Coachella Valley Weekly - October 31 to November 6, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 32

News

Music

Movies

Dining

Community Events

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com • October 31 to November 6, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 32

Robert Rose Photography

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Soul Sign

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ArtBar

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Piero’s Pizza Vino

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October 31 to November 6, 2013

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Desert Arc’s Italian Festival

Local featherweight

UFC fighter

"the killer cub"

Coachella Valley Weekly www.coachellavalleyweekly.com info@coachellavalleyweekly.com

SmokinÕÊHotÊDeals!

760.501.6228

HeyÊFolks!ÊClipÊandÊpresentÊtheseÊ specialÊPERKSÊ&Êenjoy!

CUB SWANSON

BDAY bash party TILTED KILT

72191 HWY 111, Palm Desert, CA Saturday November 2 10pm-2am live mixing by and

RICHIE’S DINER

At the Westfield Palm Desert Mall (Next to JCPenney)

Clip and present to server!

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FREE APPETIZER SAMPLIN’!

ONE (1) FREE KIDS MEAL!

Sample our Just Chicken Strips, Just Colossal Onion Rings, and Just Zucchini! Entrée selection must be a minimum total value of $20, before tax and gratuity and does not include alcohol. Offer good daily after 4pm for everyone in your party. Offer not valid with other Perks, Early Bird Specials, Diner Dollars, discounts or advertised specials.

Perk must be surrendered. Enjoy by 11/12/13. CW110113

Good for up to two (2) kids per two (2) paying adults. Good daily. Not valid with other Perks, Diner Dollars, Mega Breakfast, Senior Breakfast, Early Bird Specials, discounts or advertised specials. Perk must be surrendered. Enjoy by 11/12/13. CW110113

With the Purchase of Two (2) Entrées Valued at $20 or More!

Good only at

PALM DESERT

With the Purchase of Any One (1) Adult Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner Entrée!

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

Contents 3rd Annual Italian Festival.............. 3

The Edge Series - Hard Rock............ 5 Don’t be Clueless in the CV...........6 Local Business - Robert Rose........7 Dancing With the Deseert Stars....9 Art Under the Umbrellas ..............9 Sports Scene................................10 Sports...........................................11 LMS- Soul Sign.............................12 LMS- Ekavohs...............................13 LMS- The Refills............................13 Consider This ...............................14 ArtBar............................................15 Pet Place.......................................16 The Vino Voice..............................17 Club Crawler Nightlife.................18 The Pampered Palate - Piero’s....20 Screeners......................................22 Book Review.................................23 Halloween Events........................25 Education.....................................26 Community - ................................26 Haddon Libby: It’s All Local.........27 JPV: It’s Your Nickel......................27 Dale Gribow.................................28 Real Estate....................................28 Safety Tips....................................29 Gamer Girl....................................29 ShareKitchen................................29 Health - ........................................30 Free Will Astrology......................31 Mind, Body, & Spirit.....................31 Life & Career Coach......................32 Beauty w/ Dr Maria Lombardo...32 Comics - Weiss Cracks..................34

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October 31 to November 6, 2013

By Denise Ortuno Neil

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ome celebrate Italian heritage with great Italian food, terrific entertainment and a wonderful family fun zone, when Italy meets Rancho Mirage at the 3rd Annual Italian Festival at Whitewater Park on November 2nd and 3rd benefitting Desert Arc. Whitewater Park is located at 71560 San Jacinto Drive in Rancho Mirage, two blocks west of The River (just behind the Elephant Car Wash on Highway 111).

Desert Arc serves 600 clients with developmental disabilities. It has a staff of 200 and operates a large transportation system which includes 24 buses and 18 vans. The mission of Desert Arc is to “Enhance the quality of life and create opportunities for people with disabilities”.

Desert Arc’s clients consist of adults with developmental disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, epilepsy, and other medical conditions.

Desert Arc provides its clients with a variety of assistance programs to help them lead independent lives such as job and vocational training, job placement and employment, transportation, social activities and client advocacy, among others.

Desert Arc’s main campus is in Palm Desert. The land was donated by the Western Italian Golf Association in 1983.

Currently, the Palm Desert campus has 50,000 square feet of space in five buildings.

Desert Arc also has satellite campuses in Yucca Valley and Indio.

The idea for the Italian Festival came

from a suggestion by Executive Director Richard Balocco to Deputy Executive Director Mitch Blumberg in 2010 to create a fall event to complement Desert Arc’s spring Golf Tournament. Blumberg came up with the concept of an Italian Festival as homage to the Western Italian Golf Association and as recognition of the Italian heritage of Mr. Balocco. Blumberg loves cultural festivals such as the Greek Festival and the Tamale Festival. He thought an Italian Festival would be a perfect addition to desert festivals and an awareness builder for Desert Arc. In 2011 the first Italian Festival was held at Whitewater Park in Rancho Mirage. The city of Rancho Mirage was very supportive as they thought that it would be a cultural attraction for the city. Desert Arc attracted 3,000 Italian Festival goers for the first year event, then 4,000 in year two. “It was a stunning success,” said Blumberg. This year, having expanded to two days, they are expecting even larger numbers, possibly surpassing the 5,000 mark.

This year’s event is once again at the beautiful Whitewater Park in Rancho Mirage on November 2nd and 3rd, from 11am to 5pm on Saturday and 11am to 4pm on Sunday. The festival will be an Italian food-lover’s paradise with upwards of 40

vendors on hand to provide the best in Italian fare. Restaurants include Castelli’s, Mario’s (which will be handing out free cannoli’s), Acqua Pazza, Fisherman’s Market & Grill, Pinzimini at the Westin Mission Hills, Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino, the new Livreri’s Bella Napoli in Rancho Mirage and 3rd Corner Bistro to name some.

The festival starts with Desert Arc’s own choir singing the Italian National Anthem.

Santina Pellegrino, Festival Committee Member, will usher in attendees with the traditional Italian dance, the Tarantella.

Entertainment is non-stop each day of the festival. Celebrity Joey English, is the MC. Performances include the International Opera Institute, Joyce Garro (formerly

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a Dean Martin Goldigger), CBS Local 2 Meteorologist Patrick Evans, “That’s Amore” star, Gilmore Rizzo, and Italian music star Filippo Voltaggio as a headliner.

The event includes a spaghetti eating contest and Meatball Dash, where participants will balance meatballs on a spoon. The competition fun persists with the addition of a “Miss Bella Italiana” contest, which awards the winner a $500 scholarship. Contestants need to be between the ages of 16-22 and must have at least one Italian grandparent. As a bonus to the contest, the reigning “Mrs. Italy”, local resident Rene’ Dell’Acqua, will be on

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com hand along with the Italian Consul from Los Angeles.

The festival provides enjoyment for the whole family and includes a great Family Fun Zone with puppet shows by Dandelion Puppeteers, face painting and more. Adults are invited to participate in activities as well including Bocce Ball and “Recycled” craft making. And for those looking for shopping opportunities, there will be a variety of merchandise vendors.

The event has expanded to two days of festival fun, making it convenient for attendees to participate and balance their weekend event schedule. There is Free parking at The River Shopping Center with continuous Desert Arc shuttle buses.

The event has gained momentum and become a relished festival adding to the list of other Coachella Valley cultural festivals, while bringing awareness to Desert Arc. “It’s a great event,” said Executive Director Richard Balocco.

General admission to the Italian Fest is $5 with kids ten and under admitted for free. The cost for food at vendors varies, but hovers at $10 and under.

The Italian Festival is a fabulous family and community event bringing people with a passion for Italian heritage together

n conjunction with the opening of the spectacular new Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs, a new musical experience is set to transform downtown Palm Springs with the launch of the innovative, new The Edge Series – The Next Generation of Entertainment produced by Troupe Productions. Beginning this November, The Edge will elevate the music and entertainment scene in Palm Springs by propelling its audiences into a world of pop and rock history featuring the best talent from stage and screen. Performances are set for Friday and Saturday nights inside the Hard Rock Hotel’s Woodstock Room. The distinctive musical residency will begin its first run this November. Tickets and information are available at www.theedgepalmsprings. com. The first show, Top Rock, is a tribute to the greatest rock bands in history and will raise the decibels and propel its audiences into a new musical realm when it debuts the weekend of Nov. 8-9.

“We have created a musical performance unlike anything that has ever been seen or heard in Palm Springs,” explains Jim Casey, partner at Troupe Productions. “With The Edge Series, we have developed a concept which allows our amazing cast to take the audience into a fantastical world of pop

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for food, music and camaraderie. Most importantly, the event puts the spotlight on Desert Arc, their purpose and their clients, focusing on their mission to enhance the lives of those with disabilities.

For more tickets and more information visit www.desertarc.org

THE EDGE SERIES SET TO MAKE ITS MUSICAL DEBUT AT THE NEW HARD ROCK HOTEL PALM SPRINGS THIS NOVEMBER

Troupe Productions brings to life Rock and Pop Music History in a Live Theatrical Concert Experience Launching Nov. 9 in the Woodstock Room

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October 31 to November 6, 2013

and rock history.” Each month, The Edge will feature a new musical focus, with November being Top Rock – a 75 minute show paying tribute to the biggest names in the music industry; shredding hits from the Beatles, Aerosmith, Prince, Fleetwood Mac, Journey, Guns N’ Roses, and more. The live performance showcases the greatest singers, hottest dancers and a live band set in an intimate theater setting. “We have assembled the most talented crew ever to perform in Palm Springs,” notes Trini Garza, producer/partner at Troupe Productions.

“Our cast has performed on television, Broadway and on stages across the world.

We are lucky to have this type of talent all on one stage at the amazing new Hard Rock Hotel right in the center of downtown Palm Springs.”

“Palm Springs is an amazing destination,” adds Kim Waltrip, partner, Troupe Productions. “We felt the timing was right with the arrival of the Hard Rock Hotel to turn up the volume and rock the town a bit… louder, brighter and with an edge.

Just like we are doing with the upcoming Palm Springs Fashion Weekend (www. palmspringsfw.com) and Feartastic (www. feartastic.com), The Edge Series is part of Troupe’s goal of creating distinctive and top

notch entertainment and cultural events for locals, as well as for tourists visiting Palm Springs.”

Future shows in The Edge Series include: NOVEMBER: TOP ROCK – A shredder of a show, this 75 minute high-energy performance pays tribute to the biggest names in the music industry; banging out hits from the Beatles, Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses, and more. This show is high-octane, live rock n’ roll energy featuring the greatest singers, hottest dancers and a live band set in an intimate theater setting.

DECEMBER: ROCKIN’ HOLIDAYS - It’s all of your favorite holiday classics- with a ROCKIN’ twist! The Edge will celebrate the magic of the season Rock ‘n Roll style with a fun and whimsical production highlighted by classics such as Sting’s “Little Drummer Boy,”

Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas” and Three Dog Night’s “Joy To The World.”

Each performance features the incredible live band, and maybe even a few holiday surprises.

JANUARY: ROCK THE SOUNDTRACK - A “Movie Night” like no other, built around the songs that rocked the Academy Awards. This full-production entertainment experience, along with the most memorable scenes from the movies, brings these one-of-akind cinematic moments to life. Highlights include: “Johnny Be Good” from Back To The Future, “Danger Zone” from Top Gun and “Skyfall” from James Bond.

“We are committed to hosting an edgy and sophisticated mix of entertainment at the Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs,” says Hector Moreno, vice president and general manager.

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October 31 to November 6, 2013

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Don’t Be

CLUELESS IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY

EVENT CALENDAR ASI CELEBRATES 4 YEAR ANNIVERSARY AND HOSTS PRIDE WEEKEND KICKOFF PARTY AT RAYMOND | LAWRENCE Four years ago this Pride Weekend, Raymond McCallister and Larry Abel launched their Art • Style • Innovation boutique in what soon became known as the Uptown Design District. In 2011 when they opened Raymond | Lawrence, a curated collection of offerings, brands and choices for lovers of style, ASI moved in, and became part of the now thriving store at the heart of the design district.

In celebration of their anniversary and as part of the Greater Palm Springs Pride official events, ASI will host a Palm Springs Pride Weekend kickoff party on Friday, November 1, 6pm-8pm at Raymond | Lawrence, 830 North Palm Canyon Drive. Donations to benefit Palm Springs Pride are appreciated.

Greater Palm Springs Pride, now in its 28th year, is calling the event The Uptown Design District Chill-Out, and encourages everyone to enjoy an evening of art, style, design and dining as Palm Springs’ trendiest neighborhood celebrates Pride with late night food, drink, shopping and music. A fabulous mid century, modern, chic Uptown merchant filled gift basket will be raffled during the evening.

For more information about Raymond | Lawrence, call (760) 322-3344 or visit www. raymond-lawrence.com

FUN FALL FAMILY EXTRAVAGANZA AT THE CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM OF THE DESERT Saturday, November 9, 10am - 2pm Music, Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, Face Painting, Bouncy Houses, Swing Chair Rides, Food & More Make slimy gloop, ride a pony, join a garden scavenger hunt, explore science! These are just a few of the many exciting, family-friendly, fun activities that will be on tap for kids of all ages at The Children’s Discovery Museum’s Fall Family Extravaganza.

Everyone can be a kid for the day enjoying an abundance of activities set up throughout the Museum’s spacious grounds and facilities.

At the Children’s Discovery Museum, children and families thrive in an environment rich with interactive and creative exhibits that make learning fun. The Fall Family Extravaganza elevates the educational entertainment with even more exciting activities in a festive atmosphere.

Tickets for the family friendly day are $15 for members, and $20 for non-members. Tickets to the Extravaganza include entry to the Museum.

Food tickets are $1 each. The special day of festivities is generously sponsored by Contour Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Center, RBC Wealth Management, The Shalhoub Family McDonald’s, and Susan & Ed Burger.

CHARITY WINE TASTING EVENT HELPS FAMILIES AFFORD EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES FOR THEIR CHILDREN 3rd Annual Wine Tasting Benefits Rosie’s Kids Friday, November 8, 7pm - 10pm at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Cost: $50 Individual ~ $90 Couple Rosie’s Kids is hosting its 3rd annual wine and cheese tasting fundraiser in the 12th Floor Wine Bar at Fantasy Springs. Come sip delicious wine and enjoy cheese while listening to jazz music.

From soccer to piano lessons, to ballet or art class, there are so many extracurricular options for children here in the valley. But for many families the options don’t matter because they can’t afford all the extras that go along with those activities like cleats, music books, ballet shoes and art supplies. That’s why Rosie Welmas started Rosie’s Kids, a nonprofit organization that helps families afford to enroll their children in the activities they love.

Rosie’s Kids strives to make extracurricular activities more affordable for children and their families. Rosie Welmas, founder of Rosie’s Kids, says her organization was started because of the need she saw first-hand while coaching a group of children’s cheerleading squads. The organization helps offset the high cost of supplies needed to participate in extracurricular activities for children throughout the Coachella Valley, and helps them to become well-rounded individuals.

For more information on the 3rd Annual Wine Tasting Benefit Rosie’s Kids, contact Rosie Welmas at (760) 574-1828 or email info@ rosieskids.com

FIND FOOD BANK FUNDRAISER EVENT Saturday, November 9, 10am-2pm StorAmerica Self Storage, 43421 Monroe Street, Indio Do you have old electronics cluttering up your attic or garage? You can drop off your electronics and help raise money for FIND food bank. Members of the community and businesses are encouraged to clean out their garage or attic and donate their old electronics to a good cause. Bring all of your old electronics to the event, including, but not limited to: computers, monitors, televisions, printers, mobile phones, laptops, DVD players, VCRs, microwaves, calculators, iPods, cables and wires, telephones, fax machines, scanners, computer parts, and more. Free hot dogs, cold drinks and prizes for kids.

