Coachella Valley Weekly - November 14 to November 20, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 34

News

Music

Movies

Dining

Community Events

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com • November 14 to November 20, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 34

Angela Monroe

pg 7

The Expendables

pg 11

Guttermouth

pg 13

Sessions

pg 20

November 14 to November 20, 2013

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

November 14 to November 20, 2013

SUPER PET ADOPTION FESTIVAL IN THE LAND OF OZ

By Janet Mcafee

Coachella Valley Weekly

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com info@coachellavalleyweekly.com

760.501.6228

Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Brian Michaelz, Woody Reppert 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, Brian Michaelz Photographers Laura Hunt Little, Lani Garfield, Chris Miller/ Imagine Imagery Distribution Jim Fox Distribution/ William Westley, Rudy Mendez

Contents

LAA Super Pet Adoption Fest.......... 3 Pet Adoptions Profiles...................6 Public Pers. - Angela Monroe........7 Sports Scene..................................8 Sports.............................................9 Desert Woman’s Show.................10 LMS- The Expendables...............11 LMS- The Deadbeat Daddies......12 LMS- He Films The Clouds..........13 LMS- Gutter Moiuth....................13 Consider This - Elton John...........14 Pet Place.......................................16 The Vino Voice..............................17 Club Crawler Nightlife.................18 Pampered Palate ........................... 20 Screeners......................................22 Book Review.................................23 Film - Val Lauren Q&A...................25 Education ....................................26 Community - Richarn Finn..........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 - C.O.D. Ghosts..........29 ShareKitchen................................29 Don’t Be Clueless In The CV........30 Free Will Astrology......................31 Mind, Body, & Spirit.....................31 Life & Career Coach......................32 Beauty..........................................32 Comics - Weiss Cracks..................34

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alling all Coachella Valley animal lovers! On November 23rd and 24th, the Whitewater Park in Rancho Mirage will transform into a magical Wizard of Oz themed animal adoption festival aptly called, “There’s No Place Like A Home”. Loving All Animals’ Super Pet Adoption Festival, now in its 5th year, is now one of the landmark events in the Coachella Valley. The goal this year is to find homes for over 500 rescue animals brought to the festival by over 35 organizations.

Replete with a yellow brick road and volunteers costumed as Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and other favorites, the event will also feature a petting zoo for children against a Kansas village recreation. Whether you already have a dog, are seeking another one, or simply looking for something fun to do, this event offers something for everyone.

There are some new things in store for attendees at this mega adoption event in “Emerald City”. The park basketball court will be converted to an exciting animal demonstration area. Come out and meet the 2 Fast 4 Paws fly ball racing team led by

Brenda Mejia. Our doggies in wheelchairs may not be racing, but you will see how special these animals are when you meet the dogs at Furrst and Furrmost Pooch Sanctuary with Stacey Lawler. Dog trainer to the Hollywood stars, Sandy Miller, will be on hand to teach you some dog obedience skills. Dream Dogs will demonstrate their well trained dogs. Guide Dogs of the Desert will showcase their amazing service animals. The Indio Police Department dogs will show you how these intelligent animals help fight crime in our valley.

The name change this year from adoption “Fair” to “Festival” reflects the increased entertainment and music that will be provided on a nearby stage. Lola Rossi put together an exciting line up of local entertainers including John Stanley King, smooth jazz guitarist Joe Baldino, saxophonist Chase, Fleet Easton, Elena & Donnie Beck, and Heatwave Faculty Band. Comedian and musician Rex Meredith

is another highlight. Our local Boys’ and Girls’ Club jazz and show band will also perform.

Rescue animals’ rock!

Something very special is planned for Sunday at 12:45 pm. Father Lincoln from Sacred Heart Catholic church will conduct a “Blessing of the Animals” service where your own pet can receive a blessing. Adopt a pet on Saturday, and return for this blessing on Sunday.

Loving All Animals wants to make adopting a rescue animal a fun, rewarding and educational experience. This event has some of the top local animal professionals on hand to provide information. Dr. Lillian Roberts from Country Club Animal Clinic and Dr. Doug Kunz of VCA Palm Springs will be on hand to offer complimentary pre-adoption physical examinations for your newly adopted cat or dog. Dr. Rebecca Diaz, local feline expert from The Cat Clinic, will have a booth. New pet owners will receive a free gift bag.

A grooming stage sponsored by Ritzi Rover Grooming Salon will feature professional groomers doing makeovers on dogs, providing pet care tips, and then will open up to the audience for “Ask the Groomer”. The many vendors will offer training tips, pet products, pet sitters, and cute outfits to send your new animal out in style. Another booth will provide low cost microchipping for your pet.

Various food vendors, including the famous

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November 14 to November 20, 2013

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Woody’s Burgers are serving food and drinks.

Vegetarian dishes will be available. What a “purrfect” occasion to enjoy a delicious lunch outdoors while listening to awesome music and enjoying the sights. As Yappy Hour time approaches, there will be a wine and beer bar, with the Coachella Valley Brewing Company serving.

RR Broadcasting will broadcast live from the festival on Saturday. Our favorite animal loving local celebrities will be on hand to emcee including Valerie Kattz, Victor Cruz, Steve Kelly, Katie Markim, Jenifer Daniels, Bianca Rae, Patrick Evans, Samantha Cortese, and Laura Yanez.

The true stars of the day are the animals, the cats, the dogs, and the horses who come with a hope in their hearts for a home. Our own Riverside County shelter, the Coachella Valley Animal campus will bring over 60 dogs.

Some rescue groups are breed specific such as California Maltese Rescue, and Forget-MeNot Pekinese rescue. For the feline fancier,

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com Pretty Good Cat, Hope to Home for Cats, and others will showcase some beautiful cats and kittens. One group is bringing horses. Some rescue groups are coming from as far away as Los Angeles and San Diego. This venue brings together both public shelters and private rescues to promote the adoption of rescue animals. Whatever type of pet you seek there is a good chance you will find your new best friend here.

Lindi Biggi, President and founder of Loving All Animals, describes the Festival, “This event is not only a festive weekend for the community, but it’s a chance to educate everyone about how together the Coachella Valley can work together and become a “No Kill” community for domestic animals. There are already 60 “No Kill” communities in the United States (where 90% or more of public shelter animals exit alive). We hope everyone will adopt an animal from our public shelters or one of our private rescue organizations, which either way supports the cause of rescue. The most moving part of the day after

last year’s adoption fair took place when the private no-kill groups had empty space from so many adoptions, and they took in the remaining animals from the public shelters.”

Why host an adoption fair if folks can go to shelters and adopt? Many people won’t go to a shelter because they find it too depressing, and often the shelters are located in remote areas where people don’t know where they are located. This festival showcases these beautiful cats, dogs and horses in a setting that shows how special they are.

Lots of experts will be on hand to help in the selection of your new companion. An event like this educates our valley about the wonderful world of rescue animals, and how they work their magic and bring happiness to our lives. Rescue animals have hearts of gold, the wisdom of experience, and their optimism for a better future is contagious.

This event is always the weekend before Thanksgiving. Journey down the Yellow Brick Road to Whitewater Park in Rancho Mirage situated directly behind The River shopping center in Rancho Mirage. Whitewater Park

Stellar Entertainment For Loving All Animals Super Pet Adoption Fair

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lan to attend the Fifth Annual Loving All Animals Super Pet Adoption Fair with an exciting line-up of entertainment on the Main Stage produced

by Lola Rossi of Prestige Entertainment on Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., being held at the Whitewater Park in Rancho Mirage.

The event will open with the Boy Scout Troop #262 Color Guard and the raising of the United States Flag while Lola Rossi sings “The National Anthem” on both days at 10 a.m. followed by a performance with pianist

rex meridith

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Denise motto & lola rossi

and vocalist Denise Motto. At 10:30 a.m. also on both days, Valerie Mahabir presents a performance by The Desert Youth Ballet.

After a few announcements, smooth jazz guitarist, Joe Baldino, performs his unique

style of original music from his CDs, available for purchase. Rossi and Motto return to the stage with guest saxophonist Chase Knun, a young musician currently working on his first CD project.

Headlining on Saturday and Sunday will be impressionist, comedian, actor and musician, Rex Meredith, who made his home and raised his family here in the Desert. He has performed all over the world and is making a special appearance to help this organization find good homes for the animals during the event. Meredith has performed on the “Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson; “An Evening At The Improv”; The Merv Griffin Show; and at “The Comedy Store”; to name a few, and hosted his own show, “The Laff Shop with Rex Meredith.”

Also headlining on Saturday is jazz vocalist and recording artist Peter Marin.

He will perform with pianist David Ring, drummer Jay Lewis and bassist Tibor Lesko.

Meredith and Marin will alternate from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. with a short intermission during the Mayor’s Recognition Award presentation.

Motto returns to the stage shortly after at 3 p.m. to perform acoustic jazz with guitarist Steve Crowell, and then presents a high energy Dance Show featuring Eva and the Rio Color Dancers, to end the day on a “high note” with a Samba.

The event begins the same way on

November 14 to November 20, 2013

is located at 71560 San Jacinto Drive, Rancho Mirage. For more information, check Loving All Animals’ Facebook page, visit the website www.lovingallanimals.org, or call their office at (760) 834-7000. There is a $5 donation admission charge, and children under 12 are free. This small admission fee includes a ticket for a wonderful raffle prize.

You need not be “dogless” anymore!

Come experience the magic of Oz at this festival, meet some wonderful animals, and find the special one who touches your heart.

Dorothy and Toto will be there to welcome you. There is “no place like a home” and no home is complete without a special dog or cat.

by Lola Rossi-Meza

peter marin Sunday at 10 a.m. with announcements at 11 a.m. followed by pianist Donnie Beck and vocalist Elaina Beck with saxophonist John Bolivar performing R & B along with a few original songs. After a few announcements, continue to page 7

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November 14 to November 20, 2013

Pretty Pitty This lovely 4-yr-old gray pit bull girl is waiting for a home at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place,

Thousand

Palms,

(760) 343-3644. Staff reports she is a happy, friendly girl.

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.

wondeful wally

Wally’s sweet puppy face will make you swoon. This 7-moold

Doxi/Chihuahua

fellow

is available now at the Palm Spring animal shelter, 4575 E. Mesquite, Palm Springs, (760) 416-5719.

Pick A Tulip Brimming over with happiness, this active Parson Terrier may be the dog for you! Tulip is 2 years old, 12 pounds, long legged for running an agility course, and loves to romp with other dogs.

Loving All Animals rescued Tulip .Spayed, vaccinated and ready to go! Adoption donation requested. Call to meet this sweetheart, (760) 834-7000.

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Sweet Stetson

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public personalities

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By judith salkin

Angela Monroe loves going after the whole story

My foster dad says I am a fabulous fellow! I heard him say, “Stetson is the best dog ever, he’s mellow, he’s house trained, command trained, and he loves to play fetch”. I’m a 3-year-old Bulldog/Boxer blend with a loving heart, dreaming of a family of my own. I’m with the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. To arrange a Meet & Greet, call (760) 416-5719.

beverly hills Chi

I’m one of those classy Beverly Hills Chihuahuas with an unusual brindle coat.... but homeless in the Coachella Valley! I’m a well mannered and potty trained 1-yr-old boy, just a little fellow weighing less than 5 pounds.

To adopt me, call Karen at (206) 795-6996.

marvelous misty

Meet marvelous Misty! This sweet angel rescue cat is only 6 months old, and has the softest silky fur. She loves people and other animals.

Flash is her brother is Flash and she hopes you will adopt him too. Misty is spayed and has all shot. Call (760) 8981258 to adopt.

fabulous flash

I’m one of those classy Beverly Hills Chihuahuas with an unusual brindle coat.... but homeless in the Coachella Valley! I’m a well mannered and potty trained 1-yr-old boy, just a little fellow weighing less than 5 pounds.

To adopt me, call Karen at (206) 795-6996.

November 14 to November 20, 2013

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fleet easton john stanley king guitarist and vocalist John Stanley King takes the stage with fiddler Eric Frankson and the band. Since it is Sunday, around 1 p.m., Rossi will sing an inspirational song, “We Lift You Up” followed by a special “Blessing of the Animals” by Father Howard Lincoln of Sacred Heart Church in La Quinta.

Comedian Rex Meredith returns to the stage around 1:15 p.m. and will alternate until 3 p.m. with entertainer Fleet Easton, who is also headlining that afternoon with a performance and style that is uniquely his.

In between their two shows, the Heatwave Faculty Band with Bolivar on sax, Tomas

Granillo on drums, guitarist Todd Ashley and bassist Mike McMahon, who is also directing the Sound Crew for the entire event. As a matter of fact, all the Sound and Staging is provided by the Music Program of the Boys and Girls Club of the Coachella Valley under the direction of Jim Little, with some support from Icon Presentations.

The Heatwave Jazz and Show Band will perform during the final hour of this annual event. Musicians include: Danielle King on piano and vocals; vocalists Ariss Durazo and Holly Tuck; Granillo on drums; Mat Emery on bass; Nick Henry on alto saxophone and Jacob Guaydacon on tenor saxophone.

Please mark your calendars now and plan to attend this very special event for the entire family.

Full Service Feline Only Veterinary Clinic

Dr. Rebecca Diaz

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

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

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www.catcitycat.com

ow many of us really know what path we want our lives to take at the tender age of 13?

“I always wanted to tell stories,” said KMIR 6 reporter and videographer Angela Monroe earlier this week from her Palm Desert home.

“And honestly, I have to say, I really do have the best job. I love doing interviews and getting to know the people I talk to.”

It was at 13 when Monroe made the decision to follow her heart and set out to become a print journalist. “I loved writing and words,” she said. “I wanted to tell stories that could affect the people who read them.”

She joined the staff of her school paper, eventually becoming its editor. “I truly loved what I was doing, even when I was that young.”

But something happened to the blossoming journo from the Big Sky Country of Montana, and she wanted to add another element to the stories.

“Right before college, I was all set to be a print journalist,” she said. “I don’t know what changed, but before I started my freshman year (at the University of Montana), I made the decision to go into broadcasting.”

There were some small obstacles for Monroe to overcome in the switch. “I did have a boss early in my career who told me that I was a bit longwinded, which was easier for print,” she recalled with a laugh. “And learning to tell the stories in a short piece of video is still a challenge.”

Monroe graduated in 2006 from the University of Montana’s School of Journalism and the Davidson Honors College. She began her professional career as an intern at KREM 2 News in Spokane, Wash., and worked in production and as web producer until she joined KAJ News back in Montana.

Through her college years, Monroe learned shooting her own video and photos to go with her stories. It’s not that Monroe is a control freak, but she has her own eye for the shots that enhance the story she is telling. “Pictures can tell so much of a story,” she said. “I’m always looking for that certain shot when I’m editing the pieces before they air, for that one picture that says what I can’t.”

Like Chet Huntley and Tom Brokaw, both great television journalists from Big Sky Country, Monroe grew up in the small towns with the stores of the men and women that tamed the country and they fascinated her. “I’ve always loved reading about the people who settled the country and then seeing it for myself,” she said.

Her early broadcasting jobs took her to those small towns. She worked as the bureau chief and anchor at KAJ-TV in Kalispell, Mont. “I was 24, just out of college and that was a bit scary at the start,” she recalled. “But it gave me the chance to really get to know the people I was reporting on and to grow.”

During her time at KAJ, Monroe interviewed First Lady Michelle Obama and covered the campaign visits of Vice President Biden and former President Bill Clinton. She also covered a 31-hour murder police standoff, did an investigative piece on the deaths of hundreds from contact with asbestos and the community reaction to the ensuing lawsuit of the mining company, and a boat crash that injured a Montana state senator

and US Congressman.

