony, cementing Linn’s identity as a “main stage” act. Linn then found great success with “Roberta Linn and the Gamblers,” adding country music to her repertoire.

Linn was presented with the 42nd star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars in 1995. In more recent years, after making the permanent move to the Coachella Valley in 2000, Linn performed in a series of shows with Florence Henderson, Gloria Loring and Betty Garrett in the “Fabulous Ladies of Song,” including a run at the McCallum Theatre. She has starred alongside Bob Newhart at the Annenberg Theater after performing with him several previous times, including at the Sands in Vegas just before it was demolished in 1996. She even stole the show last year at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida for guests of President Donald Trump. She has observed numerous changes in the entertainment industry and maintains fond memories of her years in the spotlight, “When movies were movies and stars were stars.” She balances it all by keeping her show fresh and modern. Roberta Linn as an entertainer and as a person is elegant, fun and fascinating. Her show, as well as her spirit, are “must experience.” Bring on the champagne.

MONEY MATTERS

Smart Money Tips

That take a matter of minutes

ccording to a recent survey from Marcus by Goldman Sachs, more than half of Americans (51 percent) would rather wash dishes than deal with their finances and 33 percent would rather change a diaper than deal with their finances. Evaluating your finances and making changes to your financial routine can be a daunting task, one that might seem like an overwhelming time commitment, but there are several simple and fast things you can do at no cost that can have a big impact. To help make approaching your finances a little less intimidating, Marcus has released five simple tips that show “You Can Money.” Each of the tips takes only a matter of minutes and is designed to help boost your financial confidence and get you started on the path toward financial well-being. 1. Open a high-yield online savings account Learn the annual percentage yield (APY) on your savings account and then compare your rate to those offered by other banks to see how much more you could be earning. For example, a high-yield Online Savings Account from Marcus by Goldman Sachs earns four times (4X) the national average with a rate of 2.25 percent, which might be significantly higher than your current rate. With no minimum balance needed to start earning the rate, this is an easy way to begin growing your savings with the cash you already have in your account. 2. Download a personal financial management app. To help establish and maintain a sustainable budget, it’s important to stay on top of your expenses. A free personal financial management app like Clarity Money might be a useful tool to help manage your budget. The app tracks recurring expenses and helps you cancel unwanted subscriptions. Available on Android and iOS, it can help you keep a tighter rein on your spending, making it easier to trim costs and stick to your budget. 3. Review your credit score. A good credit score can increase the likelihood that you will get approved for a credit card or a loan. It can also help you receive lower interest rates. Your payment history and the length of your credit history as well as the types and amount of credit you use are all factors in your credit score. 4. Create your emergency fund. Unplanned life moments can happen at any time, and these unexpected costs can impact your financial future. To ease the worry, establish an emergency fund separate from your savings. Your goal for your emergency fund should be equal to three times your monthly expenses. 5. Check your retirement funds. Familiarize yourself with your company’s 401(k) offering. See if they have a matching program and check what your contributions are to your 401(k). For more information, visit www.marcus.com/youcanmoney.

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RECIPE

Grilled Buttermilk Chicken Recipe courtesy of Lori Yates of Foxes Love Lemons on behalf of Milk Means More

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 16 minutes Servings: 4

Keep Cool on the Grill Refreshing, dairy-infused dishes for warm days

eep your kitchen cool and comfortable with grilled meals that banish the heat to the outdoors. Crisp, fresh greens and a perfect blend of spices and savory ingredients make each of these refreshing dishes perfect solutions for toasty days. Featuring ingredients across the food groups, these dairy-fueled recipes from Milk Means More are ideal for well-rounded meals filled with nutritious flavor. Zesty mustard,

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spicy Sriracha and rich buttermilk lend a marinated flavor upgrade to traditional grilled chicken. Or make a salad the star of your dinner table with a simply seasoned sirloin steak, plenty of veggies and a tart twist on a creamy dressing made with yogurt and milk. Find more refreshing at milkmeansmore.org.

