Coachella Valley Weekly - January 28 to February 3, 2021 Vol. 9 No. 46

Photo by Lynne Tucker

coachellavalleyweekly.com • January 28 to February 3, 2021 Vol.9 No.46

“The Clean House”- CVRep

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Outdoor Dining Returns

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Michael Keeth

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Ani DiFranco

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Plant-Based Diet

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January 28 to February 3, 2021

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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 "Bloom" Mural by Nate Frizzell ........ 3 CVRep - Theatre Thursdays.............. 5 Outdoor Dining Returns................... 6 Michael Keeth..................................... 7 Consider This - Ani DiFranco......... 8-9 Safety Tips ......................................... 9 The Vino Voice ................................ 10 Screeners ......................................... 13 Pet Place ..................................... 14-15

January 28 to February 3, 2021

NEW MURAL BY NATE FRIZZELL “BLOOMS” IN THE CITY OF LA QUINTA

BY LYNNE TUCKER

T

he mural by Los Angeles artist Nate Frizzell is located on Fred Waring Dr. and Adams St. The City of La Quinta recently unveiled its newest public mural titled, “Bloom” by artist Nate Frizzell. The mural, located on Fred Waring Dr. and Adams St., is a form of art called hyperrealism and features a muted display of flowers, birds and the face of a woman.

The mural is the latest addition to the City’s Art in Public Places, which is funded through development fees paid to the City by commercial and residential construction.

The mural, which took approximately 3 weeks to complete, was selected by the Community Services Commission and approved by City Council in 2020.

A graduate of Los Angeles’ Otis College of Art and Design, Frizzell has drawn international acclaim for his work, showcasing in London, Spain, Philipines, and across the US in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and at Miami for the annual Art Basel festival to name a few. Since 2009 he has held five solo shows.

Along the way Nate has dedicated his time to exploring different mediums, learning new techniques, and finding his voice in the art world. His work tends to lean toward figurative painting, using each subject to tell stories of self-discovery and

reflection; sometimes depicting children at play or exploring their imagination, sometimes utilizing masks and animals to make symbolic connections, and sometimes just as an exploration of color. Whatever the subject matter, the intent is to make the viewer feel something and hopefully make a personal connection with the work. The goal, in the end, is for the viewer to decide what each piece of art means.

After years of showing work in galleries, Nate had the opportunity to paint murals in public spaces and it completely changed how he looked at art and what it can do. He saw how it can transform an area and the impact it can have on a community. While he still shows in the traditional sense, the main focus of his career, since, has been public art; treating every wall like a canvas, with the goal of each piece not necessarily focusing on the figure any longer, but speaking to that space or neighborhood in the hopes of conveying the feeling that it belongs there.

Nate Frizzell: “Who we are at work. How we act around friends and family. The way we speak to others. We are all of these and none of these, a revolving collection of faces… of masks.”

These meditations inform the work of Nate Frizzell. Lovingly rendered through bold colors and powerful compositions,

his stirring narratives pay tribute to primal emotions of the wild at heart.

Juxtaposing man and beast, nature and urban landscapes, Nate's subjects convey the quest for identity, the fire of innermost desires, and the unbridled passion of youth. They often portray faces hidden but emotions nakedly exposed.

He currently lives and works in Los Angeles. For more info go to www. natefrizzell.com.

Haddon Libby ................................. 16 Dale Gribow .................................... 16 Cannabis Corner.............................. 17 LifeStream Blood Drives................ 17 Pampered Palate - Plant-Based .... 18 Free Will Astrology ......................... 18

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January 28 to February 3, 2021

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THEATRE

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January 28 to February 3, 2021

WHITTIER TRUST PRESENTS: “THE CLEAN HOUSE” - A STAGED READING

World) as Lane; Christopher Shaw (Fugue, Annabelle, Blackbird) as Charles; and Debra Cardona (Cat Call, Rent: Live, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) as Virginia.

Returning to CVRep’s virtual stage to direct this virtual performance is Joanne Gordon, who has directed various plays at CVRep. She is an award-winning director whose accolades include five DramaLeague Awards, a LA Critics Choice Award, and more. Production credits include: The City of Conversation (CVRep), Evita (The Western Stage), How I Learned to Drive (CVRep), The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?

(CVRep), and more.

To continue CVRep’s mission of providing educational, entertaining and thought-provoking presentations, CVRep is offering Theatre Thursdays, a weekly, virtual entertaining and learning opportunity. All presentations are offered via Zoom to observe social distancing guidelines.

Coachella Valley Repertory (CVRep) is an equity theater company, designated a Small Professional Theatre under the Actors’ Equity Association. CVRep is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide thought provoking theatre of substance.

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January 28 to February 3, 2021

NEWS

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RESTAURANTS NOW OPEN FOR OUTDOOR DINING

he stay-at-home order placed

by Governor Gavin Newsom on December 5 was lifted in Riverside County on Monday, allowing for some businesses to resume operations. The county now returns to the color-coded tier system, under the Widespread Purple Tier of California’s economic reopening guidelines. This tier is the most restrictive, but it enables outdoor dining to resume at restaurants, as well as some gym services, barber shops, and nail salons.

This announcement comes just as a winter storm brings rain and even snow to the Coachella Valley, making this announcement both exciting and perhaps problematic for local businesses not equipped to handle these weather conditions.

“We are very pleased about going partially back in business with our safely expanded outdoor dining in a safe, sanitary way. All protocols are necessary and we are committed to serving our customers safely,” said Jerry Keller, owner of Lulu California Bistro in Palm Springs.

Lulu California Bistro has implemented several accommodations for outdoor dining, including an expanded patio along Palm Canyon Drive at socially-distanced

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tables, the installation of a commercial air filtration system from ActivePure, the use of paperless menus easily accessed by a QR code, printed disposable menus and condiments on request, and sociallydistanced seating.

Some restaurant owners feel that it is a unique challenge of being advised to open for outdoor dining on an immediate basis.

Owner of The Hood Bar and Pizza in Palm Desert, Brad Guth, considers the biggest obstacle to overcome is replenishing inventory levels without delay in order to provide customers with what they expect to be available.

“Hopefully this will provide some certainty and stability for the owners, staff, and guests alike at all restaurants who have faced such uncertainty. This will all have to be addressed on a dayto-day basis. The first order of business is to assure there are tables and chairs adequately spaced to accommodate the guests while adhering to county health department guidelines. This segment of business has been so unfairly targeted in my opinion that I just want to wish everyone who has been able to hang in there much success!” stated Guth.

Outdoor dining options also allow for

full-time staff to earn a paycheck and resume full service, in-person dining.

When JC’s Cafe in Palm Desert lost the ability to serve guests indoors, the landlord of El Paseo Park Plaza allowed the restaurant to spread out into the common area so tables could be properly spaced at least six feet apart and to be able to fully staff the business and not lose any outdoor seating it had before the COVID protocols were ordered and implemented back in March of 2020.

“Throughout the past seven weeks of take-out only, we and our guests struggled with the double standards of the stay-athome order. People could walk around indoors at the Westfield Mall and shop at non-essential businesses, but they couldn’t sit outdoors and eat a meal,” shared JC’s Cafe owner Casey Hutchinson.