She lived close to Glacier National Park in Kalispell and would have to cover stories in the park. “One of my first pieces was in winter and I had to drive the news truck into the park,” she recalled. “Suddenly, there was a car in front of me and I had to make a split second decision to hit the car or drive into a snow drift. I chose the snowdrift!”

For her work, Monroe won a Society of Professional Journalists award for break news coverage.

Her body of work helped to get her the job at KMIR when she decided that, like all journalists, it was time to move on and advance her career.

“California was always the goal,” she said. “I talked to my mother about it. We’d taken trips to California when I was a kid. And it’s the state that really has everything you could want in terms of environment, from the mountains and snow in the north to the deserts and beaches, so many different beaches, in the south. And the cities!”

While she sent out eight to ten demo tapes, KMIR was the first to respond and offer her an interview. “At the time, I didn’t know anything about the valley,” she said. “But by the time I came out for the interview, I knew the names and populations of every city in the valley.”

It’s been change Monroe has embraced wholeheartedly, but interestingly enough, it’s the stories of the everyday people, those who have suffered tragedies that still touch her heart.

“I’ve talked to George Clooney at the film festival, and that was great,” she said. “But I’d still rather do the story about the man in Banning who lost his home to a fire. Those are the stories I’m good at telling.”

Now, at nearly 30 (her birthday is Dec. 6), Monroe has settled into life in the desert, and says that it suits her spirit. “I grew up in a place where it could get to 120-below in winter and here it gets to 120 in summer,” she said with a laugh. “I’d rather deal with the heat.”

Coming from a place where snowcapped majestic mountains could be seen from miles away the small cities and towns she lived in and covered, finding the mountains that surround the Coachella Valley was comforting.

“It took a while for me to get used to mountains that weren’t covered in trees,” she said. “But sometimes they do get snow and that’s enough for me.”

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November 14 to November 20, 2013

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sports scene

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

by Julie Buehler

Bullying In The NFL: Big Problems In Our Culture Bleed Into Sports

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ome say sports are an escape. I disagree. Sports are life accelerated, amplified and then magnified.

So when there’s an issue in sports, we should first look at our culture.

When steroids were the hottest story in baseball, many looked at the players and coaches and wondered how could so many be led astray. Many pointed to the simplistic notion of rising salaries. But the bigger picture is our society is in the throngs of an obsession with instant gratification. Kids are now more likely to cheat on a college entrance exam or stick a needle in their arse than put the extra work in morning, noon and night. That’s a society thing, not a baseball thing.

With the latest story in the NFL and controversy surrounding Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin, bullying isn’t a football thing, it’s a society thing.

Incognito, a veteran offensive lineman is accused of bullying, harassing and threatening his teammate, 2nd year lineman, Martin.

Stories reveal detailed communication between the two men and many in sports media vacillate between blaming Incognito for his own bullish behavior and Martin’s ineptitude to stand up for himself.

We have never been more aware of the hazardous effects of bullying and the rampant problem, and yet when it comes to this story, the NFL, this seems like a difficult issue for some to understand.

But harassment is harassment, whether it be sexual, physical, mental or emotional.

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And it should never be tolerated.

Some say Martin needed to “toughen up.” In fact, there were reports his coaching staff asked Incognito to handle the job. I’d say, if a guy is playing in the NFL, he’s tough.

And if the Dolphins didn’t think he was performing at a high enough level, why not bench him?

Some say, “I was bullied, I fought for myself and I’m better for it.” Sure, that’s like getting in a head-on collision to get your car replaced. I’d say that’s too much unnecessary collateral damage. Martin understood the only way to get relief was going to the necessary authorities, not volunteer to participate in that physical wreckage.

When talking about an NFL locker room, you’re talking about a closed society; one that hinges on acceptance. Much like a high school cheer squad, college chess club or marching band, anytime there’s a clique and some are allowed “in” and some are on the “outside” there’s going to be a process of acceptance. And that’s part of life, but that is where we see frequent bullying or hazing. In order to be accepted people are supposed to put themselves through indignities? Because this somehow proves what? I’d say it proves they are not leadership material, not critical thinkers or able to stand on their own.

Martin proved he is able to stand up for himself in the noblest way possible. Through preventing collateral damage and taking necessary steps to end the harassment.

I hope this conversation expands people’s understanding that bullying can never be tolerated and should ALWAYS be reported.

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.

WITH EZ 103.1FM & A CHANCE AT $10,000

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

WITH BIG 106FM & A CHANCE TO WIN A TILTED KILT CUSTOM GOLF CART

We have College Football with College Game Plan and the Big Ten Network.

Sunday Football All day with Sunday NFL Ticket.

All on 46 LCD TVs. Great Food and Drink Specials.

Your place for food.

TiltedKilt.com Facebook.com/TiltedKiltPalmDesert 760.773.KILT 72-191 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA

sports

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November 14 to November 20, 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

Why does everything seem to boil down to money?

D

ays after Stanford’s big upset of Oregon, implications continue to be felt, including the prospect for help elsewhere for both teams’ big-bowl chances. Here’s another one worth exploring — the injury status of Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. It underscores the need for a forward-thinking, league-mandated injury report each week.

On game day, there was some buzz about Mariota and a knee problem. He came out wearing a brace (as he had in his previous game), and he proceeded to play poorly.

After the game, Oregon didn’t specifically acknowledge the injury, but between the lines, a couple of Ducks coaches and Mariota did.

As usual, the attempt of some weird cover up wasn’t known until after the fact. If there’s an Exhibit A for the purported value of concealing an injury, it ought to be this game.

Did Stanford have any knowledge of Mariota’s problem? We may never know. But if it didn’t, it surely didn’t take a Fulbright scholar to figure out the Ducks tilted their game plan away from running Mariota, and Stanford is as bright as anybody.

As for the bigger issue — whether knowledge by Stanford would have endangered Mariota — it seems hard to make a case that Oregon’s policy of non-disclosure made him less vulnerable playing on a bad knee against an excellent defense.

What’s wrong with this picture? Thousands in attendance and millions of people watched that game knowing little or nothing about Mariota’s injury status. It’s those millions that fuel mammoth TV contracts that are pivotal in paying coaches multi-million-dollar salaries.

It’s some of the same coaches who refuse to be part of a league-wide injury report, hiding behind things like HIPAA privacy laws that were never intended for such purposes.

The ACC has such an injury report. And it seems to work pretty well in the NFL. It’s time for some similar enlightenment for the Pac 12.

Some Pac 12 Inventory Remember USC? Lane Kiffin looks worse by the day. USC interim coach Ed Orgeron moved to 4-1 since Kiffin was bounced with a 62-28 win at Cal in which the Trojans scored six touchdowns on plays of 30 or more yards.

How about recently fired Papa Kiffin, the defensive coordinator of the Cowboys, who this week did their best to allow the New Orleans Saints to do whatever they felt like. Saints invented new ways to make the Cowboys look bad as they collectively looked bored on the way to a 49-17 trouncing of Jerry Jones lego set.

Ducks trouble swimming Oregon has a Stanford problem. But you knew that. Rarely can a quality defense be so certain something is coming and yet be so powerless to stop it. Seven times in their game, the Cardinal faced a third-and-two or less, and seven times it ran Tyler Gaffney for a first down. Oregon is fast, fast, fast, but oh ya, not big or bad by any means. This repeated loss to larger, tough minded teams significantly hinders the argument if next year, Oregon is on the 4-Team Playoff bubble.

This Week Washington visits UCLA Friday night in a game that will measure two programs’ seasons. Saturday’s best games are Stanford at USC and Oregon State’s drop-in at Arizona State, still the leader of the Pac-12 South. USC has seemingly found their stride so look for them to cover. ASU’s QB has been shopping NFL agent’s so look for him to light it up and an easy ASU cover.

Please Join Us For this Special Fundraiser

Thinking Happy Thoughts for Andie

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

For details, visit... www.thinkinghappythoughts.org 9

November 14 to November 20, 2013

events

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Local Music Spotlight 80’s guitar, reggae and punk, the expendables tear the roof off the date shed

by Heidi Simmons

The Desert Woman’s Show: Mixing Business With Pleasure

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oachella Valley women are unique and the Desert Woman’s Show is an event designed and produced by CV women for CV women. It is a celebration of women and all the good things that make living and working in our valley great.

This Sunday and Monday, November 17 and 18, at the Rancho Mirage Agua Caliente Casino Resort and Spa, valley vendors and vivacious venues will fill the Conference Center.

“Sunday is the fun day,” said Diana Marlo, event coordinator and President of Marlo Productions. “There’s food and wine sampling, a fashion show, wall-to-wall vendors, raffles, interesting guests and seminars. And Sunday night is the benefit concert featuring Desperado, Eagles tribute band at Agua Caliente’s THE SHOW Theater.”

With nearly 80 vendors and exhibitors, there is something for every woman. On Sunday, Taste of the Valley will offer tasty sampling from 15 local premium restaurants.

Raffle prizes include dinners for two, spa days and two 8-day, 7-nights, stay at Hacienda del Mar Vacation Resort in Cabo San Lucas.

But the fun doesn’t have to end Sunday night. Monday is the Women ‘s Business Conference, which includes an 8 am networking breakfast, vendors, celebrity guests and over 16 breakout sessions. “It’s all about sharing ideas, looking for knowledge and leaving your imprint on the valley,” said Marlo.

This year’s luncheon keynote speaker is Suzanne Somers, who undoubtedly will share her secrets to looking and feeling vibrant.

“She is a great example of health and vitality.

Suzanne is someone who lives what she preaches,” said Marlo.

Somers is a long time CV resident and has a new book, I’m too Young for This! Somers is a partner and spokesperson for Clark’s Nutrition Center, a sponsor of the event.

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This is the sixth annual Desert Woman’s Show & Conference and the first one to be held at Agua Caliente casino resort in Rancho Mirage.

The purpose of the Desert Woman’s Show is two fold: One, it enables local women to explore personal and professional growth, health and fitness issues, while also having fun, shopping, food tasting, sampling drinks, making new friends and learning new things.

And two, it’s all for a good cause. The money raised from the Desperado Concert and Luncheon goes to local charity. Over the last five years the Desert Woman’s Show has contributed over $300,000 to valley nonprofits!

This year’s beneficiaries are: Loving All Animals and The Women Leaders Forum.

“Every year I’m asked if men are welcome to attend. And the answer is YES! While the ladies are enjoying a fashion show or a little shopping, the fellas can hang out in Taste of the Valley with great food and some interesting brew from Coachella Valley Brewery Co.” Marlo said.

Besides beer, there are business exhibitors that will certainly appeal to men as well as women: The PGA Superstore, Red Dragon Karate, Hot Purple Energy, Diamond Resorts International, Lumpy’s Golf, Crater Lake Vodka, to name only a few.

The event has drawn up to 3000 people over the two days. Last year, parking was an issue but this year the Agua Caliente offers 24-hour valet service and free self-parking is abundant.

“Unlike other venues in larger cities, The Woman’s Show is intimate. The main room holds 350 people and the breakout seminars seat 30. So it’s very personal. People get to hang out and get to know one another,” said Marlo.

Attendees range between 35 and 65 years old, and the majority are women with a high disposable income.

Sunday’s events begin at 10:00am and run until 5:00. An all day pass is $25 and can be purchased at the door or online. The pass includes vender exhibits, Taste of the Valley, Center Stage events, speakers and the fashion show.

Center Stage on Sunday includes two authors: Doctor Steven Gundry, author of Dr. Gundry’s Diet Evolution will talk at 10:30 and JJ Virgin will speak about her best selling book The Virgin Diet at 1:30. Virgin is also Monday’s breakfast speaker.

The fashion show will take Center Stage at 12:30 and will feature clothing from Kenneth Cole, Jones New York and V&G HipWear.

Gabe Codding, tournament Director of the Kraft Nabisco Championship, will discuss 43 years of women’s golf with a surprise guest at 3:00.

Sunday has eight seminars throughout

the day -- all given by local community and business leaders. They will deliver information on dating, finding a purpose, how to live happy, interior design, solar energy, coping with autoimmune disease, the affordable care act, and personal finance.

Sunday events conclude with the Desperado Concert, which begins at 7:00. Tickets start at $35 for loge seating and go up to $65. “The Show Theater is a great concert venue with stadium seating and excellent sound. I’ll be a fun way to end the night,” said Marlo.

Monday, the Women’s Business Conference kicks off. It includes breakfast, guest speakers, vendors and 16 breakout sessions. Monday’s events begin at 8:00am and runs until 5:00.

The Women’s Business Conference costs $45 a person. The luncheon with Suzanne Somers is sold separately. Tickets are $50 and the event is held in the Agua Caliente’s THE SHOW Theater.

One of the breakout seminars is a two hour certified “Sexual Harassment in the Workforce” training session that satisfies the California State requirements for businesses managers.

Completion of the “Sexual Harassment in the Workforce” two-hour course, results in certification. “If you were to pay for this service to come to your office, it would cost considerably more than the ticket price,” said Marlo.

Monday offers plenty of other equally important and interesting seminars to choose from. Each can help CV women achieve their

business goals here in the CV. Coachella Valley SCORE, a non-profit organization whose mission is to help small businesses become more successful, is presenting four workshops.

Other Monday sessions include “Business Plan Writing,” “The ABC’s of Starting a Business,” “How to Obtain a Business Loan,” “PR vs. Advertising,” “Crafting Your Brand,” and “Social Media.”

Marlo had been producing events similar to the Desert Woman’s Show in Canada since 1984. When she moved to the Coachella Valley, Marlo got involved with local women’s organizations, mainly to network and meet women of the valley.

“They asked me what I did in Canada, and they suggested we do something similar here,” said Marlo. “I have met more wonderful women doing this event. This valley is full of interesting and fascinating women.”

Marlo has not done it alone. Dozens of women have come together to ensure a terrific event. Marlo said, “It’s a group effort.

Everyone comes with ideas to make the Desert Woman’s Show meaningful as well as fun and different every year.”

Every year the Desert Woman’s Show gets bigger and better. As more CV women discover the event, the more women benefit.

This makes the Coachella Valley a better place to work and live. For more information go to www.desertwomansshow.com

S

urfing, skating, partying and loud music this was life growing up in Santa Cruz, California. The Expendables seemed right at home in this lifestyle of blending all of the above with Reggae, Punk Rock and 80’s style dueling guitar solos and since 1997 they haven’t looked back. Their infectious grooves have been tearing down venues and making floors shake.

The Expendables consist of longtime friends Guitar and Vocalist Geoff Weers, Drums and Vocals Adam Patterson, Lead

Guitarist Raul Bianchi and Bassist Ryan DeMars. The Expendables have managed their time touring and supporting their albums. In 2012 The Expendables released their latest album a collection of acoustic versions of previous releases they called “Gone Soft”.

The guys from The Expendables are fresh off the massive Cabin by the Sea Tour, which kept the reggae, punk, rockers busy with over 40 shows across the States and Canada. Talk about busy, The Expendables are taking their California party genre to Costa Rica at the beginning of the year for the 2014 Jungle Jam. Not a bad deal for a group of guys playing music from Santa Cruz, California.

Not to mention, The Expendables and Silverback Management recently announced the return of the annual Winter Blackout Tour. The tour is sure to keep fans hopping with special guests Stick Figure and Seedless.

The Expendables spent the early years of their career building their fan base with independent albums No Time to Worry (2000), Open Container (2001), and Getting Filthy (2004) then 2007 brought a new ballgame when they signed with Stoopid Records and released The Expendables Self Titled (2007) which proved to be a fan favorite.

So what does the future hold for The

November 14 to November 20, 2013

by brian michaelz Saturday Nov 16th Doors open at 8pm. 18 & over. $15 admission!