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local restaurants as well as a group of folks who just like to bake for fun. Each participant can create a cupcake of their choosing, then the mouthwatering morsels will be judged and cash prizes handed out.

The most delicious part, from 1pm-4pm, the Fantasy Cupcake Challenge is open to the public. Everyone will be able to browse the aisles of cupcakes and tantalize their taste buds with cupcake samples from ALL the participating bakers. The event also includes boutique vendors selling handmade items and unique gifts, baking demonstrations, a silent auction and live music. Also included with the ticket, is complimentary tastings of wine, champagne and international coffee.

Admission to the Fantasy Cupcake Challenge is $30 for adults $10 for children. If you bring three canned/non-perishable goods to the box office the day of the event, you will receive $5 off admission.

We are accepting entries for the amateur category online NOW! For tickets, details or to enter the contest, log on to www.

FantasySpringsResort.com/Cupcakes STROKE RECOVERY CENTER HOSTS 34th ANNUAL WINTER WONDERLAND BALL “Best Party in the Valley” to Recognize Pivotal Contributions of Valley Philanthropists Stroke Recovery Center will host its 34th Annual Winter Wonderland Ball on Saturday, November 23, at The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa, 71333 Dinah Shore Dr, Rancho Mirage.

Lee Appel and Harold Matzner will serve as co-chairs for the black tie gala, which will honor several Valley philanthropists.

This year’s honorees are Valley philanthropist Donna MacMillan, Stroke Recovery Center board member Harvey Gerber and his wife, Angie, and Dr. Javed Siddiqi, head of the Primary Stroke Center at Desert Regional Medical Center. Dr. Siddiqi has been instrumental in making the most advanced stroke treatments and equipment available to local patients, and will be honored with the Ann Angel Award. The late Ann Angel was a longtime supporter of Stroke Recovery Center, and her family remains dedicated to the organization.

“We are honored to show our tremendous appreciation and support for the charitable work that is being done by so many here in our Valley,” says Beverly Greer, Chief Executive Officer of Stroke Recovery Center. “There are so many outstanding individuals who commit themselves to the care of others, and we are privileged to honor a few of these wonderful persons who make the Valley a better place to live.”

The evening begins with a hosted cocktail reception and a silent auction at 6 pm followed by dinner, dancing and entertainment at 7 pm. A lively music program by Wayne Foster Entertainment is back by popular demand and will have the whole room dancing. Tickets are $350 per person and may be purchased by calling 760-323-7676 x112. RSVP is requested

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Local Business

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

October 31 to November 6, 2013

By Denise Ortuno Neil

Picture Perfect at Robert Rose Photography

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picture is truly worth a thousand words and maybe more. At the newly opened Robert Rose Photography Studio, they are committed to making their clients photography experience and finished product, a piece of art to look back on with visual pleasure and satisfaction.

It’s an inviting space; a cozy couch with a modern edge sits quietly in the corner, looking out onto the efficient yet ample studio. It is a mixture of comfort and sophistication, enough to impress without intimidation, certainly not the photography studio that one would find in a mall or franchised super store.

Situated on El Paseo, the Robert Rose Photography Studio is the collaboration of longtime friends Robert Laster and Kimberly Utley (Rose). Both have been photographers for over 20years. Utley, a LMU graduate with a Fine Arts Degree, got her training in the larger photography studios of Los Angeles in the world of celebrities and fashion.

Laster, a longtime Coachella Valley resident, has had a variety of experience in his photography, developing his skills with remarkable technique, bringing out the essence of his subjects in every shot.

The duo decided to start a studio in the desert together when they realized the vacancy that had presented itself in recent

times for such a business. “There are many photographers in the desert, but not really any studios,” Laster said.

Laster and Utley explain that even the studios that once existed in major chains such as JC Penny have gone by the way side. The reason is in part because people take so many more photos than they did before, as they have quick access to picture taking with their phones. But just because you have the ability to take photos on a whim doesn’t mean that the photo will be of professional quality. It is an important point especially when it comes to photos that need to be taken for either business or special occasion needs. That is where Robert Rose Photography comes in.

They have set up their business and studio to put their customers at ease in order to extract the best photo. They stress that when people are in a comfortable environment; their personality comes out easily, something that cannot be said of the more sterile chain studios. “We are really excited to bring a new photography scene to the desert,” said Laster.

Robert Rose Photography offers a myriad of different forms of photos from family portraits, headshots, fashion shoots, business card photos to corporate headshots and more. They provide a variety of backdrops and lighting to suit your photography vision and will assist you in finding the best way to portray it.

To kick off their new endeavor, they are having a great opportunity for parents to get a FREE picture taken of their child in their costume on Halloween, Thursday October31st from 3-8pm.

Also as part of their Grand Opening specials, they are offering a $99 special that includes a 1 hour session and choice of prints or disc. For the Holidays, get your Holiday Cards for $99 which includes 25 free cards and 30% off additional prints and packages ($10 each additional person).

Robert Rose Photography Studio is not your everyday studio, it is a unique establishment geared to providing their clients with a creative photography experience that will capture more than what is straight in front of the camera, giving a lasting impression of expressed emotion and personality.

Robert Rose Photography Studio is opened 10-6pm Tuesday-Saturday and by appointment. It is located at 73-890 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260 For an appointment and more information contact studio@robertrosephotography. com or call 760-565-6853

ANNOUNCING THE 2ND ANNUAL FANTASY CUPCAKE CHALLENGE: THE SWEETEST BAKEOFF IN THE VALLEY Sunday, November 17, 1pm - 4pm at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino The 2nd Annual Fantasy Cupcake Challenge is back! Pop those delicious morsels in the oven and join the sweetest competition in town.

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians will play host to the 2nd Annual Fantasy Cupcake Challenge, a decadent baking competition with all the proceeds going to Well in the Desert, a non-profit organization that provides meals to those in need.

The Fantasy Cupcake Challenge includes invited professional chefs and bakers from top

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events

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“Dancing with the Desert Stars” returns Friday, November 22

Gino LaMont fronts the 3rd Annual Dancing with the Desert Stars while co-host Randy Roberts “drags” dancers through the Green Room. Toni Basil, “Legacy” Perez, and Aiden Turner will judge this year’s dancers

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n uplifting experience, benefiting 100 Women at Desert AIDS Project, at the Renaissance Palm Springs Those competing to succeed local TV reporter/ anchor Bianca Rae as the 2013 Dancing Desert Star will be showing their best moves on an elevated dance floor this year, to improve the view for all audience members. Once again, all of the action will take place at the Renaissance Hotel Palm Springs on Tahquitz Canyon on Friday, November 22. ”The judges recognized how high Bianca set the bar last year. She was graceful yet athletic with both her compulsory and chosen dances,” said Dave Morgan, president of Reaction Productions, who created the fundraising event for Desert AIDS Project in 2011. “But then, Ron Duran was a pretty exciting act to follow from our first year in 2011.

Who knows – maybe someone will beat both of their performances this year.” Last year’s “Fan Favorite” – chosen by audience donations – was Margie Taft but it’s anybody’s guess right now who will delight the judges or the audience.

Eight competitors – four women and four men – will each dance twice with their respective professional dance partners. This year’s women include Heather Coladonato, president and CEO of the Desert Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce; Jan Harnik, mayor of Palm Desert; Katharine Johnson, president of the Palm Springs Fireman’s Association; and Valerie Powers Smith, of counsel at Slovak Baron Empey Murphy & Pinkney, LLP in

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Palm Springs. The 2013 male competitors are Dr. Frederick Eko, of the Plastic Surgery Institute in Rancho Mirage; Tony Marchese, co-owner of Trio Restaurant and The Purple Room in Palm Springs; Assemblymember V. Manuel Pérez, California’s 56th District; and Ernie Santora, president of 1st Community Insurance Services in Palm Springs.

“I’m sure this year’s eight competitors are going to have as much fun as I did last year – all while raising essential funds for us to help women and children affected by HIV or AIDS,” said Terri Ketover, chair of the 100 Women annual giving program at Desert AIDS Project. “In addition to helping provide essential healthcare services to our clients as we do on a year-round basis, the 100 Women program has recently provided back-to-school supplies and uniforms for 126 disadvantaged children of D.A.P. clients right here in our community. At year-end, we’ll also be helping to provide family meals and gift cards to these families to make the holidays a bit brighter.

This event is such a tremendous help in making this kind of work possible.”

KMIR-6 anchorman Gino LaMont knows he’ll have to be on his toes as host of Dancing with the Desert Stars on Friday, November 22 at the Renaissance Palm Springs, to benefit the 100 Women program at Desert AIDS Project. His cohost, drag performer Randy Roberts, will be on his toes as well … but he’ll have the benefit of those stilettos he wears so well!

Regardless of either one’s footwear, Randy

will be backstage chatting up the nervous dance competitors for all to see on video monitors in the ballroom. That’s where Gino will be, introducing the dancers to a panel of judges who each know a thing or two about tearing up a dance floor.

Although she has had a long career as a dancer, choreographer and actor, working on TV shows like “Hullabaloo” and hit films like “Easy Rider” and “American Graffiti,” Toni Basil is probably most well-known for the massive hit “Mickey” in 1982. Her video for that song was the first to incorporate synchronized dancing and features an opening stunt with a cheerleader jumping through the center of a human pyramid – thought to be sufficiently dangerous that it is now illegal in competition. Basil appeared in the video wearing her uniform from her head varsity cheerleader days at Las Vegas High School.

Known for his inspired freestyle, versatility, drive, and willingness to tackle all styles of dance, Jonathan “Legacy” Perez is one of the most sought after dancers in entertainment today. Attracting the attention of the industry’s top directors, choreographers, and artists, he has appeared in 2011’s “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never” and more than a dozen more films and TV shows. A finalist and fan favorite on the hit TV show “So You Think You Can Dance,” Perez has danced on-stage behind performers including Rihanna, Toni Braxton, The Black-Eyed Peas, and others.

Rounding out the Dancing with the Desert Stars judging panel is British-born heartthrob Aiden Turner who appeared in the 10th season of the ABC-TV smash “Dancing with the Stars” with dance partner Edyta Sliwinska. His early TV roles included the MTV teen soap “Undressed” and

the British hits “East Enders” and “Crossroads.”

American audiences will know him best for playing Aidan Devane on the long-running soap “All My Children,” a role that earned him a Daytime Emmy Award nomination and being ranked in TV Guide’s “Soap’s Sexiest Men” countdown in 2008.

Cheering sections are already lining up to support the competitor they are sure will dance away with the mirrored ball trophy. Make sure to join the fun at the Renaissance Palm Springs, beginning with cocktails at 6:00 PM while your favorite warms-up for the competition at 7:30.

Front-row tickets are available for $175 – or $1,750 for a table of ten. Premium tickets/tables are available for $125/$1,250 and Preferred at $75/$750. General admission seating is $50/$500. You can purchase tickets online at desertaidsproject.org/go/dwds or by calling JP Allen at 760-969-5743.

ABOUT 100 WOMEN AND DESERT AIDS PROJECT 100 Women meets the needs of women and children whose lives are affected by HIV or AIDS. They do this by funding gynecological services like pap smears, underwriting mammograms, and helping ensure healthcare accessibility.

Desert AIDS Project serves people living with HIV and AIDS by providing comprehensive support, including medical care, case management, and social services, like food, housing, and counseling.

D.A.P. also offers free and confidential HIV testing at a number of locations throughout the communities it serves. To learn more about Desert AIDS Project, please call 760-323-2118, visit www. desertaidsproject.org or find them on Facebook, Twitter, and You Tube.

Art Under the Umbrellas

he Art Under the Umbrellas show kicked off their ninth season in Old Town La Quinta last Saturday, October 26, 2013. With over 80 diverse artists displaying everything from painting and photographs, metal and ceramic sculptures, jewelry and other items, there is plenty to see for collectors and art-lovers alike.

Many come to the art show as it covers a wide array of art and styles within each category. The show has become a major attraction for local hotel patrons looking for quality activities in the Valley as well as the locals and snowbirds looking for more artwork for their residences and offices.

The show was started in 1997 at the La Quinta Resort and Club and was moved at the beginning of the season to Main Street on Old Town La Quinta in 2004. The first show boasted about 50 artists and has grown to over 80 artists since then.

Veteran artists and newcomers have their work on display from all over Southern and

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coastal California, Washington, Colorado, Oregon and Utah.

Live music last Saturday was provided by the Steve Madaio & Friends Band, who play a variety of soft rock and jazz cover tunes to the passing crowd. They will be performing at each of the dates for the show and have different guest musicians each week.

Old Town La Quinta’s Main Street, which is closed to vehicles during the show, has many restaurants, boutiques and other shops, including the Old Town Coffee Company, where you can rest between art booths with a cup of espresso. The Old Town Coffee Company opens at 6:00 A.M. so art lovers can get their morning caffeine while artists setup their booths.

Some restaurants serve brunch with

lines extending into the street. Hungry art show attendees can get an excellent meal at The Grill on Main (www.facebook.com/ thegrillonmain/, www.thegrillonmainlq.com/ (760) 777-7773). The Grill has gotten four out of five stars for its wide variety of cuisine brunch prices range from $6-$15 and opens at 11:00 A.M Saturday and Sunday.

Art Under the Umbrellas runs until March 22, 2013 on key Saturdays, from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. The scheduled Saturdays are: 11/16, 11/30, 1/11, 1/18, 2/1, 2/15 and 3/22.

For more information, please visit www.

LQAF.com or call (760) 564-1244.

9

October 31 to November 6, 2013

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sports scene

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

by Julie Buehler

Would L.A. Be A Good NFL City? Some Say Yes…

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s the NFL prepared for it’s second game in London at a sold-out Wembley Stadium, commissioner Roger Goodell told a contingent of European fans that he’d like to have NFL franchises in London and LA, and didn’t care which came first.

He said, “I’d love to be back in Los Angeles, but it has to be done the right way, we have to do it successfully.” He then continued, “I want both (London and L.A.), but it doesn’t matter which one is first.”

Allow me to translate: “If the crybabies in LA don’t get their act together, they could see an NFL franchise in London BEFORE LA.” Allow me to further translate: “The only way LA is getting a franchise is if the crybabies in LA get their act together.”

Oh, and one more thing he said without saying it: “London is a better NFL city than LA.” Rest assured, there will NOT be an NFL franchise in London in the next decade. And there likely COULD be one in LA. However, given the constant bickering over location of stadium, ownership percentage and wonderment over the fickle nature of LA fans, Goodell has his hands somewhat tied and is saying A LOT with a few words.

Let’s begin with the stadium itself. There were/ are 2 options on the table that at any one given time could become the favorite over the other.

Farmer’s Field is the name for the gazillion dollar plan laid by AEG, the same people who own Staple Center and the downtown corridor of LA called LA Live, to be built in the downtown corridor of the 2nd largest city in America. They have deep pockets, recently experienced change of leadership, but have publicly said they are determined to build a gianormous stadium in downtown LA to house an NFL franchise. Not sure you’ve heard, but LA traffic is already historically bad in the downtown area.

On a Sunday, with 80,000+ coming and going, with limited-to-none serviceable public transportation, that “historically bad” quickly becomes “impossibly awful” and city planners know that all too well and aren’t excited about that option. That leads us to Option 2.