Although the winter weather is in full force this late January, with rain showers and a surprising amount of snow in the High Desert and surrounding mountains, most Coachella Valley restaurants are equipped to handle the chilly temperatures.

“Luckily, the desert ‘winters’ are pretty mild. We have great heaters on the patio and deck. If it rains, well, only the brave will hang out. Next week we’ll extend our hours, and are introducing our new outdoor projector screen & weekend brunch menu just in time for the Super Bowl,” said Skip Paige, owner of Skip’s Little Bar in Palm Desert.

Now more than ever, local restaurants are looking for support from the community as they begin welcoming guests for outdoor dining. A new program will offer $10 coupons for use at more

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

than a dozen restaurants in Palm Springs.

This is the result of a collaborative effort involving the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, the city of Palm Springs, the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism and several local businesses. The coupons can be used repeatedly at restaurants like Lulu California Bistro, Las Casuelas Terraza, and many others.

“These shutdowns have been hard on restaurants, particularly this last one as assistance was provided too little, too late. We’re happy to connect with our guests again and feel like we’re contributing to our community. We appreciate the support from everyone in this Valley. We couldn’t survive without our neighbors!” stated Stephanie McCormack, manager of Big Rock Pub in Indio.

Coupons can be printed and downloaded at pschamber.org.

Restaurants will then log the coupon number and be reimbursed. The same coupons can be used multiple times.

Restaurants in Palm Springs that want to participate can call 760-325-1577.

LOCAL MUSIC

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January 28 to February 3, 2021

MICHAEL KEETH: LIVE FROM THE ROAD

Florida, Georgia and beyond...even on the side of the road!

Recently, Keeth received the “Live From The Road” award at the 2020 Coachella Valley Music Awards for the dedication to his craft and commitment he has made in providing entertainment to a live musichungry audience.

Coachella Valley Weekly interrupted Keeth in the midst of his journey to learn more about his musical pilgrimage.

CVW: What compelled you to pack up your family, travel and perform around the United States?

MK: “After several months at home, two shutdowns and a county wide ban on live music, we needed to get on the road to find gigs, adventure and mental peace.

We bought and renovated a little ‘65 Shasta Compact Trailer, put all of our stuff in storage and took off! We’re still being safe, as far as social distancing, masks, etc., but seeing different places, playing in new towns, and spending time together as a whole family is really a dream come true. I’ve been able to book a growing list of venues in Florida and Georgia which has been great. And as always, I am so grateful to my online friends who are so supportive and great company when I live stream on Facebook.

Also, my awesome wife Jodi and our amazing kids, Quinn, Mikey and Riley have been so brave and willing to go with the flow through these crazy times. I’m a very lucky

BY NOE GUTIERREZ know and work with so many great creators.

As you know, playing and/or writing in a band is an immersive and magical type of experience. The louder volume and mixture of ideas coming to life is surreal.

Playing and writing solo is equally special but definitely more intimate. I think you can lose yourself in what you’re playing and singing. There’s a space there to really feel the lyrics and what inspired them without the subconscious ‘keeping watch’ over syncing with other players.

That’s why I love to do both.”

CVW: What are some of your favorite experiences thus far?

Keeth: “It’s been a whirlwind! We got stuck in a Texas snowstorm on the 10 Fwy for 11 hours, swam in the open ocean off the Florida keys, I slipped on a ladder coming out of a boat channel and chipped my tooth, we’ve seen manitees, dolphins and alligators, walked on white powder beaches, gone offroading in the red Georgia mud, laughed a lot, and eaten really good southern food.

Thank you so much for checking in. We send our love to the Coachella Valley and hope everyone stays healthy.”

Find out more about Michael Keeth and his music at michaelkeethmusic.com.

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January 28 to February 3, 2021

CONSIDER THIS

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or Ani DiFranco, the personal has always been political, so it’s no surprise that her newest album, Revolutionary Love, consistently conflates the two.

Born in 1970, Ani grew up in Buffalo, New York with her older brother, feminist mom and architect dad. Early on she exhibited an affinity for music and dance, she picked up guitar pretty easily and assiduously studied dance. Both art forms became her solace when her parents’ marriage was coming apart at the seams.

An independent kid, Ani began performing in local bars at an early age.

Beatles covers gave way to nascent compositions. By the time she was a teen, her parents split for good. Eager to control her own destiny, Ani petitioned the court and became an emancipated minor. A couple years later, guitar in hand, she set off for New York City.

Ani continued to study dance, but soon enough, music took over. She played any place she could, open mics, dive-bars, coffee houses and womyn-only spaces.

Rather quickly, she developed a unique, percussive guitar style and own Folk/ Punk flavored songs began to supplant the covers. Her fans wanted to buy what they heard. At first, she sold her own selfreleased cassette tapes after shows. But after consulting with friend and mentor (and lawyer) Scot Fisher, she started her own label, Righteous Babe Records.

Much later, on her song “Swan Dive,” Ani quipped “I built my own empire out of car tires and chicken wire…I’m queen of my own compost heap and I’m getting used to the smell,” and that was pretty close to the truth. Sporting multiple piercings, tattoos and a shaved head, Ani toured alone, crisscrossing the country in her VW bug, playing any and every venue she could. She gained a reputation as a charismatic performer, her experiences were reflected in her songs. Openly bisexual, she was quickly embraced by the queer community.

Her albums arrived at a steady clip.

Between 1991 and 1995 she recorded Not So Soft, Imperfectly, Puddle Dive, Out Of Range and Not A Pretty Girl. The following year she released her watershed album, Dilate. The 11-song set chronicled the highs and mostly lows of her affair with her married sound engineer, Andrew “Goatboy” Gilchrist.

The album broke through commercially, hitting #87 on the Billboard charts. Mainstream media came calling.

Despite her piercings and tattoos (multicolored dreads had displaced the shaved head), Ani was feted in the pages of “Rolling Stone” and on the covers of “Spin” and “Musician.” She was acclaimed as much for her business acumen as her musical talent and her candor. Even as major record labels came a’courtin, her Righteous Babe label was thriving.

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ANI DIFRANCO

Although she didn’t move as many units as say, Alainis Morrisette, she was earning more off each album sold, more importantly, she was providing a business opportunity in her hometown of Buffalo.

The self-described Little Folksinger had hit the big time.

Frankly, all the attention was a distraction. Ani preferred to make music, rather than talk about it. Continuing to write, record and tour, she wound down the 20th century by releasing a live, double CD, Living In Clip, as well as studio efforts like Little Plastic Castle, (which garnered her first Grammy nomination), and two albums released at the beginning and end of 1999: Up, Up, Up, Up, Up, Up and Too The Teeth. The title track of the latter was inspired by the Columbine school massacre, wherein Ani took aim at the NRA and the greedy politicians who abetted them. By this time, even Prince had taken notice of her prodigious talents. He sang back-up on a cut from …

Teeth and she returned the favor on his Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic album.

The dawn of the 21st century found Ani newly single, as she and Goatboy had married and divorced within the span of five years. That schism was reflected on her new double album, Revelling/ Reckoning. At this point she expanded her touring band from guitar/drums/bass and incorporated keys and a horn section.