meal

solutions

• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk • 1 tablespoon mustard powder • 1 tablespoon Sriracha • 2 teaspoons minced garlic • 2 teaspoons paprika • 4 chicken drumsticks, bone in, skin on • 4 chicken thighs, bone in, skin on • vegetable oil, for grill • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley • 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional) In medium bowl, whisk buttermilk, mustard powder, Sriracha, garlic and paprika. Place chicken in large zip-top bag; pour buttermilk mixture over chicken. Seal bag and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight. Heat outdoor grill for direct grilling over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess; discard marinade. Lightly oil grill grates. Transfer chicken to grill and cook, turning occasionally, 16-18 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 F. Transfer chicken to serving platter. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

RECIPE 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce hearts 1/2 cup sweet red pepper rings 1/2 cup sweet yellow pepper rings 1 cup avocado chunks 1/4 cup thinly shaved red onion

Grilled Steak Salad with Chive Yogurt Dressing Recipe courtesy of Kirsten Kubert of Comfortably Domestic on behalf of Milk Means More

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 6 Dressing: 1 cup plain yogurt 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice 2 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper Steak: 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic 20 ounces boneless petite sirloin steak Salad: 3 cups baby spinach

To make dressing: In blender, combine yogurt, lime juice, milk, chives, garlic, salt and pepper. Blend on low until smooth consistency forms and chives are completely incorporated. Transfer dressing to jar with tightfitting lid and refrigerate until serving. Heat grill to medium. To prepare steak: Combine kosher salt, black pepper and granulated garlic to create rub. Sprinkle half of seasoning mix over one side of steak, pressing it into meat. Repeat with remaining seasoning on opposite side of steak. Grill steak over direct medium heat to desired level of doneness, approximately 4-5 minutes per side for medium pink center. Remove steak from grill and let rest 7-10 minutes on cutting board. To make salad: Toss spinach and romaine on large platter. Scatter red and yellow peppers, avocado and onion over greens. Slice grilled sirloin thinly against grain. Arrange meat slices along center of salad. Drizzle dressing over salad just prior to serving.

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HAVE SOME FUN

CROSSWORD

Answers on page 19

45. Spanish seaport 46. New England college (abbr.) 47. The woman 48. Belgian province 49. Danish krone 50. Excessive dose (abbr.) 51. In great shape 55. 7th month of Islamic calendar 57. Shaped 58. Icelandic poems 59. Swollen area within tissue

ACROSS 1. Half-conscious states 8. Strange 13. Deep regret 14. Rogue 15. Took without permission 19. An alternative 20. Performer __-Lo 21. Partner to flowed 22. Best day of the week (abbr.) 23. Body part 24. Famed river 25. Lake __, one of the Great 26. Make free from bacteria 30. People native to Canada 31. Japanese seaport 32. Least clothed 33. Horse of small breed 34. Italian doctor and poet 35. Moving away from land 38. One who parks cars 39. Some are front and some are back 40. Views 44. Ancient Greek shield (alt. sp.)

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DOWN 1. Small amounts 2. Duplicate 3. Current unit 4. Neither 5. Chromium(II) oxide 6. Second sight 7. The absence of mental stress or anxiety 8. Supplemented with difficulty 9. Not the beginning 10. Dorm employee 11. Hard, white substances 12. Scariest

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16. Spanish island 17. Having sufficient skill 18. Where golfers start 22. No charge 25. Print errors 27. Where rafters ply their trade 28. Paintings of holy figures 29. CNN host Lisa 30. Gives whippings 32. Type of tie 34. Unbroken view 35. Blemish 36. National capital 37. â€œCaptain Marvelâ€? actress Larson 38. Tenth pair of cranial nerves 40. Arizona native peoples 41. Confuse 42. Body parts 43. Plays a fast guitar 45. Tub 48. Pen parts 51. Supervises flying 52. Cars come with one 53. Some are fake 54. Calendar month 56. American whiskey (abbr.) Answers on page 19

SOCIAL SECURITY

Social Security changes in 2019

Retirees will get bigger checks and some workers will face higher taxes

ocial Security recipients will get 2.8 percent bigger checks in 2019. The program will also be adjusted in several other important ways next year that could affect the payments you receive or how much you pay into the system. Get ready for these Social Security changes coming in 2019.