Diamond Bar, outskirts of LA, etc. There is a group ready to break ground for any NFL team looking to come to LA and they have land and resources to build. Only thing holding them back is an NFL franchise agreeing to lease their soon-to-bebuilt field and offer some percentage of ownership in the deal as well. You see, not many builders are willing to build a $1.5 billion facility without owning part of an NFL franchise. Concurrently, not many current NFL owners looking to potentially move and sign away upwards of 35% of their franchise.

Additionally, if a team were to agree to move, where would they play while this stadium is being built? More on that in a moment.

Many critics of this plan claim that if a team is going to be called the LA “Team” they shouldn’t be playing some 50 miles from Los Angeles. However, the new Santa Clara stadium, Levi Stadium is some 50 miles from San Francisco where the 49ers hail.

The New York Jets and New York Giants both play at Met Life Stadium in New Jersey and the University of Phoenix Stadium is 30 miles from Phoenix where the Arizona Cardinals play. What do all three stadiums have in common, besides not being precisely held within imaginary jurisdiction of the NFL franchises? They’ve all been awarded Super Bowls. So those critics don’t have much of an argument.

Beyond the placement of the stadium, which is a mountainous hurdle, is the Mt. Everest of hurdles

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in the ownership percentage. Neither of the groups involved in option 1 or option 2 will commit to building unless an NFL franchise commits to moving and gives up ownership, upwards of 35% in the deal. Only problem is no NFL franchise is signing up to move unless a stadium is built. Past tense. So it’s the chicken or the egg debate in the NFL. What comes first: the Franchise or the Stadium. While reports are the groups could lessen their request of ownership percentage, it still doesn’t solve the issue of where to house 53+ player, 20-30 coaches, front office staff, practice facilities, etc. There are some possibilities, from the LA Coliseum to the Rose Bowl, there are still many complexities woven into what is largely an oversimplified debate about how successful an NFL franchise would be in LA. And once you climb the mountainous hurdle of stadium placement, and get past the Mt. Everest climb of ownership squabbles, you are still left with the inherent fickle nature of the Los Angeles sports fan. When a team is winning, fans attend games and it becomes the most popular ticket in town.

But’s feast or famine. Even for an NFL franchise, if it’s not winning, fans won’t show up and there’s nothing more embarrassing than a state-of-the-art stadium at half capacity.

The current NFL owners aren’t looking to add more slices to the pie, so expanding the NFL would be a very complicated process. Rather, the best shot for LA to get an NFL team would be the relocation of another franchise.

There remains a decent possibility the Oakland Raiders could make the move, as their lease agreement with O.co Stadium is up at the end of this season and they’ve said they will not sign another short-term deal. Meanwhile, Mark Davis, in the wake of his father’s passing, could be amiable to the idea of selling part of the franchise in order to make more money in LA. And the Coliseum, where the Raiders used to play, is being renovated by USC, so that could be a landing place for the team while their new stadium is being built.

When Goodell said he didn’t care whether London or LA got an NFL franchise first, he was putting the players in LA on notice that he and the rest of the NFL could move past LA if they don’t come off their high demands and commit to building a stadium so an NFL franchise can make calculated decisions.

Let’s hope they hear the message loud and clear.

Julie Buehler hosts the Coachella Valley’s most popular sports talk radio show, “Buehler’s Day Off” every day from 3-6 on 1010 KXPS, the valley’s all sports station. She’s an avid gym rat, slightly sarcastic and more likely to recite Steve Young’s career passing stats than American Idol winners.

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

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October 31 to November 6, 2013

by Flint Wheeler

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

3 out of 4 NBA GM’s say, Miami to 3-Peat, not so fast…

A

s the Miami Heat embark on a mission to claim a third consecutive Larry O’Brien Trophy, the prevailing notion in the locker room is that the team will have to be even better than last year’s 66-win juggernaut to accomplish its goal again this season.

During the current era of Heat basketball, the team has undergone a drastic evolution, even while having the same potent core.

When LeBron James and Chris Bosh first joined Dwyane Wade in Miami, the overwhelming talent was evident, but the on-court mix was raw.

With each succeeding year, James, Wade and Bosh have improved their chemistry with one another, and the team has benefitted from added depth. But the Eastern Conference is as deep as it has ever been.

Even the Heat know the tough road ahead.

Below are who and why the Heat’s chances at a 3-peat should be questioned: Indiana Pacers That seven-game showcase we saw between the Heat and Pacers during the Eastern Conference finals was legitimate.

The Pacers attacked the Heat’s one glaring weakness (size and depth inside) and tore at it until the final buzzer of that series.

There’s a reason the Heat pursued a big body like Greg Oden in free agency. They need someone to help them fend off the likes of Roy Hibbert and David West, whose physicality in and around the rim was more than the Heat could handle. The star turn from Paul George during that series makes the potential for a third straight Heat-Pacers playoff series even more interesting. Toss in the return of Danny Granger and no team in the league is better positioned to challenge the Heat. The talent, experience, size, motivation and coaching are all in place for the Pacers to strike down the giants of the league. Coach Frank Vogel exited the playoff stage with a strange confidence about him, like he knew something about his team the rest of us didn’t. I see it now.

Chicago Bulls Grinding through an entire season without the face of the franchise, Derrick Rose, only reinforced my belief the toughest pound-for-pound team in basketball (coach Tom Thibodeau included) resides in Chicago. Rose pushes the Bulls right back into the league’s true elite as a true threat to the Heat, much like Westbrook does for the Thunder. The Bulls also have a big man presence in Joakim Noah that could give the Heat all sorts of problems in a playoff series. The continued maturation of Jimmy Butler is also a reason to believe that the Bulls are ready to resume their position

atop the Eastern Conference regular season standings. But if we’ve learned anything the past three years, regular-season accomplishments are one thing, testing your mettle in the glare of the postseason is an altogether different story. Winning a Game 7 on the road against Brooklyn and then trading punches with the Heat when they were clearly overmatched showed me the Bulls with Rose, Luol Deng and all of their other main components healthy are a very real threat to the Heat.

And Of Course, Our Los Angeles Clippers No team in basketball did more to upgrade its position over the course of the Draft and free agency than the Clippers. And it all starts with the acquisition of coach and senior vice president of basketball operations Doc Rivers, who packed his championship bag of tricks with him when he left Boston for Los Angeles. Superstar point guard Chris Paul will orchestrate things and All-Star power forward Blake Griffin will co-headline on what is arguably the deepest and most balanced roster in the league. The Clippers have a surplus of shooters (J.J. Redick, Jared Dudley, Jamal Crawford and more) who will help space the floor and push the tempo.

They’ve also added enough specialists and junkyard dog types to play the relentless defensive style Rivers teams were known for in Boston. The one question about the Clippers that has to be answered early on is whether or not Griffin and DeAndre Jordan are ready to take that next step as a duo on both ends, a la Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol in Memphis. If they are, the Clippers will rise up the ranks immediately. If not, Rivers and CP3 will have to drag them along until they are ready. All of the other human resources needed, however, are already in place and ready to go.

I love the NBA and all its hype. But for a last second prayer by Ray Allen, Miami isn’t even in this years final! Look for one of the other teams, and hopefully it’s our Clippers, to break through this year.

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Golf Tournament at The Classic Club Sunday, Nov. 24th, 2013 75200 Classic Club Dr., Palm Desert

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October 31 to November 6, 2013

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Local Music Spotlight

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by noe gutierrez

Soul Sign of the Times S

n

r t a in me n te t

E

oul Sign last performed at The Hood Bar & Pizza in October of 2012. I was fortunate enough to be at the show and witnessed an attention to musical precision that we don’t see often enough in the valley.

Once Soul Sign took the stage it was apparent there’s rock bands and then there’s super groups. The catalyst behind Soul Sign is world class musician, bassist Bjorn Englen. The name should be familiar to heavy music fans. He is a former member of Yngwie J. Malmsteen’s Rising Force, Quiet Riot, Tony MacAlpine and is currently a part of the all-star line-up in Dio Disciples. Soul Sign makes a triumphant return to The Hood Bar & Pizza on Friday November 1, 2013 for a post-Halloween pre-Day of the Dead show.

Soul Sign began in 1995 and is currently based out of Los Angeles. I asked Englen why he pursued this project initially and their immediate plans, “It was naturally a great outlet for my creativeness. In the right situation I usually enjoy being a hired gun. With Soul Sign, we can take it in any direction. We are looking at recording a new album pretty soon.

It should be out sometime in 2014. We’re also planning another European Tour as well as more shows in the U.S.” In describing the Soul Sign sound, I can attest that it is heavy, melodic and original.

All of the members are exceptional musicians who have fulfilled their legacies through years of extensive worldwide touring and recording. Mark Boals is the mythical voice of Yngwie Malmsteen, Scorpions’ Uli Jon Roth and Royal Hunt. He also is currently a vocalist in Dio Disciples. I recall wearing out my ‘Trilogy’ album by Yngwie and being mesmerized by Boal’s haunting vocals. Jan Mengeling is ‘The German Work Horse’ who has played and recorded guitar with Coma Star as well as toured and recorded with members of Black Label Society, David Lee Roth, Accept, Lita Ford and Walter Trout. Palm Desert resident and long-time Coachella Valley native Mike Cancino has toured the world playing drums with Unida and House of Broken Promises. His extensive drumming skills lend themselves fittingly to

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the Soul Sign objective. Cancino points out the originality factor, “Soul Sign is a completely different genre of rock and metal. It welcomes you and opens up to the shred with taste.”

Looking back when Cancino was jamming with Englen, I remember a conversation we had and the excitement in his voice about what was taking place.

Desert rats would all agree that Mike Cancino has earned his place in the local desert music scene ‘Hall of Fame’. Englen believes that there is more for him to accomplish, “Mike is a true team player and I would be very surprised if he doesn’t become much more famous than he already is. He deserves it. He is one of the hardest working drummers I know, not to mention one of the most talented.”

Englen recalls their first encounter, “We met through his brother Chad when I asked in the last minute if he (Chad) could fill in for a Soul Sign show. He said ‘No, but I will send my brother. He is awesome!’ Chad was right!

We clicked and Mike has been in the band ever since.”

Cancino takes pride in his back-ground vocals. There are few drummers who can sing and play simultaneously. “I consider backing vocals very important. Playing drums and singing is definitely a challenge worth taking on for me.”

In my opinion, Mark Boals is one of the most under-rated rock vocalists of all time. Englen feels privileged to perform alongside Boals in both Soul Sign and Dio Disciples. “Mark is very easy to work with, which is not very common with lead singers, ha ha! He’s very humble.

Performance-wise he always delivers. He always hits all the notes effortlessly, also very uncommon. Additionally he’s a great friend.”

Jan Mengeling may be the least known member of Soul Sign to the regular rock fan.

Englen illuminates us on Mengeling, “Jan is from Germany and has been around the Southern California music scene for a while working with several heavy names. I first worked with him in other projects about 10 years ago. He’s a strong rhythm player which is uncommon amongst guitar players. He is

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very serious about his gear, which is another great quality. With Jan, I feel like we have the strongest line-up to date.”

Mengeling and Englen had an instinctive musical connection, “Bjorn and I hooked up in the early 2000’s,” shared Mengeling.

“My Band was looking for a bass player and Bjorn was recommended. He just showed up at the gig, and without any rehearsals, we started jamming and it felt great from the first moment. Over the years we stayed in touch and always helped each other out when there was a need for a sub. Last year (2012), he called me, and asked if I wanted to be a member of Soul Sign and I felt honored to share the stage with Bjorn, Mike and Mark.”

Mengeling has a significant musical pedigree as well, “I personally have toured Europe the past ten years with members of Accept and Meat Loaf playing progressive rock. We released one album called Martin Gerschwitz and Friends - Bridge to Eternity as well as two live DVD’s. I also recorded and released some songs with Gregg and Matt Bissonette and had a worldwide release with my old band Coma Star, Headroom of Conscience, featuring Christian Werr of Black Label Society on drums and Emmi Lichtenhahn of Medication on bass.”

Englen has performed with many talented musicians. There is a brotherhood that has developed with heavy music that parallels a fraternity. “It’s great and I discovered really

quickly that the most talented and successful musicians are often the most humble. With less successful musicians much too often comes a lot of bitterness.”

Ronnie James Dio is a huge influence on a lot of musicians and music fans. Englen gets to perform RJD’s music as part of Dio Disciples.

“It’s great! It’s all the members of Dio, except for Ronnie. I was friends and/or worked with a few of them before. I’ve known Craig Goldy for 20 years and he’s always been a great guy and mentor to me, not to mention of course a true professional and tremendous musician.”

Englen’s favorite Dio song to perform is “The Last In Line”. If Soul Sign are the last in line I believe they will be divine. Come see how they’ll shine at The Hood Bar & Pizza this Friday with opening act Wyte Gye. With all super groups there comes the fringe benefit of endorsing music products and receiving endorsements. Jan Mengeling endorses Gibson Les Pauls, Marshall and Palmer amps. Mike Cancino endorses Regal Tip drumsticks. Mark Boals endorses Carvin In-Ear Systems. Bjorn Englen endorses Carvin Basses, Wireless Systems & Accessories, EBS amps/ cabs & pedals, Mari Strings, Spectraflex Cables, Hipshot D-tuners & Hardware, Dunlop Picks & Accessories and Gator Cases.

Soul Sign’s most recent release, ‘Life In The Dark’ (2011), is available on iTunes. Look for their new album in 2014. http://www.soulsign.us

October 31 to November 6, 2013

kavohs: A new word to be spread throughout the world. Also, the name of one of the most eclectic and original bands our valley has seen in quite some time. With vocals ranging from guttural and diabolical to shrill and ear splitting, a heavy electronic influence, and a powerful message, Ekavohs has just broken through the commonality and begun making their name known to the masses.

When I sat down with the members of Ekavohs in their practice space, a rented storage unit in Indio, I got to feel the exuberance and elation of a band that had just played their first show this past Thursday. The excitement was nearly palpable. Made up of brothers Brandon and Jeremy Marquez, lead guitarist Erick Estrada, rhythm guitarist Mario Galindo and Abraham Lopez adding to the ambiance with his keyboard and sampling, Ekavohs is out to start a genre of their own, which they have dubbed “The New Wave of Industrial.” When asked to describe their music, Brandon stated, “We’re industrial metal, but heavier. Our main thing is Industrial, but we have, like, death metal, black metal, sludge metal influences.” With their 3 biggest influences being Motionless In White, Satyricon and Behemoth, it won’t take long for this band to rise from humble beginnings to possible stardom, so long as they continue working.

Though their music has a very dark, edgy feel to its sound, the members of Ekavohs have an almost unconventional sense of humor. Throughout the interview, they were cracking jokes (many of which cannot be repeated. This is a family publication, afterall.), and having an overall good time.

When asked about their normal practice regime, Lopez said, “We’re serious, but

we’re here to have fun. We know how to balance the work that needs to be done with the fun we want to have. Our usual practice is just us, having some beers, cracking some jokes, and blasting out some heavy tunes.”

Ekavohs isn’t just here to party and make a name for themselves, though. They are also out to send a message. Their name alone is meant to stand as an inspiration to anyone going through troubling times. “We wanted the name to be really meaningful and short. Erick and I came up with it our freshman year of high school. Whenever we were sad or pissed off, I would just be like, ‘Fuck this, I’m just gonna kill myself.

Erick! Get the fuckin’ shovel, bury me in the back yard and cover your tracks with the rake.’ And it was so stupid that it would just make us laugh and feel a little better, and we would realize how stupid that sounds.