Expendables? One thing is certain it will be full of loud music, loud venues, and loud fans. Over 75,000 plus albums sold independently, over 300,000 singles sold, Billboard Heat Seekers #4 for their album Prove It, Hit songs in Guitar Hero World Tour, all from the band from Santa Cruz, California. They are The Expendables. Are they Reggae? Are they Punk? Yes and a whole lot more; they are massive circle pits, and slowdance grooves. A show by The Expendables is a raging night not to be missed.

Check out a few of their social media sites: www.facebook.com/theexpendables , www.twitter.com/theexpendables , www.myspace.com/theexpendables .

Check out The Expendables this Saturday night at The Date Shed in Indio. Showtime is 8:00PM tickets are $15.00, ages 18 and over.

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November 14 to November 20, 2013

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Local Music Spotlight

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Scott Pam

I

t’s impossible to not start tapping your feet when listening to the Deadbeat Daddies. It’s also very difficult to dance when loaded down with camera gear and easy to forget that one is on assignment while watching the people in the “scene”.

Their unique mix of swing, Jump Blues and Rockabilly has an incredibly upbeat tempo and a constant driving beat that kept the crowd moving through the Deadbeat Daddies 55 minute, 17 song set. The five originals that were played during the set showcased their impressive and unique creativity. While they only played five of their originals, “Livin Doll” had time changes and impressive lyrics that are truly memorable and will continue to keep the crowd paying attention to the band.

The crowd, dressed for the scene in vintage clothing, pompadours and other hairstyles from the Fifties, appears right out of a movie scene - you feel like you have travelled back in time. Some of the women attending the show looked like they walked straight out of a 1950’s magazine complete with eyeglasses, dresses and handbags from that era.

Phil Maag, the lead singer and rhythm guitar player, fronts the band with superb vocals while Patrick Sakamoto handles the lead guitar and backing vocals. Aaron Mercado handles the sax and backing vocals and Sheridan Lundy plays the upright bass.

Phil originally started on the upright bass when the group was started. “We got the name from a friend of a friend of a friend who said we could use it. Deadbeat comes from a Jazz term,” Phil said. The group started as a three-piece band roughly 17 years ago.

They recorded one CD back then. “It’s hard to sing and play upright bass,” he said. “It’s like slapping a two by four for an hour.”

From the three piece original lineup, they went to a five piece band adding in saxophone and an upright bass player so Phil could dedicate more time to being the front man for the band.

Singing in his truck, Phil gets in as much practice as he can. His dedication to The Deadbeat Daddies is evident as each song is packed with energy and a fast tempo sure to challenge any lead singer from any genre.

Genetics may play a role as well as his mom

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Local Music Spotlight

Local Music Spotlight

Looking for Answers in the Clouds

Guttermouth: 25 years, and They’re Still Punk Rock

by Eric the red (eric robertson)

The Deadbeat Daddies

A

ggressive, Melodic, and Passionate.” This is how Jacob Garcia chose to describe his band, He Films The Clouds. Utilizing a sound that melds together multiple styles ranging from the ambient wall of noise you’d expect to hear in shoegazing and alternative, to mind blowing sweep picking reminiscent of technical metal bands such as Necrophagist and The Faceless, He Films The Clouds is ready to set the world ablaze with a style all their own.

The current lineup for He Films The Clouds is Jacob taking care of all instrumental duties and Gavin Benes handling all lyrics and vocals. Based out of Yucca Valley, this band has recently fallen on some tough times, having most of their members part ways. This hasn’t stopped Benes and Garcia though. They’re determined to press on. When asked to elaborate on their biggest challenges, Benes stated, “Probably getting back on our feet after losing all the members. It’s really tough finding light in dark places. Before, we’d practice every day together. Long hours of just stage presence, and then rehearsing the music. It was really like a business before, but we’re looking to change that now.”

Aside from their troubles, HFTC is already looking to the future and how they can help to improve the state of metal and hardcore in our area. “I love seeing dedicated musicians coming over to my place and putting their hearts in stuff they believe, and I think a proper studio with awesome gear and with properly trained engineers, this place could blow up!” stated Garcia, on the subject of having a dedicated metal recording studio in the valley. With an interest in recording and production, HFTC could set the standard and assist in the advancement of metal bands from all over the Coachella valley.

“Maybe some better advertisement would help. I know a handful of very hardworking bands out here that would kill for a shot at a career in music. It really blows knowing people won’t work with [metal] bands out here, or even look really.” “

was an opera singer who in 1947, left opera, when the family moved to the Coachella Valley to farm.

Some performers still get nervous before they take the stage. “I don’t get nervous anymore, but I did when Brian Setzer walked into one of the shows,” Phil mentioned. As one of Phil’s biggest influences, the Stray Cats brought a good deal of attention back to the revival of Rockabilly, who’s roots go back to the 50’s and 60’s.

At the heart of the beat of the band, is Chuy Cuellar. Ten years ago, while on the way home from playing a party, Chuy was involved in a car wreck – the driver of the vehicle was drunk – leaving him wheelchair bound since. Chuy is the drummer.

Chuy started playing on the pots and pans in his mom’s kitchen before he was five, and got his first drum set shortly thereafter. “I joined my first band in high school, and we played mostly metal like Slipknot and System of a Down,” said Chuy. “We never made it out of the garage though.”

For the first couple of years after the accident, Chuy was able to use his lightning speed to cover the inability to use the kick for the bass drum. About three years after the accident, “I woke up in the morning and kinda kicked down a little bit and my leg responded,” he said. After doing some strengthening exercises, he started bringing the kick drum.

Chuy has speed and timing. The pace of the set would challenge any normal drummer, but Chuy never misses a beat.

Getting to the drum riser takes more effort for Chuy than for most other drummers – he has an assistant that helps him with getting the wheelchair on to the drum riser.

Rockabilly has its own legacy going back to 1950s and is a combination of “rock”

from “rock ‘n’ roll” and “hillbilly”. Country music back in the 1940s and 1950s was called hillbilly music. The genre also takes its influences from western swing, boogie woogie and rhythm and blues.

Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass, is also mentioned as influential in the development of Rockabilly as is Elvis Presley, who recorded “That’s All Right Mama” in 1954. It’s credited with being one of the early Rockabilly songs.

The guitarists from those eras played straight into the amps, sometimes with just reverb turned up. Today many of the Rockabilly guitarists use a digital delay, a volume boost for solos and a tremolo. Any distortion is done through the amp, not through a pedal.

Playing a hollow body Gretsch, Patrick used only two pedals. For most of the set

it sounded like it was being played straight through the amp. Patrick’s leads were crisp and played with the styles that have influence the band.

Together the Deadbeat Daddies have a sound and style that is completely their own in the Rockabilly genre.

To track down the DeadBeat Daddies at one of their shows: Dec 7, 2013, GATE OPENS at 6:00AM MOONEYES XMAS PARTY Show & Drag 2013 IRWINDALE SPEEDWAY – 500 SPEEDWAY DR, IRWINDALE, CA 91706 http://www.mooneyesusa.net/xmas2013/ December 7, 2013: The Hood, 73850 Hwy 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 636-5220 Monthly Rockabilly Show, Doors open at 8 Booking Information: Phil Maag: 760-333-0010 The Deadbeat Daddies, PO Box 3211, Cathedral City, CA, 92235 http://www.facebook.com/pages/THEDEADBEAT-DADDIES/120840411206 https://myspace.com/deadbeatdaddies http://www.reverbnation.com/ thedeadbeatdaddies

November 14 to November 20, 2013

This statement arose as Benes answer to what he feels could improve our music scene. Furthermore, he said, “I’m from Yucca, up in the hills, and generally when you say you play music, people assume you’re in a Bluegrass, or some kind of Stevie Ray Vaughn band. But the Sludge and Doom scene practically owned this place for a while, taking generators out to the lake bed and playing as loud as they could, in an uncontrolled environment. Basically what I’m getting at here is that as much as musicians take a chance with their passions, promoters/ booking agents/ companies should be as open armed about their investment, and no matter where you’re at, there’s talent.”

Having already dealt with one of the worst possible situations for a band, losing every member, He Films The Clouds has nowhere to go but up from here. When asked what advice they had for anybody looking to start a band, Garcia stated, “Be different! Listen to a bunch of music and have inspiration in everything, not just metal.” On the subject of upcoming shows, Benes said, “We’re on the lookout for a drummer, so as soon as that [lines up], we’ll be all over the place playing shows !” As a final note, Garcia announced, “We plan on doing some big things pretty soon, stuff that the valley hasn’t heard yet, and hopefully that’s sooner than later. Just stick with us and stay updated on our Facebook page!”

Check out He Films The Clouds on Facebook at facebook.com/hefilmsthecloudsband.

by Eric the red (eric robertson)

I

had the opportunity of a lifetime when I was given the chance to speak to someone who I consider punk rock royalty: Mark Adkins, vocalist for the band Guttermouth. I remember being a kid out in the street with my skateboard, listening to “Skaters Anthem,” “End on 9” and “1, 2, 3 Slam” and just using their musical intensity to push myself as hard as I could on that board. I’ve grown up, my knees and ankles have given out, and had to stop skating, but the energy and vivacity of Guttermouth has stood the test of time better than a concrete slab at the local skate park.

While talking with Mark during our phone interview, I got the scoop on what the band is up to these days, what his musical preferences are, and what advice he has for bands that are up and coming.

When asked if a new record was in the works, he stated, “ Yes, come January, we’re renting a house to do all the demo work and preproduction stuff, and we’re going out into the desert, so we’re actually doing that first step there. Then we have a little tour in February, and then we come back to record in March. We said we were doing this, time and time again, but now, all the ducks are in a row and it’s really happening, after all this time and procrastinating, which we’re very good at.” So it looks like we’ll have some new tunes to thrash to in the early to midpart of 2014.

On the subject of new music, I really wanted to see what kind of advice a punk rocker would have in regards to starting a band. I was expecting, “Don’t.” But instead, I was completely blown away by the intelligence and sincerity of Mark’s response. “I’d say do it for a hobby. Do it for fun. Do it because you like making music.

Don’t do it because you think you’re gonna get a record deal, or get to tour and travel the world and make lots of money. Do it because you really enjoy it as a hobby, and in the meantime, finish school. Don’t put

all your eggs in one musical basket because it’s probably not gonna work. Have plan B. Finish school while you’re having some fun, and in the meantime people might start to take you real serious.” He elaborated a bit more on the subject of how to be successful, once a band has formed, stating, “Always conquer your home market first. If you’re from say Los Angeles, make sure you can sell out every venue in LA before you even attempt moving on. That’s what a lot of bands don’t do. They’ve got their name, the look they’re gonna have, everything else before they’ve even played their first show, and that’s kinda backwards. They’re making music for the wrong reasons.”

Now, I didn’t want this interview to be the same questions that every other magazine asks him, so I threw Mark a few curveballs, just to make things interesting.

I asked Mark, “If I were to be driving your car, what would I find under the seat?”

Lucky for me, Mark just happened to be driving the band van at the time. So he reached under the seat and described for me what he found, “HA! Wow, a pair of Alex’s duct taped shoes, an empty corona bottle and a bunch of Del Taco wrappers.”

Sounds like the aftermath of a good time, if you ask me. When asked what music I’d find in his CD/MP3 player, Mark said, “It’d just be a cluster of everything under the sun. There’s definitely not just one genre of music, in any way shape or form. I can’t listen to just punk all the time. It just kinda gets old sometimes. What I don’t like, I’m not into that new wave country stuff, and the metal thing has escaped me. I like some of the older stuff, but the new stuff is a little too much for me.” Be sure to catch Mark and Guttermouth with Margate and Accustomed to Nothing at The Hood in Palm Desert, this Saturday, 11/16, and follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/ Guttermouth.

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November 14 to November 20, 2013

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Eleni P. Austin

ELTON JOHN

“Diving Board” (Capitol Records)

E

lton John has always lived life in a whirlwind, now at age 66, he finally seems to be slowing down.

Reginald Kenneth Dwight was born in Pinner Middlesex, England in 1947. A musical child, he began playing piano at age four and when he was 11, he won a scholarship to the Royal Academy Of Music. As the ‘60s dawned, he joined his first band, Bluesology.

By 1966, Bluesology became Long John Baldry’s backing band. Frustrated with that arrangement, Reg struck out on his own.

Following failed auditions with Prog-Rock bands Gentle Giant and King Crimson, Reg Dwight answered an ad placed by Liberty Records. There he was given a stack of lyrics left by Bernie Taupin. Dwight added melodies to Taupin’s music and the two began to correspond through the mail. By the time they met in person six months later, Reg Dwight had re-christened himself Elton Hercules John, (an homage to Bluesology sax man, Elton Dean and Long John Baldry).

Although John and Taupin began as staff songwriters for Dick James Publishers, pretty soon they began crafting songs for Elton to sing himself. His debut, Empty Sky was released in 1969 to little fanfare.

For Elton’s self-titled sophomore effort, the pair hooked up with producer Gus Dudgeon and arranger Paul Buckmaster.

Elton John included such seminal hits as “Your Song” and “Take Me To The Pilot.”

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

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Both songs achieved radio airplay in England and America, suddenly Elton’s career was taking off.

In August 1970, Elton played a sixnight sold-out run at the legendary West Hollywood club, the Troubadour. Neil Diamond introduced Elton’s first set, artists like Quincy Jones and Leon Russell were in the audience. Elton took command, displaying a sense of showmanship that rivaled Jerry Lee Lewis. It was a watershed moment, but it was just the beginning.

By late 1970, Elton released Tumbleweed Connection, the first of many masterpieces.

The creativity just kept coming. The duo of Elton John and Bernie Taupin were lean and hungry. In the space of six years they created a series of records (Madman Across The Water, Honky Chateau, Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only The Piano Player, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Caribou, Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy Rock Of The Westies and Blue Moves), that were critically and commercially successful.

As the ‘70s closed, Elton John was a bona fide superstar. Bejeweled and bespectacled, his outre’ appearance was as celebrated as his songcraft. Even an admission of bisexuality couldn’t keep him from storming the pop charts.

In the early ‘80s, John and Taupin briefly suspended their partnership, and Elton John

Consider This

went through a fallow period. The hits kept coming, but there wasn’t the same sense of urgency to his music.

After a successful stint in rehab for drug addiction, Elton roared through the ‘90s.

Collaborating with Tim Rice, he created the soundtrack to Disney’s “Lion King” movie and they won an academy award. He formed a lasting romantic partnership with David Furnish, and continued at a prolific pace. His music was successful, but the hard charging rock of the ‘70s had been supplanted by a more ballad heavy Adult Contemporary sound.

Luckily, for his first record of the 21st century, Songs From The West Coast, Elton John seemed thoroughly re-energized. This mini-renaissance has continued through the last few years. Albums like Peach Tree Road and The Captain And The Kid were a welcome return to form.

Three years ago, Elton John and David Furnish became parents. Elton also reached out to an early mentor, Leon Russell. The Oklahoma singer/songwriter had never stopped performing and recording, but his presence on the pop charts was nil. Enlisting the help of protean producer T-Bone Burnett, they created The Union. Another massive success, the album debuted at number 3 on the Billboard Top 100.

At the beginning of 2013, John and Furnish welcomed a second son, and Elton recruited T-Bone Burnett to produce his most stripped down record since Tumbleweed Connection. Employing a small trio, drummer Jay Bellerose, guitarist (and Texas Blues Rock legend) Doyle Bramhall II and neo-soul singer Raphael Saadiq on bass, the result is Elton John’s 31st album, The Diving Board.

The album opens with “Oceans Away,” a stately piano ballad that pays homage to the Greatest Generation… “I hung out with the old folks, in the hope that I’d get wise/I was trying to bridge the gap between the great divide.”

