Coachella Valley Weekly - November 26 to December 2, 2015 Vol. 4 No. 36

News

Music

Movies

Dining

Community Events

coachellavalleyweekly.com • November 26 to December 2, 2015 Vol. 4 No. 36

Johnny Depp

pg 6

Yellowman

pg 8

The Dead Milkmaids

pg 9

Edge Steakhouse

pg 18

November 26 to December 2, 2015

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Coachella Valley Weekly

coachellavalleyweekly.com publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com facebook.com/cvweekly

760.501.6228

at Old Town La Quinta

Saturday November 28 10 am - 4 pm For Future Dates & Info

760.564.1244 LQAF.com

78100 Main Street La Quinta, CA

Over 80 Artists • Free Admission Live Entertainment • Free Parking

Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Deborah Evans Classified Manager & Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Features Writer Lisa Morgan, Judith Salkin, Denise Ortuno Neil, Heidi Simmons, Kira Golden, Rich Henrich Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Craig Michaels, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Rachel Montoya, Angela Janus, Janet McAfee, Dale Gribow, Raymond Bill, Jack St. Clair, Rob Brezny, Eleni P. Austin, Noe Gutierrez, Sunny Simon, Karen Creasy, Richard Weiss, Dr. Peter Kadile, Dr. Maria Lombardo, Bruce Cathcart, Julie Buehler, Flint Wheeler, Laura Hunt Little, Rebecca Pikus, Monica Morones, Lola Rossi, Dee Jae Cox, Patte Purcell, Esther Sanchez, Janet Newcomb, Angela Valente Romeo, Alex Updike Photographers Laura Hunt Little, Scott Pam, Lani Garfield, Chris Miller, La Maniaca, Esther Sanchez Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

Contents

Palm Springs Holiday Events............. 3 Holiday Banner Awards...................... 5 Celebrity Christmas Tree Auction...... 5 Johhny Depp....................................... 6 Fantasy Spring Comedy Events......... 6 Open Mic Competition....................... 7 Backstage Jazz ................................... 7 Yellowman........................................... 8 The Dead Milkmaids........................... 9 Consider This - Pater Case................10 Carlynne McDonnell.........................11 Pet Place............................................12 The Vino Voice ..................................13 Club Crawler Nightlife......................14 Edge Steakhouse at Ritz Carlton.....16 Screeners ..........................................18 Book Review......................................19 Ask Jenny..........................................19 Haddon Libby...................................21 Dale Gribow......................................21 Safety Tips.........................................22 Sports Scene .....................................22 Free Will Astrology...........................23 Mind, Body & Spirit ..........................23 Ask The Doctor..................................24 Life & Career Coach ..........................24 Mai Beauty........................................25

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November 26 to December 2, 2015

Come Celebrate the Holidays Palm Springs Style!

By amy blaisdell

The City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting and the 24th Annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade are Right Around the Corner!

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ome celebrate the holidays Palm Springs style at the city’s spectacular signature holiday events in December. We’ll kick off the festivities on Thursday, Dec. 3 at the City of Palm Springs annual Holiday Tree Lighting, featuring local celebrities Beverly Johnson, Tim Bradley, Lindsay Wagner, Linda Gray and Carol Channing joining Santa Claus and the City Council as they light the spectacular 22-foot “green” holiday tree adorned in thousands of energy efficient lights at 5:15 p.m. sharp in Frances Stevens Park.

Admission is FREE and so is the hot cocoa and cookies. In addition, traditional caroling will be provided by the Palm Springs High School Madrigal singers and the Palm Springs High School Symphonic Orchestra will be on hand. Bring the whole family because you won’t want to miss the fun!

Then on Saturday, Dec. 5, it’s time for the magnificent 24th annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade, featuring legendary skateboarding champion Tony Hawk rolling his way down Palm Canyon Drive as Community Grand Marshal.

More than 100,000 residents and visitors are expected in downtown for the parade,

which kicks off at 5:45pm on Palm Canyon Dr and Ramon Road. Hawk will be in town as the main draw for the 2nd Annual El Gato Skateboard Competition and Block Party, Dec. 4-6 at the Spa Resort Casino. He is thrilled to be part of the parade, which every year includes magnificent marching bands and twinkling holiday floats adorned in thousands of colored lights. In addition, some of Hawk’s world famous skater pals will join him in the parade riding in a giant, twinkling Vans shoe.

Other parade highlights always include the wildly popular Macy’s-style holiday balloons along with Santa and his reindeer on the spectacular Jackie Lee Houston Santa Claus Express.

“Tony Hawk is a fabulous addition to the Festival of Lights Parade and we are excited he will be joining us for this one-of-a-kind holiday event in downtown. A big thanks to the El Gato team for bringing Tony to our community to share his talent and passion for skateboarding this holiday season,” said Tim Ellis, Vice-Chair of P.S. Resorts, a group of large hoteliers who are the Presenting Sponsor of this year’s Festival of Lights Parade and the El Gato Competition. Other sponsors include the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and the Spa Resort Casino.

“The Palm Springs Festival of Lights

Parade is the biggest and best holiday parade in the entire Coachella Valley,” says Mary Jo Ginther, Director of the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism, “Bring the whole family, your skateboarding enthusiasts and visit downtown on Saturday, Dec. 5 as we celebrate the spirit of the holiday season in Palm Springs, like no place else.”

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November 26 to December 2, 2015

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City of Palm Springs Holiday Banners Awards

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bout 50 students who participated in the 23rd annual City of Palm Springs Holiday Banner Program will be celebrated for their uniquely original designs lining Palm Canyon Drive during the holiday season at the annual Banner Awards on Thursday, Dec. 3 in the Uptown Design District.

The ceremony, hosted by Mayor Elect Rob Moon and Main Street Palm Springs President Joy Meredith, the co-founder of the program, will be held at 4 p.m. in Frances Stevens Park, just prior to the 5:15 p.m. lighting of the City’s spectacular 22-foot Holiday Tree.

About 100 banners, hand painted by students from Kindergarten to 12th Grade, are displayed along Palm Canyon Drive each year

November 26 to December 2, 2015

Slated for Thursday, December 3 Just Prior to Holiday Tree Lighting

with over 50 new and original designs added to the collection annually. Almost 900 area students have submitted original drawings this season. This year’s theme is “Winter Holidays, Palm Springs Style” with a special emphasis on Palm Springs landmarks. In addition, a popular People’s Choice Award is decided by the most “likes” on the Holiday Banner Facebook page.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible

efforts of these talented students who bring our residents and visitors so much joy every year with their uniquely original designs during the holiday season,” said Meredith. “These artistic banners are truly a part of the magic that makes Palm Springs like no place else and I invite everyone in the Coachella Valley to visit downtown this holiday season to see them for yourselves.”

Linda Gray “Christmas at Southfork Tree”

To Headline 15th Annual Christmas Tree Lane Celebrity Live Auction, Friday, December 4 at Hard Rock hotel Palm Springs

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ot only will actress Linda Gray join the City of Palm Springs at the Official Holiday Tree Lighting on Thursday, Dec. 3, she will then head to the Hard Rock Hotel in downtown the following night to join ACT for Multiple Sclerosis at their star-studded Celebrity Holiday Tree Live Auction Fundraiser, which returns to Palm Springs for a second successful year after 12 years down valley.

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The event, featuring a spectacular display of celebrity holiday trees by well-known designers, is currently underway at the Hard Rock Palm Springs until Friday, Dec. 4, when a live auction party will be held from 5 – 7 p.m. Actress Ruta Lee, a Palm Springs resident and long-time supporter of ACT for MS will host with the help of CBS Local 2’s Patrick Evans leading the live auction.

Holiday trees will be up for auction from well-known local celebrities including Lee, Carol Channing, Fred (The Hammer) Williamson, Bella da Ball and many more.

Gray’s spectacular holiday tree, dubbed “Christmas at Southfork,” will have a western theme, inspired by her longrunning CBS television series “Dallas.”

In addition, a Holiday Boutique featuring mini-trees and wreaths will open in advance of the live auction at 4 p.m. All proceeds go to ACT for MS. The fundraiser, founded by the late Palm Springs entertainment and society journalist Gloria Greer in partnership with Merv Griffin, has become a much loved signature holiday event in the city.

“With excitement echoing around the world about the new Hard Rock Palm Springs and the city it is located, we are thrilled Christmas Tree Lane will return to Palm Springs for a second year,” said event chairwoman Linda Williamson. In fact,

Williamson notes Christmas Tree Lane has been a desert holiday tradition since Griffin first asked his celebrity friends to allow top designers to create Christmas trees themed after them at his Merv Griffin Hotel, now the Parker Palm Springs, and later sold them at live auction with the proceeds benefitting ACT for MS. “The City of Palm Springs and the Hard Rock Hotel are thrilled to host Christmas Tree Lane in support of ACT for MS,” said Mary Jo Ginther, Director of the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism. “I encourage everyone in the Coachella Valley and beyond to visit downtown Palm Springs over the next week and check out these one-of-a-kind designer trees – and perhaps even take one home.”

VIP tickets are $100, premiere seating is $75 and regular seating is $50. Advanced reservations are required. For tickets, visit www.actforms.org.

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November 26 to December 2, 2015

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film JOHNNY DEPP TO RECEIVE DESERT PALM ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT 27 ANNUAL PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL th

FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS GALA

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he 27th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) will present Johnny Depp with the Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actor at its annual Awards Gala for his performance in “Black Mass.” Each year the festival selects an actor and actress to receive this award. The Awards Gala, hosted by Mary Hart and presenting sponsor Entertainment Tonight, will be held Saturday, January 2, at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The Festival runs January 1-11.

“Johnny Depp is one of the most versatile and dynamic actors of our time,” said Festival Chairman Harold Matzner.

“In his latest film, Black Mass, Depp, in a stunning transformation, creates a gripping and multi-layered portrait of infamous gangster James ‘Whitey’ Bulger. He delivers an astounding performance that has earned raves from both critics and audiences and is sure to garner awards attention. It is our honor to present the 2016 Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actor, to Johnny Depp.”

Past actor recipients of the Desert Palm Achievement Award include Jeff Bridges, Bradley Cooper, Daniel Day-Lewis, Colin Firth, Matthew McConaughey, Sean Penn, Brad Pitt and Eddie Redmayne. In the years they were honored, Bridges, Day-Lewis, McConaughey, Penn and Redmayne went on to win the Academy Award® for Best Actor, while Cooper, Firth and Pitt received Oscar® nominations.

Depp can currently be seen in “Black Mass,” which tells of the unholy alliance between ruthless mobster James “Whitey” Bulger (Depp) and childhood friend-turnedFBI agent, John Connolly (Joel Edgerton).

The bond, forged growing up on the streets of South Boston, would test the limits of loyalty in a town that answers to its own unwritten code. Blinded by ambition, Connolly convinces Bulger to inform on their common enemy, the Italian Mafia. The deal allows Bulger to expand his criminal empire with complete impunity, threatening to destroy both men, their families, and

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the very city that made them. Based on true events, the film is directed by Scott Cooper and features an ensemble cast, also including Benedict Cumberbatch, Rory Cochrane, Jesse Plemons, Dakota Johnson, Julianne Nicholson, Kevin Bacon, W. Earl Brown, David Harbour, Corey Stoll, Peter Sarsgaard, Adam Scott and Juno Temple.

The screenplay is by Mark Mallouk and Jez Butterworth, based on the book by Dick Lehr and Gerard O’Neil. Produced by John Lesher, Brian Oliver, Scott Cooper, Patrick McCormick and Tyler Thompson.

Depp is a three-time Academy Award nominee for Best Actor for his work in “Finding Neverland,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” and “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.” Over the last three decades, Depp’s diverse range of roles has made him one of the leading actors of his generation including performances in John Waters’ “Cry Baby,” “Benny & Joon,” Lasse Hallstrom’s “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,”“Chocolat,” Mike Newell’s “Donnie Brasco,” Terry Gilliam’s “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” Ted Demme’s “Blow,” “The Libertine,” Michael Mann’s “Public Enemies,” and several collaborations with Tim Burton including “Edward Scissorhands,” “Ed Wood” and “Sleepy Hollow.”