Larger Social Security payments

The 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment is the largest since 2012. The average Social Security benefit for retired workers is expected to climb by $39 to $1,461 per month as a result of this change. Married couples where both spouses receive benefits will see an estimated $67 increase to an average payment of $2,448 per month in 2019. “This increase will show up first in the January payment,” says William Reichenstein, a Baylor University professor emeritus and principal at Social Security Solutions, Inc. Social Security payments are adjusted each year to keep pace with inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. “By law, it’s equal to the inflation rate, making Social Security payments inflation-proof,” says Andy Landis, author of “Social Security: The Inside Story”. “That means the payment should have the same buying power in year 30 of your retirement as it had in year one.” Retirees received a 2 percent boost in payments in 2018. Previous benefit increases have ranged from zero in 2010, 2011 and 2016 to 14.3 percent in 1980.

A higher Social Security tax cap

The maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security tax will increase by $4,500 to $132,900 in 2019. Workers pay 6.2 percent of their earnings into the Social Security system until their income exceeds the taxable maximum. “Higher paid folks will see the tax applied to more of their earnings,” Landis says. “In 2019, the 6.2 percent Social Security taxable ceiling rises from $128,400 to $132,900, potentially increasing your tax burden by $279.” Those who earn more than $132,900 in 2019 will notice a bump in their paychecks once their earnings have surpassed the taxable maximum and they no longer have Social Security tax withheld from their salary.

An older full retirement age

People who will turn 62 in 2019 will need to wait until an older retirement age than existing

Social Security beneficiaries in order to claim their full retirement benefit. The full retirement age for those born in 1957 is 66 and six months, up from 66 and four months for people born in 1956, 66 and two months for those with a birth year of 1955 and 66 for everyone born between 1943 and 1954. The full retirement age will further increase in 2-month increments over the next two years until it reaches age 67 for everyone born in 1960 or later. Workers who claim Social Security before their full retirement age receive reduced payments. “They can still file as early as age 62, but the reduction for taking benefits prior to full retirement age is greater,” says Jim Blair, a former Social Security administrator and lead consultant at Premier Social Security Consulting in Cincinnati, Ohio. Those with an older full retirement age also have less opportunity to increase their Social Security payments via delayed claiming.

Bigger earnings limits

Social Security beneficiaries who continue to work will be able to earn $600 more in 2019 before part of their Social Security benefit is temporarily withheld. Social Security recipients age 65 and younger can earn up to $17,640 in 2019 before a benefit dollar is withheld for ev-

ery $2 earned above the limit. In the year you turn your full retirement age the earnings limit climbs to $46,920, up $1,560 from 2018, and the penalty declines to $1 withheld for every $3 in excess earnings. Once you turn your full retirement age there is no penalty for working and collecting Social Security benefits at the same time and your benefit is recalculated to give you credit for your continued earnings and any benefits that were withheld in the past.

Electronic COLA notices

Retirees will be able to view their Social Security cost-of-living adjustment notices online beginning in December 2018. The COLA notices will be posted in the message center of my Social Security accounts. These personalized COLA notices contain the benefit amount retirees will receive for the next calendar year. Online notices won’t be provided to representative payees, people with a foreign mailing address and beneficiaries who pay higher Medicare premiums due to their income. COLA notices for 2019 will also be mailed, but beneficiaries will be able to opt out of paper statements in future years. Find more Social Security news at usnews.com.

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Happy Hour DON’T WORRY BE HAPPY

It’s five o’clock somewhere

Cathedral City

Palm Desert

AJ’s on the Green Happy hour from 2-7 p.m., 9 to closing in bar or lounge. Monday, Wednesday through Saturday. Date Palm Country Club, 36200 Date Palm Drive, 760-202-1111.

Indian Wells

AC3 Restaurant + Bar Daily happy hour, 3-6:30 p.m. 45350 Larkspur Lane. 760-340-6069. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill Daily happy hour in the bar from 3 to 5 p.m. 73325 Highway 111. 760-836-9028.

Vicky’s of Santa Fe Daily happy hour from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. 45100 Club Drive. 760-345-9770.