Because The Diving Board eschews Elton’s more flamboyant instincts, it seems tempting to portray the record as some sort of sequel to Tumbleweed Connection. But that simply isn’t the case. While Tumbleweed.. hewed closely to a Country Rock/Blues paradigm, musically The Diving Board is all over the map.

Three songs, “Oscar Wilde Gets Out,” “A Town Called Jubilee” and “The Ballad Of Blind Tom” wed ambitious narratives to ornate melodies. On “Oscar Wilde…” Elton’s piano gets a workout, blending gilded filigrees with long Ragtime runs. The lyrics offer a pocket history of the persecution of the celebrated Irish poet.

“A Town Called Jubilee” has a strong Gospel flavor, which is apropos, since “Jubilee” is an unsubtle metaphor for heaven. Elton’s piano blends nicely with gentle lap steel and in-thepocket percussion.

“The Ballad Of Blind Tom” is “Mr. Bojangles

Meets The Who’s Tommy.” Taupin’s lyrics are clunky when describing Tom, the musical savant… “His black hands resting on the keys, hoppin’ like a big ol’ frog and hissin’ like a train…” Ugh. Luckily Elton’s airy glissandos distract from this antiquated tableau.

Two tracks, “My Quicksand” and “Home Again” present the jazzy side of Elton. The former opens with dour piano chords. A mournful treatise on a toxic relationship, it allows Elton to stretch different musical muscles. His vocals match the torchy mien of Sinatra, while his piano fills echo the burnished genius of Oscar Peterson.

The latter is a brittle recollection of a life well spent. “We all dream of leaving, but wind up in the end/Spending all our time trying to get back home again.”

The best tracks on this very long album are “Can’t Stay Alone Tonight,” “Take This Dirty Water,” “Voyeur” and “Mexican Vacation (Kids In The Candlelight).” On “Can’t Stay Alone..” a jaunty melody and rippling piano runs belie introspective words of recrimination…. “Bruised in this cold war of words We’ve come undone, two loose ends alone.”

The melody on “Take This Dirty Water” is positively joyful. A handclap rhythm, serpentine steel guitar and Elton’s featherlight piano almost camouflage a series of common sense homilies that feel a little too preachy.

“Voyeur” is a minor key masterpiece that recalls “Blossom,” an underrated deep cut from James Taylor’s Sweet Baby James album.

Finally “Mexican Vacation (Kids In The Candlelight)” is a balls-out rocker. Rollicking piano fills give the tune a New Orleans patina.

Despite the fact that Elton is certainly eligible for his AARP membership, this Honky Cat hasn’t lost his swagger.

The album closes with the title track. A low key meditation on a life spent in the spotlight, the instrumentation includes Hammond B3, trumpet, bass trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone, tuba and euphonium.

As they edge toward 70, Elton John and Bernie Taupin may never again reach the artistic heights they achieved between 1970 and 1976. But that’s okay. Time to relax, cut down the relentless tour schedules and enjoy family life. If anyone deserves to rest on his laurels, it’s Elton John.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

November 14 to November 20, 2013

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November 14 to November 20, 2013

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

PET PLACE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Janet McAfee

Paws & Hearts: Dispensing Love

T

he founder of Hearts & Paws is a 4-legged fellow named Lucky. This lovely Poodle-Terrier always went to work with his owner, Richard Waxman, and one day they met the nursing director at Valencia Palms Nursing Center in Indio, and the rest is history. Hearts and Paws was founded in 2000, and Lucky and Richard soon began enriching the lives of sometimes frail and ill patients in hospitals and nursing facilities. Lucky proved to be a very popular visitor at Valencia Palms and for the rest of his 12 years would curl up on the patients’ chests offering love and comfort.

Sadly, this marvelous dog passed away in 2011.

Today 40 teams of volunteers and their dogs follow in Lucky’s paw prints, continuing his legacy of bringing comfort and healing to the sick and infirm in dozens of hospitals and assisted living centers. They wear identifying shirts and make the same rounds on each day of the week, and by the third week the dogs know the route. Animal assisted therapy involves the use of animals as a form of treatment, with the goal of improving a patient’s social, emotional and cognitive health.

Executive Director of Paws & Hearts, Richard Waxman, is pictured here with his two dogs, Scruffy and Maddie. It is no surprise that Scruffy and Maddie are also therapy dogs and participate in visits to Eisenhower Medical Center three times a week with Richard.

Maddie, the newcomer, went on her first visit like she had been a therapy dog her entire life.

Scientific studies confirm that contact with dogs lowers blood pressure, decreases anxiety and depression, and has a healing impact upon humans. Cole’s 2007 study demonstrated that patients in critical care after heart failure had a significant decrease in cardiopulmonary pressure, neurohormone and anxiety levels if they received animal assisted therapy. For patients confined to a hospital room or assisted living center, a visit from one of these canine ambassadors may be the highlight of their day.

Dogs stimulate the minds of dementia

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patients. On Halloween a group of Alzheimer patients baked dog treats for the dogs that arrived in costume, and a week later everyone had a keen memory of the happy experience.

The Coachella Valley is a retirement community and home to a great number of assisted living centers and hospitals. Paws & Hearts’ canine ambassadors are in high demand.

What does it take to become a therapy dog?

Richard Waxman has temperament tested over a thousand dogs for his program, and only half of those have passed his evaluation.

Richard explains, “More often, the problem is the human owner. This is not a program where you get to brag about your dog. This is not about how cute your dog is or about its championship status. We’re looking for dogs that are outgoing and friendly. Your dog has to immediately make a friendly overture to the patient. If you have a really good dog who likes everyone, he’s a good candidate for a therapy dog. The folks in long term care want someone to LISTEN to them.” The secret is the dog does most of the work, and his human is the facilitator.

There is no formal certification required to become a therapy dog. Every animal assisted therapy organization does their own temperament testing and training. The

relationship between the owner and the dog is key. If a dog appears fearful or reluctant during his office visit with Richard, he is unlikely to be a good candidate. The animal must be at least one year old, be spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated, and with its current owner for at least six months. All breeds are welcome to apply, and large breeds such as Great Danes and Golden Retrievers participate. Some cats have participated, but most of them don’t like to travel in cars.

Richard explains, “You will never be more proud of your dog than when a patient tells you ‘Your dog made my day’ when he kisses their hand or takes a cookie from them. The dogs seem to know they’ve done a good job, and bask in the experience.” More dogs and volunteers are needed, and they need to make a commitment to visit at the same facility one

day a week for an extended time. To volunteer or for more information, call (760) 836-1406.

Where did the organization’s name come from? When a dog sits on you, his paw is on your heart. The wonderful canines with Paws & Hearts make their rounds, happily healing hearts and dispensing love.

This wonderful nonprofit organization is now starting its 14th year of service to the Coachella Valley, and relies on donations.

Check their website www.pawsandhearts.org.

You can make a tax deductible donation online or send a check to Paws & Hearts, 74-854 Velie Way, Suite 7, Palm Desert, 92260.

SAVE THE DATE, PAWS & HEARTS ANNUAL DOG WALK FUNDRAISER IS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30.

Registration is at 9am, the walk at The Mission Hills Resort begins at 10am, 71333 Dinah Shore Drive, Rancho Mirage. Minimum suggested donation is $25. This is your chance to have a fun day with your dog. Each walker receives a t-shirt, continental breakfast, a bandana and treats for your dog. Santa will be on hand for your special holiday photo. This will be a tail-waggin’ good time.

November 14 to November 20, 2013

by Rick Riozza

Dan’s Wine Shop’s picks for Thanksgiving

W

hile there’s still plenty of time to pick up a few bottles of wine for the holiday celebrations, I thought it would be of interest to feature a local wine purveyor for their recommendations.

The only criteria I offered is that it would be a good wine, at a good price, and a good match for holiday fare.

Dan’s Wine Shop is located on Hwy 111 between Monterey and San Pablo in Palm Desert. As this is the wine trade season, I’ve been running into owner Dan Sullivan at various wine tasting events around town, and, he’s always keen to direct me to the wine booths with stellar stuff—appreciate that, especially when there are a beaucoup amount of tasting tables about. Anyway—he knows his wine and knows pretty much all of wine professionals in the valley.

He’s been a wine purveyor in the area for almost 20 years, and, he has a very loyal clientele. I often ask people where they predominately purchase their wine and I get a lot of “Dan’s Wine” as their go-to shop.

Calling it a wine shop is correct, like a European one: relatively smaller than the huge markets about town, and with many opened wooden wine cases exhibiting their wares. His wine selection is from all over the world and he is well stocked with California vino. There are wine and music posters on the wall and straight ahead jazz music coming from the sound system; sometimes you can catch Steely Dan. Dan says if you really wish to treat yourself and the table, the single vineyard Carneros 2011 Cherry Pie Stanly Ranch Pinot Noir at $44.95 is the buy. “The 2011 Cherry Pie Pinot Noir is deep and concentrated. It shows weighty textural richness in its sweet, juicy red cherries, mint, cinnamon and cloves. It has tons of energy and minerality to support

the dense fruit. Sweet floral notes add lift on the finish. The 2011 is a gorgeous, exuberant Cherry Pie with great balance and overall harmony.”

A more moderate price Pinot Noir is the 2012 Laetitia Estate Arroyo Grande at $19.95.

In the glass, the wine is a transparent light ruby/coral in hue. Pretty perfumed aromas of red berries and cherries jump from the glass, followed by light cinnamon, clove, and cola.

“It is supple and feminine in the mouth, showing just a bit of grip towards the finish.

After the cooler 2010 and 2011 vintages, wineries have been looking forward to the fruits of the 2012 harvest. Enjoy this charmer now and over the next few years.”

Those wishing to do French there’s the Sables d’Azur Rosé 2012 at the great price of $9.95. Sables d’Azur blends the best selection of rosé wines from the interior Valley of Provence and Sainte Victoire terroir. “This is a dry, fresh and clean rosé wine with crisp acidity – a wonderful souvenir of Provence!

Salmon-colored highlights. Elegant nose with delicate hints of white flowers, small red fruit and citrus zest.”

German whites are always wonderful at Thanksgiving. The 2012 Mönchhof Estate Riesling (Feinherb) is also a great price at $12.95. From the importer: “Grown on all iron-infused Devon Slate, this wine first feels like biting into a ripe white peach, juicy, rich, creamy and sweet, with a full aroma. Yet the wine offers great minerality and acidity to balance the sweetness and make it, well...a delicious joy.”

4 Vines Biker Zinfandel at $16.95.

“Exceptional Zin from Dusi and Preston vineyards with bold additions of Grenache, Tannat, Mourvedre, Syrah, and a splash of Petite Sirah keep this vintage storming through a gauntlet of aromas and flavors. On the

nose, legendary blackberry aromas mix with cherries, plums, menthol, white pepper, and a touch of meaty black olives.

The palate follows with boysenberries and smoky char to balance the fruit. “No punches where pulled—and we like it that way. Biker rocks!”

2011 The Noble Botryotinia Fuckeliana Sauvignon Blanc at 19.95 (half bottle).

A racy nose to start, citrus blossom, fresh grass and marmalade mix with tropical fruits and ripe, sweet passion-fruit. It’s a heady mix of complexity and decadence.

“The palate offers a spicy, zesty entry with the texture of lemon curd, all velvety and smooth with citrusy acid keeping it all in line.

Layers of flavor keep on coming; includ-ing spicy orange cake, minerals and herbs. This can last as your dessert wine all season long.”

Paradoxically to the lewd sounding name, Botryotinia fuckeliana is an asexual spore, named after German botanist, Karl Wilhelm Gottlieb Fuckel. “It’s a causal agent that weakens the skin of grapes allowing the water inside to evaporate. This leaves behind sugar and nutrients which results in very sweet wines with concentrated flavor.”

Stop in and see Dan and his array of wines. Dan’s Wine Shop, 73360 Hwy. 111 #1 Palm Desert Ca. 92260 760.674.0305 www.danswine.com Alert!! The 2013 Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration is one of the wine world’s most fun times where everyone frolics French as we celebrate the recent wine harvest and uncork the youngest wine in town. Nothing serious going on except serious partying with fruity six week old red wine from the Gamay grape that has been whooshed in from France in just days flat!

The Miramonte Resort & Spa on November 22nd from 6:30 to 8:30pm will celebrate with wine, cocktails, and heavy hors d’oeuvres along with raffle prizes. Entertainer and EMC of the night is Steve DiTullio, an interactive performer in the style of Sinatra singing the songs from the great American Songbook.

760.341.2200 Clementine Gourmet Marketplace & Café on November 21st from 5 to 7pm will be celebrating when Chef Gräbe prepares small scrumptious dishes from Lyon to pair with the famed wine. 760.834.8814 Let’s hit’em both up! CHEERS!

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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.

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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 NOVEMBER 14 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) BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CLINIC BAR & LOUNGE; PS; 760-864-4119 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 The Hive Minds 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Greasetrap, Pink Mexico and Mothers of Gut 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/ Jimi Nelson 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 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 Ruby Rae 8pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Lola Rossi & Denise Motto 6:30-10:30pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Martin Ross 6pm 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; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 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 Singles Night 9pm

FRI NOVEMBER 15 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 Burger Oasis 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Karaoke w/ AJ The KJ 8-12am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Gennine JacksonFrancis 8pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 DJ Journee w/ Smoke1 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; 760-3252600 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 Comedy Show 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Hellshovel, Slipping Into Darkness and L.A. Witch 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank Di Salvo 6-9:30pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live DJ 8:30pm (VD) KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Beatabums Rockin Dance Party 7:30pm 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 Kool Breeze 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Circle of Fifths 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; 760345-0222 Ole Doc Rickenbeck 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Casbah presents: The Little Richards featuring El Vez, The Silent Comedy and Black Hondo 8pm 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 Gino Matteo & Jade Sidebar Patio 7pm, Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 8pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 212 Band 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 w/ Walt Young 5:30pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. (JZ)(RR) TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Scarlett Roads 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 16 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 Burger Oasis poolside noon, 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 Comedy Night 8pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 Neon Nation 10pm BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 Live Music 6-10pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-7755566 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; 760-864-4119 All Night Shoes 9pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6:30-9:30pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 The Expendables w/ Micah Brown and One11 8pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760-3252600 Karaoke Show 8pm DILLON ROADHOUSE; DHS; 760-2511991 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 Kal David 9pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Guttermouth, Margate and Accustomed to Nothing 8pm 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 Kool Breeze 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Circle of Fifths 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; 760345-0222 The Family Jewels 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, The Evangenitals 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Thanksgiving Massacre w/ Brain Vat, Execrationer and In the Name of the Dead 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 Martin Ross, Starlite Lounge 8pm, Michael Keeth, Sidebar Lounge 10pm, DJ Shasta, Starlite Lounge 10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Pictures From Eden 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; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Alyce Bowie 9pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 Tilted@ Night 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 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 Scott Carter 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)

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November 14 to November 20, 2013

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The Pampered Palate

Sessions at Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs

I

f you have not had the chance to visit the new Hard Rock Hotel in Palm Springs, you are missing out on the hottest new venue for dining and entertainment in our desert. The moment you enter the hotel, you are surrounded with their signature memorabilia on the walls. Costumes and musical instruments used by legendary performers like Elvis, Cher and Lady Gaga are showcased for all to see. Most plaques mention the stars’ local connection to our valley and you are sure to learn something from a quick stroll through the main lobby. After spending some time to admire the collection, my date and I would end up at Sessions Restaurant for what would be a fantastic dinner.

The dining room is elegant yet casual with hard wood flooring and modern lighting, while the staff was dressed comfortably in khakis and loose shirts.

Every single employee was genuinely happy and welcoming, true ambassadors of their restaurant. We were seated in a large booth where we could enjoy our private evening together without feeling like we were center stage. We began with fresh seared Ahi Tuna and a Wedge Salad. Portions were perfect and flavors were grand. The salad was topped with large chunks of candied bacon and bleu cheese dressing. It is my new favorite.