Two more albums, Evolve and Educated Guess arrived in quick succession. By then, Ani had begun a romantic relationship with sound engineer/producer Mike Napolitano. She also developed a serious case of tendonitis that kept her off the road for about a year. In the interim she recorded another landmark album, the warm and sunny Knuckle Down.

Ani and Mike made a home in the Bywater section of New Orleans. After the couple welcomed their daughter, Petah in 2007, they married a couple of years later. Their son Dante arrived in 2013.

Adroitly balancing motherhood, marriage and music, she continued to write, record and tour.

Between 2006 and 2017, she released a clutch of albums, Reprieve, Red Letter Day, Which Side Are You On?, Allergic To Water and Binary. Each one managed to reflect her new normal without sacrificing her fierce feminism commitment to remain socially conscious. She also found time to run Righteous Babe with Scot.

Over the years the label had become the little indie that could. They not only signed interesting artists like Andrew Bird, Alanis Mitchell, Hammel On Trial and Pieta Brown, they also began releasing a series of “official bootleg” live albums from Ani and managed to save and restore a historical Buffalo church. The church became label headquarters and included a performance space, Babeville.

In 2019, Ani penned her long-awaited

“REVOLUTIONARY LOVE” (RIGHTEOUS BABE RECORDS)

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

memoir, No Walls and The Recurring Dream, which she characterized as a coming-of-age story. It was accompanied

by No Walls Mixtape, a carefully curated collection of songs spanning 1990-2001 (which is where the book closes), rerecorded by the Little Folksinger herself.

Ani described the 16-song set as “my mixtape for you, like the kind that I would make you on cassette, if it was like, 1993, and I was really into you.” Mostly unvarnished and unadorned, it was as compelling as her book.

2020 saw Ani back on the road, of course, the pandemic cut touring that short. But a new album was already in the works. It was completed before the whole country shut down. The result is her 22nd long-player, Revolutionary Love.

The album unfurls slowly, opening with the title-track. Languid Wurlitzer notes partner with a thwoking beat, tinkly percussion, tensile bass and stinging, bottle-neck guitar. Swirly keys, a hint of brass and strings color the margins of the slinky melody. Ani recites the opening couplets like a prayer, like a poem. like a mantra; “I will tend my anger, I will tend to my grief, I will achieve safety, I will find relief/I’ll show myself mercy, I’ll show my self-respect, I’ll decide when I’m ready to forgive but not forget.” Like John Lennon and Bob Marley before her, Ani couches her message in an compelling melody.

In just under seven minutes she throws down the gauntlet, challenging us, and herself, to retain our courage, our outrage and our commitment to righting social injustice and still turn the other cheek…. to bring the revolutionary love.

Toggling between the personal and the political (sometimes in the middle of the same song), has been Ani’s modus operandi since the beginning. Three songs find a longtime couple confronting the onset of marital ennui. On “Bad Dream” plangent guitars connect with shimmery keys and angular bass, over a tick-tock rhythm. The lyrics feel like we’re eavesdropping on an intimate conversation already in progress; “Don’t even think for a second I had any idea, I thought you’d always want me, like I wanted you.” A keening pedal steel solo

on the break underscores Ani’s fragility as she quietly admits she is rendered dumbstruck by this perceived betrayal; “Because I thought that we were perfect, which is to say I just knew it was all worth it, every day.”

“Shrinking Violet” finds the Little Folksinger slipping into the skin of a battered wife. Over an anxious kick-drum beat, bluesy bottleneck guitar, strumming acoustic guitar, slivery bass lines and warm piano notes, she confronts her partner with her fears; “There’s nothing I can say, beyond this whispered wish, your anger has a hunger, mister, and I’m your favorite dish/There’s nothing I can say, so I don’t make a sound, I just wipe the counter and I keep my head down.”

Meanwhile, “Simultaneously” is anchored by gamboling guitars, winsome keys, sparkling percussion and a percolating rhythm. Fizzy woodwinds and a buoyant chorus belie dour lyrics that chart the duality of human nature; “I live in two different worlds simultaneously, the one I seem to live in and the one that lives in me/And one is full of violence, oppression and disrespect, and one is full of longing to breath and to connect.”

On the album’s best tracks, “Contagious” and “Do Or Die,” Ani summons the ghosts of socially conscious groovers like Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield and Prince. The former is a sinuous Samba that blends serpentine guitar riffs, stately keys, swooping strings, supple bass and an insistent conga beat.

Drafting off Michelle Obama’s infamous edict, “when they go low, we go high,” she takes it one step further; “They go low, you go high, you bring more than your own supply/That dirty game, you don’t play, that shit’s contagious, you stay away.” Curvaceous strings and a strutting horn-section syncopate on the break and the song powers down with a smoky sax outro.

The latter is also the album’s first single. It was originally released as a longform video in November. The opening shots include Ani waking up in bed, making her way toward the bathroom where she assesses her lackluster hair and promptly shaves it off, an act one YouTube admirer likened to Superman putting on his tights and cape. Strummy guitars connect with wiry bass lines, sunny keys, shivery horns, a conga-fied rhythm and enough feathery flute to make Anchorman Ron Burgundy cream his sans-a-belt slacks. Her opening gambit addresses our collective lethargy; “Do you ever just want to give up? Well, me too, are you shocked by what people get used to? Do you wake up in a cold sweat? Well,

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that’s sane.” She proceeds to diagnose our mutual malady; “There’s foxes in the hen house and bad news every day, and right there on Pennsylvania avenue, the sheet-less KKK,” and acknowledges that compromise; “…I know you got your adrenaline just to be a gentleman, and I know I got to fight my amygdala just to keep hearin’ ya” is the first step toward consensus. In terms of irresistibility, the fun and flirty melody, coupled with the seductive arrangement and trenchant lyrics, adds “Do Or Die” to a pantheon of classic Ani tracks like “32 Flavors,” “Little Plastic Castle” and “Paradigm.”

A couple of instrumentals dot the record. “Station Identification” feels like a musical sorbet that sort of cleanses the listener’s palette between the album’s main courses. “Confluence” quietly unfolds, echoing the Jazzy Exotica of the title track of The Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds.”

Other interesting tracks include the dissonant see-saw of “Chloroform” and the bare-bones “Metropolis.” The album closes with the domestic denouement of “Crocus.” Descending guitar notes wrap around rubbery bass lines, plucky strings and clanky percussion. Here, Ani’s vocals are stripped-down and unadorned, her mien appreciative. Somehow her relationship weathered all the sturm und drang; “Looks like we made it through something wild, I can hardly let myself

believe it inside/Yesterday I even heard you laugh, took it like a bird bath, it has been a long, long, long, long time since I felt like that.” Lyrics liken the romantic rapprochement to the earth’s renewal; “When the longest, coldest winter finally lets go, and the first purple crocus pokes it’s head up through the snow, all the world can go to hell, if I’m right with you than all is well.” It’s a reassuring finish to a stellar album.

