Coachella Valley Weekly - December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014 Vol. 2 No. 40

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com • December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014 Vol. 2 No. 40

Whiskey & Knives

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Long Duk Dong

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Lexilust

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Ming Tran

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December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BB’s 30 Annual New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party! th

Coachella Valley Weekly

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com info@coachellavalleyweekly.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

By tracy dietlin photos by lani garfield

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

BB’s New Years Eve Masquerade..... 3 LMS - The Rebel Noise...................4 LMS - Whiskey & Knives.................4 LMS - Long Duk Dong....................5 LMS - House of Broken Promises...6 LMS - Lexilust.................................7 LMS - Ming Bob of Ming Tran........7 Don’t Be Clueless in the CV ..........8 Tat Talk - Ken Lightcap..................9 Sports Scene................................10 Sports...........................................11 Consider This ...............................12 Pet Place.......................................14 The Vino Voice..............................15 Club Crawler Nightlife.................16 Screeners......................................20 Book Review.................................21 Film - Q&A....................................23 Haddon Libby: It’s All Local.........24 Dale Gribow.................................24 Safety Tips....................................25 ShareKitchen................................25 Gaemer Girl..................................26 Real Estate....................................26 Free Will Astrology......................27 Mind, Body, & Spirit.....................27 Life & Career Coach......................28 Beauty..........................................28 Comics - Weiss Cracks..................30

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ot off of the success of the Halloween Bash, BB Ingle will be throwing the 30th Annual New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party on December 31. In honor of this landmark occasion of 30 years of hosting parties, BB has moved the event to the Spectacular Palm Springs Convention Center. BB is looking forward to hosting the Annual event in Palm Springs from now on making it a precursor to the popular Palm Springs Film Festival that begins the first week of January.

This year there will be four ballrooms of entertainment which will include the AllStar Party Band along with 10 DJ’s. The party will start at 9:00pm and go until 4:00am.

You can purchase tickets in advance for 20.00 at www.PartyWithBB.com or pay 25.00 at the door. For more details call 760880-1059.

BB must have been born to bring people together, starting his career as a leader in social gatherings back in the 80’s when he and a few others founded BB Obrien’s Sports Bar. The night spot was a constant in desert nightlife, and after its closure, Ingle began throwing special holiday/event parties earning him the Master of Events and the Godfather of Parties title that he has today.

I asked BB what motivates him to continue doing this after 30 years. “Well…

I’ve had a passion for gathering people together in celebration since I was a young boy,” stated Ingle in his smooth, laid-back Alabama twang, which is where he originally

hails from. “After 30 years of parties we have all ages from 21 to 75, many of our original party goers’ children now attend.

We make sure to play all types of music in different rooms to keep everyone happy and having a good time. But what makes me feel like all the hard work is worth it is when someone comes up to me and says ‘BB thank you so much. If it weren’t for you I wouldn’t have met my soul mate. We met at your party and now we’re married and have kids’. That’s very rewarding and it’s happened close to a hundred times over the years.”

BB also shared that 20 years ago his brother came out from Alabama and attended one of his parties where he too met his future wife. He took her back to Alabama and they now have 3 grown children. He says it’s made him seriously consider going into the wedding planning business.

While BB tries to throw a party once a month he’s thinking about re-inventing himself a bit in 2014. He has several new endeavors including opening a new dance club. “So many people keep asking me when I’m going to open another club so I think 2014 might be the time to do it,” shared BB, excited to be taking on another new project. “We are also going to be hosting some smaller, private, invitation

only parties at smaller venues.”

And of course BB is in high demand as a party promoter for other corporation’s big events. BB is part of an elite group called the Challengers, which consists of 35 local business leaders who will act as Ambassadors to promote the upcoming Humana Challenge, which takes place January 15-19 of 2014. Then he will also host the Annual Classy Party in the evening of January 18, at a location to be announced. BB has also recently agreed to help promote JM Couture, a new Women’s Luxury Clothing Brand coming in March to El Paseo in Palm Desert.

For all of the loyal party goers that attend BB’s events it doesn’t really matter where it is or what it’s for, they will be there. If you haven’t had the experience of attending one of these memorable bashes then maybe you should start with his New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball. While masks are optional it’s always more fun to wear one and BB will be giving a prize for Best Female Mask and Best Male Mask. A good time will be had by all. See you there.