For more information, call 760-322-2930 or 800-898-7256 or visit psfilmfest.org.

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Presents.. comedy

MULTI-AWARDING WINNING FUNNY LADY KATHY GRIFFIN BRINGS HER “LIKE A BOSS” TOUR TO FANTASY SPRINGS

Local Music Spotlight

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wo-time Emmy award winner, Grammy winner, and NY Times bestselling author Kathy Griffin is bringing her all-new, critically-acclaimed “Like A Boss” Tour to the Special Events Center at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino for a night of take-no-prisoners laughs Saturday, January 9th, 2016.

Kathy Griffin is a towering figure on television, on tour, and in publishing. She breaks through the entertainment clutter with her universally recognized brand of pullno-punches comedy.

In 2013 Kathy was inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records for writing and starring in an unprecedented 20 televised stand-up specials - more than any comedian in history. Buoyed by her dedicated and engaged fans, Kathy’s live standup performances are legendary and in a class of their own.

Whether she’s tearing up stars on the red carpet, making Anderson Cooper blush on New Year’s Eve, or keeping her fans doubled over with laughter with her stand-up specials and late-night talk show appearances, the always entertaining Kathy Griffin delivers an unbelievable, unforgettable night of laughter.

Kathy was a cast member on NBC’s Suddenly Susan and guest starred on Seinfeld and Law & Order: SVU. She lent her unique voice to animated characters in Shrek Forever After and the award-winning television shows The Simpsons, American Dad, and Dilbert.

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ACTOR AND COMEDIAN MIKE EPPS BRINGS HIS “MIKE EPPS: THE REAL DEAL TOUR”

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ince 1995 when he was first discovered on the Def Comedy Jam tour and HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam,” Mike Epps has been steadily climbing the standup comedy ranks. He has had two Showtime Comedy specials, with another

set for release on Netflix later this year, and has starred in over 30 films and television projects. On Friday, January 22nd, 2016, Mike Epps makes his debut at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, bringing his “Mike Epps: The Real Deal Tour” to the Special Events Center for an 8PM show.

Gearing up for the role of a lifetime, Epps has also been hand-picked to star in the bio-pic for comedy legend Richard Pryor, directed by Lee Daniels. Epps has also been cast in the title role in the ABC sitcom “Uncle Buck” opposite Nia Long. The show is a remake of the John Hughes classic.

Epps was also recently seen starring in the Starz series “Survivors Remorse” produced LeBron James and Mike O’Malley.

Additionally, Mike stars in his own AOL original series “That’s Racist.” In this tenepisode comedy series, Mike explores the backstories of this humor and how history and fact often distort into a snide – but sometimes funny – shorthand. He interviews those on the receiving end of the jokes and conducts witty roundtable conversations on the topic.

Tickets for the 8PM performance of “Mike Epps: The Real Deal Tour” are on sale now for $79, $59 and $39 at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, via telephone (800) 8272946, or online at FantasySpringsResort.com

backstage jazz

By patte purcell

First Celebrity Jazz Jam a Success!

open mic competition

Griffin’s other awards and honors include The Human Rights Campaign’s Ally for Equality, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America’s Leadership in Entertainment honor, GLAAD’s Vanguard award, The Trevor Life Award from the Trevor Project, and a Gracie Award for Outstanding Female Lead.

Tickets for Kathy Griffin’s “Like A Boss” Tour are $39, $49, and $69 and are now on sale at the box office, by calling 760-342-5000 or online at fantasyspringsresort.com

November 26 to December 2, 2015

emi Finals #2 of the CV Open Mic Competition Fall edition was a rush!

Rocking bands and entertaining solo artists had the audience cheering. Each musician performed 2 songs each putting all they had into their act. Our local celebrity guest judges had a tough call this week. In the end they advanced the top 3 of 6 into our upcoming Grand Finals which will be held Tuesday December 1st. Popular band The BrosQuitos, the ever talented Marco Thoma, and future rock gods The Classy Mother F-ers won that honor and will now compete in the Grand Finals for an MTV Quality Music Video Production from Desert C.A.M. Studios/Winmill Films and award winning Director Chip Miller, plus a $500 trip to Las Vegas from Crater Lake Spirits, as well as an Artist Development Session from Grammy nominated Producer Ronnie King, and a Promotional Photo Shoot from Visions Photography.

Huge THANK YOU to ALL our talented Semi Finalists including Adrian Duro, Nuclear Cowboys, and Brightener. Another huge THANK YOU to all of our judges this week: Brett McLaughlin of Caxton, Josh Ballard of Hollace, Rudy Mendez of Remnants of Man, and Nicco Ysiano of Long Duk Dong.

THANKS SO MUCH to our fantastic DJ Alex Updike for keeping everyone grooving in between performances. To Schmidy’s Tavern who keeps local music alive week after week- YOU ARE WONDERFUL! And I can’t give enough THANKS to Johnny Carmona, our amazing sound technician, who takes the time to make every one of our performers sounding their best! I hope to see you all Tuesday December 1st at SCHMIDY’S TAVERN in Palm Desert for the Grand Finals where 6 will perform and the winner will take it all!!! SPECIAL THANKS to all of our sponsors: Desert C.A.M. Studios/ Winmill Films & Chip Miller, Ronnie King Music, JEM Productions, Crater Lake Spirits, Visions Photography, KAM Studios, CV Weekly, Canyon Copy & Print, and the Mary Pickford Theatre.

December 1st will be our GRAND FINALS competition. Please come out and support these up and coming local musicians.

Please note that this will not be open to anyone not already entered into the semi finals. The show will run 8pm - 10pm. For updates, questions or information about sign-up, please visit and “LIKE” our page Facebook.com/CVOpenMicCompetition or contact creator and host, Morgan James at MorganAliseJames@gmail.com or (714) 651-1911.

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he first Celebrity Jazz Jam at Arnold Palmer’s was a huge success! The sold out crowd listened to national artists and local favorites, while enjoying a special brunch menu and cocktail specials on the beautiful outdoor patio.

The core band was composed of Celebrity artists including Martin Ross (incredible vocals and keys), Joe Baldino (composer and recording artist) on jazz guitar, Darryl Williams on bass (an ‘A List’ player for Dave Koz, Euge Groove and Mindi Abair), and the desert’s favorite drummer Craig Davis Chestnut.

Jazz, blues, funk and groove ruled the day with guest artists including national recording artist Slim Man. He was joined by local sax phenom Chase Huna.

Recording artist John Carey jammed on his guitar. Celebrity producer and jazz pianist Ronnie King created his own song during the jam and was joined by Mikole Karr (sax and flute), Victor Robles (sax), Rick Parma (sax), Tazz Washington (Brazilian drummer) and Guillermo Yslas on percussion.

Philly Joe Littel was smokin’ on guitar and helped with sound as well.

Emceed by TV’s “Eye on the Desert” host Patrick Evans we even got to finally experience his famous ‘Fulvio’s Sausage’ with peppers in a pasta with a creamy sauce (yummy)!

Bonnie Gilgallon actress and vocalist gave a sultry version of “The Lady is a Tramp” and the amazing Rose Mallett belted out “Stormy Monday.”

The weather was perfect and the drinks and food were the perfect mix for this first Celebrity Jazz Jam. The finale “What is Hip” included 10 musicians, which made it an over the top number that everyone jumped up to dance to.

My co-Producer and partner, Karl Erikson, and I want to thank our sponsors including; Coachella Valley Weekly, KESQ, Fox 5, and the CW for sponsoring our event. Also, a special thank you to Arnold Palmer’s management including; Christiana Green (manager) and Dustin Nichols (GM) and the entire staff for such a great job. Also, we’d like to thank Marco Najera for these great photos, Mary Ann Rojo for her great Facebook coverage and photos, and Ronald Harris for videoing the entire jam.

Ronnie King had this to say: “My phone has been ringing off the hook about the news coverage. This is exactly what we need in the desert is Dialogue. The press has been so good to the Celebrity Jam. Let’s keep up this great energy.”

This is the first in the series of Celebrity Jazz Jams. The next one is scheduled for Monday Jan. 18 at the Desert Willow Golf Resort from 5-8.

This beautiful outdoor/indoor venue overlooks the golf course and in the event of bad weather we can hold it in their ballroom. Tickets go on sale shortly at Purplepass.com For info about going the jam or joining in, contact Patte at 702-219-6777.

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November 26 to December 2, 2015

Local Music Spotlight

King Yellowman

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By jack kohler

Performing at Schmidy’s on Sunday, November 29

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orn into a challenging world and rising music scene, “King Yellowman” (Winston Foster) soared to the top of the Jamaican dancehall reggae scene as an esteemed deejay and performer.

He was raised in several orphanages and took pride in the uniqueness of his personal situation. Yellowman’s identity as an albino reggae artist combined with a later life facial disfiguration (due to cancer of the mouth) proved to be obstacles but were overcome by his distinct clever tongue in cheek lyrics and a set of successful singles. After signing to major record label CBS records, Yellowman had high stakes to prove and encountered difficult times when his record sales declined. Aside from the hardships of personal health battles, (skin, facial cancer), Yellowman’s style was often harshly criticized and argued about because of its overtly sexual and questionable references to women and sexuality. Still, Yellowman continued in his own edgy style and ruled the dancehall scene for years. Here’s what he has to say: Jack Kohler: Your song styles and lyricism has been coined “slackness” because of its sharp and playful approach, what is your opinion of your own personal style and delivery?

Yellowman: Well my good brother, I’m trying to find out why they call it slackness for because I don’t know, is it sex or making love? I don’t know, what do you call sexual healing by Marvin Gaye? My personal style is reggae dancehall!

JK: Describe your jump from unsigned artist to major label?

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YM: Signing to a major label for me was the biggest blessing because I was the first dancehall artist who’d ever signed to a major label at that time. I was truly grateful.

JK: What was your greatest difficulty during your career, how did you deal with the hardships of cancer?

YM: Well, it was very, VERY hard for me and my family to adjust, but by the powers of the almighty along with my fans and family I overcame cancer, it is possible for everyone and I am cancer free now. I give thanks to everyone because now I am firm and strong.

JK: Do you think you were received differently post-surgery, considering the added positivity and aspect of spiritualism in your songs?

YM: I don’t think anything changed much apart from a little removal from my draw.

JK: How do you feel about your stop off in the Coachella Valley during your tour? Do you prefer a more intimate show setting or larger festivals?

YM: I feel great about performing there. I’m looking forward to giving a good performance and will always give the same energetic performance for the people and fans no matter if it’s a festival or a club!

JK: What words or advice would you give aspiring artists in today’s music world?

YM: I think it’s important for the artist whether young or veterans to start to make the right music and say the right things in their songs, especially about peace and love.

Yellowman will be performing live at Schmidy’s Tavern on Sunday, November 29 with local bands Tribe-O and Irie Junctions, doors at 8pm, $15, 21 & over.

Local Music Spotlight

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November 26 to December 2, 2015

By esther sanchez

The Dead Milkmaids

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t was last spring at the Coachella Valley Music Awards that I had the pleasure of meeting Christina Magyary-Kossa and Ali (Death Valley Ali) Faith Saenz who were in attendance supporting their significant others, Mike Pygmie and Greg Saenz (You Know Who, Mondo Generator, John Garcia, etc.) I didn’t know they were in a band themselves but there was one thing I did know…Besides being gorgeous, these chicks were cool. Like...really cool. Like, I hope I get to hang out with them and be their friend one day because they are clearly badasses, cool. So, over time when I figured out that they too had a band I was like, “Of course they have a band. They are too cool not to.”

It wasn’t always that way, of course.

Once upon a time, not too long ago in a desert not too far away, Kossa and Saenz proudly and dutifully supported their men, holding down the homesteads as they toured the world spreading the wildfire that is the desert rock sound. Having bonded over long periods of time pining over their men during extended absences...Kossa and Saenz had an epiphany.

Christina: “The guys had come back from touring with John Garcia and we

were watching them at a local show when I leaned over to Ali and said, ‘We should start our own cover band.’ My husband was onstage drumming and wearing a Dead Milkmen shirt, which is a band that I love and Ali does as well. I said, ‘We should start an all-female Dead Milkmen cover band.’

