Coachella Valley Weekly - January 21 to January 27, 2021 Vol. 9 No. 45

coachellavalleyweekly.com • January 21 to January 27, 2021 Vol.9 No.45

CVRep - Theatre Thursdays

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Barry Gibb

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Agatha Christie Documentaries

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El Paseo Sculpture Exhibition

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January 21 to January 27, 2021

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January 21 to January 27, 2021

NEW LATE NIGHT DELIVERY MENU AT BABE’S

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

Coachella Valley Weekly (760) 501-6228

publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com coachellavalleyweekly.com facebook.com/cvweekly twitter.com/cvweekly1 Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Kirby Club Crawler Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Head Music Writer Noe Gutierrez Head Feature Writer Crystal Harrell Feature Writers Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmons, Tricia Witkower, Jason Hall, Esther Sanchez Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Eleni P. Austin, Craig Michaels, Janet McAfee, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Sam DiGiovanna, Dale Gribow, Denise Ortuno Neil, Rob Brezny, Dr. Peter Kadile, Dee Jae Cox, Angela Romeo, Aaron Ramson, Lynne Tucker, Aimee Mosco, Michelle Anne Rizzio, Ruth Hill, Madeline Zuckerman Photographers Robert Chance, Laura Hunt Little, Chris Miller, Iris Hall, Esther Sanchez Videographer Kurt Schawacker Website Editor Bobby Taffolla Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

CONTENTS Babe's After Dark ............................. 3 CVRep - Theatre Thursdays.............. 5 Consider This - Barry Gibb............ 6-7 Safety Tips .......................................... 7 The Vino Voice .................................. 8 Screeners ......................................... 11 Pet Place ..................................... 12-13 Haddon Libby ................................. 14 Dale Gribow .................................... 14 Travel Tips 4 U................................. 15 Swag For The Soul .......................... 16 Free Will Astrology ......................... 16

B

abe’s Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse has been a staple of the Coachella Valley since 2002, located at The River in Rancho Mirage. The savory entrees and enjoyable atmosphere is what kept the restaurant a local favorite in the days pre-pandemic. The iconic pig statue situated outside of the entrance was what greeted diners before getting situated at their table and becoming acquainted with the warm-hued interior of the restaurant as the smells of sweet barbecue permeated the air.

With eating establishments adhering to takeout and delivery only options, the restaurant experience has been notably impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

So while you are social distancing at home, and you get a midnight craving that only a Beef Brisket Burger with a side of fries can satisfy, how do you cope when all your favorite dining options are closed for the night? Fear not, as Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse has launched a new After Dark Menu starting today. These

menu options will be available from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

“We believe there are people in the Valley looking for upgraded take out, offering late night options,” said General Manager of Babe’s, Andy Artziniega. Artziniega has been general manager of the restaurant for three years.

The new Babe’s After Dark menu includes the following entrees: Short Rib Sandwich – $19 The Big Pig Sandwich – $13 The Kobe Beef Burger w/ one side – $13 Kobe Beef Brisket Burger w/ one side – $16 Chicken Wings (Buffalo, BBQ, Parmesan Garlic sauce, or Naked Wings) – $16 Mac & Cheese – $10 Brisket Mac & Cheese – $12 Lobster Mac & Cheese – $14 Rib Basket w/ one side – $12 Tamales (choice of Goat Cheese, Brisket, or Chicken) – $13 Pulled Pork or Chicken Poutine Fries – $14

Garlic Parmesan Fries – $12 Sweet Potato Fries – $6 Garlic Fries – $6 Onion Rings – $12 Sides included in the After Dark Menu are French Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Cole Slaw, and Baked Beans.

Beers and cocktails are also available.

While state mandates allowed indoor and outdoor dining, Babe’s implemented a comprehensive COVID-19 plan at the restaurant to keep the staff and customers safe, and even though the restaurant is only open for takeout and delivery at this time, Babe’s is still dedicated to providing customers an enriching dining experience.

“There has never been a more challenging time to be in this already difficult business, so the support of the community is greatly appreciated. The City of Rancho Mirage has been a tremendous support with the Great Plates program. We look forward to getting back to normal and welcoming our wonderful guests back for dining in. We will also continue to work with a great, dedicated staff and meeting so many wonderful guests,” said Artziniega, who has been in the restaurant business for over 15 years in Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley.

Known as the oldest microbrewery in the Coachella Valley, Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse has earned many accolades, such as the “The Brewery of the Year” award in 2015 at the California State Fair and a Silver Medal in the 2014 Great American Beer Festival.

Whether you are a Coachella Valley native or just visiting the desert, Babe’s is a must when it comes to deciding what your late night snack might be—from Bar-B-Que to ice cold brews that satisfy every craving.

Placing an order and delivery is available only online at the restaurant website, www. babesbbqbrewery.com, and through Postmates, GrubHub, Uber Eats, and DoorDash.

Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse is also offering curbside pick-up for the regular menu and the After Dark Menu as well.

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January 21 to January 27, 2021

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THEATRE COACHELLA VALLEY REPERTORY PRESENTS THEATRE THURSDAYS BROADWAY SHOWSTOPPERS: JUST DANCE!

January 21 to January 27, 2021

talent broker, lecturer, vocalist, actor and musical mensch. He holds a Bachelor Arts degree in theatre from The School of Theatre, Film and Television at UCLA, and has attended the School of Dramatic Arts at USC, and the New College at Hofstra University. BroadwayWorld.com called him the “New Prince of Los Angeles Cabaret” in his new one-man cabaret show, The Musical Man. He has been seen regionally on stage in musicals including Cabaret (Emcee), Guys and Dolls (Nathan Detroit), Man of La Mancha (Barber) and Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour). He also played himself in Annabelle Gurwitch’s hit comedy Fired!, recorded for National Public Radio at Los Angeles Theatre Works. His off-Broadway credits include Lucky Lucy and the Fortune Man starring Blythe Danner, Little Mighty with Sam Harris, and Rise of David Levinksy featuring Larry Kert. Glenn’s television work includes an Old Navy commercial with Kristin Chenoweth, as well as episodic turns on the series Bones and Miami Vice.

More about Rosenblum can be found at glennrosenblum.com.

Talent bio, photo and/or an interview are available upon request. Contact the marketing department at CVRep, (760) 2962966, extension 114.

To continue CVRep’s mission of providing educational, entertaining and thoughtprovoking presentations, CVRep is offering Theatre Thursdays, a weekly, virtual entertaining and learning opportunity.