Nothing is worth killing yourself, no matter what it is. Suicide is never the answer. So we combined the 2 items we talked about, the shovel and the rake, and flipped it around. Shovake backwards is Ekavohs. It’s meant to be anyone’s ultimate weapon, to get them through their hard times. For us, music is our Ekavohs,” states Brandon.

With their first show in the books, band members are already looking forward to bigger and better things. Their next scheduled show will be at the Whiskey A Go-Go in Hollywood, featuring Wayne Static (of Static-X), The Defiled and Mad Life.

Tickets are $20 (see Ekavohs for details) and the show starts at 6:00pm. Be on the lookout for these guys, as they will be moving up fast, and be sure to check them out on Facebook at facebook.com/ekavohs.

by Scott Pam

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or the past two and a half years, The Refills have been playing at various venues in the Coachella Valley.

Formed when Pete and the Pills disbanded in December 2010, Peter Kadile and Woody Retro sat down and talked about creating a cover band that did not do the same covers as all of the other bands in the valley.

“Woody and I started going through bands we liked and we realized we had the same interests,” said Peter. “My favorite band is The Beatles” he added. Their set lists include songs from The Beatles to Billy Idol and Woody likes to close the set with an upbeat cover of “Rebel Yell” or “White Wedding”. The Refills are also hard at work on writing original songs that they are slowly incorporating into their sets.

Woody Retro and Terry Dubas keep the band grounded on bass and drums while Tim and Peter take the lead and rhythm guitar parts. Their styles mesh well for the different styles of music that the band covers each show. When they play the Beatles covers, the crowd is treated to the harmonies Lennon and McCartney created when the songs were first recorded as Peter, Tim and Woody hit the notes without a hitch.

“I started playing piano and switched to guitar in 6th grade,” Peter shared. “I got into my first band when I was 14. We didn’t know how to play the instruments and could not play any of the cover songs, so we just started playing our own songs. I even was in a band called ‘NiceBox’ in medical school.

We needed a name for the band since we were booked for a party we were going to be playing.”

The current lead guitarist, Tim Kramer, has been with the band for just over a year.

“Be a singer. You can string all of the guitar players end to end and go around the world 6 times and maybe the first 10 will make it big,” said Tim. “There are few singers out there and we need more of them.”

Their original lead guitarist followed Pete from his previous band, Pete and the Pills, and left the band shortly after The Refills started. As the singing is shared by all members of the band, The Refills can handle a wide range of cover songs – songs audiences just get up and dance to whether it’s in a small club setting or in the larger venues like the Tack Room.

At some of the larger venues, Peter’s wife Jill, also a singer, will join the band and sing lead on her favorite songs and backup for some of the band’s regular covers. There are times when Peter and Jill will just be out for the night at another band’s show and sooner or later they are both sharing the stage singing and playing with bands such as The Arrangements or The Mighty DeltaTones.

The band is also committed to giving back to the community and recently performed a benefit for the first annual Patriot Ride, held at the La Quinta Community Park on Saturday, October 26, 2013.

Saturday nights you can find The Refills at the Grill on Main Street, 78-065 Main Street, La Quinta, CA 92253, where they are the house band for the ever growing crowd of dancers and cover band aficionados.

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/ The-Refills/173086479420990?ref=br_tf

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October 31 to November 6, 2013

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by Eleni P. Austin

TIM EASTON

“Not Cool” (Campfire Propaganda Records)

Consider This

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

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settling in Joshua Tree.

A prolific artist, more albums followed, Live At Water Canyon (2008) and Porcupine (2009). Then in 2011 he self-released two projects, Beat The Band and Since 1966 , Vol.1. He also made himself at home at Pappy & Harriets. He has performed as a headliner, an opening act and a part of ad hoc super groups like Thrift Store All-Stars and The Sunday Band.

At the end of 2011, Easton and his young family packed up and relocated to Nashville, Tennessee. Inspired by the vibrant live music scene, he connected with local pickers and players to record his newest album, Not Cool.

The album gets off to a rollicking start with “Don’t Lie.” The lyrics are a forceful reminder that evading the truth usually creates bigger problems… “Everything you do everything you say, every stupid game you try to play/ Every waking hour and even in your dreams, you try to make things what they don’t seem to be- Don’t lie!” This stern

admonition is propelled by a walloping backbeat, walking bass lines and incendiary guitar licks.

On Not Cool, Easton seems determined to jettison the singer-songwriter angst and get back to basics. Three songs, “Troubled Times,” “Lickety Split” and “Little Doggie (1962)” embrace the primitive cool pioneered by legends like Johnny Cash, Gene Vincent and Ricky Nelson.

“Troubled Times” relies on the classic “boom-chicka- boom” paradigm that Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two invented back in the ‘50s. Here the lyrics advises us not to remain beholden to our problems… “You rolled out of bed with a ton on your mind and no place for you to unload it/ Time to lay your weary blues down.”

On “Lickety Split” wah-wah guitar and rubbery bass lines boomerang over a tribal tattoo. The lyrics are a tribute to a roadhouse jezebel… “She likes to dance ‘til you drop, she likes to shake it to the Iggy Pop/ But if you ask just what she gets off on, she’ll disappear lickety split.”

“Little Doggy (1962)” pays homage to the Juke Joints and Honky Tonks that continue to thrive in Nashville by blending a handclap rhythm and slap back bass with a mix of acoustic and electric guitars that echo and sway.

On a couple of tracks, “Four Queens” and “They Will Bury You,” Easton locks into a swampy groove. The former is anchored by gutbucket bass, bottleneck guitar and a back porch backbeat that steals a bit from John Fogerty’s Creedence blueprint.

The latter is a reverb-drenched lament that offers up a series of hard-won homilies about life on the wrong side of the tracks.

Other standout songs include “Crazy Motherfucker From Shelby, Ohio.” This Rust Belt rave-up cloaks the “live fast, love hard, die young” ethos in ricochet guitar riffs and a locomotive rhythm. The scorching instrumentation coupled with Easton’s swaggering vocals come close to causing spontaneous combustion!

If the Monkees and Carl Perkins had ever collaborated they may have come up with “Tired And Hungry.” An elastic little rocker

October 31 to November 6, 2013

By Denise Ortuno Neil

Art Abounds at Bar

I

S

everal years ago Steve Earle wrote a soulful tribute to traveling musicians called “Hardcore Troubadour.” He just might have been talking about Tim Easton.

Tim Easton was raised in the fertile music community of Akron, Ohio. (A starting point for Chrissie Hynde, Devo and the Black Keys). The youngest of seven siblings, Easton began playing guitar at age 14. He was equally influenced by the Beatles, Doc Watson, Kiss and John Prine.

Following college, Easton spent several years rambling around Europe busking his way through Paris, London, Dublin and Prague. When he returned to the States, he briefly hooked up with the Haynes Boys band before launching a solo career.

Easton released his solo debut, Special 20, in 1998. As he recorded more albums, The Truth About Us (2001), Break Your Mother’s Heart (2003) and Amunition (2006), Easton continued to enjoy a peripatetic existence. He spent time in New York City and Los Angeles before finally

Art

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that puts Easton’s Dylanesque delivery on a collision course with whipcrack guitar chords and spooky organ fills.

Powered by banjo and mandolin, “Gallatin Pike Blues” is a ghostly rumination on East Nashville’s clogged creek. The song also name-checks Andrew Jackson and New-Grass progenitor John Hartford. (The late Hartford wrote Glen Campbell’s seminal ‘60s hit, “Gentle On My Mind”).

The album wraps up on a wistful note with two songs, the title track and “Knock Out Roses. (For Levon)” Not Cool is a cogent catalog of woes underscored by plucked strings and tinkly piano. It dovetails nicely into the instrumental “Knock Out…”.

Highlighted by fiddle, banjo and mandolin runs, it’s an exquisite elegy to the late, great and gracious Levon Helm.

Produced by Tim Easton’s longtime collaborators Brad Jones and Robin Eaton, Not Cool was recorded in an astonishing three days! Easton’s whiskey soaked rasp is fully complimented by a crack cadre of Nashville cats; guitarists JD Simo and Sadler Vaden, bassist Joe Fick, multiinstrumentalist Joe Pisapia and drummer Jon Radford.

Although desert music fans miss Tim Easton, an album like Not Cool takes the sting out of his absence. This hardcore troubadour seems to have found his niche in Nashville, at least for now.

t’s a startling image on Palm Canyon in downtown Palm Springs. There are two scantily clad women hanging out together linked by a snake. No, it’s not some outlandish exhibitionists, but rather a spectacular mural painted by world renowned artists on the exterior wall of Bar. Bar has been a hot spot in Palm Springs since its inception, bringing a relaxed, yet stylish vibe to the nightlife scene in downtown. Now the forward thinking minds at Bar have taken it a step further introducing art to the masses with the stunning art work face forward on Palm Canyon, as well as their art mural inside the bar itself.

The exterior art work was painted by world renowned artists Christina Angelina and Fin Dac. Angelina is an accomplished artist known for her fine art works and her

Live Paintings and Street Art. Dac specializes in Street Art as well; describing it more as Urban Aesthetics. Their combined creation in front of Bar is eye catching to say the least, and is a visual attribution to downtown.

The mural inside Bar was created by local artist Aaron Hansen. Hansen works as an independent artist and also with a collection of artists with the AsOne group.

AsOne was the creative force behind

the mural at famed local boxer Timothy Bradley’s Gym, as well as other creative efforts. Hansen has a family background in art and has been painting since he was a child. He is exceptional in Street Art and has become known for his astonishing large scale murals, which he is in high demand for. Beside his busy schedule working on commissioned art, the artist will be part of the new gallery and workshop, The Coachella Valley Art Scene, set to open in late November in Cathedral City. Hansen is the focus of Bars monthly art promotion, ArtBar. ArtBar is a concept created by Reggie Cameron with Everydia Creative, Angela Romeo with the Public Arts Commission of Palm Springs, and well known contemporary artist, Eric Nash. The goal of ArtBar is to promote different artists in a mixer scenario to inspire interaction, discussions and awareness. The ArtBar is different from gallery mixers as they do not focus on sales.

It is a more laid back atmosphere based on getting to know the artist, while enjoying a night out on the town. The artists range from painters, stylists, to chefs and other creative pioneers. ArtBar takes place the first Monday of every month.

The upcoming ArtBar will feature Hansen on Monday, November 4th from 6-8pm with

Happy Hour food and drink prices. Guests will have the opportunity to chat with the artist and mix and mingle with other likeminded art patrons.

The Coachella Valley is becoming more and more immersed in the world of art, bringing it to the surface with art work in public places. The mural at Bar is a symbol of that progression, and expresses our diversity as a community.

Bar is opened every day from 4pm-2am For more information about Bar visit www.barwastaken.com

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October 31 to November 6, 2013

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

PET PLACE Dog Napping, A Rising Crime I

noticed a beautiful Bluenose pit bull dog tied up to a post outside Trader Joes in Palm Desert while shopping there recently. Gathering that someone left him there while shopping, I waited by the animal for the owner to return. The young man was polite when I told him about the danger of pet theft, and we discussed how this particular breed would be on the desired list of many thieves. The man believed that because he was shopping in an economically advantaged area, there would be less likelihood of theft.

One friend›s dog disappeared from her fenced in front yard in a Palm Desert gated community. There was construction going on in the neighborhood, and she believes the dog was taken by someone working in the vicinity. She offered a reward and posted flyers, but sadly the little animal has never been found.

The American Kennel Club reports a 70% increase in dog theft. One woman in New Mexico was arrested and charged with

SIR CHARLES Come meet Sir Charles at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, 4575

E.

Mesquite,

Palm

Springs. This handsome 4-yrold fellow is a royal gentleman with a sweet playful nature.

Call (760) 416-5719.

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stealing over 50 neighborhood dogs. With so many homeless animals available, why would anyone want to steal one? What are some of the things you can do to protect your pets from this crime? Let›s look at the some of the ways dogs are stolen.

1. DOGS LEFT IN CARS A recent column highlighted the many dangers of leaving your dog behind in the car. In one recent incident, a Coachella Valley resident dashed inside to pick up fast food, leaving her automobile running with her two small dogs inside. A thief stole her car with the two dogs inside. Through good detective work, the dogs were recovered. It only takes a second for a thief to force down a partially open car window, or smash a window. A dog can be stolen from a locked car in about 20 seconds, less time than it takes you to run that quick errand.

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by Janet McAfee

2. HIGHLY PRIZED BREEDS Pure breed dogs attract more thieves because they can be resold for a larger amount of cash. The most targeted breeds include Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, Pomeranians and Boston Terriers. Sadly, pit bulls may be stolen by criminals seeking to engage in dog fighting.

3. DOGS IN BACKYARDS Dogs in backyards are as common in America as apple pie....but be careful to keep an eye out, especially if you have a doggie door that gives them unlimited access to the fenced in yard. If you are away from home, it is even more important to keep your pets inside. If you have a friendly dog, a thief can steal him in about 30 seconds.

4. PETS TIED UP IN FRONT OF BUSINESSES You pop into Starbucks or make a quick bank deposit and tie Benji up to a table outside. Thieves assume these animals have a gentle nature and they are easy prey.

No one even notices when a stranger takes him by the leash and casually walks away.

Rather than risk your dog being stolen, risk

THELMA & LOUISe

Spring these 2 gorgeous girls out of the shelter!

Thelma & Louise are dog ID# A1050851 & A1050850. This lively young pair are available now at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644.

the ire of the shop manager and take your dog inside when you run errands. Most businesses, except those serving food, will not object to your bringing a well behaved dog inside.

5. STRANGERS AND WORKMEN Any person coming into your home or neighborhood can be a thief surveying your property and the pets living there. Drug addicts, always in need of quick cash, check out the valuable tools in your garage and make a note of your cute Shih Tzu peering out the side fence. They are not concerned about how stealing a pet could break your heart. They view the animal as an easy $100 bill.

WHY DO THIEVES STEAL DOGS? Your worst nightmare when Benji goes missing is to never know his fate. The worst outcome for him is to end up as bait in a dog fighting ring, or sold to a laboratory for experimental testing. Drug addicts and petty thieves view your animals as a source of quick cash. Other people may feel justified in stealing your dog if they believe it is not well cared for or it is loose in the neighborhood. Other times, taking someone›s pet can be an act of revenge.

Keep your pet micro chipped and tagged with identification, which will help facilitate his return if he goes missing or is stolen.

Have a good photograph of your pet to use for flyers in case he goes missing for any reason. Be safe, be vigilant, and treasure your precious pet!

October 31 to November 6, 2013

by Rick Riozza

Tinto Restaurant at Saguaro: A Tapas Gem in the Desert!

T

here are times when a wine & food writer simply reports on the food & wine they’re covering; and then there are times when the night’s culinary dining experience is so extraordinary, that we have a duty to tell everyone we can—and we seem really cool in doing so, because it is a welcomed truth!

And the imagination swirls when arriving at the showy rainbow colored Saguaro Hotel on East Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs and who would have thunk that sitting nestled inside is Tinto, an elegant restaurant with an ambiance of old world charm and a design of Spanish chic. A stylish but casual venue for certain with a very friendly staff— none of that aloof attitude going on.

Although the weather was perfect to sit outside on the patio by the fire-pit, we preferred the romantic setting inside where the demure lighting met with the live soft background serenades of the bar’s gifted Flamenco player.

So how’s your Spanish? And before I lose some readers by talking about Tapas— nothing to fear, they’re simply smaller platters of delectables--the Spanish-Basque style of cuisine at Tinto as stunningly impressive.