Produced by the Little Folksinger herself, she handled all the vocals and guitar, and was joined by longtime bandmates Todd Sickafoose on bass, keys, effects and vibraphone and Terence Higgins on drums, percussion triangle and crazy stick. Other players include Phil Cook on drums and shakers, Brevan Hampden on congas, bongos, triangle, shakers and percussion, Matt Douglas on saxophone, bass clarinet and flute, Brad Cook on bass and Roosevelt Collier on pedal steel. Plus a string section comprised of Jannie Wei and Wyatt True on violin, Kimberly Uware on Viola and Eric Alterman on cello.

Revolutionary Love lands somewhere between Joni Mitchell’s Blue and Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On (coincidently, both hit their 50th anniversary milestone this year). Like each of those records, Ani manages to chronicle bad times and good trouble, mixing deep introspection and righteous calls to action. It’s the first great album of 2021.

SAFETY TIPS

January 28 to February 3, 2021

FROM THE CHIEF’S CORNER

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

ARE YOU MY TYPE? “

to donate.

It may be 2021, but we are still in a pandemic and blood supplies are still low. To celebrate National Blood Donor Month, the American Red Cross is partnering with the NFL to help promote donations -- entering donors for a chance to win a trip to the 2022 Super Bowl.

Blood donation appointments can be made by downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or to receive more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

Do not let mosquitoes get your blood first. To give blood you need neither extra strength nor extra food, and you will save a life. If you are a blood donor, you are a hero to someone, somewhere, who received your gracious gift of life.

“You are somebody’s type, please donate!”

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January 28 to February 3, 2021

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THE VINO VOICE

O

r, as the Italians would say it: L'Italia in un bicchiere di vino [LeeTHAL-yah een oon beek-k’YEH-reh dee VEE-no] There you go! Language study always prompts the mind; and, it’s a good line to use at the wine bar.

After our slew of sparkling wine articles in the past months, I thought it would go well to discuss some comforting reds of winter. And what varietal was it to be?

Hmmm… well—since two absolutely delicious red wines from Abruzzo came across my desk and readily onto the dinner table, we’re going with an Italian grape.

Generally speaking, upon reading the title of this piece, most Italian wine lovers will first think of either a Sangiovese or Barolo before they would think of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo [MOHN-tehpull-CHAH-noh da-BRUT-so] as a grape that bespeaks Italy. And they’d be correct. But it’s historically accurate to understand that, just as in Bordeaux when a weak vintage occured—the Bordelais sought after the rounder reds of Southwest France and even Rioja, so too did Tuscany bulk up their acidic Chianti with the warm Montepulciano wine.

And througout all Italy today, they still use a lot of Montepulciano as a blending wine.

First—let’s get the confusion out of the way. Many of you Sangiovese drinkers are aware of the excellent wine from the Brunello neighbor in the Chianti region known as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

That’s right—there is a town in Chianti with the name Montepulciano. But a clone of Sangiovese is grown there and produces Vino Nobile; the Montepulciano grape is not grown in that region at all.

There is a mystery of Monepulciano for which I can fuel right now. Let it be known that in the last leg of the ascent of Corno Grande, the highest peak in Italy’s Appenine chain, you’re going to have to be on all fours to view both the Mediterraean on the west and the Adriatic Sea on the east. It’s the only place in Italy to view both bodies of water—and it’s a very cool sight indeed! But that peak area is full of loose clods of shale and each step unleashes a min-avalanche of rock and dust; so you’ll

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see most folks just crawling around like eery dancers at the Cirque du Soleil.

It’s been written that this ten-thousandfoot hunk of limestone is the center piece of the Gran Sasso d’Italia, or “great rock of Italy”, the cluster of mountains that dominates northwestern Abruzzo.

Restaurateur Joe Bastianch, who knows Italy well, said of the Abruzzo wine region, “While the verdant meadows of the Alto Adige or Valle d’Aosta [in the north] might bring to mind a scene from The Sound of Music, the uplands of Abruzzo are more barren, drained of color, giving a look of the lunar surface.

“Even mentioning the green vineyards of Abruzzi to an Italian from somehere else, and you would be told of a lofty wilderness where fiercely proud people share their habitat with wolves, bears, and deer, where crafts such as weaving and pottery-making are still on-going industries, where woodsmen and shepherds keep the womenfolk near the stove as they devour hearty food and drink amply strong black wine.”

Montepulciano is a medium-bodied, but as mentioned above, a hearty and robust dark red wine. One would not consider otherwise from such a rough region. At the same time, the wine is always on the soft side—less tannic than you’d expect— and is generous with a heaping helping of black berry fruit, black cherry, plums, and seasoned with Italian “garrigue” such as oregano, basil, thyme, fennel, and rosemary.

And as mentioned also—being a blending grape, it is the second-most widely planted red grape in Italy after your favorite Sangiovese grape of Chianti.

Montepulciano will cut through some of the meatiest meats such as beef brisket and salami, and pair nicely alongside rich, roasted winter vegetables. If you learn only one tip about pairing with Montepulciano, it is to match it with something with substance (fat). And when it comes to cheeses, have it with your Mac & Cheese, aged Cheddar, Parmesan, Asiago, and Pepper Jack.

Many of you already know the wine sold at Trader Joe’s for around five bucks—and

ITALY IN A WINE GLASS it works fine for a quick table wine. Many others know the very popular Cantina Zaccagnini with that grape twig attached to the bottle. It’s always very tasty and sells for around $15. (That’s pronounced ZAKKAnyee-nee if you wish to ask for it).

But I have found my best friend whose name is Francesco Cirelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2018 ($22). This wine is so delicious I’ve become monomaniacal—it’s the only wine I wish to drink at the moment.

It’s got fresh blackberries, cherries, and cranberries with earthy elements of crushed herbs and clean minerality.

Layers of complexities continue towards a fantastic finish of bright cherry—perfect for all meals! For those who enjoy Italian reds, even if you didn’t know exactly the grape you’re tasting—you’d still know it’s classic Italian wine making: It’s Italy in a wine glass.

My next favorite is the Pasetti Tenutarossa Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2015 ($30) This one has a bit of age so decant an hour before serving. It’s a beautiful dark muted red wine exhibiting rich aromas of dark berries and cigar box. Flavors of ripe fruits, sweet spices, black pepper, leather, and cocoa that also exemplifies Italy in a wine glass with its subtle licorice backdrop.

Full-bodied, warm, intense and structured with a solid tannic frame! Delizioso!!

BY RICK RIOZZA Testarossa is Pasetti’s flagship wine and bears a distinctive red label which was inspired by the family’s ginger-haired women who played such a key role in the winery’s history. The grapes are grown in the foothills of Gran Sasso. These conditions ensure that the grapes achieve optimum maturity as well as plenty of elegance and freshness thanks to the cooling breezes from the mountains and the Adriatic Sea. Cool Stuff! Saluti!

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

January 28 to February 3, 2021

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January 28 to February 3, 2021

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SCREENERS

CINEMA PARADISO

Big thanks to Arrow Academy for their marvelous 4K restorations and transfers of film favorites from the not too distant past.

This poignant love story about the seductive power of movies themselves follows young Salvatore Di Vita (Salvatore Cascio) as he discovers the perfect escape from life in his war-torn Sicilian village: the Cinema Paradiso movie house, where projectionist Alfredo (a terrific Philippe Noiret) introduces and inspires in the boy a

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No. 459

January 28 to February 3, 2021

AWARD-WINNING CLASSIC NEW IN 4K

deep, life-changing love of films.