All presentations are offered via Zoom to observe social distancing guidelines.

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January 21 to January 27, 2021

CONSIDER THIS

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f you think the Bee Gees’ music was only ever about Disco, then you’ve missed the point. Sure, their songs became the ne plus ultra of that era, But the Brothers Gibb, Barry, Maurice and Robin, first made their mark more than a decade before, during the British Invasion.

Originally formed in 1958, Barry and his younger twin brothers first made their bones in a Skiffle/Rock group called The Rattlesnakes. The British-born musicians were living in Australia when they first hit the charts in 1966 with the song “Spicks And Specks.” The band, which at that point included drummer Colin Petersen and lead guitarist Vince Melouney, sent some demos to Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein, who passed them on to his associate, Robert Stigwood.

Stigwood signed them and got them a record deal. Their debut, Bee Gees 1st, arrived in 1967. The first single, “New York Mining Disaster, 1941,” received massive radio airplay, as DJ’s initially mistook it for a new Beatles song. Their next single, “To Love Somebody” reached the Top 20 in the U.K. and the U.S., while the album peaked at #7.

Over the next few years, they continued to top the charts on both sides of the pond with singles like “Massachusetts,” “Words” and “I Started A Joke.” Colin and Vince peeled away from the group and the Bee Gees remained a trio for the rest of the career. The brothers broke up briefly but reunited in 1970, recording 2 Years On which featured the hit single, “Lonely Days.” A year later their Trafalgar album included their #1 smash, “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart.”

The next three albums somehow missed the mark, but the Bee Gees were back on track when they connected with producer Arif Mardin and took their sound in a more R&B direction. They relocated to Miami to make their next two albums, Main Course and Children Of The World. Jettisoning their ballad-heavy sound, they wrapped their trademark falsetto harmonies around a pulsating four-on-the-floor beat. They scored three massive hits, “Jive Talkin,” “Nights On Broadway” and “You Should Be Dancing.”

A live album followed and soon after, Robert Stigwood signed them up to write the music for a film called Saturday Night Fever.

Filming had already finished on John Travolta’s cinematic debut, and the brothers were only armed with a rough draft of the script. They basically wrote the songs during a weekend in France.

When the movie and soundtrack were released in late 1977, both became smash hits. Songs like “Stayin’ Alive,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” “Night Fever” and “More Than A Woman” propelled the record to the top of the charts, where it

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THE GIBB BROTHERS SONGBOOK, VO. 1” (CAPITOL RECORDS) BARRY GIBB “GREENFIELDS:

remained for 24 weeks. It also won five Grammy awards. The music became as ubiquitous as white three-piece suits. The Bee Gees didn’t invent Disco, but they definitely prolonged its popularity.

For a while, the brothers could do no wrong. They wrote the theme song for John Travolta’s next cinematic magnum opus, Grease, which was performed by Frankie Valli. They jump-started younger brother Andy’s solo career by co-writing songs on his first three albums. They wrote hit songs for Yvonne Elliman and Samantha Sang. But then they partnered with Peter Frampton for the ill-fated movie musical, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, loosely inspired by the Beatles’ iconic album. Reviews were scathing, but their next album, Spirits Have Flown was another #1 album. In fact, it spawned three #1 singles. This gave the group an unbroken run of six U.S. chart-toppers in a one year period, a feat they shared only with Elvis Presley and Bing Crosby.

The inevitable backlash hit in the 1980s, and the brothers’ popularity foundered. Although they continued to make music they never achieved that same measure of success. By this time, eldest brother Barry had found another outlet for his prodigious talents, writing and producing music for Barbra Streisand, Dionne Warwick, as well as Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton.

For the next two decades he toggled between production work, a sporadic solo career and recording and touring with his brothers. Sadly, Andy died in 1988, a few days after his 30th birthday, following an unsuccessful battle with drug addiction and depression. In 2001 they recorded This Is Where I Came In, their last album as a trio. Two years later Maurice Gibb died from a heart attack at age 53.

The surviving Gibb brothers retired the Bee Gees name but within a few years they were still playing and collaborating.

Diagnosed with Liver Cancer, Robin Gibb passed away in 2012 at age 62. In 2013, Barry embarked on his first solo tour, paying tribute to his brothers and the Bee Gees’ legacy. Three years later, he released his second solo album, In The Now. He originally intended that album have a more Country feel.

A longtime aficionado of Country and Bluegrass, Barry counted the Everly Brothers and Roy Orbison as his earliest influences. Hoping to make a record inspired by those influences, he enlisted producer, Dave Cobb. Like T-Bone Burnett and Rick Rubin, Dave has become the goto producer for a new generation. He cut his teeth producing albums for Shooter Jennings and Jamey Johnson before connecting with the Rival Sons. He has been behind the boards for all six of the Long Beach band’s records. An integral component to their sound, much as

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

producer George Martin was considered a fifth Beatle, Dave Cobb holds the same distinction with the Sons.

Of course, he is best known in Country circles for guiding chart-topping albums from Lori McKenna, Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton, John Prine and Brandi Carlile.

The nine-time Grammy winner corralled a who’s-who of Nashville Pickers and players, and he and Barry hunkered down in Nashville’s legendary RCA recording studio. The result is Greenfields: The Gibb Brothers Songbook, Vol.1 The album opens with a couple of deep cuts, both released as singles in 1968. “I’ve Got To Get A Message To You” reached #1 in the U.K., in retrospect, it seems like a classic Country weeper along the lines of “Green, Green, Grass Of Home.” HonkyTonk piano and flickering guitars are bookended by a swoony string section.

Barry trades verses with Keith Urban, his feathery falsetto matches Keith’s boyish tenor on the chorus. Remarkably grim lyrics paint a vivid portrait of a death row inmate pleading with a preacher to get word to his wife, on the eve of his execution; “I told him ‘I’m in no hurry,’ but if I broke her heart, won’t you tell her I’m sorry, and for once in my life I’m alone, and I’ve got to let her know, just once before I go.”

“Words Of A Fool” is a Gospel-flavored elegy powered by churchy organ, burnished keys, strummy acoustic guitar and searing pedal steel. Paired with Jason Isbell, Barry momentarily sidesteps his trademark falsetto, leaning in with a growly masculinity. Lyrics, suffused with regret, portray a couple merely going through the motions; “I gaze in your eyes now, but you’re not in sight, just a picture of someone I lie with each night/Long may love live here, you fill up my home, and though you’re not with me now, I won’t be alone.”