She said, ‘We should!’ and we high-fived.”

Christina continues: “A few nights later I was with Jamie Hargate’s (The Hellions) wife Danyelle. Our families were having dinner together before going to look at Christmas lights with our kids and I mentioned to her that Ali and I were interested in starting an all-female Dead Milkmen cover band and asked if she was interested to which she responded, ‘Yeah! I have been learning the bass.’”

Hargate also mentioned that she thought that Alana Rockwell, wife of Hellions’ bassist Travis Rockwell, had been learning guitar and the girls decided to text her with a request to meet them at Starbucks immediately. Ms. Rockwell showed up and was game except for one detail….she too had been learning bass. Not to be dismayed, the girls shrugged it off and Danyelle Hargate decided to go with the flow and take a cue from the universe that she in fact, should learn guitar.

Christina: “The four of us started a band and it went that way for a while but we were all pretty much in agreement that we wanted a 5th member; someone who could play keys and sing backup vocals. We went through quite a few people who showed up for a practice or two but were hesitant.

None of us four original members hesitated for one second about the band so it was important to us that whoever filled that spot was as enthusiastic as we were which brings us to Jen.” The Dead Milkmaids were having a rehearsal when Danyelle Hargate mentioned

Jen and they decided to text her to see if she was up for stopping by. The response to the text was something along the lines of, “Well, I have been drinking wine and my bra is already off but I will take a cab over.”

Christina: I said to myself, “....with that attitude, if she shows up, she is in.”

Considering the fact that these ladies basically started out at square-one as far as instruments are concerned, they have come a really long way and seem to be having the time of their lives while on the trip.

That being said, the roles of dutiful, rock & roll wives are still real and more apparent now than ever. The Elephant in the room is definitely the recent tragedies in Paris. The Eagles of Death Metal are friends with the husbands of Saenz and Kossa who not only tour internationally on a regular basis, but were scheduled to perform at the same

show as EODM in Europe shortly after the Paris show. I asked Kosso if she is fearful for her man.

Kosso: “When we found out about what happened we were in shock. The tour was already scheduled for them to leave the country less than a week after the tragedies took place. There was never really any thought or discussion regarding him not going even though he was flying into Paris and will be concluding the tour there in mid-December. I really wasn’t even particularly fearful for him until I found out that the plane that he was on while on the way to Paris had received a bomb-threat. I, of course didn’t find that out until later.”

Kosso continues: “I always worry when he is gone. That is only natural. The reason why I am not worrying now more than usual is because that attack was not against rock ‘n’ roll or Eagles of Death Metal or Jesse Hughes. It was an attack against humanity… sadly, our hometown boys were in the wrong place at the wrong time, but I don’t believe lightening will strike twice.”

For upcoming shows, “Like” The Dead Milkmaids on Facebook, facebook.com/ Thedeadmilkmaids

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November 26 to December 2, 2015

Consider This

PETER CASE

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

Authors

by Eleni P. Austin

“Hwy 62” (Omnivore Records)

wan’der-lust’ n. [Ger] an urge to wander or travel eter Case grew up in Hamburg, New York, one block off Hwy 62, which runs from Niagara Falls 2,248 miles to Juarez, Mexico. He first tried to run away down Hwy 62 when he was four years old. His wanderlust began at an early age.

Born in 1954, Case grew up with two older sisters who introduced him to the illicit thrills of Rock & Roll. His first instrument was a Mickey Mouse ukulele purchased with green stamps.

He wrote his first song at age 10.

Elvis and The Beatles were seminal influences. By the mid-sixties it was Dylan, and then he discovered Mississippi John Hurt. At age 16 he hitchhiked to Boston to see Lightnin’ Hopkins play. Music seemed to be his destiny.

Case quit high school in the ninth grade (later he got his GED). Although he was underage, he played in a series of bar and garage bands. By 1973 he migrated across the country, landing in San Francisco. He fell in with street musicians and began busking to earn his keep.

In the mid-1970s, San Francisco still felt like the Wild West, loaded with possibilities. Punk rebellion was in the air. Case connected with Jack Lee and Paul Collins in 1976, forming the Nerves. A proto-Power Pop/Punk band, they quickly re-located to Los Angeles, where the Punk scene was exploding.

The Nerves released an EP and toured, opening for the Ramones. But three talented front-men had trouble co-existing in a band.

The Nerves broke up in 1978, despite their brief tenure, they left a lasting legacy. Blondie later recorded the Jack Lee composition, “Hanging On The Telephone” and it was a massive success.

From the ashes of the Nerves, Peter Case and Paul Collins formed the Breakaways which imploded almost immediately. On his own again, Case corralled bassist David Pahoa and drummer Louie Ramirez and began gigging around L.A. as the Tone Dogs They signed to the tiny Beat Records label and began recording a five song EP. Guitarist Eddie Munoz joined the line-up and they changed their name to the Plimsouls.

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All of Case’s primary influences, Roots Rock, British Invasion, Blues and Soul, coalesced within the band, suffusing the Plimsouls’ sound. Their EP was championed by legendary DJ Rodney Bingenheimer. His imprimatur guaranteed heavy rotation on L.A.’s premier Punk/New Wave station, KROQ. They signed a deal with Planet Records, (an imprint of Elektra). Their self-titled debut arrived in 1981, it should have topped the charts, But it kind of got lost in the shuffle.

Luckily, the band was tapped to perform in a movie, “Valley Girl.”

Initially, it seemed like another raunchy teen/exploitation comedy capitalizing on the Val slang-speak popularized by the Frank Zappa/Moon Unit song, “Valley Girl.” But the movie turned out to be a sharp and soulful take on “Romeo And Juliet” (if the Montagues and Capulets were Punks and Vals). It also featured Nicolas Cage in his first starring role.

The Plimsouls portrayed themselves in scenes shot at Club Lingerie in Hollywood.

They played three of their own songs, including “A Million Miles Away.” The song mixed the sweet jangly guitar sound of the Byrds with a Punk Rock intensity that made it an instant hit.

The band released another full-length, Everywhere At Once in 1983 through Geffen Records. But Peter Case was already getting restless. He briefly formed the Incredibly Strung Out Band with his first wife, (high desert music legend) Victoria Williams, but they never made a record.

The Plimsouls broke up, and Case decided to go solo. Teaming up with producer T-Bone Burnett, his debut arrived in the Spring of 1986.

Spare and wistful, the mostly acoustic effort harkened back to his busker days. The music industry took notice, and he received his first Grammy nomination.

He quickly followed up in 1989 with the even Folk-ier The Man With The Post Modern Fragmented Neo-Traditionalist Guitar. People began crediting Case with sparking the new “unplugged” movement. Naturally, he subverted expectations by releasing the amped up “Six Pack Of Love” in 1992.

Peter Case parted company with Geffen Records, signing with the stalwart Folk label, Vanguard in 1994. Taking some time to regroup, his first Vanguard effort, Sings Like Hell was a collection of his favorite traditional and modern Folk songs. New songs surfaced in 1995 on Torn Again.

By the turn of the century, Case had sort of found a niche, as something of a hardcore troubadour. His next three albums, Full Service, No Waiting, Flying Saucer Blues and Beeline, released in 1998, 2000 and 2002, were produced by Andrew Williams. Each walked a keen knife’s edge between Folk and Rock.

He also managed to find time for a Plimsouls reunion, which elicited the underrated Kool Trash album. Plus, he produced a tribute album, Avalon Blues to one of his idols, Mississippi John Hurt. The album was nominated for a Grammy in 2002. He even got the opportunity

to perform Beatles song at the Hollywood Bowl with their producer, Sir George Martin.

As the 21st century progressed, more albums arrived. Let Us Now Praise Sleepy John Estes came out in 2007, he wrote an autobiography of sorts, As Far As You Can Get Without A Passport. It covered his childhood, his hitchhiking adventures up through his arrival in San Francisco.

Heart surgery in 2009 temporarily slowed his roll, but he re-bounded in 2010 with his Wig! album. In 2012, Case participated in a short-lived tour with Paul Collins wherein they shared the stage rotating between songs by the Nerves, Breakaways, Plimsouls and Paul Collins’ Beat. Now he is back with his first solo album in five years, Hwy 62.

The opening track, “Pelican Bay,” sets the tone for this socially conscious, aural travelogue. Armed with just his acoustic guitar Case unleashes an excoriating assessment on America’s broken penal system. He sketches out an inhumane scenario of a petty criminal surviving starvation, casual brutality and psychological torture.

He concludes “Well, it ain’t no kind of justice, it’s a system of abuse/There ain’t no courts watching over it, politician’s say ‘what’s the use’/They got rate of incarceration in the world and the prisoners are black/Everybody knows it’s slavery, everybody knows the neck is snapped.”

For Case, the political is personal and at least four tracks explore the inequities that divide the haves and the have-nots. The Folk/Blues of “If I Go Crazy” is anchored by chugging acoustic guitar chords that dovetail into barrelhouse piano runs. The lyrics share a series of sad vignettes detailing economic despair, but Case reckons the tide can still turn. “I possess the super-powers everybody does, whoever helps somebody else and does it ‘just because’/Who never answered ‘later’ when asked to lend a hand, who never turns their eyes away when asked to lend a hand.”

Propelled by jangly acoustic riffs, the buoyant melody of “All Dressed Up (For Court)” belies sober first-person account court house justice. Case paints a vivid picture; “The D.A. throws his weight around, they all assume I’m jailhouse bound/I tell the truth but that won’t help, I’m terrified to be myself.”

Chiming, giddyup guitars, high lonesome harmonica fills and “are you ready boots, start walkin” bass lines (that would do Nancy Sinatra proud), provides sweet ballast for the sharp

parables of injustice presented on “Evicted.”

Even the newborn King Of Kings gets the shaft.

“When there was no room at the inn, they wouldn’t let their savior in/The poor deserve some equity, not the sherriff’s deputy.”

The most powerful track is “Water From A Stone” presenting the sort of intense imagracion saga that, sadly occurs every day for people trying to make better lives for their families. Shimmery Spanish filigrees flutter and dance through the melody as slide guitar provides a poignant through line. Case’s criticism is equal parts wary and withering. “All the streets paved with diamonds and gold, your head is held high, but the future is sold/ The temperature’s rising way up in the sky, this is Indian land only yours by a lie.”

A couple of songs here, “New Mexico” and “The Long Good Time” manage the neat trick of time travel. Roiling acoustic guitar intertwine with droning, modal electric guitar on the former. We aren’t transported by a soupedup DeLorean, more like a grungy Econoline, as he recalls the good times and bad times that accompanied his early tours.

“We never had to worry when we played our songs, the people were friendly and the nights were long/And there were nine kinds of mother-fuckers, band-mucking bloodsuckers everywhere we’d go, but the music always sounded right when you heard it late at night when we crossed the mesa into New Mexico.”

The journey stretches back further on the latter, which limns halcyon childhood memories in Hamburg. Early musical explorations were met with mixed results; “My band was playin’ in the basement, driving folks out of their minds/Mother called down from the top of the stairs ‘Boys, play that nice song about suicide’ “ Other interesting tracks include “Waiting On A Plane.” The instrumentation is a spare confluence of loping acoustic guitar, a shuffling, brushed snare rhythm and piano grace notes.

If it were possible for Bob Dylan’s “It Take’s A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train to Cry” to make a musical love-child with Eddie Cantor’s “Makin’ Whoopee,” This is what it would sound like.”

Speaking of His Royal Bobness, Case turns in a loping version of an obscure early-sixties Dylan demo, “Long Time Coming.” The album winds down with “Bluebells,” a restless farewell to a fallen comrade. A tender encomium, Case offers an eloquent elegy to an almost-forgotten friend over piquant electric guitar. The title track closes out the album, an instrumental coda that consists of a rollicking Boogie Woogie piano vamp.

Hwy 62 was produced by Peter Case and Sheldon Gromberg. Although the instrumentation is mostly bare-bones they get stellar assistance from Ben Harper on guitar, David Carpenter on bass, Don Heffington and D.J. Bonebrake from X on drums. Cindy Wasserman provides harmonies and Jebin Bruni plays keys.