The meals are remarkable; the level of food quality and culinary excellence makes it one of the top restaurants in the valley.

We were greeted with Tinto’s signature Sangria (“tinto” in fact is a colloquial expression used to describe the red wine served in typical wine bars in Basque country) made up of red wine, apple brandy, spiced syrup, along with fresh fruit juice—Blood oranges and lemon-lime. Very refreshing and immediately set the mood Fortunately, Executive Chef Jon Tice came by the table and summarily described his focused food ethic. “We utilize the highest quality of farm and ocean sustainable products possible. And as the result of our attention to detail, when our patrons are delighted with the meals, of course we too,

are elated to be serving them.”

For starters, I recommend the Marinated Mixed Olives and the Smoked Marcona Almonds in Olive oil and Sea Salt to accompany the entire meal. These will pair wonderfully with your other tapas and with the array of wine—plus I couldn’t keep my bread out of the marinade.

Talk about attention to detail, each individual tapas plate was a gustatory work of art. And since the plates are meant to be shared at the table, every delivery became the moment’s center of attention. The result is a lot of entertained and happy tables.

Honestly, Tinto captures that cheerfulness of the tapas bars and restaurants in Spain!

Not as clamorous of course, but every table was really appreciating the cuisine both as to the type of meals presented and the exquisite manner in its preparation—not too many places in our desert can claim that.

The menu consists of “Cold” and “Hot” Tapas. Besides the olives and almonds— just to mention a few dishes, there are cold plates of Jamón Ibérico—cured acorn fed Spanish Ham, most flavorful & thinly sliced that melts in your mouth; Escalivada—a smoky mince of fire-roasted eggplant, sweet Piquillo peppers, tomato, pine nut toast, and goat cheese; a chilled bean salad with the tastiest fava and wax beans in town prepared with Ventresca tuna, toasted Hazelnut, Quail egg in a buttermilk lemon Vinaigrette; and Crab Montadito—Blue Crab, Espelette Chile, and Avocado.

Hot tapas included Fried Pezzini Farms Artichokes with Meyer lemon cream and black Truffle; Flash-Fried Padrón peppers; Both Chicken and Lamb Brochette, a Jidori chicken, garbanzo purée, and truffle jus, the lamb loin with eggplant, bacon, and Sherry jus; Spanish Chorizo with rice; Spanish Octopus—which was deliciously briny,with potato confit smoked paprika and lemon; Dayboat Scallops with bacon, polenta and apple cider glaze; and check out the Coachella Dates wrapped in bacon like a modern rumaki.

Certainly large plates are served such as Wagyu Culotte Steak with Roasted Fingerlings, Idiazábal cheese cream and membrillo; Roast Suckling Lamb with Chickpea tomato stew and Bloomsdale Spinach; Merluza—Spanish Sea Bass, that was prepared brilliantly along with Cockles and Salsa Verde; and the Santa Barbara Spot Prawns were spot-on—fresh, plump, moist and sweet with the treat of tantalizing roe.

For first timers, I’d recommend the Chef’s Tasting Menu at either $45 or $65 per person.

And the wine pairing, for an additional $30 for four outstanding glasses of white and red Spanish wine.

The staff is Spanish wine savvy and go out of their way to pronounce and describe their great selection of wines by the glass or bottle. For a light-bodied and low alcohol tasty white wine, go ahead and ask for a Txakolina that is comfortably pronounced “CHOC-oh-leenah”. Easy enough to say and enjoy all night long with flavors of green apples, citrus, flowers, lemon-lime, minerals and sea breeze.

For a red wine, currently available but not on their list, ask for the Los Dos [Lohs-Dohs],

a blend of Grenache and Syrah that comes off immediately aromatic, full and friendly on the palate with cherries and blackberries, and finishes with a refined length.

An impressive evening and dining to say the least—a gem in the desert. Muchísimas gracias to Manager Matt and our servers Scott, Brook, and Micheal and to Chef Jon. Tinto Restaurant 1800 E. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs 760.322.1900 Rick is the desert’s sommelier-about-town conducting & entertaining at various wine events and tastings. Contact winespectrum@ aol.com

17

October 31 to November 6, 2013

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COME JOIN US FOR THE FUN!!

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

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

PLAYOFFS I THE PLAC S E TO BE

12105 PALM DRIVE DESERT HOT SPRINGS

(760) 251-2644

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October 31 to November 6, 2013

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

THUR OCTOBER 31 29 PALMS INN; 29 PALMS ; 760-367-3505 Bev and Bill 6pm (JZ) ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Reunion w/ DJ Day in the Amigo Room 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Lilli Rose 7-10pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Paula Prince 7pm (PB) BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 Gabe Vega 10pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CLINIC BAR & LOUNGE; PS; 760-8644119 Open Mic 8pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm DESERT FOX; PS; 760-325-9555 Thirsty Thursdays 8pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm DILLON ROADHOUSE; DHS; 760-2511991 Karaoke ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-9920002 Lola Rossi, Rob Carter and Denise Motto 5-9pm (JZ) EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 Derek Jordan Gregg and Sean Poe 6:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Astro Zombies ( Misfits Tribute Band ), The Hellions and Dearly Beloved 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank Di Salvo 6-9:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke w/ Roberto 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Bob Allen in the lounge and Tom on the patio 6pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Country Night w/ Gold Rush Country 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 8-1am (LR) MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm (PB) (VD) MIRAMONTE RESORT; IW; 760-3417200 “Sassy & Sultry” featuring Gina Carey 5-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm (PB) O’LEARY’S; PS; 760-325-4913 Karaoke 9pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Shawn Mafia & The Ten Cent Thrills w/ The VooDoo Organist 7:30pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Lola Rossi & Denise Motto 6:30-10:30pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-

8311 Hot as Hell Pool Party w/ T.B.A. 7pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Spaghetti Western Night 5pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8-12am VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-3285955 Michael Keeth 6-10pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Bill Saitta Jazz 6pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 ‘31’ Halloween Party 9pm

FRI NOVEMBER 1 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T Bone 9pm 29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 Dana Larson 6pm (AC) ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 The Full House Band featuring Nena Anderson 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Karaoke w/ AJ The KJ 8-12am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Pride Event 8pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 DJ Angelique 10pm BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 Live Music 6-10pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760775-5566 DJ PWee 8pm (VD) BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760325-2600 Lassie Jo’s Best Damn Karaoke 7pm DILLON ROADHOUSE; DHS; 760-2511991 EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 Dude Jones 9pm HAMILTON’S; LQ; 760-698-8303 Karaoke 8:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Soul Sign & Wyte Gye 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank Di Salvo 6-9:30pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Live DJ 8:30pm (VD) KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 T.B.A. 6pm

LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Bob Allen 6pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Common Ground 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Bumptown 9pm (VD) MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm (PB) (VD) NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm (PB) O’LEARY’S; PS; 760-325-4913 T.B.A. 9pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 T.B.A. PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345-0222 Meltdown 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 8th Annual Halloween Party w/ Gram Rabbit and Okapi Sun 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 T.B.A. RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 T.B.A. 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Martin Ross, Starlite Lounge 6pm, Lindsey Harper, Sidebar Lounge 10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Alyce Bowie 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Country Night 5:30pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Demetrious and Co. (JZ)(RR) TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 The Arrangements 9pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 Tilted @ Night 10pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm (VD) VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Scott Carter 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 T.B.A. 9pm THE WINE BAR AT OLD TOWN; LQ; 760564-2201 Rob & jb 7-10pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallet 6:30pm (JZ) ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Girl’s Night out w/ The Men on the Hollywood Strip 9pm

SAT NOVEMBER 2 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 9pm 29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 Beverly & Bill 6-9pm (JZ) ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 T.B.A. 10pm amigo room AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Cabaret on the Green w/ Les Michaels & Joel Baker 7-10pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Pride Event 8pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 DJ Pawn 10pm BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 Live Music 6-10pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760775-5566 DJ PWee (VD) BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Steve Madeo 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CLINIC BAR & LOUNGE; PS; 760-8644119 All Night Shoes 9pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6:30-9:30pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760325-2600 Karaoke Show 8pm DILLON ROADHOUSE; DHS; 760-251-1991 EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 The Vibe 3-7pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 T.B.A. 9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 8-11pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm HAMILTON’S; LQ; 760-698-8303 Timepiece 9pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Egoflow 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank Di Salvo 6-9:30pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-

2250 T.B.A. 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 T.B.A. 6pm, Karaoke w/ Roberto 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Bob Allen 6pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Common Groud 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Bumptown 9pm (VD) MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm (PB) (VD) MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am Oktoberfest all day THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm (PB) NYPD; PS; 760-778-6973 Live DJ 9pm O’LEARY’S; PS; 760-325-4913 T.B.A. 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 T.B.A. PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345-0222 Desert Fog 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 KCRW presents: P&H 10th Anniversary Show w/ Lucinda Williams 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 O.G.R. Great Danceable Classic Rock 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 T.B.A. RENAISSANCE PALM; PS; 760-322-6100 Art of Sax featuring Sax Man Will Donato & Eddie Reddick 7-10pm (JZ) RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 T.B.A. 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 DJ Shasta, poolside noon, Martin Ross, Starlite Lounge 6pm, Lindsey Harper, Sidebar Lounge 10pm, DJ Shasta, Starlite Lounge 10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Kal David 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929

Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 T.B.A. 9pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 DJ LF & DJ R Re’Al 10pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951755-5391 DJ Hektik 10pm (VD) VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & JB 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm THE WINE BAR AT OLD TOWN; LQ; 760564-2201 Alex Drizos 7-10pm (LR)(PR) WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Stanley Butler 6:30pm (JZ) ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm (VD) continue to page 22

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October 31 to November 6, 2013

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The Pampered Palate

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October 31 to November 6, 2013

By Judith Salkin

Piero’s Pizza Vino

L

ate last week I got a last minute invitation from a friend to meet at Piero’s PizzaVino on El Paseo for an impromptu girls’ night out. But a pizza place?

Having grown up on the East Coast, most of my friends know that I am not particularly fond of what passes for pizza here in California.

A too thick, doughy, half-baked round of overly yeasty glop that passes for a crust and piled with too much sauce and toppings, and not enough imagination is not what I want to eat.

So it was with a bit of reserve that I said yes to the invite. And I’m glad I did. From the starters to the salad, the pizza (although my friend ordered the pan-seared salmon, but we’ll get to that later) and finally, the desserts, dinner at Piero’s PizzaVino was treat.

It’s hard to call this trattoria just a pizza place since the menu also offers a good selection of appetizers (order three or four and a large salad to share for a light dinner with friends), salads, soups, entrees and desserts, including what my friend said is the best tiramisu she’s had here in the Coachella Valley.

It’s owned by Piero Pierattoni, who also owns the upscale Ristorante Mama Gina which is almost directly across the street and allows him to keep an eye on both places.

20

The atmosphere is cool and casual, with a bar as you enter the restaurant, a dining room with booths that offer some privacy and a patio that fronts onto El Paseo where diners can watch the movement on the street and, especially at this time of year, enjoy the balmy desert weather.

While it seems fairly intimate, the restaurant has become popular enough to require Pierattoni to expand. He recently purchased the former nail salon behind the restaurant that will soon open as a back patio/dining area. Unlike some El Paseo eateries where you either take your chances finding space on the street or pay for valet parking, PizzaVino has free parking behind the restaurant, which is a gift for diners.

Dining at a small table in a corner of the patio was pleasant, and the wait staff were attentive, accommodating and knew the menu and wine list well enough to help us make informed decisions about our dining choices.

I didn’t try any of the house signature drinks on this trip, but I was nicely surprised at the selections on the beer and wine list.

The bar offers Italian Moretti beer on tap and a good selection of bottled ales, ciders and even Murphy’s Irish Stout.

The wine list offers wines from California, New Zealand, Argentina and Italy, with about 80 percent of the selections available by the glass and ranging in price from $5.50 for an acceptable glass of CK Mondavi Merlot to $13 for the Paul Hobb Malbec Felino from Argentina that is worth every cent of the price.

As we finally got down to ordering we dipped into the warm Italian bread heated in parchment and served with a peppery olive oil and one flavored with fresh garlic, along with sweet Balsamic vinegar – we went whole hog, so to speak, going for the succulently fried baby zucchini blossoms stuffed with ricotta and drizzled with raw honey for a sweet, salty bite that quite literally melted in your mouth; the fried baby artichokes with goat cheese rounds and a light marinara dipping sauce (although the lemon-garlic aioli would be quite nice, too); and fried calamari with Diavola sauce. When the calamari came out a bit chewy, it was replaced with a fresh plate that was more to my friend’s tooth.

Proving that our eyes weren’t totally bigger than our stomachs, we refrained from adding the Frigitelli, oven roasted Italian peppers, beets carpaccio with mozzarella bocconcini, basil and balsamic reduction or Burrata cheese that we were considering.

We opted for the Tuscan kale salad with sweet baby kale, roasted garlic, grated Pecorino Toscano cheese, pine nuts, roasted bread crumbs and lightly drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette (her) and the Panzanella salad, a rustic country bread salad with yellow and red grape tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, basil, mozzarella and romaine lettuce dressed with a lemony balsamic vinaigrette (me).

Fairly common in the Italian countryside, these salads aren’t often found on American menus. The chunks of bread in the panzanella offer a satisfying crunch while the vinaigrette wakes the mouth up for what’s to come. And

the baby kale salad is the kind of healthy food you can forget is good for you. Lots of fiber and vitamins, without the bitterness you sometimes get with mature kale. Both were gone before we realized we’d consumed our entire portions.

When it came to entrees, the pizza choices were intriguing and I had to try one. While you can go for the traditional Margherita or Napolitana red-sauced pies, it’s here that Pierattoni takes a sharp left turn to imaginative with a selection of white or red pies.

It was a toss-up between two whites – the Gorgonzola with caramelized apple, Gorgonzola cheese and rapini and the Alba, with house-made mozzarella, sautéed button mushrooms, truffle paste and a lightly fried egg.

I went with the Alba, a pizza that even our server admitted is often misunderstood.

Europeans don’t indulge in eggs as mostly a breakfast food. Instead eggs can be used as a garnish with the runny yolks providing a lovely creaminess to the dishes that they top.

The Alba didn’t disappoint. Cooked in the imported Italian brick oven than can reach temperatures of 850 to 900 degrees, the pies cook in under two minutes. The crust was a thin, beautifully crispy, slightly smoky and seemingly slightly burnt around the edges, a thing of beauty. A touch peppery, but so yummy.

The salmon was served on a bed of rapini and olive oil mashed potatoes and had a perfect sear on the meat. While it’s easy to over- or under-cook pan seared fish, this piece was a light salmon color and fork flaky, with a caramel color that increased its eye-appeal.

While we were certainly pleasantly stuffed by then (neither of us could finish our entrees), we just had to go for dessert. One tiramisu and a crème brulee did the trick to finish off the meal.

While I’m usually not a tiramisu fan, this one was light and fluffy, creamy without being cloying and amazingly, the lady finger sponge cake wasn’t soggy. The burnt sugar top of the crème brulee cracked to reveal a vanilla custard that was worth savoring every spoonful. And yes, most of our dessert went home, too, to be enjoyed later.

I’m looking forward to returning to Piero’s PizzaVino to delve into other choices on all parts of the menu and figuring that it’s going to take me at least a dozen delicious visits to figure out which dish is really my favorite, although I’m off to a pretty good start.