On several tracks, he holds his own with some powerful female vocalists.

Sheryl Crow turns in a surprisingly nuanced performance on “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart.” Lone piano notes lattice over honeyed guitar and a laid-back shuffle rhythm. Rather than shade Barry’s tremulous vocals, Sheryl adds a dissonant

kick to this lachrymose lament. Surging strings and plangent piano magnify the melancholy of lyrics like “I can still feel the breeze, that rustles through the trees, and misty memories of days gone by, we could never see tomorrow, no one said a word about the sorrow…”

Twinkling piano and sunshiny guitar are tethered to a clip-clop gait on “Too Much Heaven.” Bluegrass goddess Allison Krauss locks into an ethereal vocal blend with Barry on the chorus before splitting the call-and-response verses, much like a latter-day George Jones and Tammy Wynette. Despite the buttery string section, Allison’s homegrown grit keeps the track from wandering into MOR territory.

Meanwhile, on “Run To Me,” Barry’s quavery tenor is brilliantly juxtaposed by Brandi Carlile’s powerhouse contralto.

Over chunky piano chords, a wash of Hammond B3, braided guitars and shimmering strings, the song builds to a stunning crescendo. As their vocals intertwine, the arrangement slows for a quiet instrumental coda of plucked strings and brushed percussion.

Barry enlists a couple of old pals on “Words” and “Rest Your Love On Me.” The former opens tentatively with sturdy piano notes and celestial keys before Dolly Parton steps up with her unmistakably breathless, Smoky Mountain croon. As swooping strings, jangly guitars, lonesome pedal steel and a tumbling backbeat kick in, Barry’s whispery harmonies envelope Dolly’s trademark twang and the pair find their language of love; “Talk in everlasting words and dedicate them all to me, and I will give you all my life, I’m here if you should call to me.”

The latter, originally a B-side to 1979’s “Too Much Heaven,” is a duet with fellow Australian émigré, Olivia Newton John.

Although she is best remembered as “Sandy” the good girl gone (slightly) bad in the smash movie, Grease, her first hit records from the early ‘70s straddled the line between Pop and Country. Rippling piano notes connect with stinging guitar, spidery bass, weepy pedal steel and a tick-tock beat. The relatively strippeddown arrangement puts the focus on their seamless vocal blend. It’s nice to hear a little Country ache from Olivia, who’s health issues have kept her away from the recording studio.

Barry partners with the band Little Big Town on a couple of tracks. The ‘60s hit “Lonely Days” is a Beatlesque sing-along initially propelled by wistful piano, hushed harmonies and some lovelorn violin. But rather quickly, time-signatures shift, the arrangement expands to include

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a peppery horn section, prickly guitars and a foot-stompy beat. They also tackle the Bee Gees’ penultimate ballad, “How Deep Is Your Love.” Filigreed acoustic guitars sketch out the song’s timeless melody before Barry leaps in. He handles the verses as the band shadow him on the chorus. Courtly Spanish guitar and glassy piano notes never overwhelm, giving his creamy falsetto free-range. Little Big Town basically stay out of his way. The best tracks here are “Jive Talking,” “To Love Somebody” and “Butterfly.” The first two employ the talents of Rival Sons vocalist, Jay Buchanan. “Jive..,” which also spotlights the sultry charms of Miranda Lambert, ditches the frenetic four-onthe-floor beat of the original, locking into a more sanctified groove. Jay’s molassesthick drawl leads the way, but Miranda and Barry quickly chime-in. On the break a swirly string-section is abetted by busy keys, barbed guitars, holy-roller Hammond, insistent handclaps and a conga-fied beat, adding to the song’s sense of urgency.

The Brothers Gibb originally wrote “To Love Somebody” with Otis Redding in mind, so it feels wholly apropos that Jay Buchanan is on hand to inject some

California Soul into the proceedings.

Percolating electric piano notes brush up against tart electric guitar riffs. Jay is out in front on the first couple verses before Barry steps up, offering his most heartfelt performance on the record. Leaning closer to a swampy, Muscle Shoals sound, it’s the most muscular cut on the record.

Finally, the album closes with “Butterfly,” one of the oldest songs in the Bee Gees’ canon. Accompanied by altcountry stalwarts Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, it’s something of a back-porch charmer. All three strap on acoustic guitars, additional instrumentation includes 12-string guitar, bass, drums and mellotron. Naturally, there’s a string-section, but it never overpowers the song’s low-key spirituality. Equal parts campfire sing-a-long and restless farewell, the song leaves the listener wanting more.

Greenfields confirms that the Bee Gees’ music easily adapts to any genre.

The album debuted at #1 on the U.K. charts and hit #15 in the U.S. Since this is Vol. 1, hopefully other volumes will add even more twang. Barry continues to honor his brothers’ legacy, getting by with a little help from his friends.

SAFETY TIPS

January 21 to January 27, 2021

FROM THE CHIEF’S CORNER

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

KEEPING STABLE DURING UNSTABLE TIMES

the ground, try to get against a wall and roll yourself into a tight ball and cover your head with your hands until the crowd passes.

Remember to keep calm – the crowd should sweep past in a short space of time. If you hear gun shots, drop to the ground and cover your head and neck, and lie as flat as you can.

• If you are at home or on vacation do not leave or go into the street. Do not be tempted to watch the activity from your window. Draw the curtains or blinds to prevent shards of broken glass entering.

If you are in premises that have doors or windows opening on to the roadside of the property, ensure that all windows and external doors are closed and locked. Sleep in an inside room which will provide greater protection from gunfire, rocks or other projectiles.

• If you are driving, never drive through a crowd. If you find yourself in the path of a crowd, turn down the nearest side road, reverse or turn around and drive away calmly. If you cannot drive away, park the car, lock it and leave it, taking shelter in a side street or doorway. If you do not have time for this, stop and turn the engine off.

Lock the doors and remain calm. Be sure not to show hostility or anger.

• When the dust settles and things appear to be calming down, stay indoors as a secondary wave may re-occur. If it is unsafe to stay where you are, seek a place of safety in a less volatile area. If you have suffered injury, seek medical assistance. Report any loss or damage to your property to the police. Report your situation or whereabouts to family/friends/business associates.

Where applicable, report and claim on insurance.

Situational awareness is always important!

Source: Worldwide/World Nomads: Phil Sylvester

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January 21 to January 27, 2021

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THE VINO VOICE

W

ow! It seems as though we’ve been discussing Champagnes, sparkling wines, and bubbly for the past month already! And rightly so!