When Salvatore falls in love with Elena (Agnese Nano), a beautiful local girl, he takes over as the Paradiso's projectionist. His old friend Alfredo convinces Salvatore to leave his small town and pursue his passion for filmmaking.

When Salvatore, now a successful film director returns home for the funeral of Alfredo, his old friend the projectionist, memories of his first love affair with Elena and all the highs and lows that shaped his life come flooding back as Salvatore reconnects with the community he left 30 years earlier.

Although certainly charming, the film lacks depth but serves more as a lighthearted, nostalgic coming-of-age tale than a profoundly meaningful emotional drama.

This classic multi-award winning

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

(including Best Foreign Language Film Oscar, 5 BAFTA Awards including Best Actor, Original Screenplay and Score, the Grand Prize of the Jury at the Cannes Film Festival and many more) film remains a wonderful if idealized, celebration of youth and friendship) is an often stirring reminder of the everlasting magic of movies.

The original award-winning theatrical version of Tornatore's classic is presented here for the first time on 4K Ultra-HD Bluray. This edition also includes the expanded Director's Cut, which delves deeper into Salvatore's backstory [Blu-ray].

The theatrical version is a movie of great passion. In the Director's Cut, it's still an excellent film, just not a transcendent one.

Generous bonus material includes: 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) of the 124

minute theatrical version.

High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation of the 174-minute Director’s Cut. Uncompressed original stereo 2.0 Audio and 5.1 surround sound option.

Optional English subtitles.

Audio commentary with director Giuseppe Tornatore and Italian cinema expert critic Millicent Marcus “A Dream of Sicily” – 52-minute documentary profile of director Giuseppe Tornatore with interviews with the director and extracts from his early home movies and interviews with director Francesco Rosi and painter Peppino Ducato, set to music by Ennio Morricone.

“A Bear and a Mouse in Paradise” – A 27-minute documentary on the making of Cinema Paradiso and the characters of Toto and Alfredo, featuring interviews the actors who play them, Philippe Noiret and Salvatore Cascio as well as Tornatore.

“The Kissing Sequence” – Giuseppe Tornatore discusses the origins of the kissing scenes with clips identifying each scene Comments? robin@coachellavalleyweekly.com

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January 28 to February 3, 2021

PET PLACE

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mazing dogs guide the blind, perform tasks for people with all disabilities, locate people missing in earthquakes, comfort the sick and lonely, and protect our troops in combat zones. They provide healing love and companionship to us dog lovers who treasure them as family members. Now, in the midst of the pandemic, they are part of another life-saving miracle.

The Miami Heat basketball team is utilizing Coronavirus-sniffing dogs when they play at American Airlines Arena to screen fans attending their games. The program began Thursday, January 28, with the team’s matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. That was the Heat’s first hosted game of the season with fans present, available to just 1,500 season ticket holders.

The Heat released a video telling guests about this new procedure and what they could expect upon arrival at the game. The video tells fans, “You will be directed to the screening area and asked to put any in-hand items in your pockets and place your hands at your sides. At that time, a COVID-19 detection dog will screen everyone in line by simply walking past each person. If a dog signals on you by sitting down next to you, you and your group will be directed out of line and denied entry into the arena.”

If a guest is allergic to or is afraid of dogs, the Heat offers the option to skip the dog screening and submit to a rapid antigen test instead. “If you think about it, detection dogs are nothing new”, explains

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TO THE RESCUE!

COVID-19 DETECTION DOGS SNIFF OUT NBA FANS!

Matthew Jafarian, Miami Heat Executive Vice President of Business Strategy, “You’ve seen them in airports, they’ve been used in mission critical situations by the police and the military. Actually, we have been using them at the sports arena for years to detect explosives.” The organization has explored using the COVID-19 detection dogs for months previously, voluntarily testing the media, staff, and friends and family of players entering the area.

Research being done in several parts of the world has discovered that specially trained dogs can detect COVID quickly, with an incredibly high degree of accuracy, and in a non-invasive manner. Using dogs for their strong sense of smell is nothing new.

They are trained in laboratories to detect forms of human cancer, and for the hard to

diagnose uterine cancer they have a higher rate of accuracy than traditional laboratory testing.

How can dogs perform such a life-saving and important service? Their sense of smell can be anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000 times better than humans’, depending upon their breed. Florida International University researchers have an active program currently training more canines to detect the virus with their strong sense of smell.

Their laboratories contain rotating samples of substances passing by the animals, only a few of them containing the virus. When a dog alerts on a sample with the virus, he is immediately rewarded with a treat. These highly intelligent animals quickly get the connection. Also, they have the ability to react to just a small amount of the virus.

The Florida dogs next project will be to sweep through school classrooms to detect the virus on surfaces. This will better protect students and teachers. Other countries including France, Finland, and Russia are training dogs to detect COVID. University of Helsinki researchers have a pilot program at the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to check passengers prior to boarding.

Expect to see these virus detecting dogs in the near future at airports and other heavily trafficked venues. Dogs checking for explosives and drugs are already at work in international airline terminals. During the recent holiday travel, a passenger exhibiting

MEET CHRISSY

MEET COCO LINO

This lovely 3-yr-old mixed German Shepherd girl waits patiently for a home at the Humane Society of the Coachella Valley in N. Palm Springs. Sweet & loyal Chrissy had a long wait at the San Bernardino County shelter at Devore when abandoned, only to have her adopted human pass away from cancer.

Call (760) 329-0203 for an appointment to meet Chrissy and give her another second chance, www.orphanpet.com.

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 many flu like symptoms was able to board a United flight getting past the airline’s security and screening systems. When he collapsed during the flight, several passengers, unaware of his contagious condition, attempted CPR. The passenger soon passed away, a death later attributed to COVID-19.

Once again, dogs are our heroes! Is it any wonder they are considered MAN’S BEST FRIEND? Janetmcafee8@gmail.com -----------------------------------------------Below is a partial list of shelters and rescues in the Inland Empire with animals for adoption. 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@ animalsamaritans.org to foster. Located at 72307 Ramon Rd, Thousand Palms, (760) 601-3918. (Private)

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com 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) 3356767. (Private) PRETTY GOOD CAT – Foster based rescue for cats located in La Quinta. Contact them at www.prettygoodcat.com, (760) 6603414 (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, www.lovingallanimals.org, (760) 834-7000. (Private)

January 28 to February 3, 2021

MORONGO BASIN HUMANE SOCIETY – Located at 4646 Sun View Rd, Joshua Tree, www.mbhumanesociety.com, call between 11am-4pm for updates (760) 3663786 (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) 3847272. (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 28 to February 3, 2021

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HADDON LIBBY

INVESTORS’ PERSPECTIVE: 2021

S

hould the Biden Administration get a large portion of their $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan through Congress, we can expect the suffering of those ravaged most by the pandemic to be soothed temporarily. At the same time, checks will go to people whose have not been hurt financially by the pandemic. This part of the relief package is meant to stimulate spending and help the business sector.