This amazing album meanders much like the highway it was named for, crossing cultural and economic borders along the way. Peter Case has found the perfect vehicle to satisfy his wayfaring spirit.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

November 26 to December 2, 2015

By angela Valente romeo

Carlynne McDonnell – Author & Activist in the Quest for Equality

T

here is an adage that actions are stronger than words. Sometimes words are the action. Carlynne McDonnell’s book, “The Every Woman’s Guide to Equality” is one of those sometimes.

This Texas native now calls the Coachella Valley her home. The journey to this book is the journey of her story. Carlynne has a Master’s in Public Policy and has been working in the corporate, education and non-profit worlds for over 30 years. She is the founder of the nonprofit Change in Our Lifetime, which is dedicated to achieving equality for women.

She is a sought after workshop leader and lecturer on women’s equality, leadership development, organizational strategy. The Every Woman’s Guide to Equality is her gauntlet challenging all of us, men and women, to understand that equality is not just the right to vote.

Carlynne has worked in several malecentric industries where discrimination in many different forms was present. “It was not so subtle, such as pornographic pinups taped around the office to lower reviews than male counterparts even though my work results had been as good or better than their work.

It was things such as being addressed as ‘hun’ in meetings with my colleagues. How many times I was asked did I not want to have children and a home? I rarely heard men asked these questions or addressed that way.

I continue to listen to the stories of how sex discrimination and harassment have ruined countless women’s lives, curtailed their careers, and then limited their opportunities for legal and financial recourse.”

For those of us grew up in the Title IX, Our Bodies Ourselves era, it is frustrating to hear the same arguments still being played out.

“The discussion of equality is not new. We may have made great strides in certain areas for many who have been disenfranchised but women’s equality is still the pushed to the back. We are told, ‘You can vote, be happy.’

That mentality undermines any hope for real

equality and reinforces the acceptance of inequality” “Women need to seize the moment. Yes, women are attaining strides in many areas but the inequality within those strides cannot be dismissed. We cannot accept that men and women are equals when there is disparity in pay, in opportunities, in acceptance, in short just about everywhere. We are training the next generation to accept ‘close enough’ and not equality level. It is sad to me. More frustrating is to hear the words: the next generation will achieve these goals. Why? What is wrong with the here and now?” notes Carlynne.

The Every Woman’s Guide to Equality looks at inequality from healthcare to workplace to violence against women. “In 2013 the Violence Against Women Act was reauthorized to bring domestic violence from a private matter to a crime that police would investigate. Violent attacks should be investigated; so why the need for this act? By legislating this it reinforces that women need special protection. We need to be treated equally under the laws. That is true equality.”

“I find the term ‘domestic violence’ demeaning. It is familial violence. Violence against women resembles nothing domesticated. It is a $37 billion annual national tragedy that we must resolve and end now,” state Carlynne. “Women need to accept that we are a powerful voting and economic power. We can be embracing this power, create change for all women.”

Equality is not a concept that lives neither in a bubble nor only in the United Sates.

It is a worldwide concern. With equality come many things – not the least of which is acceptance. Acceptance may lead to peace. Peace is a goal for all. The quest for equality is not a woman’s issue. “Equality is everyone’s concern. But to start with, women have reduced their ability to achieve equality by segregating themselves by race, culture, religion, and political affiliation.

When women can unite as women first and foremost, without labels or categorization, we are ready to come to the table.”

How did Carlynne handle the pornographic pin ups? “I pinned up a few male pinups.

Miraculously the pinups disappeared.”

The Every Woman’s Guide to Equality is available at everywomansguidetoequality. com, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

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November 26 to December 2, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

PET PLACE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Janet McAfee

JULIE KENDALL, FOSTER MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE

B

ennett was never allowed inside a home before, and I shudder to think how he suffered through the scorching Coachella Valley summer. The young couple who owned him already had their moving van packed for their new home when they relinquished Bennett to Loving All Animals. In a sadly familiar story to animal rescue groups, their new home did not allow pets. When they handed him to me, I noted the dog was horribly matted, neglected though not appearing abused as he wagged his tail and happily jumped into my arms.

This 1-yr-old Maltipoo got a second chance because Loving All Animals’ foster mom, Julie Kendall, agreed to take him into her home. Julie is pictured here holding this sweet adorable pup. Bennett thrived in Julie’s loving care, and her dog Max happily helped him learn the potty training routine required to be indoors. Without an available foster home, the fate of this wonderful young dog was uncertain.

Julie Kendall has fostered 15 dogs thus far for Loving All Animals, caring for them lovingly in her home. She specializes in helping dogs that may be a bit frightened just coming out of a shelter. Julie participated in

a class offered by dog trainer Sandy Miller for Loving All Animals where she learned advanced training techniques.

Julie is a unique foster parent who actively networks to help her animals find homes. She has a vast network of friends and contacts in the Pacific Northwest who seek her assistance to adopt small rescue dogs. She has placed 5 dogs in homes in Washington and Oregon. Her contacts know that she provides reliable information about the dogs.

This week Julie arranged for Bennett to be adopted by her good friend Rachel Purcell in Oregon. Rachel was thrilled when Bennett arrived, “I love him! He’s so sweet.

Bennett is my jogging buddy every morning.

Julie would send me daily updates on how he was doing.”

What motivates Julie to take in these homeless dogs and prepare them for their adoptive homes? Julie explains, “I was looking for a worthwhile project to work on while I’m in the desert when I met Janet and Lynne (Lockwood) at an adoption event on El Paseo one evening. It brings me great joy to work with these dogs. I’m making a difference in a dog’s life one dog at a time.

Loving All Animals provides the vehicle for

Full Service Feline Only Veterinary Clinic

Dr. Rebecca Diaz

760-325-3400 Dr. Rebecca Diaz is a cat-loving veterinary professional, dedicated to keeping your cats and kittens happy and healthy with top-quality care in a stress-free environment.

Feline Veterinary Service

Every aspect of our clinic is designed with the special needs of cats in mind.

From the quiet serene waiting room to the relaxing exam rooms and cat-friendly cages for hospitalized patients, our goal is to promote a peaceful, stress-free environment for your cats.

Services include: • Routine Care • Geriatic Care • Spay/Neuter

• Digital Radiology • Laboratory Services • New Kitten Care

• Vaccinations • General Surgery • Dentistry

67870 Vista Chino Cathedral City, CA 92234

www.catcitycat.com

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me to do this, and I love working with this organization.”

Sometimes others tell Julie they don’t see how she can handle it when her foster dogs leave for adoptive homes. She is quick to respond, “My purpose is to help rescue as many homeless dogs as I can help. If I were to keep them, I could not help the next dog. I tell people ‘Just do it!’ There is no risk, because if a dog does not work out in your home or you go on vacation, they will find another foster. Fostering is perfect for snowbirds that want to travel and can’t have a dog of their own.”

meet pippi This adorable 9-lb Terrier lived the first 3 years in a tent with a homeless man and 10 other dogs. Loving All Animals rescued her from a shelter.

Sweet Pippi is a one-person dog, and promises to be a loyal & joyful best “furfriend”.

Adoption donation requested.

Contact (760) 834-7000.

meet jasmin Meet 1-yr-old Jasmin. This tiny “love bug” Chihuahua girl was rescued by Loving All Animals after being abandoned on a busy freeway. Jasmin would love to be home with you for the holidays! Adoption donation.

Contact (760) 834-7000.

Think fostering would make you feel sad when the dog leaves? Imagine how sad that dog feels abandoned in the shelter.

When you foster, you often save the life of a dog. Fostering “expands the walls” of our overcrowded public shelters where many adoptable animals end up euthanized due to the lack of space. In the world of animal welfare, “foster failure” is a term of endearment when the wonderful foster parents decide to make it permanent, but this means more homes must be recruited.

What is required to foster? The most important ingredient is having room in your heart and a place in your home. The length of time is up to you. Most of the dogs are quickly adopted within a few weeks. If you can provide a home only for a few days, that helps a homeless dog until a long term home can be located.

Join Julie Kendall and the life-saving team of foster parents at Loving All Animals. They provide all vet care, food, supplies, training help, and adoption assistance. Foster homes for cats are also needed. Contact their Palm Desert office at (760) 834-7000. Be a part of a happy ending, and help precious animals like Bennett get their second chance.

Jmcafee7@verizon.net

November 26 to December 2, 2015

by Rick Riozza

Prepping with Prosecco on Thanksgiving

O

ne of the great joys in the day’s Thanksgiving festivities is preparing for the afternoon or evening dinner where panoply of plates and platters array the holiday table. Everyone can envision that immediately. But that scene does not appear out of nowhere unless the entire thing was just delivered from a professional catering firm, or, in the case we’re portraying, it’s the result of a full morning or day of prepping—which, when family & friends, do-gooders and critics alike, are in the kitchen making a fun, maybe somewhat hectic, but a memorable celebration.

And there is no better “prepping wine” to keep that morning fueled-up than the Italian Prosecco sparkling wine. Fresh and very light on the alcohol, Prosecco is a festive wine that keeps everyone happy and enjoying their tasks. It’s a bubbly that is not sugary sweet but has some light fruit sweetness—barely, and carries flavors of almonds, and is just a touch bitter, which works really well as you’re munching through your projects.

Sparkling wines are so versatile; there is no question that we can all enjoy sparkling whites & rosés, Spanish Cavas, and French Champagnes throughout the entire banquet! But there’s just that je ne c’est quoi, or—shall we say in Italian—Non so di cosa si tratta, about holiday food prep and enjoying Italian Prosecco.

And , of course, remember the brut (non-sweet) sparklers are fresh-tasting, cleansing and work best to complement the hodgepodge of dishes on the table should you wish to continue with the bubbly for the meal—or indeed, the entire meal!

The recent boom in sales of Prosecco is a story that continues to generate great interest among both the trade and consumers in the US. As is often the case when demand for a product grows, so does supply and choice. With many Proseccos on the market, deciphering quality can be a challenge, and is often touted as an inexpensive, easy-drinking alternative to Champagne.

Now for this 2015 Thanksgiving, we’re going to treat ourselves. Usually, we recommend picking up around three or four bottles of an inexpensive or reasonably priced Prosecco—which can always be found at Trader’s Joe’s—for the kitchen prep. And that’s still a good idea to keep the pantry helper’s glasses filled. But now that we have an appreciation for the stuff, let’s indulge with a higher-end quaff.

There are producers in Italy’s Veneto region producing high-end Prosecco with many characteristics that distinguish it from other brands. Bisol (www.bisol.it) is one of the winemakers spearheading this constant pursuit of quality.

The Bisol family has been making Prosecco in Valdobbiadene for nearly 500 years, and they have spent that time perfecting their craft.

Two excellent wines I’m serving this season and heartily recommending is the youthful Jeio Prosecco DOC, around $17, and the single-vineyard Bisol “Crede” Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superior DOCG at $25. These wines can be found at Total Wine & More in Palm Desert.

No one is breaking the bank on these items and it’s the perfect time to enjoy a little end of the year “splurge”. Any true wine enthusiast will readily agree the price is worth both the experience, and, the delight of sharing some fun and thoughtful wines for the holidays.

Bisol’s varied product line includes Jeio Prosecco DOC , produced with grapes from the low-lying hills of the Veneto.

This beautiful straw yellow Prosecco has a refined balance between acidity and minerality. The floral bouquet of apple, apricot and fresh meadow flowers complements the fruity flavors and dry finish. Jeio’s fresh, youthful character is a great start to the holiday meal.

If you were to compare the Jeio to the inexpensive Prosecco, it would be a wonderful lesson in wine appreciation.

There’s an immediate realization that the slightly more expensive Prosecco is improved up on every level of acidity, minerality, fresh fruit nuances, and balance by the better producer. It’s like we learned the differences with excellent Champagne and the cheaper versions.