Celebrating has been a tough sell this past year; and when we began to open the bubbly for the holidays, we really enjoyed the long-awaited pop! “Cheers!” we exclaimed. “Cheers to the help on the way!”

“Cheers to be alive!”

As this column is wont to do with its liberality to write on anything wine and wine related, we somewhat covered the sparkling waterfront from costly Champagne to a brave & tasty Brazilian bubby at five bucks a bottle.

This time, I thought it would be very practical to simply write and report on the top sparkling wines that we find immediately on the market shelves. I call these wines the “usual suspects”—in a good way. Most often—in large supermarkets, where many of us shop for wine—we can not only find several bottles but full cases available. Brands such as Mumm Napa, Chandon, Korbel, Barefoot Bubbly, and the like have large displays taking up a bunch of room. Even though we don’t like to see it happen, there’s something humorous in watching the persons on self-driving carts who miss a turn and plow into the wine display, that also serves as the obstacle to them.

So as is my style, I’ll just speak off the top. If anything, perhaps we’ll note the better wines firstly; but in any event, all the wines discussed here will fit the bill as excellent celebratory quaffs and great meal accompaniment.

Iron Horse Brut Green Valley of Russian River Valley Classic Vintage 2016 ($48.) How about that for a bottle name?

However, once you taste this sparkler, you’ll remember the name. This is the type of wine one uses the terms “plush” and “creamy”. It is our favorite acidic charm while showing flavors of baked apple, strawberry, and toasty brioche flavors.

Expect a long contemplative finish.

Speaking of the Iron Horse brand, I was

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KEEPING THE CHEERS GOING!

really introduced to their wines by way of a winemaker’s dinner that was hosted by Morgan’s of the Desert in one of their Food & Wine Festival dinner programs. When will this type of event ever come back?

With one of the winery’s representative present, we learned Iron Horse Winery is one of the most beautiful, small, independent family-owned estates located in the cool, foggy Green Valley—one of the smallest wine appellations in the southwestern part of the Russian River Valley.

I recall writing in my review, “In the arena of California sparkling wines, Iron Horse stands at the top. Their wines have been served at the White House for consecutive Presidential administrations, beginning with the historic Reagan-Gorbachev Summit Meetings to the Obama-Xi Jinping meetings, even at our own Sunnylands.”

At Morgan’s, it was the first time I tasted the Iron Horse Wedding Cuvée— the winery’s interpretation of a Blanc de Noirs. It was a delicious aperitif on its own with aromas of peach, raspberry, and hazelnut, following on the palate with pink grapefruit, lime, and stone fruit. Executive Chef Jimmy Schmidt paired the bubby with a charcuterie and cheese platter and on to something decadent like a roasted fivecheese macaroni gratin. I’ve lost track, but is Chef Schmidt still at Morgan’s?

And here we go on to some other great bubbly: Roederer Estate Brut Rosé Anderson Valley L’Ermitage 2012 ($75). This bottling has been deemed the “best California sparkling wine of the year” by many a wine publication. It is a real jewel of a rosé with a great nose bursting with blood orange, candied ginger and lemon peel aromas that all move to the palate with classic rosé flavors.

Mumm Napa DVX Napa Valley 2012 ($70). Everyone has come to appreciate the wines from this very popular brand. This is one of their “high end” wines we see at fancy parties—well, at least we used to see.

This sparkler immediately shows worldclass style with accents of lemon verbena

and strawberry that take on Alsatian petrol notes. There’s ginger on the finish along with nice mineral notes.

Mumm Napa Brut Napa County Prestige NV ($14). This is Mumm’s recognizable “black label” that’s so reasonably priced.

It’s an easy, soft, and lightly zesty quaff.

Strawberry and apples permeate and finish on a crisp and lively note.

Argyle Brut Willamette Valley Extended Tirage Master Series 2009 ($80). This is one of Oregon’s best sparkling offerings this past year. A full-on rich and yeasty wine with almond accents that move on to baked pear, ginger & spice flavors and finish with Italian-like hazelnut tones.

Domaine Carneros Blanc de Blancs Carneros Le Rêve 2013 ($120). Back down to California, “DC” is one of California’s most prestigious sparkling wine brands. No matter what level or bottle price of Domaine you purchase—know you’re getting the top quality. This Le Rêve is pretty pricey but it is the dream. Luxurious and structured with flavors of the classic 2013 vintage: Hazelnut, ginger, and cinnamon aromas, then the wine moves on to baked apple, lemon tart, and river stones.

Domaine Chandon Brut California NV ($19). Not to be confused with Domaine Carneros above, this Chandon—like the

BY RICK RIOZZA Mumm, is so reasonably priced for good stuff. As you’d expect, this is an easy quaff.

It shows notes of honeysuckle, apple, and roasted nuts, with a nice brisk finish.

Decoy Brut California Cuvée NV ($22).

Part of the Duckhorn portfolio, Decoy has moved on to the bubby with great vigor.

They’ve done an excellent job producing a snappy and fresh sparkler with zesty flavors of lemon and orange peel, finishing with floral vanilla notes. Cheers to you and the New Year!!

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January 21 to January 27, 2021

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January 21 to January 27, 2021

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T

SCREENERS

he communal experience of enjoying big screen, indoor, theatrical films is basically over.

NETFLIX has become national theater, but for the most part, we watch alone, on a TV or other device. It’s certainly not the same as sharing an indoor venue with strangers.

Major studio film production has certainly slowed, but with new and advanced technology, some on new version of smart phones, assures that creative types, not just filmmakers like Steven Soderbergh will continue to use the high tech devices for not just shooting, but also editing and enhancing their storytelling skills. Movie making will become ever more creative as will distribution.

We will never lose our need for great stories we can watch if not share with family and friends. Great cinematic and other visual narratives that touch on universal themes, like ancient myths, are essential to our understanding of who we are. Not much other than the technology has changed since cave men drew on walls and danced in front of fires to cast shadows on their work while telling tales of hunts and wars of gods and men.

INSIDE THE MIND OF AGATHA CHRISTIE Surpassed only by the Bible and Shakespeare, Agatha Christie is the most

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No. 458

January 21 to January 27, 2021

IS 2021 THE END OF MOVIES?

successful writer of all time. Readers worldwide know her characters and compelling plot twists, but many who love her books know little about Agatha herself.