During the first round of relief/stimulus, many people used the money to pay down debts or save. This level of financial responsibility was not expected by economists. As a result, a large percentage of the money stayed in the banking system rather than circulating throughout the economy.

Expectations are that this will be the first in a number of reliefs bill brought by the Biden Administration as they work to help small businesses and families stay afloat. The U.S. government will most likely issue trillions in relief/debt over the next few years.

In addition to the trillions in debt issued by governments and businesses to cope with the pandemic, the Federal Reserve increased the U.S. Money Supply during 2020 by 25%.

This extraordinary level of liquidity has served to keep interest rates artificially low while providing liquidity to bondholders. It has also allowed companies to raise the debt and equity needed to survive the pandemic.

The Federal Reserve did not take such dramatic steps during The Great Recession.

Many economists believe that the 2008

BY HADDON LIBBY

downturn was steeper and longer due to the governments more cautious response.

Where low interest rates have been critical in keeping the fabric of society together during this once in a century occurrence, it has also served as a windfall to many businesses and families that have been minimally impacted.

While the Federal Reserve is doing the correct thing in keeping interest rates artificially low, they are also setting into motion the future the wheels of inflation.

Inflation can already be seen in food prices.

At the end of 2020, the United States was in a period of agflation. Agflation happens when the price of food goes up by more than other goods and services. Many agricultural products were increasing in price by 4 times the Consumer Price Index during 2020.

Meat, dairy and egg prices increased by 4.5%

DALEGRIBOW ON THELAW

or twice as much as they did in 2019. Where food prepared in the home had seen price stability in recent years (less than 1% annual increases), prices jumped by 3.9% in 2020.

While the cost of food is increasing, lower transportation, entertainment and housing costs are more than offsetting this increase.

One of the largest declines has been in gasoline prices (down 15%) as global demand declined with people travelling less.

With a 10-year Treasury Bond that pays less than 1%, investors are seeking protection from inflation through the purchase of gold and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

From an investor’s perspective, so long as the Federal Reserve keeps interest rates low and money supply essentially unlimited, real asset values will go up. Inflation means that the prices of homes, stocks and commodities like food can be expected to go up. Inflation

may look more subdued on the surface as some factors like commercial real estate, travel and energy struggle to maintain prices while commodities go up. The risk to investors in equities will come when the Federal Reserve begins to normalize interest rates. As that scenario is not expected until 2023 at the soonest, investors should enjoy solid returns in 2021. If interest rates were to go up in defiance of the Fed or declines in the economy occurred like they did last year, we would need to review this optimistic scenario for equities despite catastrophic conditions for others.

Where many questioned whether the shape of the recovery would look like a ‘v’, ‘k’ or another letter, we seem to be in a k-shaped or bifurcated recovery where some struggle mightily while others benefit financially through these extraordinary times.

As 70% of the U.S. economy is reliant on the consumer, there will be no recovery until most Americans feel safe in crowded settings.

Haddon Libby is the Founder and Managing Partner of Winslow Drake Investment Management, a RIA firm. For information on their services, please visit www.WinslowDrake.com or email Hlibby@ WinslowDrake.com.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF THE INJURED & CRIMINALLY ACCUSED

DURING THE COVID ERA, WILL A PRIOR INJURY ERASE A P.I. CLAIM?

T

he correct answer is maybe. During the era of Covid we see fewer cars on the road and thus fewer accidents. However, when there is an accident, the insurance company will fight just as hard to pay as little as possible.

Prior Injuries Are Not Always a Problem.

However they do factor in when in trial or when trying to settle case.

They are a part of life. Unfortunately, prior injuries are an opportunity for the defense insurance company, to try to box a victim in with their preconceived notions about what factors discount the value of an accident claim.

A good lawyer won’t let the insurance company get away with it! This is different from an aggravation, where the prior condition did not heal. What I am talking about here are prior injuries that DID resolve. Until kids are allowed to drive cars, most clients will have some kind of back or neck problem in the past “from living”.

Adult spines get dinged from time to time. It could be from sports or prior accidents. This includes auto and a slip and fall in your shower. Priors aren’t always a bad thing. They may actually help the case.

How? Susceptibility is another reason the crash may cause less property damage to

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the car than to the human spine. Healing from something in the past doesn’t mean a later injury to that same area will cause less harm.

It is just the opposite. It may mean the outcome will be worse. In some cases it may cause a herniation, not just a sprain/ strain.

Why should the defense get a discount, when their client caused a forever injury to the plaintiff’s life. Many victims have had a prior accident or had neck/back pain in his/ her past.

These factors are experienced by many of us, and should not be a factor in the negligent driver getting off without compensating the victim for their injuries. There is no reason for a settlement discount, other than insurance the company’s arguments.

Insurance companies think they have a right to short the claimant of what is owed. However, the law gives them no such discount. Most states recognize that negligence need not be the sole cause of the injury, so long as it contributes substantially to the outcome. A good lawyer points that out to the jury panel during voire dire and explains the correct law to them.

A Plaintiff’s lawyer will explain that the law recognizes what some call, “as is” justice. You take the person “as is”. Justice

is not reserved for people who are perfect specimens of health. People who are not in the prime of their physical life don’t get treated as second class citizens who can only receive discounted justice.

People with wear & tear, bumps & bruises, who have been hurt in the past or had health problems, can get full justice too.

It’s called equal justice or justice for all as set forth in the United States Constitution.

If discussed, and explained, to the jurors, I think everyone will agree that’s the way it should be?

Throughout the trial, a good plaintiff attorney will remind the jurors of this universal truth, by using the phrase “as is” justice. When the defense neurosurgeon says your client had degeneration in her spine, you point out this is normal aging and say, “Are you suggesting that an injury matters less when a person isn’t in the prime of their physical life? Are you familiar with the concept of susceptibility and ‘as is’ justice?”

The law allows for the Egg Shell Plaintiff’s Doctrine known as the Idiosocratic plaintiff doctrine. That doctrine says you take the plaintiff as you find him. Thus if one drives negligently, and the injuries to the one person in the world whose bones

would shatter upon impact, they would be responsible for all injuries.

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) 201121 “TOP LAWYER” - Inland Empire Magazine 2016- 2019 PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating

CANNABIS CORNER

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ou have been reading my articles in the Cannabis Corner since 2017.

Today I want to share my journey with cannabis without the high. I was not a believer. Marijuana will fry my brain, right?

That was until 2015. A chance advertisement in the Desert Sun caught the eye of my partner. A meeting over breakfast with the author of that news clip started me on a journey of eliminating opiates. I needed to explore using this herb to replace my opiates.

Let me take you on my journey.

I was on Norco, gabapentin, and Lexapro for over twenty years for degenerative disc disease, arthritis, with ruptured discs in my lumbar spine. Getting a medical cannabis card was easy as I definitely had the pathology that justified my pain medications.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

With the help of my newfound friend, I was able to eliminate my 40 milliequivalents of morphine.

I remember the first night. I took my nighttime dose of cannabis under my tongue.

After an hour I was lying in bed at my usual hour for sleep. My body felt heavy as it sunk into the mattress. Tears streamed down my eyes. I was devoid of shakiness, tremors, or jumpiness. I fell asleep without my twenty milligrams of Norco. My pain became an orphan.