The single-vineyard Bisol ‘Crede’ Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is produced from the Glera grape varietal, together with touch of Pinot Bianco and Verdiso grapes grown on the steep south-facing hills of Bisol’s vineyards in Valdobbiadene. It is a brilliant yellow-green color wine with a fruity bouquet that is reflected in its flavor of green apples and pears with balanced acidity. And at only 11.5% alcohol, it’s the wine that fills the perfect day.

This Crede is the Prosecco to calmly sit with and enjoy. By itself or with holiday meals, this is the wine that makes one

feel grateful: both humbly as we take in the experiences of the entire year with family and friends, and, as we have the opportunity to experience the finer things in life. A Champagne of this quality would cost in the neighborhood of over $70. This Bisol at $25 is such a fine-tuned and tasty Prosecco at a great value.

Bon Appétit and Cheers!

Rick is the valley’s “somm-about town” and continues to entertain and conduct at various wine events, tastings and restaurants. He can be contacted at winespectrum@aol.com

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November 26 to December 2, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

­­­THUR NOVEMBER 26 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev and Bill 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Black Sheep Thanksgiving 6pm, Reunion w/ DJ Day 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Closed ARNOLD PALMER’S; LQ; 760-771-4653 AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Hip Hop w/ Subterraneo 10pm open 6pm-2am BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Live Entertainment 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-770-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 Closed DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 7:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Chris Lomeli 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Punk Rock Night 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Country Night w/ JB & The Big Circle Riders 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-9991995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am

MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Closed PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Closed PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Martin Ross 6:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 The Deep Ones 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Closed SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 The Smooth Brothers 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Closed THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Tony DiGerlando 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Flyer 4-6pm, Carolyn Martinez Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Laurie Morvan Band 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Locals Night 9pm

FRI NOVEMBER 27 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia Band 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 The Mattson 2 w/ DJ Dennis Owens 10pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Siobahn 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Fleet Easton 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 TBA 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 80’s Night w/ DJ Sugarfree 9pm Open 6pm-2am BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 Lady Eris 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm

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CLEMETINE; PD; 760-834-8814 Gina Carey 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 House Band 8:45pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 The Deep Ones 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JACKALOPE RANCH; IND; 760-342-1999 Lisa Lynn & The Country Gentlemen 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live DJ 8:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Hot Sauce 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-9991995 DJ 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Charm School 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-3450222 Meltdown 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Sara Petite and The Sugar Daddies 8pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Dick Taylor Presents: Carole Cook 7pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 212 Band 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Puro Oro Blvck Fridvy w/ J Patron, Thr3 Strykes, Twin Eagles and more. 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm

SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Demetrious and Co. 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 TBA 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-755-5391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Meet The Corwins 5:30-7:30pm, John Stanley King 8pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 T.B.A. 1:304:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 TBA 5:30pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 6-10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 TBA 9pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallet 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Girl’s Night Out w/ The Men on the Hollywood Strip 9pm

SAT NOVEMBER 28 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev & Bill 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Pleasure Principle noon poolside, Highlife w/ DJ Day 10pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Cabaret Open Mic 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 TBA 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 The Seven/ Six & Dreamwrker Presents: The Leftovers 8pm open 6pm-2am BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-775-5566 DJ 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am

CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 TBA 8:30pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 The Pedestrians 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JACKALOPE RANCH; IND; 760-342-1999 Wicked Jed 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 T.B.A. 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Hot Sauce 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-9991995 Circle of Fifths 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 TBA 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-3450222 Old Skool 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, Sara Petite and The Sugar Daddies 8pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 TBA 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Hip Hop Playground 2015 8pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Dick Taylor Presents: Carole Cook 7pm, Kal David, Lauri Bono & The Real Deal 9pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Latin Night 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Perishment w/ special guest Murkocet 9pm

November 26 to December 2, 2015

SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 TBA 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 TBA 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Darci Daniels 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm TRYST; PS; 760-832-6046 TBA 10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 DJ Hektik 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 The Carmens 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & JB 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 8pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Courtney Chambers 6pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 8pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Stanley Butler Trio 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm

continue to page 17

15

November 26 to December 2, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Edge Steakhouse at The Ritz Carlton

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hen it comes to fine steakhouses, there is one that truly stands above all others, 650 feet above all others to be precise. Edge Steakhouse is located at The Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage sitting just above the city with jaw dropping panoramic views of our valley. Open for almost a year, Edge has been making headlines and creating buzz with locals and tourists from all over! I finally had the privilege of dining in this spectacular restaurant, feasting on the best quality steak one can find! The quality of food was equally matched by the service of the absolute finest ladies and gentlemen in the industry.

As we drove up the winding Frank Sinatra Drive, we instantly felt as though we were being transported out of the desert and into paradise! From the valet to the table, every employee had a genuine smile from ear to ear. The energy was high and so were our expectations. The appropriately named restaurant is located at the edge of the property, allowing us to pass through their lobby and signature restaurant, State Fare Bar and Kitchen, which opens for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a beautiful lounge featuring, “Social Hour” daily from 2pm to 6pm.

As we entered the restaurant, we marveled at the modern design of their elegant bar, where we enjoyed a cocktail before being seated. Our bartender/ mixologist, Eric, is as welcoming as he is talented and if we had not reserved an amazing table with a view, we would have been quite happy having dinner in his company. We were seated and greeted promptly by our serving staff. Because Edge

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provides a team approach to service, we were spoiled by Vini, and the dynamic duo, Brian and Brian (made it easy to remember).

I cannot say enough how incredibly attentive and cordial our servers were. We did not have to ask for anything, they simply provided for all of our needs, allowing us to relax and appreciate the luxury experience we had hoped for.

With some guidance from a highly trained Sommelier, Paul, we shared a decanted bottle of Brunello Di Montalcino, a rich and robust red wine that would ultimately complement our entrées. We began with appetizers. Foie Gras was seared and presented before us over a fresh huckleberry waffle as well as on the side, a small, creamy mousse-like cylinder with decorative accompaniment of meyer lemon curd and a tangy brown butter gastrique.

The textures and flavors were perfection in my mouth.

We would also share Chilled Blue Prawns with crispy prosciutto and savory beads of caviar. These four jumbo prawns were finished with fresh herbs and edible flowers for garnish. Each ingredient was placed precisely with care, creating a stunning presentation. The prawns were fresh and each bite begged for another! We were off to a terrific start!

For our main course, we considered our servers’ suggestions and ordered a 14 oz.

Prime Rib-Eye steak, dry aged 35 days as well as their Colorado Rack of Lamb! The steak, presented a la carte, was prepared a perfect medium rare and I can honestly say it was the best rib-eye I have ever had.

The steak had just the right sear to it, giving

The Pampered Palate

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

November 26 to December 2, 2015

by Tracy Dietlin

a firm texture and very tender, red center.

Simply mouthwatering! The Lamb was a large rack, very meaty and fairly lean with, once again, a perfect medium rare center.

This was the juiciest, most flavorful rack of lamb I have had in our valley, hands down.

The lamb was served over an eggplant puree with grilled eggplant and a healthy tobouleh of bulgar wheat. We paired our entrées with a peppercorn sauce and a red wine sauce, both of which were exquisite!

To accompany our entrees, we shared

a few side dishes and because it was our first time, we went for variety. For our vegetables, we selected Creamed Corn and a sweet, Maple Roasted Butternut Squash.

The corn was both sweet and savory with a little more texture than one would expect, making it a favorite. The squash was a seasonal favorite, sparking ideas for holiday home cooking. We would also share the mini Baked Potatoes with all the toppings. These four mini potatoes were a little different from the standard large baked potato and definitely easier for sharing.

Each dish was truly a work of art to be marveled. But the true talent and elegance arrived with our dessert. A trio of desserts to include flavors of fresh berries and rich chocolate with sorbets and ice cream was just what an indecisive person like myself needed! It was beyond description, forcing me to take yet another photograph of this amazing experience. We finished our meal with a complimentary aperitif. We chose the grand marnier and sambucca to toast to an amazing meal and Ritz Carlton experience.

Now it should be noted that this is a lavish dining experience that would be best considered for special occasions. One must remember that you get what you pay for in most cases and in this one, Edge certainly provides the finest quality food and service our valley has to offer! Edge is open for dinner only Wednesday through Sunday from 5pm to 10pm and reservations are a must! We had to book weeks in advance for prime time seating. Fortunately, this intimate restaurant allows for a spectacular view from any table! Edge Steakhouse is on Open Table and reservations can also be made by calling The Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage at 760-321-8282. Edge will also be open for Thanksgiving if you would like to leave the cooking and cleaning to the professionals.

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November 26 to December 2, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Robin E. Simmons

“IT’S ALIVE!” (YET AGAIN) VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN

fan of Radcliffe and I liked the nice twists on the classic story. The film has an undeniably great look. But this one is enjoyed best if you think of the great Hammer films in the same genre. Not fair to compare it to the original 1931 masterpiece. But make no mistake.

This is a fun – and sometimes thoughtful -- entry on it’s own merits. Now playing at Cinemas Palme d’Or.

Screeners No.192

about getting happy and passing it on.

Don’t miss this beguiling love story from the much-praised book (and screenplay) by Nick Hornby. John Crowley directs with a delicate hand. Now playing at Cinemas Palme d’Or in Palm Desert.

film and the touring titles as well as many additional films. Some of the meticulously “constructed” titles have commentary tracks, and there’s an essential Nolan introduction.

Among the 15 films are: “The Cabinet of Jan Svankmajer,” “Street of Crocodiles,” The Phantom Museum” and “Rehearsals for Extinct Anatomies.” Space does not allow for a fuller description and praise this exceptional collection of extraordinary films deserves. Know this: They will fuel your dreams. Zeitgeist Films. Blu-ray.

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY (1995)

Harry Potter’s Daniel Radcliffe is Igor Strausman, assistant to James McAvoy’s mad Doc Frankenstein, immortality researcher. This story never really gets old because the mystery of mortality lingers in our souls. After all, we just enjoyed/endured I, FRANKENSTEIN. Now, it’s time for yet another look with a fresh perspective.

The creative team behind this new iteration of Mary Shelly’s classic includes director Paul McGuigan (LUCKY NUMBER SLEVIN and TV’s “Sherlock”) and screenwriter Max Landis (CHRONICLE).

The heart (no pun) of the movie is about how these bros start with a noble plan to better humanity. They challenge and goad each other to go for greater and more horrifying but groundbreaking experiments into immortality until things go way too far and the relatively sane protégé Igor has to rescue the mad doc from his truly monstrous creation. No spoilers here. I’m a

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Great performances from Saoirse (Sheersee) Ronan and Emory Cohen imbue this hugely satisfying period romantic drama. I guarantee it will trigger your emotions and tingle your brain. Set in 1950s New York, the deceptively simple story has Ronan falling for a rough-hewn Italian plumber (Cohen). Complications of the heart arise when she returns to Ireland and confronts “temptation” from Domhnall Gleeson. I thought of Jane Austen [see SENSE AND SENSIBILITY below] as this wonderful, richly observed movie about a noble young girl torn between two lovers unfolded. At its heart, this honest, feel-good movie is really

I love these restored vintage B-movies.

In this crazy occult thriller, Bela Lugosi stars as Dr. Richard Marlowe, a mad scientist obsessed with raising his beautiful but long dead wife (Elen Hall) from the grave. His plan is to use a potent combo of “voodoo magic” and hypnosis. His secret ingredient in the mix is the “essences” of innocent young women he has kidnapped and locked away in his private dungeon. This chiller has all the ingredients. Henry Holt co-stars. William Beaudine directs. Olive Films. Blu-ray THE QUAY BROTHERS: COLLECTED SHORT FILMS

Timothy and Stephen Quay, American born identical twin brothers, who now reside and work in England, are the genius creators of a series of surreal, avant-garde, stopmotion animated films. Widely recognized as masters of their singular craft, their films are enjoyed and studied around the world.

Director Christopher Nolan is a big fan of the Quays. His short film “Quay” is a kind of tribute to the brothers. Recently he helped put together a traveling road show of their films he especially appreciates.

This terrific collection includes Nolan’s

By Heidi Simmons

To My Reading Buddy..