Palm Springs

La Quinta

Al dente Receive 20 percent off your entire check, daily from 3 to 5 p.m. 491 North Palm Canyon Drive. 760-325-1160.

Arnold Palmer’s Restaurant Daily from 4 to 6 p.m. 78164 Avenue 52. 760-771-4653. The Grill on Main Daily happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. 78065 Main Street. 760-777-7773.

Rick’s Desert Grill Daily happy hour from 8 to 11 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m., Monday-Friday. 1596 North Palm Canyon Drive. 760-325-2127.

Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill Daily drink and food specials, 3 to 6 p.m. 78015 Main St. 760-777-9989.

Woody’s Palm House Daily happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. 450 S. Palm Canyon Dr. 760-230-0188.

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Rancho Mirage Las Casuelas Nuevas Happy hour served Sunday-Thursday, 4 p.m. to closing. FridaySaturday, 4 to 6 p.m. 70050 Highway 111. 760-328-8844.

Twentynine Palms Fans Sports Bar & Grill Early bird Saturdays til 6 p.m. $2 well drinks and $4 double well drinks. 4966 Adobe Road. 760-361-0663. Shelly’s Lounge Daily happy hour from 2 to 6 p.m. Tortoise Rock Casino, 73829 Baseline Road. 760-367-9759

Yucca Valley Applebee’s Grill and Bar Happy hour after 9 p.m. Monday-Friday. After 10 p.m. on weekends. 57796 29 Palms Highway, Yucca Valley. Electric Sports Lounge Daily happy hour, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 57564 Twentynine Highway, 760-228-1199. Gadi’s Bar & Grill Daily food and drink specials. 56193 29 Palm Highway, 760-820-1213. The Roost Happy hour Thursday-Saturday, 4- 6 p.m. 55100 Martinez Trail. 760-365-0033.

BOOK-ENDS

Pick up a book today “If She Hid” by Blake Pierce Two parents are found dead, and their twin 16 year old daughters are missing. With the case quickly growing cold, the FBI, stumped, must summon their most brilliant agent: retired 55 year old FBI agent Kate Wise. Was this a random murder? The work of a serial killer? Does Kate, haunted by her past, still have the ability to solve cases as she used to? Available Tuesday, April 30.

ried about his good friend Woody. Woody is struggling at school and making bad choices. But when Woody is arrested—an unwitting accomplice to armed robbery—Theo knows he is innocent. Racing the clock while Woody sits in jail, Theo will do everything in his power to help his friend and save Woody from an unforgiving system where justice is not equal for all. Available Tuesday, May 14.

“War and Peace: FDR’s Final Odyssey” by Nigel Hamilton To mark the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, the stirring climax to Nigel Hamilton’s three-part saga of FDR at war—proof that he was WWII’s key strategist, even on his deathbed. Available Tuesday, May 7.

“Target: Alex Cross” by James Patterson A leader has fallen and Alex Cross joins the procession of mourners. Then a sniper’s bullet strikes a target. Cross’s wife, newly elevated chief of DC detectives must solve the case or lose her job. The Secret Service and the FBI deploy as well in the race to find the shooter. Alex is tasked by the new President to lead an investigation

“Theodore Boone: The Accomplice” by John Grisham Theo has been wor-

unprecedented in scale and scope. But is the sniper’s strike only the beginning of a larger attack on the nation? Available Tuesday, May 14. “Cari Mora” by Thomas Harris 25 million dollars in cartel gold lies hidden beneath a mansion in Miami Beach. Ruthless men have tracked it for years. Leading the pack is Hans-Peter. He makes a living fleshing out the violent fantasies of other, richer men. Cari Mora, caretaker of the house, has escaped from the violence in her native country. She stays in Miami on a wobbly temporary protected status. She works at many jobs to survive. Beautiful, marked by war, Cari catches the eye of Hans-Peter as he closes in on the treasure. But Cari Mora has surprising skills, and her will to survive has been tested before. Available Tuesday, May 21.