The next chapter in my journey was learning the science behind why this plant worked. I definitely tested positive for Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) at my next hospice job application. I was not smart enough in those days to stop the cannabis and get tested at a later date. That was three years ago. Now because it is legal for adult use some medical institutions are eliminating testing for THC in CA. Maine is the only state that protects off-duty recreational marijuana use. States are starting to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana for recreational use, however it will take more activism to prohibit employers from discriminating against applicants who use THC but then hire those who test positive for alcohol or opiates.

Excited to learn I immersed myself on YouTube and GreenFlower (news.greenflower.com). I was able to attend via YouTube 3-day conferences in countries outside the US. I listened to cannabis scientists from all over the world discuss the newly discovered endocannabinoid system. I was drowning in facts and PubMed studies (pubmed.ncbi.

nlm.nih.gov). How is so much information out there and the medical personnel do not know about this? It is like there is an invisible WALL between the public and the FDA/NIH. Learning the U.S. Government had a patent in 2003 on cannabidiol (CBD) blew me away. It said CBD was a neuroprotectant anti-inflammatory, beneficial for treating Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases. I was angry and flabbergasted to put it mildly.

I segued into educating medical professionals and the public on the holistic approach to safe use of cannabis without the high. I am the Canna Angel at www. ruthahillrn.com that will take you on your journey for bliss with cannabis.

Insomnia is the most difficult symptom to treat. Pharmaceuticals work but only temporarily. Cannabis products are varied to the point of utter confusion. I treated my pain within six months, but my insomnia treatment alluded me for three years. Allow me to educate you on your journey. Learn the secret of how I fixed my chronic insomnia

LIFESTREAM COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE

Riccio’s Steak and Seafood Address: 495 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs Date: Tuesday, Feb. 2 Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Desert Regional Medical Center Address: 1150 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs Date: Wednesday, Feb. 3 Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Riverside County Deputy District Attorney Assn.

Address: 82995 Highway 111, Indio Date: Wednesday, Feb. 3 Time: Noon to 4 p.m.

Stater Bros.

Address: 57075 Twentynine Palms Hwy., Yucca Valley Date: Wednesday, Feb. 3 Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Indio Middle School Address: 81195 Miles Ave. Date: Friday, Feb. 5 Time: Noon to 5 p.m.

Center for Healthy Generations Address: 57121 Sunnyslope Drive, Yucca Valley Date: Saturday, Feb. 6 Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hi-Desert Farmers Market Address: 73484 Twentynine Palms Hwy., Twentynine Palms Date: Saturday, Feb. 6 Time: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Palm Desert Country Club Address: 77800 California Drive Date: Saturday, Feb. 6 Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Donors receive a long-sleeved “Count on Me” T-shirt. LifeStream tests all successful whole-blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Donors learn results and if their plasma could potentially help current COVID-19 patients. This test does not detect if the donor is currently infected. Donors receive free cholesterol screening.

Please set an appointment by calling LifeStream at 800-879-4484 or visiting LStream.org. NOTE: All blood donors must wear a mask/face covering (mask/ coverings with one-way valves to filter outside air are not sufficient), submit to a temperature check and COVID-19 symptom review before being admitted to the donor waiting area.

Healthy individuals at least 15 years of age may donate blood. Everyone under

17 years of age must provide LifeStream with written parental consent. Parent consent forms are available at any donor center, community blood drive or at www.LStream.org. All prospective donors should be free of infections or illness, weigh at least 115 pounds, and not be at risk for AIDS or hepatitis. Donors

January 28 to February 3, 2021

BY RUTH HILL R.N. with medical cannabis.

I will be giving a free consultation, a $250 value, to the first five people who sign up on my website. Go to www.ruthahillrn.com/ consultations and begin your journey with cannabis without the high.

My website will offer articles on health and wellness, controversial subjects like the use of psychedelics, book reviews, a place for sharing my poems, resources, testimonials, and consultations on the safe use of cannabis for symptom relief. I will be offering links and education on how to become an advocate for federal legalization of cannabis. The M.O.R.E. ACT is the first legislation to use the term cannabis instead of marijuana. We need more activism to prevent the Senate from sabotaging what the House has passed.

Thank you to my loyal readers over the years. www.ruthahillrn.com.

COMMUNITY

receive a free mini-physical as part of the donation process. Donating blood takes about an hour, yet gives someone a lifetime. For more information, please call 1-800-TRY GIVING. Join the LifeStream volunteer team and make a lifesaving difference! For information, call 1.800.879.4484, ext. 458.

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January 28 to February 3, 2021

PAMPEREDPALATE

Y

BY RAYMOND BILL

ou have likely heard the terms “plant-based” and “vegan.” But what do they mean, anyway? Is there a difference? Whether in consideration of overall health, morality, or latest trend, there are many reasons why more people are switching to a meatless diet. By 2025, the vegan meat industry alone will be netting $7.5B annually, world-wide, with the entire vegan food industry exceeding $24B annually! However, vegan and plant-based are not interchangeable. A person can easily identify as one and not the other.

Vegan describes a lifestyle that is tied to ethics and affects not only your diet, but the clothes, make-up and accessories you wear. If any product requires animal use in any way, it is avoided. Plant-based refers strictly to one’s diet, requiring only the consumption of fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, based on health and not necessarily morality. Some argue that a plant-based diet may allow for limited amounts of meat or eggs, but this is contradictory to the concept of, “plantbased.”. It is up oneself to decide how they define their personal diet.

Whether it is for just one meal per week, or a complete lifestyle change, if you have chosen to explore a plant-based diet, that is vegan friendly, I will be sharing with you my personal journey, including tips and recipes that the whole family will enjoy!

My teenage children agreed over the summer to join me in switching completely and suddenly to a plant-forward diet with total elimination of all animal products, including eggs, dairy, and even honey. I struggled at first since I had always believed that a healthy meal requires meat, starch, and vegetable. These were the building blocks to every family dinner since early childhood. And do not get me started on cheese! Now, I have learned how to focus on the meal in a way that fuels the body while not sacrificing flavor and presentation.

As it turns out, many of my favorite dishes can easily be made plant-based, if they are not already.

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

When I want to make a quick and easy dinner, I have a few dishes with ingredients always on hand and ready in minutes. Pasta primavera and vegetable stir-fry with rice/ grains are beginner level meals that allow a personalized touch while maintaining healthy levels of vitamins and protein.

Eventually I would discover the world of tofu, seitan, and even nutritional yeast flakes, but I will touch on those later.

Follow my column for easy to intermediate plant-based recipes and product reviews. I will be sharing meals that will impress friends and family (without taking hours in the kitchen), and tips to maintain your diet when on the go or dining out.

In this brisk winter weather, I find comfort in a hearty lentil soup. Here is a quick, beginner recipe that is easily adaptable. To save time, celery, carrots, and onions can be found in the produce section of most grocery stores pre-diced.