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December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Local Music Spotlight

Local Music Spotlight

The Rebel Noise

Whiskey & Knives

Article & photos by Scott Pam

by robin linn

Featuring Alfredo Hernandez, Mike Smith, and Jon Arnold.

Post Christmas Stress Release Show! Coming to Schmidy’s Tavern in Palm Desert along with Dali’s Llama and Rawbone December 27th @ 9PM

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earing The Rebel Noise for the first time at The Hood last Friday night, I was instantly reminded of the influential bands that made the 70s and 80s what they were musically. Their hard driving leads and rhythms, with pitch perfect vocals and truly catchy lyrics made me wonder why they have not been signed for a record deal yet.

Combining their roots of Led Zeppelin, the blues, The Cure, Pink Floyd, Southern Rockers like the Allman Brothers and bands like Motley Crue and Guns and Roses, The Rebel Noise took me on their rock & roll journey during their set. Well written lead guitar hooks and lyrics are what this band is about and it kept me paying attention to each song as they delivered some of the best original music I have heard from a new band. The band is polished and wellrehearsed, and their dedication to delivering their sound is felt through the set.

Ashley and Collin Pintor started playing musical instruments when they were in grade school. Ashley started with percussion instruments and moved to the drums about a year after Collin had picked up the sax. “I thought I would have to play some sort of girly instrument and my Mom said nah you’re gonna play the drums,’’ recalls Ashley. Later on she played in a band called “Romeo and the Juliets,” a mostly allgirl band with one guy guitarist, that she started in fresh out of high school. “That was my only solid band that I ever played in,” she said.

Collin started on saxophone and picked up guitar when he was in high school.

Together the brother and sister team knew they wanted to start a band and jammed together. As Leo and Ashley are also involved in a relationship that started five years ago, the three moved to the Coachella Valley when Collin was transferred for his job.

Leo Rodriquez, the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist literally just started playing and singing three years ago. “I would hang out with Ashley and Collin while they were jamming and when they stopped playing, I would ask Collin if I could play his guitar.

He showed me my first couple of chords,” said Leo. “My parents bought my sister an

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acoustic guitar for Christmas and I ended up stealing that and learning,” he continued.

His mom was an inspiration to his singing since she sang in the church choir.

Soon after they arrived in the valley, Leo, Collin and Ashley started playing in blues jams on Sundays.“That’s where I picked up a little bit more skill and got kinda into the blues and stuff,” said Leo. Anyone would be hard pressed to tell that Leo had only started his musical journey just over three years ago.

They found their bass player, Ben Travis, when they went to see his band play. “We wanted to see the local scene so we started going out and finding shows to see,” Leo said. “We saw this guy in a country band with a Mohawk and a Firehawk bass…we wanted this guy,” said Ashley. Ben came over to them and they let him know they were forming a band. Ben said to keep in touch and let him know when they were playing. After two years, Ben joined and picked up their songs very quickly.

While some bands have had to make calls to find gigs, The Rebel Noise keeps getting calls from establishments to play.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with The Rebel Noise @ Schmidy’s Tavern on 12/31/13 @ 9:00 P.M. Booking information: therebelnoise@ gmail.com www.reverbnation.com/therebelnoise soundcloud.com/the-rebel-noise www.facebook.com/The.Rebel.Noise

rummer Alfredo Hernandez has been in so many ground breaking music projects over the years..... one could write volumes just about him. He has been featured in dozens of publications over the years including Rolling Stone Magazine. His contribution to the desert rock scene is great and he is most always in several projects at one time. Alfredo may be best known (internationally) for his work with first Kyuss....and then the band born from its ashes, Queens of the Stone Age. While Josh Homme has moved forward with a magnificent career in rock and a top selling record this past year (Like Clockwork came in at #141 on Billboard Top Albums of 2013)....

Alfredo has spread himself across a thinner but broader territory. At one time he was drumming with a staggering 11 different projects. The man loves to play and he isn’t faithful to any one genre. Alfredo remains one of the most sought after drummers to come out of our desert rock scene.

Most recently, Alfredo can be heard in not one...not two...but three desert bands, including, Brave Black Sea. I caught Brave Black Sea at The Hood last month, and it’s a fantastic hard rock project that has landed them a record deal with a subsidiary of Virgin Records, V2. Their new record, Fragments is scheduled for release on April 7, 2014....a record I fully intend to add to my home collection.