Exquisitely crafted, Ang Lee brings alive Jane Austen’s beloved 1811 novel from a surprisingly contemporary and witty screenplay by star Emma Thompson. The cast and crew are Brits and the verisimilitude of the era is further enhanced by beautiful Dorset locations in Austen’s real world – and that of her classic story. The movie received seven Oscar© nominations and a win for Thompson’s deft script. This wonderful, feel good film deserves another visit as the Dashwood family processes and resolves complications of desire, fate, love and loss. Besides Thomson, the pitch perfect cast includes Hugh Grant, Kate Winslett and Alan Rickman. This stunning Blu-ray transfer is limited to 3,000 units and they sell out quickly. Generous extras include an isolated sound track. Info on availability: TwilightTimeMovies.com Comments? robinesimmons@aol.com

ood-bye, my dear friend.

You loved to read! At the start, maybe more than I did. You certainly looked forward to it. I often thought of reading as a chore, but you didn’t. You could hardly wait for us to get started.

As soon as I picked up a book, you waited to see where we would settle down. No matter where I chose to read -- in the sunshine, on the couch, or upright in a chair – you were all in! But it was never about the location. It was about the reading and being together. You were good with it no matter the book or genre. You always found a place and were content to participate. You exemplified “curl up with a good book.”

Amazingly, you stayed with the reading for hours. You never got antsy or impatient.

You might gently shift, stretch out or get more comfortable, but you stuck with it.

Your presence made me stay put, and I kept reading. Just one more chapter, and another chapter and please maybe one more. You did not mind, in fact you welcomed it. Even encouraged it.

I’d look at you often to see if maybe we should stop. Without a word, you would look at me and say, “No, let’s not stop. Don’t get up. Keep reading. This is nice. You’re loving this like I’m loving it. Please keep reading.” You were right.

It was nice, even wonderful. So, so wonderful.

I only wish you knew how wonderful and how meaningful it was for me.

I’m not sure I told you how much I appreciated you as my reading buddy. I can only hope you knew. Because I only realized how much it really meant to me now that you are suddenly gone.

I will forever love and cherish the time we read together. You were good that way. Snuggled up. Sometimes I read out loud to you. You never minded if I didn’t read well or I read too slowly.

In fact, you’d close your eyes, breath deeply and drift off to the sound of my voice – always loving the experience and our precious time together.

You created a sacred space.

You made our time together like you had nothing else to do. I know that was not the case.

You had other hobbies, friends and family whom you loved. You equally valued the time you had with them. I wasn’t the only one you read with.

Yet, you made me feel that our time reading together was the most important thing you had to do. I like to think you did indeed love our reading perhaps more than anything else.

You lived in the present. You were your own self-actualized being. You were smart and independent. You did not like everybody, but you tolerated most people. You were curious and interested, wise, observant and a quiet spirit.

You were always available whenever someone needed you.

You made me a better reader and a better person. You taught me that it was okay to sit still, to relax, to forget the world around me. To engage. To be here now. Just read.

It was you who showed me that time was not relevant. You taught by example. You were always in the moment. You were alert and aware, yet unhurried and unworried.

I learned to settle in and just simply read the words on the page. You seemed to know, if together we just stayed in that place, a story would emerge and it would become bliss. You

ask JENNY

November 26 to December 2, 2015

by Jenny Wallis

“.. You can’t have it all, right?”

G

NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER: VOODOO MAN

PICK OF THE WEEK: BROOKLYN

Book Review

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

D

were so right.

This made reading such a pleasure. A joy. It made reading easy. Calming. Valuable. Important.

I learned to be a better reader because you made me stay with it. Being my reading buddy, you gave me enough time to delve into the narrative.

Make a dent. Get involved. Reading with you made the experience better. More beautiful.

Reading didn’t have to be something I did alone!

I was not the only one to experience your guidance and gentle touch. You were best friends with my husband. In many ways, his only truly, trusted confidant. You taught my sons the same wonderful lessons. In profound ways, you shaped their character, molded them into good men. I’m so, so grateful for what you did to make our lives so tremendously blessed!

Beyond your love for reading, you were a sage. You never betrayed a soul. I never knew a being could be so macho and tough, yet be so sweet and sensitive. You were completely true to yourself. Never wavering. You always gave your all and loved unconditionally.

Since your death, the days have shifted.

There is a void in the world. There is a hole in my soul that aches terribly.

I have tried to read. We were halfway through a book when you unexpectedly passed away. I could not get through a signal sentence without thinking of you. Now, nothing makes sense.

Nothing looks good or interesting. I cannot sit still. I cannot focus.

Although you lived a long, good life, that does not ease the pain of your absence. Right now, it feels as though my reading days are over. It’s hard to imagine how I will read again, or if I can get through a book without you, my dedicated reading buddy.

Yet, at the top of this page, in the corner, there you are, still with me. We were both younger and busier then. We hadn’t yet started our reading ritual. But how appropriate, dearest Bullet, that you share my Book Review columns.

Because without you, I don’t think I would have discovered the great pleasures of reading.

Dearest Bullet, were you a great dog and the best reading buddy a person could ever ask for!

I can’t believe you’re gone, but you left me with a precious gift. I’m eternally grateful for your reading companionship. Not only did you make reading special, but for nearly 16 years, you made my life significantly better each and every day you walked on the earth. You taught me so much.

I will always remember your breath in my ear; your heartbeat on my chest; your soft fuzzy touch and the weight of your warm body across my lap.

Rest in peace my sweet, noble Bullet. Thank you for your love and dedication. I love you and I miss you.

Bullet. January 2000 - November 2015

ear Jenny, I am so happy with my life and everything I have coming to me. I honestly feel like I am the luckiest woman around. I have so much of what I want; my life seems totally together. I always tell people how lucky and fortunate I am. But recently, someone challenged me on it; she said that if I am so happy, why do I complain so much about my boyfriend. I never really thought I did, but in retrospect, I do talk about him in a negative manner way too much.

We have been together for almost one year and he is a great guy… most of the time. Sometimes I feel that there are some things about him I need to fix; just little things I need to tweak. Otherwise, though, I am grateful that I have the amazing life I have. If it wasn’t for this relationship that isn’t all bad, my life would be perfect. I mean, you can’t have it all, right?

- Thanks, Maggie Hi Maggie, Actually, you can have it all. But in order to have it all, you need to claim it all. So things are great in your life and you acknowledge all that you have, you even give thanks for it all. Except there is one thing that is off? But that’s okay? You can’t have everything?

Let’s dissect exactly what you’re saying.

You’re telling me that it’s okay to have almost everything you are asking for. But you don’t have the romantic relationship you want, but that’s okay. Because you don’t have it, you’ll just complain about it, so you can hear these problems out loud? I am not sure why you want to talk about it.

Anyway, simply put, you seem to have some stuck views and feelings of yourself that aren’t serving you, but it seems that you can’t or won’t move past them. These could be feelings of unworthiness, feelings of not being enough, maybe feelings of doubt and fear. Either way, they are no good.

The feeling of being unworthy has been given way too much credibility. To start with, this is a feeling that is not even real. It is a feeling created by our ego and it doesn’t even exist. Something that happened to you in your past deemed you unworthy.

Maybe it is from your childhood, possibly something occurred and it didn’t go the way you wanted it to go. Could it be that someone said something that assisted in you forming an opinion of yourself?

Whatever the reason, the feeling is there and it won’t go away. Now you are taking it with you wherever you go, even in your romantic relationships.

The reason that it feels so bad when you talk about this feeling is because you are contradicting your inner being; your inner being loves and adores you. Having a feeling of unworthiness is so opposite of what you know to be true, you FEEL it.

And then when you complain about it, you are just amplifying this ridiculous view of yourself. You’re not even trying to get past it you are justifying its existence. You are arguing for your limitations. Essentially you are saying, “my relationship isn’t that great, but everything else in my life is, so I am just going to accept it.”

Whether you honestly feel that way, and I’m sure you don’t, why would you accept it? Do you honestly feel that you are not worthy enough to have everything you want? Do you believe that you could be less than another person, that you deserve less? Do you think that you are not enough?

That’s ridiculous! It can be as simple as this, Maggie, ask for what you want, know that it is coming and accept nothing less. Because if you have the where with all to imagine it, the universe has the where with all to deliver it.* You have to be able to ask for what you want and stop arguing for your limitations.

You need to stop defending why you can’t get it. All that the feeling of unworthiness is, is having negative emotions and being willing to put up with it. That’s it. So ask yourself, how long will you continue justifying something that you do not want, how long will you accept something that is not a perfect match? The answer is, as long as you feel you are not enough. The only reason it feels so uncomfortable and hurts so much to feel unworthy is because it is completely disagreeing with your inner being. Your inner being is rooting for you and you are rooting against yourself.

In all actuality, the only difference between the people who get what they want and the people who don’t, is that the people who get what they want think they deserve it… That’s it.

Every time I feel a sense of unworthiness creeping in, I remember when an old acquaintance told me he almost bought a beautiful brand new Lexus. But after some serious thinking he decided that he didn’t deserve it… so he got a Toyota. Ouch! What don’t you deserve?

Always remember, you are worthy and you are enough!

- ♥Jenny [*Excerpted from the Teachings of Abraham, Law of Attraction Workshop] Don’t forget to follow Jenny on askjennynow.com.

Contact her at (760) 505-0952

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November 26 to December 2, 2015

CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 15

SUN NOVEMBER 29

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Jesspeleta noon poolside, Intoxica Radio Live w/ Howie Pyro 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Brunch w/ Slim Man 11:30am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Motown, R&B and Funk 6pm-2am BEATNIK LOUNGE; JT; 760-475-4860 TBA BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Steve Madaio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Radio 60 & Friends 3-6pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Ted Herman’s Big Band 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company, in the afternoon, Hot Rox, in the night MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Longest Running Jam Session in the valley. Hosted by JB, Sign up 6pm

PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Hot Fudge Sunday Band 7pm PETE’S HIDEAWAY;PS; 760-322-6500 The Evaro Brothers 7pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Dick Taylor Presents: Carole Cook 1pm, The Judy Show 7pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Yellowman w/ Tribe-O and Irie Junctions 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 The Myx 6pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 7pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Jazztime Band w/ Gary Fukushima 2-5pm, John Stanley King 6-9pm VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 TBA 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 The Smooth Brothers 5:30pm

MON NOVEMBER 30 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Luminators 6pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Bill Marx 6:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Mood Deep House Lounge 6pm-2am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Ron Kalina’s Jazz 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Singer Song Writer Open Mic hosted by Robert Poole 7pm

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 T.B.A. 6pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Armed Forces Celebration and Sounds of the 40’s 6-9pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Michael James & 3sum 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Tony Grandberry 6:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Trish Hatley & Barney McClure 6pm

TUE DECEMBER 1 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Shady Rest Band 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Tommy Dodson 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Open DJ Night text 760-799-8800 to sign up 6pm-2am BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted

by Phillip Moore 9pm INDIAN CANYONS GOLF RESORT; PS; 760833-8700 DJ Randy Johnson 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Michael D’Angelo 6:15pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm

LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Open Mic Jam w/ Jimi Heil 7pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Rose Mallet 7pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 CV Open Mic Competition hosted by Morgan James 8pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Douglas McDonald 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Mike Costley and Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Tequila Tuesdays w/ DJ John Paul and DJ DGAF 9pm VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 John Bolivar & Barney McClure 6pm

WED DECEMBER 2 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Daniel Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 TBA 7pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Jam w/ Mikole Kaar & Friends 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Beer Pong Contest 6pm-2am BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm

HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Open Mic w/ Rich Bono & Poupee Boccaccio 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live Music KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic hosted by Amy Angel 6:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Mikael Healey 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Kal David 7pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-288-1199 Karaoke w/ KJ Ginger 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Michael Holmes Jazz 6:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Live Music 9pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 The D Phillips Band 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Straight Ahead Jazz 6pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Open Mic w/ Les Michaels 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Lizann Warner 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Nite Fixx 9-2am WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Karaoke 9pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Deanna Bogart 6:30pm

Haddon Libby

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

The Most Consumerist of Seasons

W

ith the most consumerist of seasons upon us, what is the first thing you think of?

Your bank, right?