You will need: 16oz dried green lentils 1 14oz can crushed tomatoes 8-10 cups vegetable stock 4 carrots, diced 1 large yellow onion, diced 3 stalks celery, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced (more is always acceptable) 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 Tbsp cumin 1 tsp paprika ½ tsp red pepper flakes or chili powder 2 bay leaves Fresh thyme (strip leaves from 4-5 stems) Salt and pepper to taste Directions: In a large stock pot, on mediumhigh heat, sauté diced onions in olive oil until desired caramelization. Add celery, carrot, garlic, and seasonings. Cook for 10 minutes until softened, then add remaining ingredients. Bring to a slow boil, reduce heat to low-medium and cover. Cook for an hour or until lentils are soft (this soup gets better over time). Your range may affect cooking time depending on gas vs. electric. Remove bay leaves before serving and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley (optional). Enjoy!

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

WEEK OF JANUARY 28

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In the 1950 film Harvey, James Stewart plays a middle-aged man named Elwood whose best friend is a tall invisible rabbit named Harvey. The relationship causes problems with the people in Elwood’s life. At one point a psychiatrist tries to convince him to “struggle with reality.” Elwood replies, “I wrestled with reality for 40 years and I am happy to state that I finally won.” I’m happy to tell you this story, Aries, because it’s a good lead in to my counsel for you: I suspect that one of your long wrestles with reality will yield at least a partial victory in the coming weeks. And it will be completely real, as opposed to Elwood’s Harvey. Congratulations!

B (April 20-May 20): The light of the North Star takes a long time to reach us, even though it’s traveling 186,000 miles per second. The beams it shows us tonight first embarked when Shakespeare was alive on Earth. And yet that glow seems so fresh and pure. Are there any other phenomena in your life that are metaphorically comparable?

Perhaps an experience you had months ago that is only now revealing its complete meaning? Or a seed you planted years ago that is finally ripening into its mature expression? The coming weeks will be an excellent time to take inventory of such things, Taurus. It will also be a favorable phase to initiate innovations that will take some time to become fully useful for you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In 1971, astronaut Alan Shepard had the great privilege of landing on the moon in a spacecraft, then walking on the lunar surface. How did he celebrate this epic holy adventure? By reciting a stirring passage from Shakespeare or the Talmud? By placing a framed photo of Amelia Earhart or a statue of Icarus in the dirt? By saying a prayer to his God or thoughtfully thanking the people who helped put him there? No. Shepard used this sublime one-of-a-kind moment to hit a golf ball with a golf club. I’ll ask you not to regard him as a role model in the coming weeks. When your sacred or lofty moments arrive, offer proper homage and honor. Be righteously appreciative of your blessings.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): William Shakespeare worked with another playwright in creating three plays: Henry VIII, The Two Noble Kinsmen, and Cardenio. The lucky collaborator was John Fletcher, who was popular and influential in his era. I propose that we name him one of your role models in 2021.

Here’s why: You will have an enhanced potential to engage in fertile partnerships with allies who are quite worthy of you. I encourage you to be on the lookout for opportunities to thrive on symbiosis and synergy.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Canadian journalist Nick Ashdown is amazed that white people in North America are so inhibited about revealing their real feelings. He writes, “How bizarre that in English, the word ‘emotional’ is used pejoratively, as though passion implies some sort of weakness.” He marvels that the culture seems to “worship nonchalance” and regard intense expressiveness as uncool or unprofessional. I’m going to encourage you to embody a different approach in the coming days. I don’t mean to suggest that you should be an out-ofcontrol maniac constantly exploding with intensity.

But I do hope you will take extra measures to respect and explore and reveal the spirited truth about yourself.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo actor Ingrid Bergman appeared in three movies directed by Alfred Hitchcock. In Notorious, set after the end of World War II, she played the daughter of a Nazi spy. During the filming, Bergman had trouble with a particular scene. She explained her doubts to Hitchcock, saying, “I don’t think I can do that naturally.” Hitchcock seemed receptive to her input, but in the end had an unexpected response: “All right,” he told her. “If you can’t do it naturally, then fake it.” I’m going to suggest that you follow Hitchcock’s advice during the next two weeks, Virgo. “Fake it till you make it” is an acceptable—probably preferable—approach.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The 17th-century

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Libran polymath Thomas Browne had a brilliant, well-educated mind. He authored many books on various subjects, from science to religion, and was second only to Shakespeare in the art of coining new words. He did have a blind spot, however. He referred to sex as the “trivial and vulgar way of union” and “the foolishest act a wise man commits in all his life.” Most of us have pockets of ignorance like that—aspects that qualify as learning disabilities or intellectual black holes. And now and then there come times when we benefit from checking in with these deficiencies and deciding whether to take any fresh steps to wisen them up. Now is such a time for you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “There is no sunrise so beautiful that it is worth waking me up to see it,” declares actor and comedian Mindy Kaling. Is that an unromantic sentiment? Maybe. But more importantly, it’s evidence that she treasures her sleep. And that’s admirable! She is devoted to giving her body the nurturing it needs to be healthy. Let’s make Kaling your patron saint for now. It’s a favorable time to upgrade your strategies for taking very good care of yourself.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): All of us go through phases when our brains work at a higher level than usual. I’m guessing that you’re about to enjoy one of these times. In fact, I won’t be shocked if you string together a series of ingenious thoughts and actions. I hope you use your enhanced intelligence for important matters—like making practical improvements in your life! Please don’t waste it on trivial matters like arguments on Facebook or Twitter.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Today the Capricorn artist Paul Cézanne (1839–1906) is regarded as an important and influential painter.

Early in his career, though, he was rejected and even ridiculed by critics. One reason was that he loved making still-life paintings, which were considered low art. Of his 584 works, about 200 of them were of inanimate, commonplace objects. Fruit was his specialty. Typically he might spend 100 separate sessions in perfecting a particular bowl of apples.

“Don’t you want to take a vacation from painting fruit?” he was asked. In response, he said that simply shifting the location of his easel in relation to his subject matter was almost more excitement than he could bear. That’s the kind of focused, detailed attitude I hope you’ll cultivate toward your own labors of love during the coming weeks, Capricorn.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “We all want everything to be okay,” writes author David Levithan.

“We don’t even wish so much for fantastic or marvelous or outstanding. We will happily settle for okay, because most of the time, okay is enough.” To that mediocre manifesto, I reply, okay. I accept that it’s true for many people. But I don’t think it will apply to you Aquarians in the coming weeks. According to my assessment of your astrological potentials, you can, if you want, have a series of appointments with the fantastic, the marvelous, and the outstanding.

Please keep those appointments! Don’t skip them out of timidity or excess humility.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): DON’Ts: Don’t keep scratching an old wound until it bleeds. Don’t try to snatch away the teddy bear that belongs to the 800-pound gorilla. Don’t try to relieve your tension by pounding your head against a wall. Don’t try to convince a stone idol to show you some tenderness.

DOs: Do ask supposedly naive questions that may yield liberating revelations. Do keep in mind that sometimes things need to be a bit broken before you’ll be motivated to give them all the care they need and deserve. Do extinguish the fire on a burning bridge, and then repair the bridge.

Homework: I believe that you can’t get what you want from another person until you’re able to give it to yourself. Do you think that’s true?

FreeWillAstrology.com.

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

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January 28 to February 3, 2021

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H S A R T Y A W A L U A H WE 19

January 28 to February 3, 2021

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