I have to mention that even though we were not seated at the bar, or even close

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November 14 to November 20, 2013

By Raymond Bill to the bar, I could see from our booth how talented the bartender is by how she interacts with her full counter while preparing drinks for the restaurant. Our cocktails were perfect, and the atmosphere is fun and lively. The music surrounding us was perfect for the venue. We were serenaded by talented, relevant artists like MGMT, Phoenix and Vampire Weekend.

Our entrees arrived, more impressive than described on the menu. I ordered the Steak En Frites and received a large New York strip steak, cooked to order, aside thick Yukon gold potato “fries” with a touch of truffle oil and garnished with large caper berries and greens. The steak was topped with a savory butter that was simply mouthwatering. It was honestly one of the best steaks I have had in the desert, having eaten at every steakhouse. My date enjoyed a slow braised Beef Short Ribs that were as flavorful as they were tender. Our meals were paired with wine from their reasonably priced wine menu. What the menus lack in quantity, they over deliver in quality!

Our server, Cole, was charming and attentive, making our date night memorable. We ordered dessert after his recommendations and shared a trio of sorbet as well as their, “She’s Come Undone”

dessert, a deconstructed tiramisu. The lady finger cookies were crunchy, accented with Amaretto Zabaglione and rich Ganache chocolate. Our evening was perfection.

If not for the Rock and Roll history and memorabilia, visit the Hard Rock Hotel for the great food and service at Sessions!

Check out their menu online along with other information about the Hard Rock at www.hrhpalmsprings.com or just stop in and see for yourself. The Hard Rock Hotel is located at 150 South Indian Canyon Dr. in the heart of downtown Palm Springs.

“THE BEST MEXICAN FOOD THE WEST HAS TO OFFER!” Our wonderful staff is committed to giving you the best dining experience. We have a nicely stocked bar and great desserts as well. Our authentic mexican food main courses are truly mouth watering.

We have an award winning sweet corn tamale that you just have to try for yourself.

Once you dine at Pueblo Viejo Grill, you'll be back for more soon!

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3PM TO 6PM

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WWW.PUEBLOVIEJOGRILL.COM

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Movie Reviews with Robin E. Simmons

TRUE TALES IGNITE THE SCREEN

mom, a better dad to his beautiful 4 yearold daughter and better, more honest, partner to his girlfriend. But what started out with such high promise ends in a dark place when BART officers shoot him in cold blood at the Fruitvale stop on New Year’s Day and ignite the anger of the Bay Area -shock the country.

THE ICEMAN

DALLAS BUYERS CLUB

There’s no question about Matthew McConaughey getting a best actor nomination for his galvanizing role as a freespirited Texas cowboy diagnosed with AIDS and given 30 days to live becomes a fiercely determined entrepreneur of compassion and care. A frail looking McConaughey plays real life Ron Woodruff who, during the early days of the AIDS epidemic, decides to use any means, legal or not, to find alternative medicines and create a collective buyers club for his fellow sufferers, all of whom have been shunned and shamed by society. We all understand the struggle for dignity and acceptance. It is universal, as is the healing power of love. But this terrific film is about far more than resilience and persistence. As someone once said to me, “There may not always be a cure, but there can always be healing.” Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto, Griffin Dunne and Steve Zahn co-star. Jean-Marc Valée directs. Don’t miss this one.

FRUITVALE STATION

n

r t a in me n te t

E

A big win at Sundance, Ryan Coogler’s passionate film follows the story of 22 yearold Bay Area resident Oscar Grant (Michael Jordan) who, on the morning of December 31, decides to jump-start his New Year’s resolutions by being a better son to his

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both men on an inexorable collision course that will eventually impact both men and their families in the years to come. This is an ambitious, multi-stranded saga about the “sins of the father.” It could’ve been a cable series. There’s strong support form Ray Liotta, Eva Mendes, Bradley Cooper and Rose Byrne.

NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER: MAN OF STEEL 3D

Michael Shannon is mesmeric as Richard Kuklinski, a hired killer who, while living the American dream as a loving husband and dad, fulfills executions contracts for his mob boss. The film follows notorious contract killer Kuklinski from his early days in the mob to his arrest. I could hardly breathe as this tense, unnerving character study unfolded. As outrageous as it all seems, it’s all based on real people and events.

When Kuklinski was arrested in 1986, neither his wife nor daughters had a clue about his real profession as a ruthless hired killer. Shannon’s incredible performance alone makes this worth finding. Look for Ray Liotta, Wynona Ryder and David Schwimmer in strong supporting roles with cameo appearances by Stephen Dorff and the ubiquitous James Franco.

consumption in a great looking transfer with sharp 3D effects. Henry Cavill is just about perfect as the alien-born humanoid who comes out of hiding on earth at the same time evil immigrants from his home planet threaten our planet and it’s inhabitants.

Underneath the action and long-winded back-story is the looming question of weather Superman will risk everything to save an ungrateful planet. But somehow that potent story never really takes hold.

The disc comes with a boatload of cool extras. Warner Brothers. Blu-ray 3D. American Experience: JFK PBS Distribution announces the release of a 2 disc hi-def version of their flagship series special on the life of John F. Kennedy.

Talking heads and vintage film and video clips reflect on Kennedy’s accomplishments and his unfulfilled promise. This classy, rather elegant -- if restrained -- look at a beloved, controversial and mourned President who lived a risky private life and had a vision of a world at peace and a sense of a shared humanity. Oddly (at least to me), the moment and circumstances of his murder are not a part of this documentary.

The retelling of the so-called “Cuban missile crisis” is electrifying. PBS. Blu-ray.

Hugely anticipated, but finally unsatisfying reboot of the ultimate superhero makes it’s way for home

Comments? RobinESimmons@aol.com

COMING NOV. 15 - 17 • CAMELOT THEATRES, PALM SPRINGS

THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES Writer/director Derek Cianfrance (BLUE VALENTINE) tackles big themes of fate and family when Luke (RYAN GOSLING) commits a crime to support his child -- an act that makes him a suspect in the eyes of cop Avery (Bradley Cooper) and puts

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, CONT’D 6:30 p.m. - Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967) Q&A with Karen Sharpe Kramer and Kat Kramer

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15 CAMELOT THEATRES

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 CAMELOT THEATRES

2:30 p.m. - The Defiant Ones (1958) Q&A with Karen Sharpe Kramer and Kat Kramer

2:00 p.m. - Million Dollar Motorcycle Procession

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6:00 p.m. Vintage Car Procession

2:30 p.m - The Wild One (1953) Q&A with Karen Sharpe Kramer and Kat Kramer 6:30 p.m. - Awards Presentation It's A Mad Mad Mad Mad World (1963)

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, CONT’D Q&A with Karen Sharpe Kramer and Kat Kramer SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 CAMELOT THEATRES 2:30 p.m. - The Caine Mutiny (1954) Q&A with Karen Sharpe Kramer and Kat Kramer 6:00 p.m. Vintage Car Procession 6:30 p.m. - Judgment at Nuremberg (1961) Book Signing with Karen Sharpe Kramer and Kat Kramer

A Cultural Event presented by the Palm Springs Cultural Center in association with Karen Sharpe Kramer and Katharine Kramer

Book Review

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

November 14 to November 20, 2013

By Heidi Simmons

Authors and Their Books at the Desert Woman’s Show

T

his Sunday and Monday at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort and Spa in Rancho Mirage is the sixth annual Desert Woman’s Show. Over the two days, authors will be talking about their books.

Catering to local women, the event covers a myriad of health and fitness related seminars and

business building sessions.

The most prominent speaker and author is long time CV resident Suzanne Somers. Her new book I’m too Young for This! The Natural Hormone Solution to Enjoy Perimenopause (Crown Publishing Group, 288 pages) was released in

September. Somers is the keynote speaker at the Monday luncheon.

Somers has published nearly two dozens books. Beyond the health topics her books include biographies that chronicle her fall from Hollywood’s grace and being an abused child. She has written cookbooks, self-help and even poetry.

I’m Too Young for This! is targeted to women in their thirties and forties. Like her other books, it details how to get your body on track without drugs. Of course, she discusses the hormones that play an important role as our bodies transition from puberty to perimenopause. The book includes letters from women as well as her own personal experiences.

A living example of beauty and vitality, Somers has become the leading voice in bio identical hormone replacement therapy. Her last 12 books focus on ways to slow the aging process, improve sex and mental clarity, feel young and vivacious.

Not just an author, Somers has made herself a brand with vitamins and cosmetics. She recently partnered with Clarks Nutrition Center as a product spokesperson. At 67 she has come a long way since her television series “Three’s Company” and she continues to build a successful business and lifestyle.

Popular celebrity nutrition and fitness expert, J.J. Virgin, will speaks about her best selling book The Virgin Diet: Why Food Intolerance is the Real Cause of Weight Gain -- Drop 7 Foods, Lose 7 Pounds, Just 7 Days (Harlequin, 336 pages)

Institute and founder of the Center for Restorative Medicine. His premise is: although our culture, lifestyle and technology has changed, our genes – the building blocks that make up our being – have not, and we can outsmart genes through a change of diet and exercise.

His book is divided into three parts that feature three phases to good health. Plus it has meal planning, recipes, inspirational stories as well as helpful tips to keep the reader on course.

On the business side of The Woman’s Show, James Williams Potts, author of Walking on Eggshells: Managing Minorities in the Workplace (Dorrance Publishing, 92 pages) will teach a certification class in Sexual Harassment on Monday.

Convinced that most dieters are failing because they don’t understand that food intolerance is the real cause of weight gain, Virgin details a series that begins transforming your body in just 21 days by eliminating the seven foods that are likely negating your weight-loss plan.

Virgin will take the Center Stage on Sunday and is the opening breakfast keynote speaker on Monday. She is a Certified Nutrition Specialist and a Certified Health and Fitness Instructor. With 25 years in the health and fitness industry, Virgin has become a leader in holistic nutrition and functional medicine.

Other books by Virgin are: The Virgin Diet Cookbook (Grand Central Publishing, 416 pages) and 6 Weeks to Sleeveless and Sexy (Gallery Books, 191 pages).

Doctor Steven Gundry, author of Dr. Gundry’s Diet Evolution: Turn Off the Genes That Are Killing You and Your Waistline and Drop the Weight for Good (Crown Publishing Group, 304 pages) will also take the Center Stage Sunday to discuss his book.

A cardiologist and Yale graduate, Gundry is the director of the International Heart and Lung

Potts is an attorney with 33 years experience of representing employers against unwarranted discrimination claims, wrongful termination and sexual harassment. His book assists business owners, supervisors and mangers with guidelines to work with minorities and reduce potential lawsuits.

Some of the 12 chapters included in Potts’ book are “Understanding the Risk of Liability,” “Encouraging Cultural Diversity,“ “Managing Diversity,” “Cultural Diversity Strategies,” “What’s Politically Correct?,” “Playing the Race Card,” “Reverse Discrimination, “ “Handling Conflict,” and “Documentation Strategies.” Walking on Eggshells is a slim volume, but a big help for business owners and managers.

The Desert Woman’s Show offers an opportunity to hear these and other fitness and business gurus in person. The event is open to men and women. Sunday hours are 10:00 to 5:00 and Monday 8:00 to 5:00. Tickets are available at the door or visit the website www. desertwomansshow.com

23

November 14 to November 20, 2013 continued from page 17

SUN NOVEMBER 17

29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 Bob & Allison Garcia 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Intoxica Radio Live w/ Howie Pyro 10pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Steve Madeo 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888-999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm (LR) CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke 9pm DILLON ROADHOUSE; DHS; 760-2511991 Sunday Jam 4-8pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Open Jam 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 MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 The John McCormick Band 7pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Longest Running Jam Session in the valley. Hosted by JB, Sign up 6pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Sunday Band 7pm

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PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 T.B.A. RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3274080 Martin Ross 3pm, Will Donato’s Art of Sax Sidebar Patio 5pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Acoustic Open Mic hosted by Walt Young SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Smooth Brothers (RR)(LR) TWIN PALMS BISTRO; PS; 760-322-0700 Jazz Sundays w/ Tibor Lesko & Friends 112pm and 5-7pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Scott Carter 1:30-4:30pm, Rob & JB 4:30-9pm, DJ Idol Eyez 9-2am WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Line Dancing w/ Tina 5:30-9pm THE WINE BAR AT OLD TOWN; LQ; 760564-2201 Michael Keeth 6-10pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Theo Coakley 6:30pm

MON NOVEMBER 18

29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 Bonnie Scott 6pm (AC) ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Sissy Bingo w/ Linda Gerard 7-9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Mark Gregg 5pm, lounge, Bob Allen 6pm outside patio NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm (PB)

SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 T.B.A. 6pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Michael James & 3sum 9-2am WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-3285955 Art of Sax 8-11pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Urban Soul Project Band 8pm

TUE NOVEMBER 19

29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 T.B.A. 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm (CB) BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 Forbidden Lounge 8pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-9920002 John Stanley King 5-9pm (JZ)(BL) FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke INDIAN CANYONS GOLF RESORT; PS; 760-833-8700 DJ Randy Johnson 6-9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm (VD) KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Dana Larson 6:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Mark Gregg 5pm, Bob Allen 6pm outside patio NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am

THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45 (PB) PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Eclectic Tuesdays. Singer/ songwriter night. All acts welcome. Hosted

by JB, Sign up 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 (((FOLKYEAK))) presents Cass McCombs 8pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Open Mic 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Open Mic Night 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Demetrious and Co. (RR)(JZ) TAQUERIA GUERRERO’S; TP; 760-3435971 DJ Keith 9pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Scott Carter & The New Breed 9-2am WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Trish Hatley Jazz 6pm (JZ)

WED NOVEMBER 20

29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 Bobby And Randy (BL) AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Mikole Carr AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Paula Prince 7pm (PB) 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 Derek Jordan Gregg and Sean Poe 9pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-992-

0002 Rose Mallet 5-9pm (JZ) HAMILTON’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL; LQ; 760-698-8303 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8:3012:30am THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Open Mic 8pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Live Music (RR) KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke w/ Roberto 7pm 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 MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Michael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm-1:15am Singles Night !!!

THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm (PB) NYPD; PS; 760-778-6973 Live DJ 9pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Club Mercy & (((FOLKYEAK))) presents Bill Callahan w/ Mick Turner 8pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 T.B.A. SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 D Phillips Band 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Straight Ahead Jazz (JZ) VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Nite Fixx 9-2am WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-3285955 Art of Sax 7-10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Karaoke WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Stan Watson Trio 6pm

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film

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Robin E. Simmons

VAL IS SAL V

al Lauren plays Sal Mineo in James Franco’s indie film “SAL.” The film has developed a strong following. It quickly sold out at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. The movie recounts the last day in the life of actor Sal Mineo who was a huge star in the 1950s and, for various reasons, faded from public view and favor. Yet for 16 years, he still pursued his craft. Actor Val Lauren has received a lot of positive attention for his uncanny portrayal of Sal Mineo. The film has been revived at Cinema’s Palm d’Or for a limited run. Lauren participated in a lively Q&A last Saturday evening.

ROBIN: Do you remember the first play or movie you saw?

VAL: Yes I do. The first movie I saw was “STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE” with Marlon Brando. My mom was up watching TCM one night and she said, “Watch this with me.” I was little. In kindergarten or the first grade. I couldn’t have been more than six. There was something about that movie --not sure what it was -- but there was definitely something that attracted me to movies…

ROBIN: You’re not making this up now, are you?

VAL: [Laughs] No I’m not. My mom introduced me to all the old stars and their classic movies. To this day, we still watch TCM together when I see her.