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21

October 31 to November 6, 2013

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Movie Reviews with Robin E. Simmons

DIY HORROR FEST

EYES WITHOUT A FACE (1959)

O

ctober and November are a time for horror. Going back thousands of years, this has been a time to remember or celebrate the dead. It has also been a time to mock the demons and malevolent spirits.

Some scholars suggest that mankind collectively, unconsciously, recalls a catastrophic incident at the edge of recorded history in which much of humanity was decimated. Some think it goes back to the Great Flood of Noah! Whatever the source, this is a great time to enjoy horror films and to safely feel the fear that lurks oh so close by.

For the last ten years, I have programmed in print and privately a weeklong “DO IT YOURSELF HORROR FILM FEST” that kicks off on Halloween.

We’ve looked at hundreds of films and of course all the classics like THE EXORCIST, ALIEN, NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, THE WICKERMAN, FRANENSTEIN, DRACULA, TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, HALLOWEEN, THE HUNGER, INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (1956), I WALKED WITH A ZOMBIE, CAT PEOPLE (1942) and SUSPIRIA among many other iconic titles.

(If these are new to you, start your film fest with them.) Over time, certain films stood out and were included in subsequent screenings.

Consider these favorites.

French director Georges Franju’s intense and unsettling tale of obsession and guilt has almost reached cult status stateside. Maybe it’s the title.

When Professor Genessier vows to restore the mutilated face of his daughter who was injured in an automobile accident, he kidnaps pretty young women and removes their beautiful features and attempts to graft them onto his daughter’s gruesome face. Naturally, this process has a terrible impact on the unwilling donors, some of whom kill themselves. Director Franju’s near poetic handling of this grotesque material gives it a quality that lifts it far above the expected and ordinary. Dismissed when it was initially released, it is now considered a genuine classic. Criterion.

DVD VAMPYR (1931)

LET ME IN

How’s this for a rarity -- a fresh and compelling remake that bests the original (Swedish film LET THE RIGHT ONE IN). Writer director Matt Reeves adaptation of John Ajvide Lindqvist’s celebrated vampire novel pushes this touching story of 12 year old Owen, a bullied social misfit and his friendship with Abby, a wiser than her years neighbor, into a zone where impossible, unrequited love and ultimate heartbreak cross paths. This one will haunt your dreams and intrude on your waking life. Chloë Grace Moretz is Abby and Kodi SmitMcPhee is Owen, and they are amazing. Richard Jenkins co-stars. Anchor Bay. Blu-ray.

FREAKS (1932)

Todd Browning’s masterpiece is in a category of its own. Filmed with real physically and mentally challenged individuals, the story is about unthinkable -- but satisfyingly horrific -- revenge for cruel behavior in a troupe of circus side show performers. Adapted from Tim Robbins’ magazine story Spurs, this timeless and very humanistic tale can be best enjoyed when one realizes we are all freaks, one way or another. This is a brilliant film with a potent morality. Warner Bros. DVD

22

Many serious film buffs considers Carl Theodore Dreyer’s great horror film among the all time finest. It may be a slight story about a young man who discovers a female vampire in a strange castle, but it’s the mood and atmosphere that envelops and lingers. It’s not fair to say this is about style over substance, but certainly the look of it is at the forefront. Based on horror writer Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla, Dreyer manages a seductive balancing act that toys with our discomfort with skewed images and otherworldly visual effects. There’s also something about the very texture of the vintage black and white photography that makes this a very convincing and frightening experience. I love this exceedingly eerie movie.

NOSFERATU (1979)

Werner Herzog’s remake of F.W. Murnau’s classic 1922 unauthorized version of Bram Stoker’s novel is a stunning visuals feast with an intense and unforgettable Klaus Kinski as the vampire (in similar make-up as the original!). Anchor Bay/ Starz. DVD. THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI (1920)

Screeners No. 83

I think Roger Ebert called this masterpiece the first true horror film. It is still a creepy experience that can trigger a strange, disorienting high.

Important on many levels, especially for it’s proto German Expressionist style, the film certainly influenced film noir of the 1940s.

But beyond the images, the story that still grips is about a wandering hypnotist, Dr. Caligari, who displays his sleepwalking subject from town to town. In one small German town, a series of murders occurs shortly after Dr. Caligari’s visit.

When the police investigate, some big secrets and surprises are revealed. Kino. DVD REPULSION (1965)

October 31 to November 6, 2013

By Heidi Simmons

The Devil T

was filmed, it can be quite frightening -- if you’re in the right frame of mind. Nudge nudge. MGM. DVD. RUSSIAN SLEEP EXPERIMENT (ORANGE B) (1955?)

Director Roman Polanski’s first film in English is about schizophrenic Carol Ledoux (Catherine Deneuve), a Belgian manicurist living with her sister in London. The psychological thriller tracks Carol’s horrific spiral into full-fledged madness.

The brilliance of the film is how the images and composition convey the crippling claustrophobia of Carol, a virgin both attracted to and repelled by the idea of sex.

When her sister goes on holiday with a married boyfriend, Carol can no longer discern reality. We share her hallucinations and deranged state during which Carol commits two murders.

This unsettling film has lost none of it’s muscle.

Criterion. Blu-ray.

THE ZAPRUDER FILM (1963)

Though only 27 seconds long, and consisting of about 500 frames, Dallas dressmaker Abraham Zapruder’s brief recording of the assassination of John F. Kennedy surely ranks among the top horror films. The 8mm has also generated much controversy as to the true direction of the bullet that explodes Kennedy’s head in a cloud of red mist and flapping flesh. Was the shooter far behind in the Dallas Book Depository or on the Grassy Knoll on the right front? Or, as some claim, the film has been altered in the year before it was released and after it was “damaged” by LIFE magazine. No matter, the film evokes the visceral horror of a moment that will remain present with us forever when everything in America changes.

THE MONSTER THAT CHALLENGED THE WORLD (1957) If you think of this as a hard-hitting documentary about the “thing” that dwells in our Salton Sea where his low budget monster movie

Book Review

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Circulating in private “film clubs,” and extremely difficult to find or verify, this 72 (?) minute black and white documentary, allegedly shot during the 1950s, purports to be edited footage of a three week “medical” experiment during which a ten “volunteers” from the Gulag were submitted to a sleep deprivation study during which no sleep was allowed. The subjects were filmed in a large vault-like room with beds, coolers of food and open toilet/shower facilities.

The five men and five women were recorded the entire time and the room was locked with a timer-door that could not be opened from the inside or out until the three weeks had elapsed.

To keep them awake, the subjects were exposed to a gas (Orange B) the entire time. There were no windows into or out of the room nor any means of watching those inside the soundproof chamber. After three weeks, when the vault was opened, only one remained alive -- the others had been eviscerated and lay scattered in bits and pieces on the bloody floor. The one remaining alive pleaded to be returned to the vault and begged for the gas to be resumed. She -- yes, it was a frail older woman -- was quickly restrained but was soon unable to speak coherently. When the “researchers” viewed the filmed footage, they saw something unexpected, turned on the gas and locked themselves in the chamber! Or so the story goes. If any reader has seen the film, or knows anyone who has, please contact me.

RobinESimmons@aol.com

he Halloween holiday actually has very little to do with evil, but no matter what the time of year, it’s “evil” that terrifies us most. Perhaps it’s because evil is usually attributed to one powerful source. The Devil. In William Hjortsberg’s Falling Angel (Open Road Media, 264 pages) the devil is looking for a lost “soul” he wants back.

Harry Angel is a small-time private investigator hired by the mysterious Louis Cyphre to find Johnny Favorite, a popular singer from the forties, who disappeared after returning from WWII. Cyphre had a deal with Favorite and simply wants to know if the crooner is dead or alive. It’s been sixteen years since he was last seen, when Angel tries to pick up Favorite’s trail.

Set in 1959 New York, Angel’s search quickly leads him into a dark world of Voodoo and Black Magic. What should have been a simple missing person case becomes quite complicated. From Park Avenue to Harlem, Angel gets closer to understanding what happened to Favorite.

Angel turns out to be a very good detective. He finds Favorite’s doctor, old band members and his fortune-teller. As Angel investigates those who knew Favorite,

Falling Angel By william hjortsberg fiction

they end up dying horrible, ritualistic deaths.

Angel feels he is somehow responsible for their demise but can’t figure out who is doing the killing. He suspects Cyphre. The victims all wear jewelry that bears a pentagram. He learns it is a symbol that represents the devil.

Local cops want to know why the dead all have Angel’s business card and what his connection to the victims is all about.

But like a good PI he won’t say. Angel is beginning to believe it is all a set up and he’s being framed. Angel is haunted by Cyphre in his dreams and knows Cyphre is up to something bizarre.

Like a father, Cyphre patiently encourages Angel to stay on the case to find Favorite.

Angel discovers Favorite had a lover that died recently, but has a 17 year-old daughter, Epiphany Proudfoot. Although she never knew her father, she knows Favorite was a powerful source of evil that could summon the devil – and he wasn’t a very nice person either.

Proudfoot, like her mother, is a Voodoo priestess. She’s aware of the evil lurking about and is afraid she may be in danger.

Angel and Proudfoot become lovers.

Angel gets personally caught up in the mystery and eventually comes face to face with Favorite in a most unusual way.

You might want to skip this paragraph if you plan to read the book or see the movie adaptation. The author makes it no secret that Louis Cyphre is really Lucifer and that Johnny Favorite sold his soul to him for fame and fortune. It quickly becomes clear that Cyphre is seeking Favorite to collect on the debt. Here’s the spoiler alert and what makes Falling Angel so compelling: Angel has been hired by the devil to find himself.

Angel is Favorite. Using the black arts, Favorite tried to out smart the devil and for sixteen years he got away with it. Angel is sickened when he realizes he has been having sex with his daughter!

Author Hjortsberg tells a terrifying, straightforward story of a hardboiled PI who

gets in way over his head. Hjortsberg does not complicate the plot or intentionally throw in unnecessary red herrings to put the reader off the scent. He tells it like it is -- delivering clue after clue foreshowing exactly who Angel really is.

Falling Angel is an engaging read.

Hjortsberg’s prose are fluid, descriptive and lean. With short chapters and intriguing characters, it’s hard to put down the unfolding supernatural mystery.

New York is a colorful and interesting character in the story.

Angel moves about the city with detailed familiarity and confidence. He witnesses a Voodoo ritual in Central Park and photographs a black mass in an abandoned subway station.

Hjortsberg’s story does not hold back.

We get a fascinating look into the practice of Voodoo and the horrors of black magic.

Angel is a sympathetic gumshoe. He seems to be the antithesis of Favorite -- until he realizes he is pure evil.

If there is a theme in Hjortsberg book, it might be simply that the devil is happy to make a deal with a willing participant. But be prepared, you can run but he’ll eventually find you, take your soul and destroy your life even if you were his “Favorite.” Maybe we are all “falling” angels desperate for redemption; afraid to look into a mirror in fear we may see who we really are.

It is easy to say, “The devil made me do it.” If he exists, he is likely willing to take credit for all the bad things we say and do.

From the beginning of written history, in cultures all around the world, the nature of good and evil has been considered and contemplated.

It seems the devil has become the perfect scapegoat for our own despicable behavior. And that is horrifying!

23

ING R

October 31 to November 6, 2013 continued from page 17

SUN NOVEMBER 3

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HALLOWEEN EVENTS

Family Spooktacular at #Wesfield Mall 72840 Hwy 111- Palm Desert. Oct. 31, 6-8pm Retailers will be handing out candy. There will be prize drawings and photo stations.

Masks and items resembling weapons are prohibited. FREE. Information:www. westfield.com/palmdesert.

Halloween Spooktacular at Palm Springs #Villagefest.

Oct. 31. - 6-9pm. There will be candy, face painting, a kids’ costume contest at 7:30, and a pumpkin patch. Please note, Villagefest is host to an annual zombie walk. This begins at 7 p.m. on Baristo Rd. and S Palm Canyon.

This part of the event is not sanctioned specifically for kids and families, but is considered family-friendly. However, young children may not be cool with the un-dead.

FREE. Information: www.villagefest.org.

Costume Parade and Spooktacular Juggling Show at the Rancho Mirage Library Oct 31, 3:30-5pm 71100 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage. FREE. Information:www.ranchomiragelibrary.org.

CHURCHES: It’s common for churches to provide Halloween-alternatives for kids and families. Below are just a few local churches hosting Harvest or Fall Festivals.

Check with your church, or a church near you, for information on available Halloween programs.

Bridges of Hope Harvest Festival at The Father’s House Christian Center; 1281 N Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs; 6:30-8:30pm

October 31 to November 6, 2013

Oct. 31. This event is open to the public.

FREE. Information: (760) 275-3579.

Annual Hoedown at Victory Christian Center 34500 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage Oct 31 - 6-9 p.m.

Costume contests, food, pony rides and cook-offs are planned. FREE. Information: (760) 328-3313.

Fall Spectacular at Southwest Church 77701 Fred Waring Dr, Indian Wells. Oct 31, 5-8pm There will be rides, jump houses, music, candy and food. FREE. Information: (760) 200-2000.

Fall Festival at Jordan Outreach Ministries 50930 Calhoun St, Coachella. Oct 31, 5-9 pm There will be carnival booths, candy, an open food court, games and a bungee run.

FREE. Information: (760) 398-3352.

Neighborhood Harvest Festival at The Journey Baptist Church; 43400 Warner Trail, Palm Desert. Oct 31, 6-9pm There will be games, prizes and candy. FREE. Information: (760) 345-8505.

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(951) 849-8300 Or apply online at

jobs.thementornetwork.com Must be 18, Clean Driving Record, with High School Diploma or GED.

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October 31 to November 6, 2013

education

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his week, our schools will be filled with undead and scary creatures.

Normally, I would attest this to the average student crowd that accumulates each morning for school. The end of this week will be filled with students dressed up for Halloween and haunting our schools’ hallways and classrooms. Many

schools will allow students to attend school in their Halloween costume that are dress code appropriate. Students will still be accountable for any work assigned by their teacher so please make sure your child can read through their mask.

Many schools are holding events around the valley. One such even that

Food Trucks Represent Opportunity caught my interest is Fright Night at Rancho Mirage High School (RMHS).

Thursday, October 31, and Friday, November 1, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm, RMHS will be conducting their first “Fright Night” in the spirit of some good Halloween fun. RMHS’s website states, “Welcome to the first annual, RMHS FRIGHT NIGHT! This collaboration of true PERFORMANCE ART will feature the RMHS Vocal Music Program, Instrumental Musicians, Dance Team, Cheer Squad and headlined by the RMHS THEATRE ARTS TEAM! Tickets go on sale soon at www. ranchomiragehighschool.org or at www. hgpac.org.”

Many other schools have Halloween fun happening around our valley.

Coachella Valley High School (CVHS) will be conducting a blood drive on Friday, November 1, at 12pm. Cathedral City High School and RMHS are both conducting candy fundraiser sales, so please talk to your kids and find out how

you can help support the clubs holding the fundraisers. Remember, Schools need to have successful fundraisers in order to meet financial goals for school and student needs. Many football games will be held around the valley as well this Friday, November 1.

The schools in our valley have plenty of safe activities for our students this Halloween. Please contact your schools, or talk to your kids to find out what more is going on.

Community

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dedicated his time and sacrificed his commissioned income to invest his talent in a mural that will go up at the Learning Tree Palm Desert (www.thelearningtreecenter. com).

This mural offers the Learning Tree Center students with a blacktop playground that provokes not only the imagination but also familiarizes them with our world and what we as a people, have created.