We discover how an isolated childhood sparked her imagination. And how her time as a pharmacist during WWI gave

her knowledge of medicines and more importantly – poisons. During WWII, Agatha’s own sense of mortality made her writing more urgent, writing an incredible 3-4 books a year.

“Inside The Mind Of Agatha Christie” and “Agatha Christie’s England” are two

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS fascinating documentaries (on one disc) from PBS that take a look at her world and experiences that most influenced her natural literary gift.

Combining rare access to Agatha’s family, as well as her surprisingly detailed personal archives (including notebooks regarding stories she was writing), and speaking to those who know her work best, we discover much of what made the world’s most successful crime writer tick.

There is certainly no more quintessentially English writer than Christie. She created a literary universe that perfectly displayed the national spirit like no one before or since. The documentary takes a look at the magical worlds – inspired by real places -- where she set her tales.

She drew on her surroundings as both the people and places she encountered found themselves immortalized in the incredible canon of her work. Recommended. DVD. PBS. I like hearing from readers and film buffs. If you have questions or comments, please drop me a line. robin@coachellavalleyweekly.com

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January 21 to January 27, 2021

PET PLACE

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paying or neutering your cat and dog is a wonderful gift you can provide your pet, your family, and your community.

These minor surgical procedures not only prevent medical and behavioral problems in your pet, but they also help save the lives of homeless animals that languish in shelters and roam our neighborhoods as strays. Not convinced yet? What are some of the reasons why you should spay or neuter?

1. Your female pet will live a longer and healthier life – Spaying helps prevent uterine infections, uterine cancer, and breast cancer which are often fatal conditions in female animals.

2. Neutering provides major health benefits for your male pet– In addition to prevent him from dangerous neighborhood roaming, neutering prevents testicular cancer in male cats and dogs.

3. Spaying prevents heat cycle problems – The loud screeching of a female cat in heat can disturb your comfort and become a neighborhood nuisance. Blood stains on your carpet and outdoor patio create more problems. Neutering ends the problem of male cats spraying, particularly if done at an early age.

4. Neutering prevents roaming and fight related injuries – One of the primary reasons male pets are lost, hit by cars, or end up in shelters is their tendency to escape when they smell a female animal in heat. They may end up in fighting with competing males, and you will have an expensive vet bill.

5. Neutering reduces aggression and biting

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SPAY & NEUTER MEANS HEALTHIER & HAPPIER!

from male dogs – Approximately 90% of dog bites are from unneutered male dogs.

6. Unneutered dogs habitually escape – One of the biggest reasons why dogs escape from homes, jumping fences and running loose, is the failure of their owners to get them neutered.

7. There are not enough homes, and animals pay the ultimate price – For every human born in the United States, there are 15 dogs born and 45 cats born! We cannot adopt our way out of the pet overpopulation crisis.

8. Animals suffer and die in our public shelters – There are approximately 2,000 dogs and cats euthanized in America’s public shelters EVERY DAY. Most of these are healthy and adoptable animals whose only crime is being homeless.

9. Taxpayers foot the bill for too many homeless animals – Depending on the jurisdiction, it costs California taxpayers over $400 for our local governments to capture, house, care for, and sometimes euthanize ONE unwanted animal. Public shelters do not have the staff to provide 24-hr bottle feeding for orphan litters of underage kittens and puppies, and these tiny creatures may be euthanized unless a foster home is found.

10. The human toll from shelter euthanasia – Public shelter workers must cope with the horrendous job duty of euthanizing pets that are not reclaimed or adopted. This can be very traumatic when a shelter employee has to end the life of an animal they’ve spent days caring for and getting to know. The majority of shelter employees do their best to help their

animals get adopted, but an irresponsible public that discards pets for trivial reasons and carelessly breeds more animals makes their job overwhelming.

The unintended consequence of your finding homes for a litter of 10 puppies your dog produced may mean 10 homeless shelter dogs don’t get their second chance home.

Letting your pet produce offspring so your children can learn about the miracle of birth is not a good idea when so many unwanted litters end up in shelters. Get a video to show your children about birth!

One reason folks do not sterilize their pets is the high cost of the procedure at some private veterinarians. Call your local shelter or private rescue organization for referrals. Low cost spay and neuter services are available in most communities. The www.aspca.org website has links where you can find services. The Animal Action League, www.animalactionleague.org operates a low cost spay/neuter mobile unit in the Coachella Valley, the Joshua Tree desert region, and in Banning. Call the Animal Action League for an appointment at (760) 366-1100.

Spaying and neutering is the key to NO MORE HOMELESS PETS! janetmcafee8@gmail.com -------------------------------------------------Below is a partial list of shelters and rescues in the Inland Empire with animals for adoption.

MEET MAX

MEET COCO LINO

This magnificent pure breed German Shepherd boy dreams of a home soon in the New Year! Max is just 1 ½ years old and full of lively puppy energy. He’d like a home with indoor/ outdoor access and a fenced in yard for playtime. Rescued by the Humane Society of the Coachella Valley www. orphanpet.com call (760) 329-0203 for appointment to meet him.

This very special boy is 18 lbs of snuggling kitty love! CoCo Lino loves every human and cat he meets! Life hasn’t been easy for this 8-yr-old fellow. He has diabetes, but takes his insulin injections like a super champ. Cat ID#43788613, call the Palm Springs Animal Shelter for an appointment to meet him (760) 416-5718, psanimalshelter.org.

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BY JANET McAFEE They are currently closed for walk-ins, and you must call for an appointment. You can view most of their animals online before calling. If you seek a specific breed, you can also check on www.petfinder.com and put in the breed and your zip code. Thank you for rescuing!

COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS – The county shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. You can view the animals at all four Riverside county shelters at www.rcdas.org, and get the ID number of the animal you want to adopt. Email them the animal’s ID number at shelterinfo@rivco.org, or schedule a virtual adoption appointment at www.rcdas.org, 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644. (Public) PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. They schedule appointments Wednesday through Monday. View their animals online at www. psanimalsshelter.org, 4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, (760) 416-5718. (Public) ANIMAL SAMARITANS – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. View their animals at www. animalsamaritans.org. Email acorrow@

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com animalsamaritans.org to foster. Located at 72307 Ramon Rd, Thousand Palms, (760) 6013918. (Private) CALIFORNIA PAWS RESCUE - The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 73650 Dinah Shore, Palm Desert. View their animals at www. californiapawsrescue.com, (760) 656-8833.