ROBIN: When you saw “STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE” as a little kid, did you immediately think to yourself, “I can do this”?

VAL: No. In junior high in Woodland hills, I did “The Diary of Anne Frank.” I was the first sixth-grader allowed on stage. Sixth graders could take drama classes, but only seventh graders could be in the plays. For whatever reason, the drama teacher gave me the part of Mr. Frank. I remember the excitement of rehearsals, the anticipation, the powder in my hair to make me look older, my fake beard and my long coat. It was exciting. At the opening performance, during the sensitive moment when I make my first appearance, there’s total silence as I stick my head into the attic. Then I hear this big laugh from someone in the audience. I recognize it as my dad’s. I don’t know what it was. He just lost it. Maybe it was his little kid looking like an old Jew. Afterwards, my mom said to me, “You should be an actor.”

ROBIN: When you were on stage, do you remember any special feeling about performance itself?

VAL: I just remember it was the most fun I ever had. And not just performing, but also the whole creative culture that goes with it. The people, the sets, the costumes, the smell... It was very appealing to me. I loved it all.

ROBIN: How did you get the part of Sal Mineo?

November 14 to November 20, 2013

VAL: I got a call, a text actually, from James Franco. He offered me the part.

ROBIN: So you knew James Franco?

VAL: Yes. We started out acting together at Playhouse West. I think I was 18 or 19 at the time.

ROBIN: Did the movie originate with Franco?

VAL: Yes. He had an interest in Sal Mineo because of the James Dean TV movie he did and his research into the making of “REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE” in which Mineo costarred. When Michael Michaud’s biography of Mineo came out, Franco read it and got the rights.

ROBIN: What, if anything, connected you to Sal Mineo’s character?

VAL: I connected with him on many levels.

Being an actor myself, I related the ups and downs of Mineo’s actor’s lifestyle while trying to sustain a healthy foundation. I understand what that’s like. And the pride, of course. Sal Mineo was among the top five biggest stars of the 1950s. And then suddenly he’s reduced to doing dinner theater in little mid-west college towns for 50 bucks a night when he can barely afford gas for his car. For 15 or 16 years it was really hard for him, but he kept alive the love for his craft and his health. I really admired that about him. And I connected with it.

ROBIN: In the 70s, I was working at Columbia Studios in Hollywood on Gower Street. I usually lunched at the Columbia diner. Sal Mineo was often there. One time he was in the next booth. The writer I was having lunch with whispered, “Sal,” and nodded toward Sal’s booth and then looked back at me with a sad expression. I knew what he meant. But Mineo looked fit and he was enthusiastically engaged in a creative conversation about a film project of some sort. This was shortly before he was murdered.

VAL: Yeah. He persisted.

ROBIN: Do you have any idea of what brought about his sudden downfall?

VAL: I do. It was a combination of things.

It all happened very fast. He came upon the realization that he was attracted to men as well as women. And he made no qualms

about hiding it, but he didn’t send a message that he was homosexual or bisexual. He didn’t hide it. Soon it was mentioned in magazines.

At the time, nobody came out like that and that was definitely a career killer. Also, during this time, his mother, who had been his manager made a couple of financial blunders and accidentally lost everything. She was out of her element. And then there was the IRS. Meanwhile, the once cherubic, adolescent looking “switch blade kid” was growing into a man. Then he made [the poor choice to star in] “FORTUNE AND MEN’S EYES” that explored the theme of homosexual slavery in prison. There were other things too, but in the end, his former colleagues didn’t want to hang out with him for fear of also being shunned in the industry. But finally, I think his coming out was a huge part of the bottom falling out underneath him.

ROBIN: Do you have a clear picture of how Mineo was murdered? Was it a random thing? Or was there much more to it?

VAL: Absolutely random. But at the time the “investigators” and media made it a sordid story of a drug related homosexual crime. They didn’t care about Mineo when he was alive, but in death he was exploited in the worst way. Compare it to James Dean’s death. The reality is that there was a pizza delivery guy who would case places when he made drops and then come back and rob them. Sal crossed paths with him one night in a dark parking area of his place and yelled, “Hey, what are you doing?” And the guy panicked, stabbed Mineo in the chest, popped his heart and fled. It was a totally random act of meaningless violence from a stranger who had no idea who Sal was. Two years later the killer was found already in prison for another crime.

Robin: Do you think Sal Mineo would have redeemed himself as an actor had he lived?

VAL: That’s what makes this movie interesting to me. He was on the verge of a very real come back. He was about to do “P.S. Your Cat is Dead” at the Westwood Playhouse. And after that run, he was going to get a shot on Broadway. And he also had a deal with MGM to direct a film that had been

green lit.

ROBIN: What was the screenplay for “SAL” like? Was there room for improvisation?

VAL: It was all scripted.

ROBIN: Were you and director Franco on the same page from the beginning?

VAL: I had no idea what he had in mind when he called me. When we sat down to talk about it, he said anyone could go on Wikipedia and in five minutes and know all the main things about Sal Mineo. Franco wanted the movie show him as if there were a ghost looking over his shoulder on the last day of his life. And the audience was the ghost. That’s how it was shot.

ROBIN: In your IMDB bio, it says you approach life with the fundamental philosophy of “The way of no way.” What does that mean?

VAL: Bruce Lee studied and mastered many forms of martial arts. He found one weakness that they all had in common: They were all bound and limited by their tradition.

Lee created his own form of martial art (“June Fan Jeet Kun Do”) around the philosophy of “The Way of No Way. Lee said, ”Utilize the best of all paths. Let no limitation or tradition bind you. Be open and free to explore and find a way to your goal through all channels, a combination of them and or even the channel you can open that may be all your own.” No limitations! Bruce Lee was and is a hero to me both in both life and art.

Robin: So, “The Way of No Way” is THE way!

VAL: [Laughs] Yes. ROBIN: What’s on the horizon for you?

VAL: I finished a film “THE LAST KNIGHTS” with Morgan Freeman and Clive Owen. We shot it in Prague. It comes out next year. It’s based on the classic story of the 47 Ronin.

Currently I’m editing a personal movie about the preparations and staging of a performance of “The Diary of Anne Frank.”

ROBIN: Everything comes around again.

VAL: It’s the Way.

25

November 14 to November 20, 2013

education

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

W

The Rancho Mirage High School (RMHS) is hosting various different events during the week before Thanks Giving. On November 15th, from 2pm-4pm, RMHS will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony for their theater.

RMHS’s web site states, “This will be the effective ‘ribbon cutting ceremony’ for Mrs. Helene Galen’s extraordinarily generous endowment to the Rancho Mirage High School Performing Arts Program. Please JOIN US to see the theatre, cheer for our friend Helene and support the most exciting high school performing arts program in the country!” The RMHS Theater will be

named the Helene Galen Performing Arts Center (HGPAC). The RMHS choirs will be performing their introductory concert on November 21st, at 7pm. The RMHS website states, “Come to see and hear the excitement known as the brand new RMHS choirs. We will hear a selection or two from each of our groups, as well as an encore performance of our selections from the ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’! Tickets on sale now! Only $3 for general admission and $2 with a venom card (at the box office only)! 100% of your ticket price goes directly to the RMHS choir program and will provide scholarships and supplies for our singing Rattlers!”

The newly named HGPAC will also be a host for non-RMHS events in the coming week. The Cathedral City High School (CCHS) choir will be performing their annual holiday concert on November 16th, at 7pm. Gregory X. Whitmore, and

Richard Finn: A New Voice of Liberty

S

upport and Education for Local Music and Arts Coachella Valley Chapter 1, College of Desert Chapter 2 presents Richard Finn: A New Voice of Liberty. After joining the Army National Guard in 2004, and becoming a communications specialist. Richard did two tours in Iraq in 2005 and 2008. Richard received an AAM (Army Achievement Medal) for helping reboot the network and getting the signal back in operating order in hostile territory in 2005. Before he left on his second tour he opened for two local bands on July 4th 2008 in a show dedicated to the soldiers deploying. Finn kept the soldiers entertained by playing and singing with a guitar his mother had bought for him when he was 17.

With a safe and honorable discharge in 2009 he moved to California. His lifelong

26

desire to share music led him to Joshua Tree, California, where he hooked up with the desert music scene. Richard is currently finishing his first album while working on a movement called Rock for Freedom, because he “Got sick…of the banks and corporations controlling the masses with their unsavory practices. Rock for Freedom is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to producing a global freedom concert movement, uniting the world through music and art. The world can change for the better, we are power, and love is the answer.”

As a self-proclaimed activist he is involved and affiliated with many organizations such as A Better Community, and People Versus Pollution. He has served as Vice President of the Student Veterans Organization @ the College of the Desert, and is a board member of the Veterans for Peace, Juan Castro Chapter. As a student at College of the Desert, he has two KCOD Radio shows. The TIP (Truth Isn’t Popular) airs on Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 11 am. pst. On the TIP, Finn takes a nonpartisan view with non-mainstream points. He is not afraid to be controversial. “The truth isn’t popular… everyday citizens don’t know… that is why I am on the air. As a veteran I was exposed to many policies and secrets. My path was to protect the innocent, not the elite and now it is my job to let the people know what is going on,” Finn shares.

Some Are More Equal Than Others the Cathedral City Symphony Band will also grace the new HGPAC stage with their season opener, Contrasts, and include special guests, the Desert Winds Freedom Band. The performance will take place on November 18th, at 7pm, and will be free to the public. Only 600 seats are available at the HGPAC.

Lastly, Hope Academy Charter in Palm Desert will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony on November 19th. The ceremony will include an open house for the public to visit the school and learn the new learning environment and structure. Hope Academy Charter has also opened a new office in Indio for an independent learning program. Hope Academy Charter’s web site states, “We are proud to announce our Indio Satellite opening at the beginning of November. This site will be strictly independent study for grades K-12. Please inquire on site in Palm Desert or call to enroll.” Hope Academy Charter can be contacted at (760) 610-0861.

Community

L

ast week, the City of Rancho Mirage proved a sentence from George Orwell’s book, Animal Farm, “All men are created equal; some are more equal than others.” They did this by granting $70,000 in subsidies and $180,000 in low cost loans to the owner of Acqua Pazza, a restaurant at The River. This similar to Palm Springs which financially helped the same owner a few years back when he was starting Lulu’s.

Why would city governments do this?

Every city needs tax revenues. Making loans and grants to profit making businesses is typically done based on the tax revenues

night every Wednesday from 7-12 pm.

On the first Wednesdays each month the show broadcast on the KCOD FinnNation radio show. “Here you can work on your stage presence and persona in a warm and supportive environment. I want to push everyone to reach their potential and offer an outlet to really get their name out there.” What an amazing way to motivate musicians of the valley. If you are interested in supporting the movement contact: richard.a.finn@gmail.com (908)463-9006 http://www.kcodradio.org http://www.soundcloud.com/ richardfinn http://www.youtube.com/user/ richaardfinn009 https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Finnnation/147081505502436 https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Truth-Isnt-Popular/613436675362007 https://www.facebook.com/ openmicatthehood

and jobs that the business can create or protect. This has been done for decades by government - it is only more recently that we see cities entering the fray in such an obviously manner.

In a vibrant economy, cities do not need to compete as much for tax paying businesses and jobs. In weak economic times such as these, cities step in to solidify their tax revenues while creating economic opportunity for their residents. It is simply good business.

The rub for many is that government even local government - is choosing winners and losers. By helping one restaurant, are they not hindering other nearby restaurants competing for the limited universe of diners on any given night? Why didn’t all of those restaurants get assistance? Surely, many need it.

With government subsidies and grants for established businesses, corporate socialism remains strong for those with the connections and money.

As I’ve said many times in this column, the true unemployment rate is over 20% here in the Coachella Valley. While helping an established restaurant to do a remodel may protect dozens of relatively low paying job, is this the best use for public funds?

Are their other ways to create tax revenues while whittling away at our stubbornly high unemployment rate?

How about providing seed capital and micro-loans to people who need only a few thousand dollars to get their businesses started?

Given the long economic slump, I cannot tell you how many people that I have run across who have the ambition, drive and ideas to build new businesses but cannot get those businesses started for a lack of funds. In many cases, those people are unemployed or underemployed and struggling mightily to simply pay the rent. Where do those people go to for the few thousand that they need to get their businesses up and running?

And what about the entrepreneur who was able to get a business up and running but doesn’t have the resources to buy that one piece of equipment that will make a difference between success and failure?

Where does that person go for money?

Cities should help these people with micro-loans and seed capital.

Additionally, these same businesses typically need an experienced and knowledgable team of advisors who will help them to build a successful business while dealing with the pitfalls and challenges every business faces. While we have many good groups such as SCORE and Coachella

Valley Women’s Business Center (which is for men, too) that help with business planning, resources are few and far between to help in the day-to-day challenges of the young business or struggling entrepreneur.

One organization that helps does with legal, accounting, strategy and operational challenges of the start-up or young entrepreneur is ShareKitchen, a local business incubator to those in the food industry that I co-founded.

In closing, your elected leaders believe that they are doing what is needed to strengthen the local tax base and create jobs. Hopefully, these same well intentioned civic leaders will consider expanding their assistance to those who need it most via micro-loans and seed capital.

john paul valdez:it’s your nickel

Desert Hot Springs: A glimpse at the future

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Finn’s other show airs Tuesdays at 6pm pst. FinnNation showcases local and national independent artists. FinnNation has connected with The Hood in Palm Desert where Richard runs an Open Mic

November 14 to November 20, 2013

Haddon Libby:It’s all local

by curtis hendricks

Up and Coming Events

ith the upcoming Thanksgiving break, many schools in out valley are using this time to show off some talented individuals in their Fall productions. November 21st through the 23rd, the Indio High School (IHS) Performing Arts Department will be performing The Diary of Ann Frank. Show times for the performance will be starting at 7:30 pm all three nights. La Quinta High School Performing Arts Department will be performing Almost, Main on November 14th through the 17th. Show times for Almost, Main start at 7:00 pm all four nights.

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loomberg described Desert Hot Springs as “A resort city near Palm Springs.” With some patience and outside guidance, that is exactly how the remainder of the Coachella Valley will see DHS in the long term, once the city lives through a possible bankruptcy. The article in that publication also states that DHS would be the city after Detroit to seek protection from creditors under this statute, and that is a less dubious honor.

Rather than write about whose fault everything is, or spend time writing about the could haves, would haves, and should haves, I will try to write briefly about what happens to those who live in that city, visit that city and live next to that city as a result of financial moves under this statute.

Your average trip to the grocery store won’t change much. Many of the other factors of your daily life won’t either. Some changes will occur without your noticing.

The ownership of certain previously city owned assets are in discussion like Cabot’s Museum, which is one of the only buildings on the National Historical Register in the entire valley, but it will operate like a museum for residents and guests alike regardless.

The visitor’s center downtown has also been mentioned, but again, will go

unnoticed by those who use the building as clients in all likelihood.

Things like the police department and fire department, as well as city contracts and employees will be greatly affected, but even if a county sheriff pulls you over for a ticket or a local police officer from a wholly owned police department does so, your involvement will change little.

Once a payment plan is put into place, and labor contracts renegotiated and costs brought down into a range that can be met with the revenues the city is able to collect, the city will emerge in a healthier state and in a more competitive state than before if the bankruptcy is handled properly. This can bring an increase in economic development later, even if that immediate effect is not as encouraging.

A bankruptcy normally hinders the ability of a municipality (city) to borrow via the issuance of bonds, and that means that infrastructure projects will likely be on hold for some time.

DHS had just built a public pool, a small medical center, and some other improvements that luckily were badly needed and can perhaps serve as sufficient through this period.

Just know that bankruptcies are never overnight occurrences, and that they

are the result of many years of spending over the revenue amounts to meet those expenditures.