As Americans, it is imperative that we stand together for what we believe in.

The S.E.L.M.A. organization is here to provide opportunity for our options to stand together to strengthen. This project passionately represents that notion.

As we all know there is a cost to anything substantial. Whether what you are offering is tangible or not, the case stands that paint, brushes and $1500 must be acquired in order to complete each panel of this project. Also, “Seekers of Community Support” for the project are overwhelmingly valuable, as that it takes the agreement of a group to make a true change in anything.

We are reaching out to our Coachella Valley community in the hopes that local business people will see the long term value in supporting the implementation of this mural at the Learning Tree Center Palm Desert. By cooperating with these

A

ccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the real (U-6) unemployment rate for September was 13.6% nationally, hardly a number to gloat over given that only 63.2% of the population was participating in the economy - one of the lower participation levels in history. In California, unemployment was 18.3%, 20.5% in Los Angeles County and over 22.5% in the Coachella Valley.

Excluded from the U-6 unemployment rates are people who are spending their savings or retirement to try and create jobs due to their inability to find a job. Locally, that type of person might be a realtor who isn’t making enough to sustain themselves or a consultant who is only consulting because they can’t find a full time job. While neither make enough to sustain, they are classified as employed. Unemployment numbers also exclude our undocumented workers and those over 62 1/2 receiving social security benefits.

With more than one in four local workers out of work and a ‘recovery’ that has begun to occur along with a mass erosion of the middle class, we need to find ways for people to create their own jobs.

A simple proven way to create more jobs in Riverside County is to legalize food trucks.

Riverside County is the only county in the State to make such eateries illegal. Due to the efforts of Supervisor Jeffries, the Riverside Board of Supervisors are set to vote on the legalization of this business type on November 5th.

Opposition to food trucks comes down to two arguments - they hurt brick and mortar restaurants and they spread food borne illnesses. Both arguments are untrue myths spread by the uneducated, fearful and selfserving.

As has been proven in multiple studies, food trucks add to the vibrancy of the food scene, bringing out diners who would typically eat at home. Food trucks typically go where restaurants cannot - parking lots, parks, churches, near schools (when allowed) and in other places away from traditional restaurants. Increasingly, physical restaurants see food trucks as wandering billboards that help to diversify their revenue streams including catering opportunities.

As to the concern that food trucks spread of food borne illnesses, long gone are the days of the roving roach coaches. Today’s food trucks have kitchens run on natural gas while being inspected more often than traditional

restaurants. Food truck refrigeration and water are similar to traditional restaurants.

With an entry cost that is as little as $50,000, starting a food truck is an achievable goal of many. While the totality of all food trucks in the Coachella Valley will earn revenues that equate to no more than a few large brick and mortar restaurants, it is expected that some of these food truck operators will ‘graduate’ to traditional restaurants that employ more people while providing more job opportunities.

More important than the exciting food concepts, new jobs and additional tax revenues that food trucks will bring our local economy is the hope that each food truck will represent.

To reduce unemployment and bring

economic growth to the Coachella Valley, we need ways to attract and keep talent that would otherwise avoid or leave the Coachella Valley for better opportunities.

Without vibrant local businesses, we must rely on larger corporations that invariably drain more from our local community than they create or invest.

With a shrinking middle class and high long-term unemployment rates in the Coachella Valley, food trucks represent the hope that with a good idea, hard work and a little luck, anything is possible. Whether you are an aspiring culinary entrepreneur or a more mature worker looking to own your own business, food trucks represent an employment opportunity that is within reach and achievable.

john paul valdez:it’s your nickel

3d artist Keith Blum contributes to S.E.l.m.a.

upport and Education for Local Music and Arts Coachella Valley chapter 1, provides you with a revolutionary way to access education in music and arts. The main purpose of the S.E.L.M.A. organization is to create careers that support and preserve cultural integrity by providing a localized showcase system of the education of local music and arts.

Our community is brimming with talented individuals and groups that deserve our support. We hope that as we continue to grow to serve you that a desire to serve your community in return manifests in your experience.

There are many ways to assist in the growth of the S.E.L.M.A. organization. This week, we would like to highlight S.E.L.M.A. supporter Keith Blum (www.keithblum. com). This third dimension muralist has

Haddon Libby:It’s alllocal

by curtis hendricks

School and Halloween

October 31 to November 6, 2013

Analysts Bullish on Valley Tourism businesses we will be able to advertise and promote for their business as we grow, and we will be able to pay our respects by inserting their business name or logo onto the mural wall itself, never to be removed.

Please contact Amanda Dorta, S.E.L.M.A. Director 2013: info@selagrows.org 7607998196 for further information on

how your family, church, business or self can participate in the enrichment of how we educate our children. www.selmagrows.org

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es, but when? The Hard Rock just opened a few days ago and is rumored to be featuring some live bands that will later come to Coachella. The resulting sales revenue from that is a year or two away, and that will affect PS more so than other valley cities. Another hotel complex put on hold for a review.

The kind of tourism that each valley city gets differs from town to town. As we move further to the east, golfing seems to be the name of the game. Moving further west, PS has been the draw up to now with swimming and tennis. DHS is all about being The Spa City, Pioneer Town, and Joshua Tree.

Depending on the results of the local

elections and how each city is managed shortly afterwards, sales revenue and hotel taxes for cities like DHS are far flung into a five or ten year future when that particular town is on the brink of a bankruptcy in less than two years under their announced budget. That’s a problem that needs immediate attention and one that won’t allow a ten year wait. One wonders aloud why that particular city isn’t releasing their final budget until just AFTER the election on Nov 5.

As a north-west valley homeowner, I am happy to see the bullish attitude on tourism, but it means understanding several things that are not necessarily currently embraced.

For one, although local politics seem to rely heavily on those here for thirty years, we need to keep constant in our minds those who will be in our lovely cities three days, not three decades. Those dollars are the ones that support a tourist economy.

PS is just now realizing that the new higher hotels, that admittedly block some views of the mountains if one is close by, are the very kinds of developments that will bring the big city dollars to these towns.

That is the future. Persons wanting the

views are moving a bit further away, just like in real neighborhoods throughout the US where the residents don’t live in the tourist zone.

The foothills of the mountains that start in DHS will become the Hollywood Hills to the tourist zone beneath us in PS a decade from now and everyone will have to embrace some level of development if they want the money that comes with it.

Holding onto a thirty year old vision isn’t going to bring “bullish” (or money) into your time horizon during your lifetime unless you vote it in, and welcome it.

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October 31 to November 6, 2013

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Dale Gribow On The Law

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safety tips

by Dale Gribow Attorney at Law

Holiday Emails from readers

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ith the holidays upon us the scams and thefts will increase.

I thought I would share some of the emails I have received on scams and thefts Q: I just got a call from someone saying they were a court official and that I failed to show for jury duty and an arrest warrant has been issued for me. Is this legit?

A. No… when you are called for jury duty you will receive a notification in the

mail from the jury commissioner. This is a scam. Sometimes they even ask you for a credit card number so they can process the cancellation. If you give out any information then your identity has just been stolen.

Q: I have received two emails in the last year purporting to be a relative or friend who has just had his wallet stolen in Europe and was contacting me for money to get back to the US. How do we know if this is legit?

A. This is another scam. Anyone can set up a phony email account to contact you and pretend to be a friend or relative IN NEED. Be cautious when someone asks you for money via email.

Q: Is it ok to put my home address on my luggage tags?

A. No. You should remove your old airline tags from your bags and never list your home address on your luggage. Use your office address. Listing your home address makes it easy for the bad guys to learn you are not home and allow them to burglarize your home.

Q: Do you recommend signing the back of your credit card?

A. There is pro and con on this issue.

I personally write on all my credit cards to ASK FOR ID. That way if they are lost or

stolen the bad guys will not have additional ID to be able to prove they are you and the merchant will not take the card. I also suggest that you make a copy of all your credit cards. Put them all on the copier and make a few copies in addition to putting the info in your contact list in your computer.

Q: What should I do if my credit card is ever stolen?

A. If you think you are the victim of ID Theft then cancel your credit cards ASAP and place a fraud alert on them and then call the police to make a report. Then you need to report a Potential ID Theft to: Equifax 1-800 525 6285; for fraud alert 888 766 0008 Experian (formerly TRW) 1-888 397 3742 for

By Bruce cathcart

Vampire REOs and Zombie Foreclosures

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n honor of Halloween this week’s article will address “Vampire REOs and Zombie Foreclosures”. These are the two terms coined by the foreclosure tracking company RealtyTrac to describe the latest trend regarding the “Monsters of the Housing Market”. When I first heard the terms I imagined perhaps Dracula’s castle or even 1313 Mockingbird Lane (the Munster’s mansion) had been foreclosed upon and was up for auction… but no such luck!

According to RealtyTrac, “Vampire REOs are bank-owned homes that are still occupied by the previous homeowner who was foreclosed on. On the surface these properties often will look like normal, nondistressed homes, but beneath the surface they represent a shadow inventory that is becoming more imminent as rising home prices motivate banks to sell off these homes to try and recoup their losses on soured loans.”

“Zombie foreclosures are homes that are still languishing in the foreclosure process but have been vacated by the homeowner being foreclosed. Often these homes are more obviously distressed, falling into disrepair with no one to perform regular maintenance and upkeep.”

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This could be some scary news for sellers and builders of new homes if all of sudden the banks decide to put these homes on the market for sale. An increase in inventory, especially adding distressed sales like REOs onto the sales market, could change the current seller’s market back to a buyer’s market in a hurry! On the other hand, this would be welcome news to buyers currently struggling to find a home to purchase. Trick or treat?

According to RealtyTrac there are about 250,000 vampires and 150,000 zombies across the nation that when added together equal 400,000 properties or approximately 10% of our nation’s current annual sales volume.

Closer to home we have approximately 10,801 REOs in the Riverside/San Bernardino statistical area of which 52% are currently vampires. If you believe that the banks were smart enough to hold these properties off the market in order to create the lack of inventory and increase prices in the first place then there is no reason to worry about them dumping all of these properties on the market at once, only to crash the market they worked so hard to create. On the other hand, if you believe that the banks created these vampires and zombies through their inability to properly manage the “foreclosure to sale process”, then at some point it might be possible to see large numbers of these

properties come on the market in the not so distant future.

Here is the reality of the situation as I see it. The zombies are likely candidates to become short sales and if not that, regular REOs. Their current numbers are not enough to have a dramatic effect on the Coachella Valley real estate market. As they trickle onto the market, as they have been doing for the last year and a half, they will continue sustaining inventories and providing good opportunities for homeowners and investors.

They will slow the recovery of the housing market, but the zombies alone are not a significant issue. The vampires are the sneaky ones and when added to the zombies can have a more significant effect on our local real estate market if added to the inventory all at the same time. But I just don’t see that happening. The vampires are “occupied” properties. Did you ever try to evict 5,616 unwilling tenants from their own homes at

fraud alert Trans Union 1-800 680 7289 for fraud alert Social Security Administration (fraud line) 1-800 269 0271 KEEP THESE NUMBERS HANDY FOR YOU OR YOUR FRIENDS SHOULD THE NEED ARISE Dale S. Gribow Attorney at Law 74-923 Highway 111, #206 Indian Wells, California 92210 760-837-7500 Dale@DaleGribowLaw.com www.DaleGribowLaw.com

Real estate

the same time? I have no doubt that these homes will eventually enter the market but most likely at a pace that will continue to slow the recovery of the housing market, but not reverse it.

Vampire REOs and Zombie Foreclosures are fun and somewhat descriptive names for the Frankenstein Monster of a housing market that the banks created in the first place, but we need not be afraid of them.

Happy Halloween!

This week’s real estate tip: Buyers and Sellers should not be afraid to make a decision to buy or sell in the current market.

As always, seek advice from your trusted real estate agent about your personal situation and make your decision based upon what we know is happening today, not what might happen tomorrow.

Bruce Cathcart is the Broker/Co-Owner of La Quinta Palms Realty, “Your Friendly Professionals” and can be reached by email at laquintapalms@dc.rr.com or visit his website at www.laquintapalmsrealty.com.

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alloween is upon us and safety should be the number one priority for trick or treaters says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Here are some tips for choosing the right costumes: Costumes purchased should be made of flame retardant material (Check the label).

Hemlines should be short enough to prevent tripping. Glow in the dark reflective tape is great for night time costumes. Make-up is better than masks as they may obstruct vision. Use battery powered lights and avoid candles to light jack-o’-lanterns.

Children need to stay away from open flames. Remove objects from the yard that

present a hazard to children (garden tools, hoses, etc.). Do not allow children to carry sharp sticks or other objects that could cause injury to others. If you are driving on Halloween, watch out for trick-or-treaters who will be too busy to watch out for you.

Closely inspect all candy before allowing children to eat it. Discard any unwrapped treats. If in doubt, throw it out says Chief DiGiovanna!

For additional safety information contact your local fire department and/or visit: www.usa.gov/Topics/Halloween.shtml Be Safe and Happy Halloween!

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Gamer Girl

by Jennifer Tan aka mrs. fett

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

HALLOWEEN SAFETY

October 31 to November 6, 2013

The 4th season is upon us!

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onday night started the season for the fourth installments of many titles, including Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, and Battlefield 4, both released last night at every GameStop Midnight Launches around the Coachella Valley. With permission, and an amazing turnout, customers got the chance to play BF4 first hand, on one of four Gaems Vanguard PGE’s set in store. Although our lack of internet halted an FPS tourney, no one seemed to mind. The campaign gameplay was enough to keep everyone entertained, and at the edge of their seat with ground-halting cinematics and crystal clear 1080p resolution.

Each GameStop had their own ideas of celebrating the new releases, and I will admit a pirate/military theme seemed a little difficult to blend cohesively, but La Quinta pulled it off quite well. A live DJ, a split photo booth, half military themed with camo mesh, cut out stands, and poster, and half pirate themed, with AC pirate hats, swords, chests and flag props to take photos with, delicious cupcakes, treats and pirate decor really set the atmosphere from just, meh, to entertaining. Employees also took the next step and dressed in their piratey best, while serving customers.

Assassin’s Creed had already struck a home run the moment that they decided

to set the game in the pirate age. How could you NOT want to play as a pirate?!

Campaign is set on both land and sea, and with your environment being a life or death factor, you must know your surroundings, there are no blind killing sprees. Combat mechanics are relatively the same, with the real combat taking place in multiplayer.

Wolfpack, is definitely the selling point for Ubisoft’s new installment, and was the only place where you really felt like assassination was the name of the game.

BF4 is also just as pleasing. DICE has been throwing around its “Levolution” feature, and it really does bring a new sense of urgency to the game. Your environment not only affects how you physically react to a situation, but strategically as well.

Often you find a blizzard has affected your weapons, radar, and in some cases reroutes your enemies. Although DICE brought new mechanics to the title, it has again failed to make Battlefield 4 a contender in the FPS arena. With Call Of Duty: GHOSTS right around the corner, both titles will have to step it up with their next-gen features, if they hope to keep their consumer bases loyal.

ShareKitchen

ShareKitchen holiday package salmon atop orzo pasta with braised leeks and

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he holiday season is just around the corner and that means it’s time to plan the company party, family gatherings and celebrations with friends. Look no further than ShareKitchen for a new, unique location to host a special occasion.

Centrally located in Cathedral City, ShareKitchen is offering an all-inclusive, reasonably priced holiday party package, guaranteeing a hassle-free, memorable event. To set the celebratory mood, guests gather in the elegantly decorated lounge and are welcomed with a beverage selection of mulled, wine, spiced cider or classic eggnog, with hand-passed appetizers and festive music.