(Private) HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt a dog or cat. This shelter has lots of big dogs in addition to small dogs and cats. View some of their animals at www.orphanpet.com. Located at 17825 N. Indian Canyon, Palm Springs, (760) 329-0203.

(Private) KITTYLAND – The shelter is closed so call for an appointment to adopt a cat. Located at 67600 18th Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, www. kittylandrescue.org, (760) 251-2700. (Private) FOREVER MEOW – Foster based rescue for cats located in Rancho Mirage. Contact them at www.ForeverMeow.org, (760) 335-6767.

(Private) PRETTY GOOD CAT – Foster based rescue for cats located in La Quinta. Contact them at www.prettygoodcat.com, (760) 660-3414 (Private) BFF4pets – Foster based rescue for dogs and cats located in La Quinta. Email them at rescues@bff4pets.com, (310) 431-7818 (Private) LOVING ALL ANIMALS – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 83496 Avenue 51, Coachella,

January 21 to January 27, 2021

www.lovingallanimals.org, (760) 834-7000.

(Private) MORONGO BASIN HUMANE SOCIETY – Located at 4646 Sun View Rd, Joshua Tree, www.mbhumanesociety.com, call between 11am-4pm for updates (760) 366-3786 (Private) CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ANIMAL SHELTER – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Hours for adoption 10am – 4pm Tuesday thru Sat. Google “City of San Bernardino Animal Shelter” for website to view animals and get the ID number of the animal you want to meet. Located at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, (909) 384-1304 or (909) 384-7272. (Public) SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER AT DEVORE – Shelter closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Call (909) 386-9280 daily. View animals at www. sbcounty.gov/acc and get the ID number of animal you want to meet. Located at 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino (Public).

DREAM TEAM ANGELS RESCUE - Foster based rescue located in Grand Terrace/ San Bernardino area. Contact them through website www.DreamTeamangelsrescue.com, (360) 688-8884. (Private)

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January 21 to January 27, 2021

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HADDON LIBBY

OZARK, NCIS AND THE NFL

W

hat was the top-rated television program last year?

It depends on how you go about measuring ratings. How can we compare live television vs. a streaming service like Netflix or Disney+? Some think that the best way to compare live programming with streamed programming is to add to live programming totals any DVR viewing over the subsequent seven days.

Looking at final+ 7 day results for 2020 as reported by Nielson, the Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers was the most watch program of 2020 with 102 million viewers. Nearly one in three Americans watched the Super Bowl. Coming in second two weeks later was the 49ers/ Packers NFC championship game 43.6 million viewers – nearly 60% lower. The top-rated nonsporting event program was The Masked Singer premiere that followed the Super Bowl with 27.4 million viewers.

Special events are typically at the top of the ratings. Outside of the NFL which held seven of the top ten spots (and helped the Masked Singer claim an 8th), the only other non-NFL programs were the College Football Championship Game at 25.8 million and The Oscars with 24.3 million viewers.

CBS Sunday night stalwart, 60 Minutes came in 14th with 18.6 million viewers on October 25th when interviewing the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates. The first presidential debate secured Fox News 15th place with 18.1 million viewers.

The Jeopardy! Special, Greatest of All time, Night 3 came in 18th with 17.4 million viewers.

The first scripted program on the list is an April episode by NCIS on CBS with 16.8 million.

While NCIS secured a number of spots amongst

BY HADDON LIBBY

the top-rated shows for 2020, only two other episodic shows cracked the top 50 - FBI on CBS in March and the premier of 911 on Fox. Amongst the top 100 watched shows in 2020, Game 6 of the World Series was the only sport outside of football to get a top rating.

Despite the Los Angeles Lakers winning this year’s championship, the NBA Finals failed to crack the Top 100.

Nielsen rankings for streaming services measure the number of minutes that a television tuned into a program. As a result, episodic programming typically rates the highest as people binge watch different shows.

This measurement also does not consider the number of people watching at the same time as Nielsen ratings for live programming will do.

With the caveats explained, Nielsen found that Ozark was the top-rated original program for a streaming service in 2020 with 30.5

DALEGRIBOW ON THELAW

ABE LINCOLN COULD NOT LIE

D

uring the Presidential elections we have heard the name Abraham Lincoln brought up by both parties. I suspect with the transition this week, we may hear Lincoln’s name even more often. However, it is not because he could not tell a lie but rather that he was a President everyone should try to emulate.

However, there is a big difference between telling a lie and not talking. In that regard, PI/ DUI cases have a lot in common, with respect to what clients should or should not do. In both instances “Silence is Golden”. As a rule the less you talk the better off you are. Don’t admit fault in an accident or admit guilt with a DUI. It is not always what you say, but what the other side THOUGHT YOU SAID. DUI and PI Clients should take down their social media. Investigators for the DA or Insurance Company can save a lot of money and gather a ton of info by just checking Facebook sites etc. Some accident victims post that they are going skiing or entering a marathon right after an accident.

Of course, this is after they complained to the doctor about how much they are hurt, and all the things they cannot do. Arguably if they can play a sport then they were not that injured that badly in the accident.

A client shouldn’t post that they were lucky not to have been stopped the day before

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billion minutes. If we assume that each show is 60 minutes, that means 508.3 million shows were watched. If the average viewer watched one season, that would mean that 50.8 million televisions were on for a season of Ozark. While this guesstimate is most certainly wrong, it should help in understanding what 30.5 billion minutes could mean in ways that seem easier to understand.

The second most streamed original program in 2020 was Lucifer with 19 billion followed by The Crown at 16.3 billion, Tiger King at 15.6 billion and The Mandalorian on Disney+ at 14.5 billion minutes.

Looking at reruns streaming to your television, The Office was the winner with 57.1 billion minutes. This program recently moved from Netflix to the newly launched Peacock free streaming service offered by NBC/ Comcast. Second was Grey’s Anatomy at 39.4

billion minutes followed by Criminal Minds (35.4 billion), NCIS (28.1 billion) and Schitt’s Creek (23.8 billion), all on Netflix.

The top-rated streaming movies in 2020 were Frozen II on Disney+ with 14.9 minutes, Moana at 10.5 billion and the Secret Life of Pets 2 with 9.1 billion on Netflix.

What was the top-rated program last year?

The Super Bowl although the Office, NCIS and Ozark all compete for the #2 spot.