The city had been fortunate enough to plug former lack of funds with one time lump sum income that has now obviously disappeared, and now the consequences of avoiding a regular cycle of sources and uses of funds has created the situation we have today. Some say that can be said for a period even exceeding the six years of the current

administration, so blame is there to spread as far back as anyone cares to go.

In the end, DHS will emerge debt free and with a new wind at its back, pun intended. Good for DHS. Good for the valley. It’s your nickel!

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November 14 to November 20, 2013

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Dale Gribow On The Law

Questions from Readers

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ear Readers: Thank you all for you letters and emails. Today I have again bunched together emails and letters that I have received on related topics. Many of you have asked questions about civil lawsuits, finding a lawyer and why lawyers will not take your case on a contingency. Here are answers to several of your related questions.

Q. I had an auto accident and I have taken the case to 3 lawyers who all rejected the case. Why? A. In today’s climate accident cases do not settle as easily as they did when I was a young lawyer. There is no longer bad faith because the insurance companies spend millions of dollars in advertising to confuse the public who innocently voted on propositions put on the ballot by the insurance companies that were against the best interest of the public.

In the past a lawyer could threaten to sue for Bad Faith if an insurance co did not settle the case quickly and fairly… that is no longer the case with the removal of bad faith.

Thus insurance companies DELAY and DENY coverage. Insurance companies know that many clients and lawyers will just drop the case knowing the amount that would have to be invested in the case could easily be more than the value of the case.

Q. I have read in your columns that a victim of an accident should seek medical treatment right away. Why? A. If you did not go to the hospital by ambulance or be driven there by a friend within 24 hours the value of the case is arguably reduced… at least according to the insurance company. If you call your own doctor who says I cannot see you for 2-3 weeks and you then wait and see him/her it is the kiss of death for your case. The lapse of treatment will be used by the insurance company who will argue if you were really hurt you would have gone to the ER or Urgent Care before the two week wait to see YOUR doctor. Most lawyers do not want their clients to see a doctor they have treated with before because we all have skeletons in our closet. These can be notes about drug or alcohol problems, a venereal disease, an abortion a previous accident or a referral to a psychologist etc. In addition some doctors are great at treating you but not as skilled in preparing a medical/legal report. For several years I lectured at medical conventions on How to Write a Medical Legal Report. In other words you do not want the doctor to say “There is a 50% chance the patient will make a full recovery.” Doesn’t it sound better to say “There is a 50% chance the patient will not make a full recovery?” Doctors not trained in preparing a medical legal report

put things in the report that will hurt your case such as a mention of prior injuries when you slipped running around the pool or in the shower or they mention a prior accident. I do not suggest lying to the insurance company but why flag it for them?

Meanwhile a personal injury lawyer knows they will have to pay out a lot of money for investigations/court fees etc.

In our office if a client does not contact us within3 days of the accident we usually will not accept the case. The exception is when there are very serious injuries.

Q. I had a slip and fall. Why is it so hard to find an accident lawyer to accept my case?

A. Insurance companies do not readily settle slip and fall accidents. They ask the victim in a deposition or trial, were you looking where you were walking? If so why didn’t you see the water on the floor or hole in the ground? If you were not looking where you were walking they argue why should we pay you if you did not look where you were walking? They argue the victim is at fault.

Most slip and falls happen in markets around the produce or frozen food sections where water is dripping to the floor.

The law on Slip and Fall cases started with the old “gritty banana peel case”. Courts determined if the banana peel was fresh and green it is reasonable to assume it was

Renting a House : The Basics Part I

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aving a trusted real estate agent help you find a house to rent can really make the difference between a positive experience and one where you are left wondering “what the heck did I do wrong?” But having a good working knowledge of the rental basics can really be a benefit whether you decide to enlist the help of your trusted real estate agent or go it alone when it comes time to make your move.

Renting or leasing; what’s the difference and which one is right for you? When leasing a home a tenant enters into a binding contract with their landlord to rent the home for a certain period of time with a fixed rent. This is usually one year but it can be more or less depending upon how the lease is negotiated. The important thing to be aware of is that when a tenant enters into a lease they are obligated to pay the monthly rental for the entire term of the lease unless other arrangements are made with the landlord. The benefit of having a lease for the tenant is that the landlord cannot make you move out or change the terms of the lease (like raise the rental amount) provided you are complying with the terms of the lease (making your payments, keeping the house up, not breaking the law, etc.). Even if

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safety tips

by Dale Gribow Attorney at Law

By Bruce cathcart

the landlord sells the home, the new owner must honor the terms of the lease! A lease is the best option if you can commit to the term of the lease and will provide you with the most security and stability. As a tenant, if you are unable to commit to the terms of a lease then the other most common option is the monthly rental agreement. This too is a binding contract but only for 30 days at a time as either the tenant or the landlord can terminate the agreement usually with only 30 days notice. While it gives the tenants the freedom to leave with just a month’s notice, it also gives the landlord the option of asking the tenant to leave with just 30 days notice (unless the tenant has lived in the home for over 1 year, then it must be 60 days notice).

Generally landlords can also change the terms of the rental agreement (like raising the rent!) with just 30 days notice. For those tenants with commitment issues a month to month rental agreement is their best option.

Whether renting or leasing a home, be prepared to come up with the first month’s rent and an equal amount for a security deposit. Some landlords ask for the first month and last month’s rent, plus an equal amount for a security deposit. Got pets?

There may be a pet deposit. And don’t forget about the credit check fee with your application (usually $25.00 to $50.00 for each applicant) and then the deposits for your

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utilities. Renting a home can be expensive so make sure you have the funds necessary to cover all of these upfront costs before starting to shop for a rental home.

Do not confuse your security deposit with your last month’s rent. While the landlord may deduct from your security deposit the amount of any unpaid rent, you will still be responsible to make your last month’s rent before you move out. The security and pet deposits are fully refundable provided you leave the home in the same condition (or better) than when you first move in (and provided you are current on your rent). Make sure that you provide your landlord with a list of all of the deficiencies in the home and it is always a good idea to take pictures for your own records and to have on hand in case you need them when you finally move out. Make sure that you get the landlord’s approval before you make any modifications

Real estate

to the home as well. If the landlord does not approve them in advance (and in writing), the cost to remove them and restore the home to the way it was can also be deducted from your deposit.

Next week I will cover the important questions to ask before renting a home that can save you a lot of headaches and disappointment by knowing the answers before you move in!

This week’s real estate tip: Whether renting or leasing a home make sure to have your agreement in writing. Make sure you understand your agreement and keep a copy for your records. Your trusted real estate agent should be able to explain your lease or rental agreements to you so do not hesitate to contact them for help!

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.

COD: Ghosts Review

Electrical Safety

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lectrical failures cause thousands of home fires every year says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Those fires cause death and injuries and close to $1.5 billion dollars in property damage. One simple way homeowners can prevent costly electrical fires is with a home fire inspection. Many fire departments offer this service—often free of charge. Ask your local department about having an inspection for potential electrical issues and recommend steps for improving fire safety. An inspection should review all fire hazards in your home, from testing smoke detectors to making sure curtains and other flammables are a safe distance from heat sources. Electrical factors they might inspect include: A proper ground. Grounding diverts excess current that may result from an electrical surge and helps to keep electrical systems, devices and humans safer.

Electrical panel- There should be air space around the main panel. Inside, there shouldn’t be evidence of overheating or corrosion, and the fuses and breakers should be the correct size.

Appliances- “If you have a device that’s going to cause a home fire, it’s most likely going to be one that draws a lot of current.

Check the integrity of cords and plug-ins on fridges, stoves and other large appliances.

General safety concerns. Look for electrical hazards such as receptacles and switches that aren’t functioning properly, light bulbs exceeding the maximum wattage, damaged cords and overloaded power strips. Walk through your home to double-check that you’re using extension cords safely and to look for overheated switch plates, buzzing sounds coming from outlets and other signs it’s time to rewire your home.

How fire-safe is your home? Take this fire safety survey from the National Fire Protection Association: http://www. n f p a . o rg / ~ / m e d i a / F i l e s / S a fe t y % 2 0 information/Public%20educators/Surveys/ nfpafiresafetysurvey2009.pdf Contact your local fire department for additional home safety tips and information!

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

ShareKitchen

Sharekitchen hosts holiday dinner event

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hareKitchen is taking the stress out of holiday party planning by offering an all-inclusive, reasonably priced holiday party package, guaranteeing a hassle-free, memorable event.

Upon entering ShareKitchen, festive music will be playing and the lounge will be elegantly decorated as guests are greeted with a beverage selection of mulled, wine, spiced cider or classic eggnog, plus.

Hand-passed appetizers will please guests’ palettes as they mix and mingle, celebrating the season.

Following the reception, a deliciously festive three-course meal is served in the main dining room which is all 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 salmon atop orzo pasta with braised leeks and 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, centrally located in Cathedral City, 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.

Gamer Girl

by Jennifer Tan aka mrs. fett

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

just dropped and the market cannot be held liable for this. If however the banana peel was black and gritty with shopping cart tracks over it then it is reasonable to assume it had been there a while and the market is presume to have known or should have known about it.

Markets keep sweep sheets showing when little Johnny swept that aisle. If it had not been swept regularly then there is a better chance of holding the market liable.

The opposite is true if the aisles were swept regularly. California does not have STRICT LIABILITY for Slip and Falls the way they do for DOG BITES accidents.

Dale Gribow has been “Rated” TOP LAWYER by Palm Springs Life Magazine from 2011-2013 and has a Superb Avvo Legal Rating. Dale Gribow has been Man of the Year 7 times including the City of Palm Desert and the City of Hope and Dale Gribow Day has been declared 4 times.

If you have any questions regarding this column or ideas for future columns please contact Dale Gribow Attorney at Law at his NEW number 760 837 7500 and or his new email: dale@dalegribowlaw.com

November 14 to November 20, 2013

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hosts has finally dropped, selling over $1 billion dollars in copies to retailers worldwide. First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone who came out to the midnight launch in La Quinta, GAEMS, GameStop, Bawls, Rocket Fizz and T-Mobile for your amazing contributions, and a HUGE congratulations to Enrique, who took home his very own GAEMS Vanguard PGE! So were the hype and the wait worth it?

Ehhhhh kinda? As groundbreaking as it was to finally see female characters, and a new K-9 companion, the feeling of repetitive, and spawn trapped maps drowned out the sounds of any fat lady that might have been singing.

The game was not a complete fail though!

Not by a longshot. Extinction is an additional game mode that replaced Zombies. In this four person co-op mission style game, you play against hordes of aliens, big, small, and ugly. It was a pleasant surprise to the game, and has become one of my favorite ways to release Honey Badger built rage. There is no hero in this mode. No matter what your role, you will always be an asset, which is a great team building skill.

Multiplayer got a few new tricks, but putting a bow on an old dog, still makes it an

old dog... just cuter. New guns, including an OP Honey Badger, leaning, which allows you to take cover AND fire around objects was a great idea, but staring at a wall trying to trigger the ability lands you dead 60% of the time.

There is also the new, and very entertaining, slide, which allows you to drop, slide, and land crouched or prone, for extra stealth.

Ooooorrr, you can just play slip and slide in the snow. Now lets look at the ugly. Spawns are horrible, impossible to lock, and usually get you spawned in front of your favorite enemy.

The environments are almost TOO busy, and distract you from that dude camping in a bush.

Campaign hit some high notes, the story was well thought and executed with emotion and poise intact. If you pay attention, and I’m not going to tell you where, but you can score some easter eggs, including a Rupee from Legend of Zelda, a Tardis patch from Dr. Who, and my favorite, the Saving Private Ryan challenge.

When everything was played and investigated, I gave the game a 7/10. Graphics and story were not enough to save this veteran franchise, or earn them anything above a 7.

That does not mean I won’t completely restart, and reassess the game on the PS4, and Xbox One, when they release this week and next.

Maybe this was the bandaid to a much bigger, and better experience to be had.

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November 14 to November 20, 2013

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Don’t Be

CLUELESS IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY

EVENT CALENDAR Grand Opening Discount Hydroponics Sat, November 16 from 10am-6pm This Saturday, Discount Hydroponics will be having their Grand Opening Event from 10-6 with FREE tacos and drinks from Noon3pm courtesy of tacomen.com They will also be raffling off over $10,000 in products and they will be giving away prizes every 10 minutes with no purchase necessary.

The event will take place at their new location at 1251 Montalvo Way, Suite H in Palm Springs.

Discount Hydroponics has been a Leader in the Hydroponic Industry since 1999. Their goal is to give their customers the best selection, at the best price, with the best service! This is accomplished by having a knowledgeable and caring staff, in-store repair department, and empowering their employees to take care of their customers. Discount Hydroponics has the largest in-stock inventory, so they are rarely out of the items that their customers need the most. They offer free classes to educate their customers on how to get the most out of their gardens and on the variety of products that are available and how to use them. Their large facebook following continues to add more friends with monthly giveaways and special offers. They also believe in giving back to the community and do so by participating in local fund raisers for various charities throughout the year. For more info call 760-424-8292.

Bingo Night Benefiting the Joshua Tree National Park Association It’s a bingo benefit. The Joshua Tree Sportsman’s Club will host a bingo night Sunday, November 17, with proceeds going to the Joshua Tree National Park Association to assist with preservation, education, historical, and scientific programs for the benefit of Joshua Tree National Park and its visitors. The doors open at 4 and the fun starts at 4:30 with two games of double action for $1 each.

Warm-ups and early birds start at 4:50, for $5 and $3; and the regular games—$7.50 for a pack—start at 5:30. There’ll be dinner specials, a cash bar, pull tabs, and cash payouts. Come for a game or the entire evening until 9 p.m.

Ask about the $25 play-it-all packet.

ANNOUNCING THE 2ND ANNUAL FANTASY CUPCAKE CHALLENGE: THE SWEETEST BAKEOFF IN THE VALLEY The 2nd Annual Fantasy Cupcake Challenge is back! Pop those delicious morsels in the oven and join the sweetest competition in town. On Sunday, November 17th, 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 nonprofit organization that provides meals to those in need.

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The Fantasy Cupcake Challenge includes invited professional chefs and bakers from top 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 ONE HUMP OR TWO? CAMEL RIDES RETURN TO THE LIVING DESERT! Zoo Announces Camel Rides For the Public Beginning on Wednesday, Nov. 20th Imagine yourself on a camel, gliding across the sands of the Sahara desert in a caravan of desert traders on your way to the exotic pyramids. Now imagine yourself riding a camel right here in the Coachella Valley!

Starting Wednesday, November 20th, The Living Desert will be offering camel rides to children age 3+ and adults for only $5.00.

These nomadic, legendary animals have a characteristic rocking gait unlike any other animal. Last year, The Living Desert offered rides on two camels, Cleopatra and Augustus, and they became one of the park’s most popular attractions.

“We’re thrilled to have camel rides back this year! They’re amazing animals and our guests learn a lot about them when they’re here,” says Liz Hile, Curator of Animals.

“It’s interesting watching how they interact with people, and we’re looking forward to introducing them to our visitors this year.”

Daily camel rides will be offered to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. During the upcoming WildLights events, camel rides will also be available from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The rides are $5.00 per person per ride.

For more information, visit www.LivingDesert. org or contact 760-346-5694.

STROKE RECOVERY CENTER HOSTS 34th ANNUAL WINTER WONDERLAND BALL “Best Party in the Valley” to Recognize

Week of November 14

Pivotal Contributions of Valley Philanthropists Stroke Recovery Center will host its 34th annual Winter Wonderland Ball on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa, 71333 Dinah Shore Drive in 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

by November 19.