A delicious three-course meal is then served in the equally beautiful dining room, decked out in holiday colors. The menu includes a choice of Classic Caesar Salad prepared tableside; Rich and hearty mushroom bisque; Or caramelized goat cheese with roasted beets, walnuts and baby greens. Two entrée selections: roasted turkey with cranberry stuffing and roasted vegetables; Herb poached

roasted tomato chutney; Beef bourguignon over garlic mashed potatoes; Or butternut squash ravioli in sage brown butter sauce.

Dessert options include one choice: Cranberry orange bread pudding with vanilla bean sauce; Apple and pecan tart with apricot glaze and cinnamon infused whipped cream; or fig and berry trifle served family style.

The ShareKitchen holiday package is $44 per person plus tax and gratuity, inclusive of a welcome beverage, hand passed appetizers, three-course holiday inspired dinner, rolls and butter, coffee and tea.

Additional options include hosted wine and beverage service for $16 per person or billed on consumption wine, beer and beverages.

ShareKitchen’s event space accommodates up to 32 guests. An additional site fee will be added for groups less than 20 people.

ShareKitchen is a non-profit organization built on the simple philosophy of sharing. For more information, visit www.ShareKitchen. org, email Michael@ShareKitchen.org or call 760-459-4259.

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October 31 to November 6, 2013

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Health Reconnect with Your Heart for Self-Empowerment

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Week of October 31

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usana Belen, founder of world renowned We Care Spa, will partner with Centro Religare in Rancho Mirage to facilitate a series of six seminars on self-empowerment and healthy living. The seminars will be held on Mondays from 7 pm to 8 pm at The Atrium Design Center, 69-930 Hwy 111, Suite 211-E, Rancho Mirage, CA. 760-699-2017 or 760-424-9601. The classes begin on Monday, October 28th and are free and open to the public.

Centro Religare is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to provide tools for communities to become empowered and for individuals to become aware of their own potential. Through seminars, chats, workshops, guest speakers and round table discussions, the mission of Centro Religare is to support individuals in their personal, organizational and spiritual growth.

The workshops assist individuals in the process of self-knowledge and better communication.

The founder of Centro Religare, Maria Eugenia Berumen, states that ”Centro Religare was born from a dream in our hearts. We are trying to make a difference in the world by being the change we want to see.” Classes at the center take place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7pm to 8pm on a variety of topics designed to strengthen individuals and assist in navigating life’s challenges.

Susana Belen has been an active member

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of the organization for years and is happy to share some of the knowledge that has made her holistic health retreat, We Care Spa, a place of healing and rejuvenation for others for close to 30 years. Susana knows what it means to struggle with your health and well-being and developed The We Care plan through her quest for her own transformation.

The seminars which she will facilitate at Centro Religare include “ Tips for Healthy Digestion”, “Rejuvenation Through Fasting”, “Improve your Five Organs of Elimination”, “The 7 Steps to a Healthy Life”, “Healthy Fast Food” and “How to Set Up Your Kitchen for Success.”

Please join Susana and Maria Eugenia Berumen to explore ways to increase your health and happiness through a body, mind, and spirit approach. For more information on these seminars and all of Centro Religare’s offerings, please contact Maru at 760-6992017 or 760-424-9601. Space is limited so please call to reserve your seat today!

BECOME ONE OF OUR SALES TEAM info@coachellavalleyweekly.com

760.501.6228

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Once when I was hiking through Maui’s rain forest, I spied a majestic purple honohono flower sprouting from a rotting log. As I bent down close, I inhaled the merged aromas of moldering wood and sweet floral fragrance. Let’s make this scene youar metaphor of the week, Aries. Here’s why: A part of your life that is in the throes of decay can serve as host for a magnificent bloom. What has been lost to you may become the source of fertility. Halloween costume suggestion: a garbage man or cleaning maid wearing a crown of roses.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): What don’t you like?

Get clear about that. What don’t you want to do?

Make definitive decisions. What kind of person do you not want to become and what life do you never want to live? Resolve those questions with as much certainty as possible. Write it all down, preferably in the form of a contract with yourself. Sign the contract. This document will be your sacred promise, a declaration of the boundaries you won’t cross and the activities you won’t waste your time on and the desires that aren’t worthy of you. It will feed your freedom to know exactly what you like and what you want to accomplish and who you want to become. Halloween costume suggestion: the opposite of who you really are.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Are you up for an experiment? Not just on Halloween, but for a week afterwards, be scarier than your fears. If an anxious thought pops into your mind, bare your teeth and growl, “Get out of here or I will rip you to shreds!”

If a demon visits you in a nightly dream, chase after it with a torch and sword, screaming “Begone, foul spirit, or I will burn your mangy ass!” Don’t tolerate bullying in any form, whether it comes from a critical little voice in your head or from supposedly nice people who are trying to guilt-trip you. “I am a brave conqueror who cannot be intimidated!” is what you could say, or “I am a monster of love and goodness who will defeat all threats to my integrity!”

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Are you ready to be amazed? Now would be an excellent time to shed your soul’s infantile illusions... to play wildly with the greatest mystery you know... to accept gifts that enhance your freedom and refuse gifts that don’t... to seek out a supernatural encounter that heals your chronic sadness... to consort and converse with sexy magical spirits from the future... to make love with the lights on and cry when you come.

Halloween costume suggestion: the archetypal LOVER. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Some people in your vicinity are smoldering and fuming. The air is heavy with emotional ferment. Conspiracy theories are ripening and rotting at the same time. Hidden agendas are seeping into conversations, and gossip is swirling like ghostly dust devils. Yet in the midst of this mayhem, an eerie calm possesses you. As everyone else struggles, you’re poised and full of grace. To what do we owe this stability? I suspect it has to do with the fact that life is showing you how to feel at home in the world no matter what’s happening around you. Keep making yourself receptive to these teachings. Halloween costume suggestion: King or Queen of Relaxation.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Unification should be a key theme for you in the coming weeks. Anything you do that promotes splicing and blending and harmonizing will get extra help, sometimes from mysterious forces working behind the scenes. The more you work to find common ground between opposing sides, the stronger you’ll feel and the better you’ll look. If you can manage to mend schisms and heal wounds, unexpected luck will flow into your life. To encourage these developments, consider these Halloween disguises: a roll of tape, a stick of Krazy Glue, a wound that’s healing, a bridge.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): What do you think you’d be like if you were among the one-percentwealthiest people on Earth? Would you demand that your government raise your taxes so you could contribute more to our collective well-being? Would

© Copyright 2012 Rob Brezsny

you live simply and cheaply so you’d have more money to donate to charities and other worthy causes? This Halloween season, I suggest you play around with fantasies like that -- maybe even masquerade as an incredibly rich philanthropist who doles out cash and gifts everywhere you go. At the very least, imagine what it would be like if you had everything you needed and felt so grateful you shared your abundance freely.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): What if you had the power to enchant and even bewitch people with your charisma? Would you wield your allure without mercy? Would you feel wicked delight in their attraction to you, even if you didn’t plan to give them what they want? I suspect these questions aren’t entirely rhetorical right now. You may have more mojo at your disposal than you realize.

Speaking for your conscience, I will ask you not to desecrate your privilege. If you must manipulate people, do it for their benefit as well as yours. Use your raw magic responsibly. Halloween costume suggestion: a mesmerizing guru; an irresistible diva; a stage magician.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I had a dream that you were in the film O Brother, Where Art Thou? You were like the character played by George Clooney after he escaped from a prison chain gang.

Can you picture it? You were wearing a striped jailbird suit, and a ball and chain were still cuffed around your ankle. But you were sort of free, too. You were on the lam, making your way from adventure to adventure as you eluded those who would throw you back in the slammer. You were not yet in the clear, but you seemed to be en route to total emancipation. I think this dream is an apt metaphorical depiction of your actual life right now. Could you somehow use it in designing your Halloween costume?

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): I invite you to try the following exercise. Imagine the most powerful role you could realistically attain in the future. This is a position or niche or job that will authorize you to wield your influence to the max. It will give you the clout to shape the environments you share with other people. It will allow you to freely express your important ideas and have them be treated seriously. Let your imagination run a little wild as you visualize the possibilities. Incorporate your visions into your Halloween costume.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In the course of earning a living, I have worked four different jobs as a janitor and six as a dishwasher. On the brighter side, I have performed as a songwriter and lead singer for six rock bands and currently write a syndicated astrology column. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you Aquarians are primed to cultivate a relationship with your work life that is more like my latter choices than the former. The next eight months will be a favorable time to ensure that you’ll be doing your own personal equivalent of rock singer or astrology columnist well into the future. Halloween costume suggestion: your dream job.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Author Robert Louis Stevenson loved the work of poet Walt Whitman, recommending it with the same enthusiasm as he did Shakespeare’s. Stevenson also regarded Whitman as an unruly force of nature, and in one famous passage, called him “a large shaggy dog, just unchained, scouring the beaches of the world and baying at the moon.” Your assignment is to do your best imitation of a primal creature like Whitman. In fact, consider being him for Halloween. Maybe you could memorize passages from Whitman’s Leaves of Grass and recite them at random moments.

Here’s one: “I too am not a bit tamed, I too am untranslatable, / I sound my barbaric YAWP over the roofs of the world.”

Homework: Meditate on death not as the end of physical life, but as a metaphor for shedding what’s outworn. In that light, what’s the best death you’ve experienced? Freewillastrology.com Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

October 31 to November 6, 2013

Mind, body & Spirit

by Bronwyn Ison

AMAZING GRACE

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he beauty and richness of the classic song, Amazing Grace, is endearing and iconic to me.

Countless renditions of the song have been performed. It never seems to fail that my eyes well up with tears and my heart sinks every time my ears consume this song. Add bagpipes and you might as well bring on the Kleenex. No matter your religious affiliation or lack of, most people are familiar with the song Amazing Grace.

The Christian hymn was written by an English poet and clergyman, John Newton and published in 1779. According to Wikipedia, the song is about forgiveness and redemption. Possible regardless of sins committed and that the soul can be delivered from despair through the mercy of God. “Amazing Grace” is one of the most recognizable songs in the English-speaking world. It is also believed that all or most people can identify with the song.

Grace means, unmerited, unearned, or undeserved favor. As we reflect on our lives there may have been a time or two, possibly more where you have received grace. Ponder a positive experience in your life that you could hardly believe happened to or for you. Likely it was grace. Often upon my personal reflections I can attest I have received grace numerous times in my life. Through grace I have learned many of lessons. Reflect upon yours and you may find some hidden treasures within yourself.

Grace has religious ties. However, regardless of your beliefs you can be and live in grace. How can you share? Be gracious in your ways. Be truthful and understanding.

Be patient. Be gracious with your time to help others. Accept grace. Grace is offered and at your fingertips each day. Grasp it and be accepting to all the possibilities that come with opening your heart and mind.

Bookshelves are replete with books about grace. Naturally the Bible will have all you need to learn, know or understand about grace. Desiring a deeper connection

or understanding of self is always a challenge. Search and desire to know more about you. This will sure to be a healthy conquest.

Grace is not earned. Grace is always accessible. We can thrive in grace. Be gracious.

Bronwyn Ison, Owner of Evolve Yoga. www.e-volveyoga.com or (760)564-YOGA (9642) Weekly classes, monthly workshops and MORE! We are EVOLVING, EVOLVE with US!

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October 31 to November 6, 2013 v

Life & career Coach

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Sunny Simon

Loyalty Lessons from A Furry Friend

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Dr. Maria Lombardo, Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery is located in Rancho Mirage.

She specializes in both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures including (but not limited to) facial, body and breast surgery, Botox, Latisse, and hCG diet program.

For a consultation or more information, visit www.lombardocosmeticsurgery.com or call 760-610-8990. Dr. Lombardo will be writing a bi-weekly column for CV Weekly.

What is Underarm Surgery (Brachioplasty)?

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when she is frightened, it means supporting her as she rebuilds her confidence. We sometimes need to check in with ourselves over the loyalty issue. Are we “walking the talk” when we pledge our commitment?

Do our actions prove our loyalty, or do we use empty words to give the perception of devotion?

Deepak Chopra said it best in a recent blog. The new age guru reminds us that “loyalty balances self interest. It is the willingness to look out for us and not just me.” Our actions speak volumes when we put our loyalty principals into practice.

Lastly, loyalty means being faithful.

When I reflect and remember Ollie, the adorable ten pound ball of fur, I remain awestruck by his dedication. As I recall all the times he spent patiently waiting for me, I cannot think of a better role model of loyalty.

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

PSYCHIC READER

nderarm surgery or brachioplasty, more commonly known as an arm lift, is a surgical procedure which tightens loose, sagging skin and removes excess fat deposits in the upper arm that develop with age or significant weight loss.

Who is a Good Candidate for Underarm Surgery?

Candidates must be in good health, have no active diseases or serious, preexisting medical conditions, and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of the surgery. In most cases, patients choose this procedure for cosmetic reasons, but in some patients sagging skin becomes so severe that the skin hangs down, creating what is called a “bat’s wing deformity.” This can restrict motion and interfere with the use of the arm. Patients considering brachioplasty should be aware that a significant scar will be present from the elbow to the armpit, and should not have the operation unless they feel comfortable with the scar or can wear clothes that hide it. This may involve a change of clothing styles, but in most cases the benefit of removing excess skin outweighs this issue.

A “short scar” modification of the brachioplasty is also available for patients with less severe skin laxity. The incision is placed in the arm pit and the loose skin is “tucked” up into the arm pit. This modified procedure is not appropriate for all patients.

How is the Procedure Performed?

First, the patient stands or sits while an area of excess skin is marked. This excess skin is then removed. The area removed is usually shaped like either an ellipse or a triangle. Some fat is left to cover and protect the nerves and arteries, but liposuction is usually performed to provide a smooth result. After the excess fat and skin are removed the wound is sutured closed.

Occasionally, a drain may be used.

Options to Enhance the Procedure In some cases your plastic surgeon may suggest liposuction in conjunction with an arm lift to remove excess fat in the upper arms. Liposuction alone will not improve the condition of loose skin.

If you are interested in discussing one of the arm lift procedures with Dr. Maria Lombardo call for your complimentary consultation today: 760-610-8990.

October 31 to November 6, 2013

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hen I close my eyes I can picture his adorable furry little face. One bright eye surrounded with black fur, the other bordered with fluffy white. He would stand in the upstairs loft, his small head stuck out through the railings looking down and waiting. His name was Ollie and he had the patience of Job. Daily he would wait hours for my return. When I was out of town on business, my husband would try to distract him with treats and games. Ollie stood his ground. He wanted to be the first to greet me when I walked through the door. My sweet Shih Tzu companion was the most loyal friend I ever had. Ollie offered up unconditional love in exchange for little in return.

Loyalty is a precious commodity. Isn’t loyalty what we want most from a friend?

When we bare our soul to a trusted cohort we need to know our innermost thoughts will be safely locked away like the writings in our private journal. It is important to remember when you bestow the gift of loyalty to a friend you take on a noteworthy responsibility. Loyalty is sometimes tested when you become privy to a seductive secret confession. Giving your oath to uphold a confidence requires restraint.

Breaking that seal of trust destroys credibility and devastates friendships.

Loyalty may be a virtue, however, when a friend or lover commits to stick by you, protect you, laugh with you and help dry your tears during a stormy period, then loyalty is a supremely precious gift. A loyalist “has your back.” This means so much more than holding a friend’s hand

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