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DATEBOOK

15th Annual Lavender Festival, May 23-June 30

Rev up the fun with these events April 26

April 27

Daniel Tosh at 8 p.m. Best known for his Comedy Central show “Tosh.0,” Tosh will perform an evening of stand up comedy. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. hotwatercasino.com

Under the Streetlamp at 7 p.m. The Coachella Valley Symphony will be joined by former leading cast members of the hit Broadway musicals “Jersey Boys,” performing classic hits of the American Radio Songbook. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert. 760-340-2787, mccallumtheatre.com

April 26-28 Stagecoach Country Music Festival The threeday festival features headliners including Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt and Jason Aldean. Empire Polo Club, 81800 Avenue 51, Indio. stagecoachfestival.com

April 26-29 White Party Palm Springs The largest gay dance party in the world featuring live performances, DJs, pool parties and more. Various locations in Palm Springs. jeffreysanker.com

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May 4 Evening Under the Stars at 5:30 p.m. The annual gala fundraiser for AAP-Food Samaritans features “The Music of ABBA” performed by ARRIVAL from Sweden. The event begins with a spectacular cocktail reception followed by a sumptuous dinner, a brief awards presentation to a few worthy honorees and dancing. O’Donnell Golf Club, 301 N. Belardo Road, Palm Springs. 760-325-8481, aafoodsamaritans.org

Train Day from 9 a.m. to Noon Featuring fun events centered around the 3,300 feet of track at the Garden Railroad. The day includes a train-themed treasure hunt, special trackless train rides, and of course a ChooChoo-Churro special. Model train enthusiasts will enjoy informative train chats being offered. The Living Desert, 47900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert. 760-346-5694, livingdesert.org Tequila and Tacos Fiesta from 6 to 9 p.m. Celebrate all things tacos and tequila for this fun and exciting community event. There will be mariachi music, food samplings and more. Old Town La Quinta, 78100 Main Street, La Quinta

May 4-5 Gabriel Iglesias One of America’s most successful stand-up comedians brings his “Beyond the Fluffy World Tour” to the desert. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. hotwatercasino.com

May 5 Palm Springs Vintage Market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come experience a diverse gathering of merchants selling vintage, retro and midcentury modern merchandise. Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 East Baristo Road, Palm Springs. palmspringsvintagemarket.com

DATEBOOK May 9-12

May 16-19

Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival The festival includes an eclectic mix of Classic Film Noir “B” movies. Camelot Theatres, 2300 East Baristo Road, Palm Springs. arthurlyonsfilmnoir.ning.com

Joshua Tree Music Festival Showcasing up and coming artists in a family-friendly setting. Joshua Tree Lake Campground, 2601 Sunfair Road, Joshua Tree. joshuatreemusicfestival.com

May 9-13

May 17-19

Shakti Fest Celebrating yoga, sacred music and meditation and places a special emphasis on the divine feminine. Practice with the best yoga teachers in the world, dance to sacred music by world-renown kirtan artists and take workshops with leaders in the field of personal growth. Joshua Tree Lake, 2601 Sunfair Road, Joshua Tree. bhaktifest.com

Joshua Tree Philharmonic The Joshua Tree Philharmonic goes west in “Wanted Dead or Alive,” a concert with classics like “Grand Canyon Suite,” country hits and Western TV and film soundtracks. Black Box Theater, 61231 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree. hidesertculturalcenter.org

May 10-11 High Desert Soundings This festival of experimental music features 17 artists. Most shows will take place at The Palms in Wonder Valley. The Palms, 83131 Amboy Road, Twentynine Palms. highdesertsoundings.us

May 11 “The Night of the Hunter” screened on opening night of the Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival. Photo courtesy of FilmForever.com

America at 8 p.m. The iconic classic rock band celebrates their 50th anniversary with a tour stop in the desert. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. 760-342-5000, fantasyspringsresort.com

May 18 Willie Nelson & Family at 8 p.m. With a sixdecade career and 200 plus albums, this iconic Texan is the creative genius behind the historic recordings of “Crazy,” “Red Headed Stranger” and “Stardust” brings his latest tour to the Valley. Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. 888-999-1995, hotwatercasino.com

May 23-June 30 Lavender Festival Highland Springs Ranch & Inn hosts the 15th annual Lavender Festival. Participants can roam the field in horse-