2013 PALM SPRINGS OPEN TENNIS TOURNAMENT TO BENEFIT AIDS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 20th Annual Event is Free to Public and Features Some of World’s Top LGBT Tennis Players AIDS Assistance Program (AAP) has been selected by the Desert Tennis Association as the benefitting charity for the 2013 Palm Springs Open Tennis Tournament. The 20th annual tournament takes place from Friday to Sunday, November 29 –through Sunday, December 1, 2013 at the following host sites: Mission Hills Country Club, Monterey Country Club, Rancho Las Palmas Country Club, and Plaza Racquet Club. The event is free to the public and a portion of the proceeds from the silent auction and dinner will benefit AAP. “AAP has an excellent track record in providing critical services to those living with AIDS here in our desert community,” says Tournament Director Nabil Najjar. “We strongly believe in this organization as a trusted and cost-efficient provider of critical services, supported by a group of dedicated volunteers, which make it a great match for our organization.”

Mission Hills Country Club will host a banquet at 7:00 pm on Saturday, November 30. Tickets for the banquet are $40 per person and include a no-host cocktail reception,

dinner and entertainment. Those who donate to the tournament on behalf of AAP, via a gift certificate, raffle item, or silent auction item, will be recognized publicly at the event and in an advertisement featured in the tournament player book.

Since its founding in 1991, AIDS Assistance Program of Palm Springs remains dedicated to providing nutritional support to improve the quality of the lives of people living with HIV/ AIDS. Initiated by a small group of concerned citizens led by the late Gloria Greene and Jeannette Rockefeller, AAP provides food to members of the community with low incomes.

For more information, please call 760/3258481 or visit aidsassistance.org.

BOOGIE TO THE SWINGIN’ SOUNDS OF JAZZ MASTERS AT THE LIVING DESERT’S 30th JAZZOO CONCERT SERIES BEGINNING DECEMBER 8th Sunday Concert Series Opens with the Ellington Brass Encounters featuring Art Baron Swing to the beloved sounds of America’s favorite jazz masters at the 30th Jazzoo Concert Series at The Living Desert beginning Sunday, December 8th at 3:00 p.m. From bebop to Big Band to boogie, ballads and blues, The Living Desert will be the most swingin’ place to be for a wild good time on select Sunday afternoons from December through March.

Beginning with the evocative Ellington Brass Encounters featuring Art Baron, the Jazzoo Concert Series presents a rich variety of musical talents celebrating America’s original art form. The first concert takes place at The Living Desert’s outdoor Palm Garden (with weather permitting), with the remaining concerts in the Hoover Education Building with cabaret style seating. Concert-goers are welcome to bring a snacks and bottle of wine to enjoy during the concert, with a $5 corkage fee per bottle of wine. Patrons also have the option of purchasing snacks and beverages during each concert.

Performance times are 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at www. livingdesert.org. The concert schedule is: ·December 8th – Ellington Brass Encounters, featuring Art Baron ·January 5th – Charlie Shoemake Quintet ·January 26th – Billy Eckstine 100th Birthday Celebration, featuring Gina Eckstine ·February 9th – The Music of Antonio Carlos Jobim ·March 2nd – Jazz Goes to the Movies. The music of Mancini, LeGrand and Mandel ·March 23rd – Tommy Dorsey Songbook For reserved and premiere seating, season tickets are available for $180 for members and $240 for non-members. Single performance tickets are available for $30 for members and $45 for non-members. Single tickets are open seating, based on a first-come, first-served basis. Jazzoo tickets do not include admission into the park. All proceeds support The Living Desert’s mission of desert conservation of animals and plants through preservation, education and appreciation. For more information, call 760-346-5694.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): There’s something resembling a big red snake slithering around in your mind these days. I don’t mean that literally, of course. I’m talking about a big red imaginary snake.

But it’s still quite potent. While it’s not poisonous, neither is it a pure embodiment of sweetness and light. Whether it ends up having a disorienting or benevolent influence on your life all depends on how you handle your relationship with it. I suggest you treat it with respect but also let it know that you’re the boss. Give it guidelines and a clear mandate so that it serves your noble ambitions and not your chaotic desires. If you do that, your big red snake will heal and uplift you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In my astrological opinion, almost nothing can keep you from getting the love you need in the coming days. Here’s the only potential problem: You might have a mistaken or incomplete understanding about the love you need, and that could interfere with you recognizing and welcoming the real thing. So here’s my prescription: Keep an open mind about the true nature of the love that you actually need most, and stay alert for the perhaps unexpected ways it might make itself available.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “People fall so in love with their pain, they can’t leave it behind,” asserts novelist Chuck Palahniuk. Your assignment, Gemini, is to work your ass off to fall out of love with your pain. As if you were talking to a child, explain to your subconscious mind that the suffering it has gotten so accustomed to has outlived its usefulness. Tell your deep self that you no longer want the ancient ache to be a cornerstone of your identity. To aid the banishment, I recommend that you conduct a ritual of severing. Tie one side of a ribbon to a symbol of your pain and tie the other side around your waist.

Then cut the ribbon in half and bury the symbol in the dirt.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): “You can look at a picture for a week and never think of it again,” said painter Joan Miró. “You can also look at a picture for a second and think of it all your life,” he added. The coming days are likely to bring you none of the former kind of experiences and several of the latter, Cancerian. It’s a numinous time in your long-term cycle: a phase when you’re likely to encounter beauty that enchants you and mysteries that titillate your sense of wonder for a long time. In other words, the eternal is coming to visit you in very concrete ways. How do you like your epiphanies? Hot and wild? Cool and soaring?

Comical and lyrical? Hot and soaring and comical and wild and cool and lyrical?

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): There’s a new genre of erotic literature: dinosaur porn. E-books like In the Velociraptor’s Nest and Ravished by the Triceratops tell tall tales about encounters between people and prehistoric reptiles. I don’t recommend you read this stuff, though. While I do believe that now is a good time to add new twists to your sexual repertoire and explore the frontiers of pleasure, I think you should remain rooted in the real world, even in your fantasy life. It’s also important to be safe as you experiment. You really don’t want to explore the frontiers of pleasure with cold-blooded beasts. Either travel alone or else round up a warmblooded compassion specialist who has a few skills in the arts of intimacy.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The saxifrage is a small plant with white flowers. It grows best in subarctic regions and cooler parts of the Northern Hemisphere. The word “saxifrage” is derived from the Latin word saxifraga, whose literal meaning is “stone-breaker.” Indeed, the plant does often appear in the clefts of stones and boulders. In his poem “A Sort of a Song,” William Carlos Williams celebrates its strength: “Saxifrage is my flower that splits the rocks.” I nominate this darling little dynamo to be your metaphorical power object of the week, Virgo. May it inspire you to crack through blocks and barriers with subtle force.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You’re not being

© Copyright 2012 Rob Brezsny

swept along in a flood of meaningless distractions and irrelevant information and trivial wishes, right?

I’m hoping that you have a sixth sense about which few stimuli are useful and meaningful to you, and which thousands of stimuli are not. But if you are experiencing a bit of trouble staying well-grounded in the midst of the frenzied babble, now would be a good time to take strenuous action. The universe will conspire to help you become extra stable and secure if you resolve to eliminate as much nonsense from your life as you can.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Sweetness is good.

Sweetness is desirable. To be healthy, you need to give and receive sweetness on a regular basis.

But you can’t flourish on sweetness alone. In fact, too much of it may be oppressive or numbing. I’m speaking both literally and metaphorically: To be balanced you need all of the other tastes, including saltiness, sourness, bitterness, and savoriness.

From what I understand, you are headed into a phase when you’ll thrive on more bitterness and savoriness than usual. To get an idea of what I mean, meditate on what the emotional equivalents might be for bitter tastes like coffee, beer, and olives, and for savory tastes like mushrooms, cheese, spinach, and green tea.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): When you procrastinate, you avoid doing an important task.

Instead, you goof off, doing something fun or simply puttering around wasting time. But what if there were a higher form of procrastination? What if you could avoid an important task by doing other tasks that were somewhat less important but still quite valuable? Here’s what that might look like for you right now: You could postpone your search for the key to everything by throwing yourself into a project that will give you the key to one small part of everything.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In his utopian novel Looking Backward, American author Edward Bellamy wrote a passage that I suspect applies to you right now: “It is under what may be called unnatural, in the sense of extraordinary, circumstances that people behave most naturally, for the reason that such circumstances banish artificiality.” Think of the relief and release that await you, Capricorn: an end to pretending, a dissolution of deception, the fall of fakery. As you weave you way through extraordinary circumstances, you will be moved to act with brave authenticity. Take full advantage.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “I have your back” is an American expression that could also be rendered as “I’m right behind you, ready to help and defend you” or “I’m ready to support you whenever you’ve got a problem.” Is there anyone in the world who feels that way about you? If not, now would be an excellent time to work on getting such an ally. Cosmic conditions are ripe for bringing greater levels of assistance and collaboration into your life. And if you already do have confederates of that caliber, I suggest you take this opportunity to deepen your symbiotic connection even further.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Over a hundred countries around the world celebrate a holiday called Independence Day, memorializing a time when they broke away from another nation and formed a separate state. I encourage you to create your own personal version of this festival. It could commemorate a breakthrough moment in the past when you escaped an oppressive situation, a turning point when you achieved a higher level of autonomy, or a taboo-busting transition when you started expressing your own thoughts and making your own decisions with more authority. By the way, a fresh opportunity to take this kind of action is available to you. Any day now might be a good time to declare a new Independence Day. Homework: At what moment in your life were you closest to being perfectly content? Recreate the conditions that prevailed then. Testify at Freewillastrology.com.

Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

November 14 to November 20, 2013

Mind, body & Spirit

by Bronwyn Ison

Did You Survive Mercury Retrograde?

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verywhere I turn I hear of Mercury retrograde of late. Whether you believe in astrology or not you may find this article interesting from several perspectives. As though our lives are not challenging enough, Mercury executes a backspin on us. One can feel these effects as early as two weeks prior to the full retrograde and a few days post. Hence, spinning our worlds out-of-control.

According to The Astrology Zone, the planet Mercury governs all transportation and communication issues.

Industries influenced by Mercury are sales, writing, public relations, advertising, publishing, post office and express mail plus any transportation industry. While other planets do go into retrograde, Mercury seems to be the one planet that impacts us the most.

The planet does not literally back spin or go in reverse. Mercury hangs out by the sun, but from the Earth, appears to be moving in reverse. During these periods of time our lives can become obfuscated. The 2013 dates for Mercury retrograde are: February 23-March 17 ~ June 26-July 20 ~ October 21-November 10. If you reflect on the aforementioned dates you may recognize life was coming at you fast. Mercury retrograde may be the culprit.

One may wonder why you felt a bit out of sorts for a couple of days. I did not consider Mercury retrograde to have any effects upon me. Yet, as one begins to ponder the immediate situations and circumstances of

one’s feelings and thought it is quite possible Mercury was involved. You may have noticed you felt confused. Possibly others are confused around you. Confrontations with others may have occurred. Or, you have been on the brink of tears for reason unbeknownst to you.

It is suggested one should not make major decisions during these dates. Signing contracts, getting married, breaking off a relationship, purchasing large items are all major decisions to be avoided. Machinery is to be handled with extra care during this time. Backing up your computer is highly recommended. Or, you may recognize home appliances or other electronic equipment malfunctioned. You may notice that a certain project has taken longer to accomplish.

Continue practicing patience.

Check everything twice. Appointments or airline tickets may be cancelled or postponed.

You may recognize you will experience some major breakthroughs. Consider the breakthroughs to be positive. They could be professional or personal. Mercury retrograde may be exactly what you needed to get to the next chapter in your life.

By all means do not fret. You may not believe any of this to be true or to have any effects. Whatever your beliefs, take each experience in stride and learn from what you have been dealt.

Bronwyn Ison, Owner of Evolve Yoga. www.e-voleyoga.com (760) 564-YOGA (9642)

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November 14 to November 20, 2013

Life & career Coach

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Sunny Simon

No Limitations

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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 the heck is a “Mommy Makeover”?

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model. Arthritic at the age of 76, she gave up embroidery and began to paint.

Thinking about writing a book? The IrishAmerican author Frank McCourt, who wrote the bestseller, Angela’s Ashes, did not begin writing until he hit sixty. Ever thought about a career on stage? Danny Aiello did not begin acting until he was forty. Thinking of launching an entrepreneurial venture?

The king of fried chicken Colonel Sanders was in his sixties before he started his franchise. Need a sport figure hero? Kurt Warner, did not enter the NFL until he was 28 and became a two-time MVP and Super Bowl Champion. Is music your passion? Al Jarreau, seven-time Grammy award winner, did not release his first album until he was almost 40.

My bottom line to the young and those a bit beyond young; there are no limitations to what you can accomplish. Pursue your passion, follow your heart and never, ever surrender your dreams.

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

omen often complain that their bodies change after having children. After pregnancy and breast feeding, the breast and belly often have lingering or permanent effects. The skin can be stretched and lose its elasticity after the pregnancy is over and even after additional weight loss is accomplished.

The breasts can lose volume/fullness and change position after pregnancy too. The “Mommy Makeover” is a phrase that is used to describe the combination of breast and abdominal (belly) procedures to improve or restore the body to its pre-pregnancy condition.

Many people assume that the “mommy makeover” means having a breast implant placed but for those patients who don’t want to increase the size of their breasts, a mastopexy or breast lift can be done. There are many ways to lift the breast: from a small crescent shaped incision above the nipple-areola region to adding a vertical and/or horizontal incision in the fold under the breast. The amount of ptosis, or “hanging”, of the breast is how the decision is made as to which lift is needed. A lift and an augmentation with an implant can also be done together if the patient is looking to increase the size of the breast while lifting to a more youthful position.

The second part of the “Mommy Makeover” is the Tummy. Abdominal procedures range from liposuction by itself to “tummy-tucks” or a combination of both.

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Again, the degree of skin looseness and the amount of fat under the skin determines which of the procedures is appropriate for each patient.

What are the advantages of doing a combination “Mommy Makeover”?

Combining the two procedures, breast and body, can result in a cost savings but one of the nicest reasons to do two procedures together is that you also combine the healing phase: Two procedures with only one recovery period. Because every patient is different and is trying to reach different goals, the best way to determine if a “mommy makeover” is for you is to schedule an appointment for a complimentary consultation. Dr. Maria Lombardo will discuss what bothers you and to go over expectations for surgery. Call to schedule today! 760-610-8990

November 14 to November 20, 2013

NEW AGE GLAMOUR

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n the day my little niece, Aisalynn, turned four the first thing she asked her mother was if she looked any bigger. I guess, when you are four, you want to look big. I can assure you however, that is not the question I will ask anyone on my next birthday. What I do query on my birthday is have I done a good job of growing up? Am I wiser? Have I made a contribution?

I do feel wiser than when I was in my twenties when, of course, I knew it all. I listen more and speak less. When I do speak, I speak my truth. No beating around the bush anymore. Getting to the heart of the matter quickly and succinctly is my objective. Before I do open my mouth, I try to keep in mind the principle Don Miguel Ruiz sets forth in his book, “The Four Agreements.” “Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.”

I also know I am still in the process of growing up. No matter how many candles are lit on our cake, we need to challenge ourselves to keep stretching and growing. If you ever catch yourself saying, “I’m too old for that”, cancel the thought. You are never too old to accomplish the dreams of your heart. What we lose in terms of our youth, we gain in experience, self-awareness and wisdom.

Need proof? Anna Mary Robertson, aka Grandma Moses, is an excellent role

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November 14 to November 20, 2013

PSYCHIC READER

DID A SHOW FOR THE WOMEN‛S FERTILITY ASSOCIATION...

MALE CHAUVINIST PIG!!

THE YOLKS ON YOU!

GROW UP!

EGGHEAD!

WORM! CREEP!

THEY GAVE ME A STANDING OVULATION.

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