Haddon Libby is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Winslow Drake Investment Management. For more information on their award winning services, please visit www.WinslowDrake.com or email Hlibby@ WinslowDrake.com.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF THE INJURED & CRIMINALLY ACCUSED

when they were even more drunk or any other post about their drinking and or driving etc. It is a good idea for a client to also hire a local attorney, who will know the judges and court employees and that should be done ASAP. Once a client has a lawyer they can no longer be contacted by an investigator on either type of case.

Preserving evidence, by writing things down right away, helps. Smart cell phones can be used to take picture of parties, CDL, cars, streets and to obtain statements from drivers and wits.

The law arguably wins every time, no matter what kind of case one discusses. Whether you are found guilty or not guilty of a DUI you still lose. All defendants lose time and money from: the arrest; court trips; bail; retaining counsel; loss of earnings and dealing with the stress.

Just like the admonition of the difference between telling a lie and not talking, there is also a difference between a case being dismissed and the client being innocent. Even when the case is dismissed you have lost …as I have explained.

When an accident victim files suit, they can be served written questions called interrogatories or have their depo taken. Then one might be ordered to appear in court for a variety of appearances and though a case is called for 8 am it may not be heard until the afternoon calendar or it may be trailed until the

next day or week.

Thus there is no way you can truly win, when you are in civil or criminal litigation.

The stress legal cases cause, is taken it out on your significant other or your kids. This leads to subsequent domestic violence etc arrests as well as divorces and disharmony with the family……not to mention the interruption of business and the financial losses incurred therein.

A party wins or loses a case for many reasons, other than the facts. Sometimes, a client cannot afford the best lawyer or the best experts that are necessary to prevail. Often a defendant is unlikeable either because of his/her appearance … such as tattoos or their attitude.

When going to court I advise my clients: 1. When you are around the courthouse, become the most courteous driver on the road. You don’t know if the driver you cut off or flipped off will be your judge, clerk or juror.

You may not recognize that driver but they will remember you.

2. Park your car between the lines, do not take 2 spaces.

3. Do NOT smoke or spit.

4. Follow Do not walk on the Grass signs.

5. Hold the elevator door open for whoever is behind you.

6. Be courteous to everyone in the courthouse.

7. Dress professionally and cover tattoos

with clothes if possible.

8. Shine Shoes.

9. Clean Nails.

10. A belt should not be old and worn out.

11. Ties should not be dirty.

12. Clothes must be pressed & cleaned.

13. Do not eat beans the night before.

Most lawyers agree, The Law Wins Every Time and it is often not worth fighting “the law”. HOWEVER, YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT SWAYS A JUROR. DRINKING AND TEXTING BOTH CAUSE ACCIDENTS OR MAKE A DRIVER LESS LIKELY TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT, THAT WOULD NOT BE THEIR FAULT. BEING INTOXICATED, IS JUST AS SERIOUS AS BEING INTEXTICATED. A DRIVER MUST DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO AVOID AN AT FAULT ACCIDENT. THE BOTTOM LINE IS “DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE OR TEXT AND GET A DUI OR ACCIDENT... CALL A TAXI, LYFT OR UBER….THEY ARE A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME” Ideas for future columns contact Dale Gribow 760- 837- 7500 or dale@dalegribowlaw.com.

DALE GRIBOW - Legal Representation Of The Injured and Criminally Accused “TOP LAWYER” - California’s Prestige Magazine, Palm Springs Life (PI/DUI) 2011-21 PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating

TRAVEL TIPS4U

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

January 21 to January 27, 2021

ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY LYNNE TUCKER

E

l Paseo is the premier shopping district in Palm Desert and the Coachella Valley, located in southern California. The exhibition space consists of eighteen lighted concrete pads located in the median along a one and one half mile stretch of prime retail. The new artwork will remain on exhibition for approximately two years, with the installation tentatively planned for October - November 2020 and de-installation planned for October 2022.

To view the sculptures on display now, drive or stroll down El Paseo Shopping District.

Think Art and Enjoy the Installations

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January 21 to January 27, 2021

SWAG FOR THESOUL

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BY AIMEE MOSCO

CREATING A NEW AGE OF PEACE

Y

ou have probably heard the term “golden age of peace” in reference to the new era we are moving into if you have followed any spiritual teachings.

This is what we have been working toward as a collective for centuries. It is in the cards for humanity to ascend to this higher ground, but it requires effort on the part of each and every person to bring this possibility to fruition and conclude the era of separation. We must make this happen.

If you have followed the news lately it might make you question whether or not the new agers got this right. It certainly doesn’t seem as if we are headed for peace as a forgone conclusion. Division and upheaval dominate all over the globe. We are battling a pandemic, fighting about politics, teetering on the edge of national and global financial collapse, facing epic personal challenges, and the list goes on. Things appear to be dark with hope playing hide and seek.

Keeping in mind that we are creative beings of divine origin, we possess our greatest power when it is is fueled by love.

As the new age approaches, we are meant to wield that power to create with forethought and purpose what comes next. Sometimes the only way we can fully connect with that power is to lock horns with disaster. That is when we find it in ourselves to connect with this power that lies beneath ego.

That is where we are right now. As old systems and institutions fall like dominoes around us, we all stand together in the rubble

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of ruin. This is the space where we must make choices about how to proceed. We can choose to hold on to old grievances that kept us at odds with one another or we can choose to move the world forward with new ideas, beliefs and emotions that render ego voiceless. We can choose to pull the plug on old ways of being and not revive old systems gasping for breath and find common ground on which to rebuild. It is up to us. The Universe is holding the space for us to step into a new age of peace where ego is extinct. We human beings are the keepers of the timeline. Does that happen sooner or later? Are you ready to dig deep in search of your divine power that only carries out commands born of love?

Are you willing to let go of old views and find compromises that honor all? Are you ready to create peace?

In my pursuit to help human beings usher in the golden age of peace with love, I invite you to join Facebook group Evolve through Love hosted by Elizabeth Scarcella and me. Go to facebook.com/groups/evolvethroughlove and share with us your joy.

Aimee Mosco is an Author, Intuitive Channel, Spiritual Teacher and Co-Founder of Intentional Healing Systems, LLC. Aimee’s desire to help others inspired her book “Gratitude + Forgiveness x (LOVE) = Happiness”. Aimee is a founding member of World Game Changers and she serves on the Board of Directors of this charitable CIC based in the UK. Find Aimee at www.ihsunity.com.

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

WEEK OF JANUARY 21

ARIES (March 21-April 19): On May 4, 2019, my Aries friend Leah woke up in a state of amazement.