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DATEBOOK May 25 Street Food Cinema from 5 to 9 p.m. This is more than just an outdoor movie, it’s an experience that brings together pop culture films, gourmet street food and music. The 1997 film “Selena” will be projected onto a 50ft movie screen followed by special guest Chris Pérez. La Quinta Park, Adams Street and Blackhawk Way, La Quinta. playinlaquinta.com

May 26 Memorial Day Flower Drop and Air Fair at the Palm Springs Air Museum

drawn wagons and learn how lavender oil is extracted from plants. The festival also serves lavender food dishes and hosts live music. 123 Farm 10600 Highland Springs Avenue, Cherry Valley. 951-845-1151.

May 27

May 24-27 Grubstake Days The 69th annual Grubstake Days celebration will include a carnival, a rodeo, a horseshoe tournament, a beard contest, a golf tournament and of course the Grubstake Days Parade. Yucca Valley and Landers. grubstakedays.com

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Joan Jett and The Blackhearts at 8 p.m. Rock and roll hall of fame members, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, will be joined by countryrock singer-songwriter Elle King for an incredible night of music. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. 760-342-5000, fantasyspringsresort.com

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Annual Memorial Day Flower Drop and Air Fair from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. A brief Memorial service is dedicated to all fallen comrades, who paid the ultimate price for freedom. In their honor, the service will be highlighted with a fly-by and flower drop of over 3,000

red and white carnations from B-25 Mitchell bomber. Palm Springs Air Museum, 745 North Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs. 760-778-6262, palmspringsairmuseum.org

June 1-17 Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week During this event restaurants throughout the Coachella Valley offer special lunch and/or dinner menus at set prices. For a complete list of participating restaurants and menus please visit visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/restaurantweek

June 18-24 Palm Springs International ShortFest The ShortFest has presented more than 100 shorts that have gone on to receive Oscar nominations and/or awards. Festivities also include the ShortFest Forum, a series of panels, master classes and roundtable discussions designed to provide emerging filmmakers with both the knowledge and the networking opportunities to further their careers in the film industry. Camelot Theatres, 2300 East Baristo Road, Palm Springs. psfilmfest.org

STRANGE NEWS

The Filler Files A big, but not the biggest baby Harper Buckley who was born on March 15, 2019 in Elmira, NY weighing 15 pounds, 15 ounces at birth may hold the record for heaviest neonate ever born in New York State, according to her doctors. But, the folks who chronicle world records at Guinness would consider her a lightweight, according to the Association of Mature American Citizens [AMAC]. The world record holder, says AMAC, was a boy who weighed in at a whopping 22 pounds when he was born at home in Saville, OH to 7 ft 11 in tall Anna Bates and her husband, Martin, who was just 7 ft 9 in tall.

What a waste New Zealand’s National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) routinely collects seal scat [more commonly known as poo] to track the lifestyles and travels of Leopard Seals. About a year ago they picked up a bit

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of deep sea scat and put it in a freezer for safe keeping. When they thawed it out and examined it recently, they found a USB computer memory stick, according to the Association of Mature American Citizens. It turned out that the USB device was none the worse for wear, considering where it had been. When they plugged it in, they made an “ironic” discovery. It contained, as NIWA put it, “photos of sea lions at Porpoise Bay in the Caitlins and a video of a mum and baby sea lion frolicking in the shallows.” The Caitlins is a coastal region in the southeastern corner of New Zealand.

A very rara avis, indeed Authorities will tell you that male cardinals are brilliant red in color and that the female of the species is pale brown. But, says the Association of Mature American Citizens, a very rare yellow cardinal appeared in Karem Maldonado’s back yard in Theodore, AL recently. Luckily, she was

taking pictures at the time and was able to snap photos of the rara avis to prove her sighting of the one-in-a-million mutant bird. It gives new meaning the hit 1960’s calypso song with the lyric, Yellow bird, you sit all alone like me.”