Okay, probably not (unless you are overdrawn) but this is a most joyous season for banks as they will be making buckets of money from your consumerist consumerizing.

When you use your debit card to pay for something, banks make about a quarter.

If you are charging your way into 2016, banks make about $1.30 for every $100 you spend. If you keep a balance on that credit card, you typically pay from 12% to as much as 32% to borrow money that the bank pays 0.01% to depositors for or a rich 0.3% for a ‘high’ interest checking account.

For the record, if you have to leave $10,000 with a bank for a year to make $30, that ain’t high. I have an idea - how about the bank splitting that 18% credit card rate with you? Considering that it is our money that they are lending, it seems reasonable that we should go halfsies, no?

As for those credit cards that ‘pay’ you air miles that you can use anytime that you like so long as you travel on the 3rd Thursday of months that do not end in the letter ‘y’ or ‘r’, the store that you shop at gets to pay for

that. And we all know that when the store pays for something, they make that money back from you in the form of higher prices.

Gallup polling estimates that Americans on average will spend $830 each this holiday season, up a whopping $110 from last year. Those earning at least $75,000 will spend $1,227 while middle-income earners will spend $786 and those under $30,000 spending $460.

With Americans spending approximately $700 billion on the holidays, you can see why bankers are so jolly this time of year.

Overall, the banks process about $4 trillion

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in transactions annually for at least $50 billion in fees not to mention the usurious rates that they charge.

Citibank is the largest credit card issuer with 110 million cards in circulation domestically (18% market share). Chase is 2nd at 16% followed by Bank of America at 13%, Capital One with 10%, American Express at 9%, Discover having 7% and Synchony at 5%.

So which banks do Coachella Valley residents use the most?

A whopping 50% of us use Wells Fargo (22% market share), Bank of America (18%)

or Chase (12%). Following the acquisition of 0.1% market share Security Bank of Riverside by 4.5% market share Pacific Premier of Orange County, we have twenty banks serving the area. Citibank which is one of the largest banks in the United States ranks only 12th locally with a 2% market share.

While all banks doing business in the Coachella Valley are safe and sound and in no way at risk of failing, some banks are sounder than others. According to BankRate, the strongest bank is El Centro’s Community Valley Bank with a 99.3 score (1:100 scale).

This means that only 0.7% of all banks in the nation are financially stronger than Community Valley Bank which just opened a branch in the Coachella Valley. Rounding out the top five are OneBank (98.5), Pacific Western of San Diego (88.5), Pacific Premier (85.3) and Opus (79.3) of Orange County.

Only two banks ranked poorly - Provident Savings of Riverside at 22.5 and Rabobank at 22.6. Rabobank is the bank that recently and abruptly closed the bank accounts of Canadians.

By the way, if you do not want the banks to make money from your holiday shopping, try using cash.

Dale Gribow On The Law

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE OR TEXT AND GET A DUI OR ACCIDENT, CALL A TAXI OR UBER.. .IT IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME (760) 340-2840

November 26 to December 2, 2015

his week is Thanksgiving, the beginning of the holiday season, and a month of parties. We will eat too much AND DRINK more than we realize.

Unfortunately, most of my readers do not realize that you do not have to be drunk. You merely have to be Under the Influence which is Impaired.” After a few drinks most people do not realize they are impaired and think they can still do anything.

In the CV, holidays mean an influx of visitors and holiday parties, resulting in more traffic and drinking. Thus more clients will call this month about Auto Accidents and Drunk Driving.

If stopped for a checkpoint you may have forgotten the information that follows. Sometimes ones lack of memory is from Black and White fever that happens when you see a police car. Thus you do not have to have been drinking to be thrown off your game. On my legal radio show I started off each episode saying People Don’t Plan to Fail, They Fail to Plan. If you understand these directions you will have Planed Ahead. Being forewarned is being forearmed!

If stopped for a DUI, remember the Field Sobriety Tests (FST’s) at the scene are OPTIONAL as is the BREATH TEST. Politely tell the officer that you understand the FST and Breath test are optional and you opt “not to take them”. Then be courteous and request a Blood Test if you had been drinking.

You will be taken to the hospital or police station for a professional blood draw. Since it takes

a while to get blood results you will be arrested, fingerprinted and placed in custody for about 4 hours. A new case requires a licensed person for a Refusal or Forced Blood Draw. I predict it will soon extend to regular blood draws.

A DUI is a criminal offense with two separate legal proceedings, Court and DMV. The officer will snatch your license and give you a pink form which is a temporary license for 30 days. Now you must retain an attorney to schedule a DMV Hearing within 10 days.

Your lawyer can present evidence and subpoena witnesses, including the arresting officer.

Your attorney can advocate for your license and driving privileges on your behalf, and the DMV will then rule on whether or not the officer had reasonable cause to take your license. The DMV hearing is stacked against the driver as the hearing officer is both the prosecutor and judge. However it provides a glimpse of the case and the evidence.

At the Arraignment you, or your attorney on your behalf, will appear and enter a plea of not guilty. Plea Bargains or Pretrial Motions can be requested at that stage.

At the trial the DA and your lawyer will present evidence, argue, and cross-examine witnesses. The jury then decides whether or not you are guilty of driving under the influence and or driving with a blood alcohol of over a .08.

If you are found guilty or plead, the court sentences you based on the circumstances of your case. It could include fines, jail time (or home arrest

with an ankle bracelet), community service, and alcohol education.

If you have questions or ideas for future columns please contact Dale Gribow at 760-8377500 or dale@dalegribowlaw.com.

DALE GRIBOW - “TOP LAWYER” - Palm Springs Life 2011-2016 (DUI and PI) 10.0 AVVO Perfect Peer Rating “Preeminent” - Martindale Hubbell Legal Directory

“Best Attorneys of America” Selected by “Rue” (Limited to Top 100/State) Selected Founding Member of American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys Selected for 10 BEST Attorneys for California for Client Satisfaction in the practice area of DUI Law Selected for the National Advocacy for DUI Defense (comprised of America’s Top DUI ATTORNEYS) 2015 Client Appreciation Award & Martindale Hubbell Client Distinction Award Weekly Talk Show Host and weekly Legal Columnist major LA and Palm Springs papers

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November 26 to December 2, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

safety tips

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Week of November 26

When Black Friday Comes!

B

lack Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, when holiday gift buying begins. Sales offering big discounts lure customers into stores, often beginning in the early hours of the morning.

“Unfortunately, Black Friday is a day when shoppers may become victims of crimes and injuries,” reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.

People should be alert and aware of people and the surroundings around them, and their vehicles. Park in a location that is closest to the store or mall if shopping when it is dark. Be careful of other motorists as they may be distracted. Park near light.

Purses should be worn in a way that it is close to the body and difficult to snatch. If carrying a wallet, it should be kept in the front pocket or the inside pocket of a coat

or jacket.

Carrying too many bags may also prove dangerous in many ways. If possible, leave children at home during Black Friday. The crowds of people can easily overwhelm a child who may get hurt or become lost. If you must bring a child, it is important to hold onto small children to avoid separation.

Know where fire/emergency exits are in stores and malls. If you’re sick, do us “all” a favor and stay home! Bring hand sanitizers to help combat germs. Put away that cell phone and be cognizant and courteous of others.

“Most importantly, be patient and be kind,” reminds Chief DiGiovanna.

Now that’s a bargain!

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

sports Scene

by Julie Buehler

Coming Home Means More For Local Player and Coach

D

J Alexander didn’t have an easy path to the NFL, but it’s not hard to understand why he’s gaining a reputation in the Kansas City Chiefs’ locker room as a “hustle guy.”

Barely on track to graduate from Palm Desert High School, but facing a rare opportunity to play Division-I football at Oregon State University, Alexander took 12 classes his senior year to make himself academically eligible while playing football for the Aztecs and setting new PDHS records on the track team.

His combination of size and speed caught

22

the attention of coaches from around the country, but the dedication to his future impressed Aztec head coach Pat Blackburn.

They used Alexander’s years at Palm Desert to establish a relationship, one Alexander calls “key” to his success. After a solid career as a Beaver, Alexander was drafted in the 5th round of the 2015 NFL Draft, becoming the first player ever drafted to the NFL out of PDHS. While the two stayed in touch through Alexander’s years at Oregon State, they reunited in person at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego after the Chiefs took down the

Chargers 33-3.

“I’ve been looking forward to this for weeks,” Alexander said in the Chiefs locker room, before he was able to sneak out of the interview area and meet the friends and family in town to see him. “I can’t even begin to guess how many people are out there.”

But as soon as he saw the Aztecs logo on Blackburn’s cap, the crowd of Chiefs fans dissolved momentarily and the two shared a moment.

“It’s awesome,” Blackburn said. “It’s awesome that he shares his success with us and it’s awesome that he thanks me for the little part I had in his career.”

It’s more than just a little part according to Alexander.

With his grades slipping and his dreams fading, it was Blackburn that refocused the talented teenager to create a vision for his success and pursue it.

But as Alexander said, it wasn’t easy, but it was rewarding.

And it’s equally rewarding (perhaps not financially, but certainly emotionally) for Blackburn to see his player’s success. When asked if there were moments he cherished more in his 22 years at Palm Desert High School, Blackburn’s response: “No.” Seeing his former player, a young man whose future was murky until the clarity of his dream outpaced the countless hours required to achieve it, actually achieve that which he sought, THAT was the most rewarding moment of the coach’s decades of coaching.

Meanwhile, back in the Chiefs’ locker room, the guy DJ Alexander is playing behind, Pro-Bowl linebacker Derrick Johnson, who says Alexander reminds him of himself.

“You can see his passion when he steps on the field,” Johnson said. “He’s a highmotor guy, but he’s also very smart. Most guys call him Little DJ and me Big DJ… the sky’s the limit for him.”

ARIES (March 21-April 19): “We are torn between nostalgia for the familiar and an urge for the foreign and strange,” wrote novelist Carson McCullers. “As often as not, we are homesick most for the places we have never known.” I’m guessing that these days you’re feeling that kind of homesickness, Aries. The people and places that usually comfort you don’t have their customary power. The experiences you typically seek out to strengthen your stability just aren’t having that effect. The proper response, in my opinion, is to go in quest of exotic and experimental stimuli. In ways you may not yet be able to imagine, they can provide the grounding you need. They will steady your nerves and bolster your courage.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The Pekingese is a breed of dog that has been around for over 2,000 years. In ancient China, it was beloved by Buddhist monks and emperors’ families. Here’s the legend of its origin: A tiny marmoset and huge lion fell in love with each other, but the contrast in their sizes made union impossible. Then the gods intervened, using magic to make them the same size. Out of the creatures’ consummated passion, the first Pekingese was born. I think this myth can serve as inspiration for you, Taurus. Amazingly, you may soon find a way to blend and even synergize two elements that are ostensibly quite different. Who knows? You may even get some divine help.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Author Virginia Woolf wrote this message to a dear ally: “I sincerely hope I’ll never fathom you. You’re mystical, serene, intriguing; you enclose such charm within you. The luster of your presence bewitches me . . . the whole thing is splendid and voluptuous and absurd.” I hope you will have good reason to whisper sweet things like that in the coming weeks, Gemini. You’re in the Season of Togetherness, which is a favorable time to seek and cultivate interesting kinds of intimacy. If there is no one to whom you can sincerely deliver a memo like Woolf’s, search for such a person.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Some people are so attached to wearing a favorite ring on one of their fingers that they never take it off. They love the beauty and endearment it evokes. In rare cases, years go by and their ring finger grows thicker. Blood flow is constricted. Discomfort sets in. And they can’t remove their precious jewelry with the lubrication provided by a little olive oil or soap and water. They need the assistance of a jeweler who uses a small saw and a protective sheath to cut away the ring. I suspect this may be an apt metaphor for a certain situation in your life, Cancerian. Is it? Do you wonder if you should free yourself from a pretty or sentimental constriction that you have outgrown? If so, get help.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted,” wrote Leo author Aldous Huxley. That’s the bad news. The good news is that in the coming weeks you are less likely to take things for granted than you have been in a long time. Happily, it’s not because your familiar pleasures and sources of stability are in jeopardy. Rather, it’s because you have become more deeply connected to the core of your life energy. You have a vivid appreciation of what sustains you. Your assignment: Be alert for the eternal as it wells up out of the mundane.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In their quest to collect nectar, honeybees are attuned to the importance of proper timing. Even if flowering plants are abundant, the quality and quantity of the nectar that’s available vary with the weather, season, and hour of the day. For example, dandelions may offer their peak blessings at 9 a.m., cornflowers in late morning, and clover in mid-afternoon. I urge you to be equally sensitive to the sources where you can obtain nourishment, Virgo. Arrange your schedule so you consistently seek to gather what you need at the right time and place.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Are you willing to dedicate yourself fully to a game whose rules are constantly mutating? Are you resourceful enough

© Copyright 2015 Rob Brezsny

to keep playing at a high level even if some of the other players don’t have as much integrity and commitment as you? Do you have confidence in your ability to detect and adjust to ever-shifting alliances?