During the night, she felt she had miraculously become completely enlightened. Over the next 16 hours, she understood her life perfectly. Everything made sense to her. She was in love with every person and animal she knew. But by the next morning, the exalted serenity had faded, and she realized that her enlightenment had been temporary. She wasn’t mad or sad, however. The experience shook her up so delightfully that she vowed to forevermore seek to recreate the condition she had enjoyed. Recently she told me that on virtually every day since May 4, 2019, she has spent at least a few minutes, and sometimes much longer, exulting in the same ecstatic peace that visited her back then. That’s the Aries way: turning a surprise, spontaneous blessing into a permanent breakthrough. I trust you will do that soon.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): One morning, famous French army general Hubert Lyautey (1854–1934) instructed his gardener to spend the next day planting a row of saplings on his property.

The gardener agreed, but advised Lyautey that this particular species of tree required 100 years to fully mature. “In that case,” Lyautey said, “plant them now.” I recommend that you, too, expedite your long-term plans, Taurus. Astrologically speaking, the time is ripe for you to take crisp action to fulfill your big dreams.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Someone asked poet E. E. Cummings what home was for him. He responded poetically, talking about his lover. Home was “the stars on the tip of your tongue, the flowers sprouting from your mouth, the roots entwined in the gaps between your fingers, the ocean echoing inside your ribcage.” What about you, Gemini? If you were asked to give a description of what makes you feel glad to be alive and helps give you the strength to be yourself, what would you say? Now would be a good time to identify and honor the influences that inspire you to create your inner sense of home.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): “Be sweet to me, world,” pleads Cancerian poet Stephen Dunn in one of his poems. In the coming weeks, I invite you to address the world in a similar way. And since I expect the world will be unusually receptive and responsive to your requests, I’ll encourage you to add even more entreaties. For example, you could say, “Be revelatory and educational with me, world,” or “Help me deepen my sense that life is meaningful, world,” or “Feed my soul with experiences that will make me smarter and wilder and kinder, world.” Can you think of other appeals and supplications you’d like to express to the world?

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Throughout his many rough travels in the deserts of the Middle East, the Leo diplomat and army officer known as Lawrence of Arabia (1888–1935) didn’t give up his love of reading. While riding on the backs of camels, he managed to study numerous tomes, including the works of ancient Greek writers Aeschylus and Aristophanes. I’d love to see you perform comparable balancing acts in the coming weeks, Leo. The astrological omens suggest you’ll be skilled at coordinating seemingly uncoordinatable projects and tasks—and that you’ll thrive by doing so. (PS: Your efforts may be more metaphorical and less literal than Lawrence’s.)

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Sculptor Stefan Saal testifies that one of his central questions as a creator of art is to know when a piece is done. “When making a thing I need to decide when is it thoroughly made, when is it dare-we-say ‘perfected.’” He has tried to become a master of knowing where and when to stop. I recommend this practice to you in the next two weeks, Virgo. You’ve been doing good work, and will continue to do good work, but it’s crucial that you don’t get overly fussy and fastidious as you refine and perhaps even finish your project.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You’re entering the potentially most playful and frisky and whimsical phase of your astrological cycle. To honor and encourage a full invocation of gleeful fun, I offer

© Copyright 2020 Rob Brezsny

you the following thoughts from Tumblr blogger Sparkledog. “I am so tired of being told that I am too old for the things I like. No cartoons. No toys.

No fantasy animals. No bright colors. Are adults supposed to live monotonous, bleak lives ? I can be an adult and still love childish things. I can be intelligent and educated and informed and I can love stuffed animals and unicorns. Please stop making me feel bad for loving the things that make me happy.”

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “Nature cannot be ordered about, except by obeying her,” wrote philosopher Francis Bacon (1561–1626). That paradoxical observation could prove to be highly useful for you in the coming weeks. Here are some other variants on the theme: Surrendering will lead to power. Expressing vulnerability will generate strength. A willingness to transform yourself will transform the world around you. The more you’re willing to acknowledge that you have a lot to learn, the smarter you’ll be.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In his book The Lover’s Dictionary, David Levithan advises lovers and would-be lovers to tell each other their very best stories. “Not the day’s petty injustices,” he writes. “Not the glimmer of a seven-eighthsforgotten moment from your past. Not something that somebody said to somebody, who then told it to you.” No, to foster the vibrant health of a love relationship—or any close alliance for that matter— you should consistently exchange your deepest, richest tales. This is always true, of course, but it’s especially true for you right now.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): On October 18, 1867, the United States government completed its purchase of Alaska from Russia. How much did this 586,000-acre kingdom cost? Two cents per acre, which in today’s money would be about 37 cents. It was a tremendous bargain! I propose that we regard this transaction as a metaphor for what’s possible for you in 2021: the addition of a valuable resource at a reasonable price. (PS: American public opinion about the Alaskan purchase was mostly favorable back then, but a few influential newspapers described it as foolish. Don’t let naysayers like them dissuade you from your smart action.)

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “My business is circumference,” wrote poet Emily Dickinson in a letter to her mentor. What did she mean by that?

“Circumference” was an important word for her. It appeared in 17 of her poems. Critic Rochelle Cecil writes that for Dickinson, circumference referred to a sense of boundlessness radiating out from a center—a place where “one feels completely free, where one can express anything and everything.” According to critic Donna M. Campbell, circumference was Dickinson’s metaphor for ecstasy.

When she said, “My business is circumference,” she meant that her calling was to be eternally in quest of awe and sublimity. I propose that you make good use of Dickinson’s circumference in the coming weeks, Aquarius. It’s time to get your mind and heart and soul thoroughly expanded and elevated.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Should I quote the wisdom of people who have engaged in behavior I consider unethical or immoral? Should I draw inspiration from teachers who at some times in their lives treated others badly? For instance, Piscesborn Ted Geisel, better known as beloved author Dr. Seuss, cheated on his wife while she was sick, ultimately leading to her suicide. Should I therefore banish him from my memory and never mention the good he did in the world? Or should I forgive him of his sins and continue to appreciate him? I don’t have a fixed set of rules about how to decide questions like these. How about you? The coming weeks will be a good time to redefine your relationship with complicated people.

Homework: Where in your life do you push too hard? Where don’t you push hard enough? Testify: FreeWillAstrology.com.

---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny - Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

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January 21 to January 27, 2021

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H S A R T Y A W A L U A H WE 17

January 21 to January 27, 2021

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