This little piggy Pigcasso is quite the talented porcine. Fortunately, she was rescued from a South African slaughterhouse when she was just a piglet and handed over to the folks at an animal sanctuary, according to the Association of Mature American Citizens. It was there that her talent for painting was discovered. Her art sells for thousands of dollars reports Reuters. The news agency notes that the money she earns is earmarked for animal welfare causes. The Association of Mature American Citizens [www.amac.us] provides the Filler Files as a service on issues of concern to Americans over 50.

PINHEADS

Get the fun Rolling Bowladium The Bowladium Family Fun Center is open daily with 16 synthetic lanes for league and open bowling and features a fully equipped pro shop and an arcade. The restaurant on site offers lane-side service, and the Back Alley cocktail lounge has a full bar, pool table, Karaoke nights, sports TV and seasonal parties. Lanes are open Sunday-Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight. The Bowladium is located at 73868 Gorgonio Drive in Twentynine Palms. For rates and more information, call 760-367-9502.

Fantasy Lanes There’s fun for all ages at Fantasy Lanes. Bring your friends and family and bowl on one of 24 state-of-the-art lanes. Fantasy Lanes has the latest scoring technology, late night laser bowling (Friday and Saturday night) and a space to celebrate

birthday parties and other special events. Fantasy Lanes also features an arcade with all the latest video games, plus your favorite classics. Don’t forget the snack bar to fuel you up and the sports lounge where adults can relax with a cold beer or cocktail. Lanes are open Sunday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight.

next generation. Lanes are open Monday-Thursday from noon to 11:30 p.m. Friday from noon to midnight. Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Fantasy Lanes is located at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway in Indio. For rates and more information, call 800-8272946 or visit fantasyspringsresort.com/bowling

Yucca Bowl

Palm Springs Lanes No sport is more fun for friends and family than bowling, and no place lets the good times roll like Palm Springs Lanes. Grab the gang and head down and take advantage of their weekly specials. Don’t forget to ask about kids bowl free, a great promotion designed to inspire bowling’s

Palm Springs Lanes is located at 68051 Ramon Road in Cathedral City. For rates and more information, call 760-324-8204 or visit pslanes.com.

Offering family fun and a friendly atmosphere for everyone. Yucca Bowl offers 24 lanes with automatic scoring, bumper bowling for the kids, a video arcade, pro shop, snack bar and a cocktail lounge with two pool tables. Lanes are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 4 p.m. to close. Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to close. Yucca Bowl is located at 58146 Twentynine Palms Highway in Yucca Valley. For more information, visit yuccabowl.com or call 760-365-7678.

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FILMS

At the Movies

Puzzle Answers from page 12

Upcoming releases

“Long Shot” When Fred Flarsky reunites with his first crush, one of the most influential women in the world, Charlotte Field, he charms her. As she prepares to make a run for the Presidency, Charlotte hires Fred as her speechwriter and sparks fly. Starring Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen. In theaters on Friday, May 3. “Aladdin” A kindhearted Arabian street urchin and a power-hungry Grand Vizier vie for a magic lamp that has the power to make the deepest wishes come true. Starring Naomi Scott, Will Smith and Alan Tudyk. In theaters on Friday, May 24.

“Aladdin” photo courtesy of Disney.

nemesis, the three-headed King Ghidorah. Starring Millie Bobby Brown, Vera Farmiga and Charles Dance. In theaters on Friday, May 31.

“Ad Astra” Astronaut Roy McBride travels to the outer edges of the solar system to find his missing father and unravel a mystery that threatens the survival of our planet. Starring Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones and Donald Sutherland. In theaters on Friday, May 24.

“Men in Black International” The Men in Black have always protected the Earth from the scum of the universe. In this new adventure, they tackle their biggest threat to date: a mole in the Men in Black organization. Starring Tessa Thompson, Christ Hemsworth and Rebecca Ferguson. In theaters on Friday, June 14.

“Godzilla: King of the Monsters” The cryptozoological agency Monarch faces off against a battery of god-sized monsters, including the mighty Godzilla, who collides with Mothra, Rodan, and his ultimate

“Yesterday” A struggling musician realizes he’s the only person on Earth who can remember The Beatles. Starring Ana de Armas, Lilly James and Kate McKinnon. In theaters on Friday, June 28.

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