Will the game still engage your interest if you discover that the rewards are different from what you thought they were? If you can answer yes to these questions, by all means jump all the way into the complicated fun!

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): I suspect your body has been unusually healthy and vigorous lately.

Is that true? If so, figure out why. Have you been taking better care of yourself? Have there been lucky accidents or serendipitous innovations on which you’ve been capitalizing? Make these new trends a permanent part of your routine. Now I’ll make a similar observation about your psychological well-being. It also seems to have been extra strong recently. Why? Has your attitude improved in such a way as to generate more positive emotions? Have there been fluky breakthroughs that unleashed unexpected surges of hope and good cheer? Make these new trends a permanent part of your routine.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): From the dawn of civilization until 1995, humans cataloged about 900 comets in our solar system. But since then, we have expanded that tally by over 3,000. Most of the recent discoveries have been made not by professional astronomers, but by laypersons, including two 13-year-olds. They have used the Internet to access images from the SOHO satellite placed in orbit by NASA and the European Space Agency. After analyzing the astrological omens, I expect you Sagittarians to enjoy a similar run of amateur success. So trust your rookie instincts. Feed your innocent curiosity. Ride your raw enthusiasm.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Whether or not you are literally a student enrolled in school, I suspect you will soon be given a final exam. It may not happen in a classroom or require you to write responses to questions. The exam will more likely be administered by life in the course of your daily challenges. The material you’ll be tested on will mostly include the lessons you have been studying since your last birthday. But there will also be at least one section that deals with a subject you’ve been wrestling with since early in your life -- and maybe even a riddle from before you were born. Since you have free will, Capricorn, you can refuse to take the exam. But I hope you won’t. The more enthusiastic you are about accepting its challenge, the more likely it is that you’ll do well.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): For $70,000 per night, you can rent the entire country of Liechtenstein for your big party. The price includes the right to rename the streets while you’re there. You can also create a temporary currency with a likeness of you on the bills, have a giant rendition of your favorite image carved into the snow on a mountainside, and preside over a festive medieval-style parade. Given your current astrological omens, I suggest you consider the possibility. If that’s too extravagant, I hope you will at least gather your legion of best friends for the Blowout Bash of the Decade. It’s time, in my opinion, to explore the mysteries of vivid and vigorous conviviality.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Are you available to benefit from a thunderbolt healing? Would you consider wading into a maelstrom if you knew it was a breakthrough in disguise? Do you have enough faith to harvest an epiphany that begins as an uproar?

Weirdly lucky phenomena like these are on tap if you have the courage to ask for overdue transformations.

Your blind spots and sore places are being targeted by life’s fierce tenderness. All you have to do is say, “Yes, I’m ready.”

Homework: Who teaches and helps you? Who sees you for who you really are? Who nudges you in the direction of your fuller destiny?

Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

November 26 to December 2, 2015

Mind, body & Spirit

by Bronwyn Ison

A SEASON OF GRATEFULNESS

E

ach week I am grateful in sharing my articles with our community.

Overwhelming gratitude prevails for my children, health, successes, my trials and tribulations. A friend of mine shared how she received a journal as a gift. Each day she is to write what she is grateful for in her life. I love this idea. For years I have commenced my day with a spirit of gratitude. Imagine if you approached each day as though it were Thanksgiving. I do it and it seems to reap reward more often than not. Certainly all is not perfect. Attitude is paramount.

Our sensibilities can determine the direction of our day. As a mother I play a game with my daughters called, “The Cranky Bird.” When one of my daughters is irritable, I mention she must have a cranky bird on her shoulder. I either open a door, a window or walk outside so that we can release the cranky bird outside where he belongs. Each time my ploy works and within moments her mood will shift positively. My mother played this game with me too. I do believe we can learn how to adjust our attitude at a young age.

I am thankful for each occurrence, positive or negative. Naturally, if it’s positive, I am exceptionally thankful. Yet, I am thankful when life doesn’t go my way. This provides me an opportunity for growth and I can sustain a positive outlook on life. There have been moments when I am grateful for my unfortunate life experiences. Why? I have

gleaned so much about people. Fortunately, lessons from others have afforded me the opportunity to craft meaningful insight about every relationship in my life. I am grateful to be able to associate healthy and soulful people.

If you were to make a list of what you are thankful for in life, how would it read? Our lives are evolving. Each day offers something new. Consider making a list daily. Attempt to render each day of thankfulness different. I have a choice to control my attitude or allow downward growth to predominate. I shift gears and consider I may be stopping at every red light for a reason. Perhaps, I avoided an accident. Anyway you look at it I will arrive at the exact time needed for me to be there.

A quote I once read said something of this nature, “Whatever we are not grateful for, somebody else is praying for.” This resonated with me. It reminded me to reflect on what I have versus what I do not possess. Having a kind heart and spirit will allow others to know you come from a genuine place. A multitude of favor and blessings will spill into your life when you approach life with a grateful spirit.

Try this assignment for one-week. Commit to writing everything you are thankful for in life.

Wishing each of you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga. e-volveyoga.com 760.564.YOGA(9642)

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November 26 to December 2, 2015

Ask The Doctor

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by dr peter kadile

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

Turkey, Potatoes and stuffing with a side of Sleepiness and Heartburn Dr. Kadile, my relatives get sleepy after Other symptoms can be nausea after eating, eating the Thanksgiving meal. Is it true turkey can put you to sleep? - Roger, Indio Roger, I think we are taught as children, that eating turkey will cause sleepiness because it contains tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid that enters the brain and forms serotonin, which then gets converted to the sleep inducing hormone melatonin. But research has shown that turkey doesn’t trigger sleep anymore than other foods. Gram for gram, cheddar cheese actually contains more tryptophan than turkey does.

So why do we get sleepy after eating a big Thanksgiving meal? It has to do with the large amounts of carbohydrates and alcohol associated with the celebration. The large amounts of stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, deserts, cocktails, beer and wine will trigger the release of insulin which will lower your blood sugar. The sudden decline in blood sugar can cause lethargy and drowsiness. The insulin will also remove most amino acids from the blood, except tryptophan, allowing tryptophan to enter the brain and ultimately form melatonin.

So basically, any big meal containing tryptophan and a lot of carbohydrates can trigger sleepiness, not just turkey. And don’t forget, if alcohol is part of your Thanksgiving dinner, it can also trigger sleepiness.

Doc, I’ve been having a lot of heartburn lately. I don’t want to take medication for it, what can I do? - Matthew, La Quinta Matthew, heartburn is usually a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The discomfort of reflux is caused by the upward backflow of stomach acid, bile, ingested liquids and foods into the esophagus.

GERD symptoms commonly manifest as a burning type pain or discomfort that moves up from your stomach to the middle of your chest. The pain can also move into your throat.

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frequent belching or burping, and bloating.

Constantly having to clear your throat or persistent coughing can also be due to GERD. While there are effective over the counter medications out there, they should only be for short term use only. Long term use of proton pump inhibitor medications, such as, Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, Protonix, can adversely affect the stomach’s absorption of vitamins and minerals. Anemia and increased risk of bone fractures may result from long term use of these medications. Along with another class of medications called H2 blockers (Tagamet, Zantac, Pepcid), chronic long term use of these heartburn or reflux meds interferes with the stomach’s ability to properly absorb nutrients. Just think, the stomach needs an acid environment to break down proteins for digestion.

Lifestyle modifications are an important component in treating GERD and can decrease dependence on medications that have potential adverse side effects.

• Maintain a reasonable weight • Avoid eating tomatoes, garlic, and onions.

Also refrain from chocolate, peppermint, citrus fruits and fatty or oily foods • Avoid coffee, tea alcohol and soft drinks • Eat smaller meals more frequently instead of three large meals a day. Do not lie down after meals.

• Do not eat for at least 2-3 hours before bedtime. Elevate the head of the bed about 6 inches.( It’s usually better to elevate the head of the bed instead of just laying on an extra pillow) • Get plenty of exercise and rest.

• Do not smoke.

• Try not to take any aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naprosyn (Aleve).

• Consider a trial of probiotics since imbalance of the stomach’s “bacteria” may cause symptoms of reflux.

Life & career Coach

by Sunny Simon

Giving Thanks for Quiet Moments

I

t occurred to me as I sat sipping my cappuccino that lately I have been plugging a considerable amount of activities into my smart phone calendar. Today I took a closer look at the events over the next six weeks and sighed. A little voice down deep warned me I would soon be bordering on over commitment.

Thankful for that inner wisdom I decided to be more mindful regarding my schedule.

As we move into a celebratory season filled with friends, fun and a host of parties and gettogethers, it is easy to obliterate the white space from our calendars. Although the warmth and comfort of gathering together in thankfulness and love is what makes this the best time of the year, we pay a price when removing our much needed solitude.

Meaningful alone time is required to balance the hectic pace of our lives which increases during the holidays. According to psychologist, Ester Buchholz, “Being alone gives us the power to regulate and adjust our lives. It can teach us fortitude and the ability to satisfy our own needs.”

During my teens and early twenties I constantly craved being with friends and family, always active, always on the run to the next activity. I clearly recall one day being hungry and without a lunch date, which meant eating alone.

I found going into a restaurant on my own both

an enlightening and scary experience. Looking back I realized it was really one of my growth moments because I discovered being alone was not lonely, it was necessary. Psychologists tout that time spent alone signals emotional maturity, so I had finally arrived.

Being in your own company provides the power of perspective, enabling you to analyze your priorities, future goals and your path in life. But let me be clear, solitude does not mean sitting at your laptop alone interacting on Facebook or browsing on your smart phone. To embrace solitude, you must be alone with only your thoughts to guide you. If you’ve forgotten how to enjoy being on your own, just observe a solitary child at play. Children are content to take pleasure in a world they create. They delight in their own company.

So this season, do justice to your schedule.

Limit the number of gatherings you attend.

Gracefully excuse yourself by acknowledging the generosity of an invitation but follow up by saying you are sorry you cannot be present as you have something else planned during that time. You do have another pressing engagement, a quiet slot on your calendar. Enjoy the alone time and use it to be thankful for your many blessings.

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

mai beauty

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

November 26 to December 2, 2015

by Maily O’neil

What’s In?

Question: Is long hair or short hair in right now?

Maily: Currently, it is not short or long length hair- it is the mid length below the shoulder with an A line front. This is both romantic and sexy, with a conservative look, with easy care for women on the go. They can keep the style straight for the work day and then big curls and playful style for the nights and weekends.

Question: For a long time now straight hair has been in but I hear big curly hair is a comeback, is this true?

Maily: YES! I am loving this comeback.

Love natural texture and then some!

Keeping your hair at its natural state is important for the health of your hair. For a long time we did not have the knowledge nor the products to wear curly hair-now we do. Textured hair needs moisture to maintain the curls so it doesn’t go frizzy.

I found a trick that taking Sebastian’s Drench conditioner and mixing it with Sebastian’s Potion 9 works wonders!

Make sure to look out for another style that is making its way back into fashionwhich is straight across bangs!

If you need any hair needs or fashionable trends Mai Salon would be more than happy to make it happen for you!

- Maily O’ Neil

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November 26 to December 2, 2015

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November 26 to December 2, 2015

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November 26 to December 2, 2015

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