After a couple of decades playing not just stoner rock....but punk rock...his other passion....with Family Butcher, which featured John Summers on vocals (a real desert character) and Jon Arnold on guitar along with my son-in-law, Kevin Smith on bass.....Alfredo and Jon Arnold have pushed forward with a new punk inspired project, Whiskey & Knives.... which also features bassist and vocalist, Mike Smith. The new band features a deeper, more well-rounded Jon Arnold. Jon, known for his Slayer approach to punk rock has opened himself up to new dimensions and he contributes a slightly more melodic sound to the new material than in days past with FB. I was privileged to take in their live set at The Palms in Wonder Valley and I loved what I heard. It’s powerful, well-constructed material that knows no bounds. In each of Alfredo’s musical endeavors...he projects a distinctly different style...and in this particular band...he definitely embraces his punk rock roots. Jon Arnold just leans back and digs in taking listeners for a wild ride, while Mike Smith’s hard rock vocal approach rounds out the sound and takes Whiskey &

Knives to uncharted territory.

On December 27th...Whiskey & Knives will be performing a set at Schmidy’s Tavern in Palm Desert along with Dali’s Llama, and Alfredo’s other project, Rawbone. Dali’s Llama features Zach Huskey on guitar, Erica Huskey on bass, and the talented Rick Carles on drums. Dali’s Llama has remained a solid group producing a staggering 13 records over the past twenty years. Together they paint a canvas of desert doom for Zach to soar over with stunning guitar work and dark, sullen lyrics. Their ultra heavy sound seems to be born from the often eerie and lonely desert. At one time.....Dali’s Llama featured a female drummer, Robin Clewell.

Now, Zach Huskey and Alfredo Hernandez have formed Rawbone which features Robin Clewell on lead vocals.....there is no bass guitar. Perhaps this is the Raw...stripped down to the Bone....free from all fanfare.

This will be my first Rawbone show....and I am looking forward to hearing what they are all about.

They are calling this a “Post Christmas Stress Release Show”......I call it authentic desert rock in all its glory. I have been writing about all of these legendary desert players for a long time, and it thrills me to see them creating their own sounds and remaining true to the art of desert rock in all its many forms. Join me at Schmidy’s Tavern on December 27th at 9:PM. The show isn’t just free of stress.....it’s free of charge as well.

To learn more about the show, the bands, and their music....visit them on Facebook at: Whiskey & Kniveswww.facebook.com/whiskeyandknives Dali’s Llamawww.facebook.com/dalisllama Rawbonewww.facebook.com/rawboneband Brave Black Seawww.facebook.com/braveblacksea Post Christmas Stress Release Party at Schmidy’s Tavern on Facebook at: facebook.com/events/387162834748772

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Local Music Spotlight

December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

by noe gutierrez

Long Duk Dong L

ong Duk Dong is the name of the fictional character in the classic 80’s movie ‘Sixteen Candles’. It’s also the assumed name of Coachella Valley Weekly’s Best of 2013 “Best Cover Band”.

They are self-proclaimed as “The Best 80’s Cover Band This Side of the Dinosaurs”.

The dinosaurs they refer to are of course Mr. Rex and Ms. Dinny the tyrannosaurus rex and brontosaurus replicas off the I-10 in Cabazon. Much like those dinos, LDD are a huge draw to passersby in the Coachella Valley and are sure to bring a throw-back crowd to The Hood Bar & Pizza on New Year’s Eve. Nicco Ysiano, aka “The Donger”, is the band’s formidable leader and front man.

“The Donger” can sing, rap and dress the part. His unique perspectives on 80’s wardrobe changes that match the particular set are legendary. “My favorite part of the 80’s was watching cartoons and MTV while eating cereal in my chonies,”said Ysiano.

His equally intimidating female associate is Chelsea “Da Voice” Sugarbritches.

Sugarbritches (her actual last name is withheld here to protect the innocent) handles lead vocals like nobody’s business.

“My favorite part of the 80’s was the War on Drugs.” She is the epitome of the anthem ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’. She also tackles vulgar rap vocals on songs originally written for a male lead.

Craig Brown plays the drums for LDD. Despite his youth, Brown has an ‘old soul’ for drumming. Brown shares the legitimacy of LDD, “Playing in LDD is important because we love to see how all the fun songs from the 80’s make people happy and take them

“Like Voltron we shall continue to defend the universe. LDD will proceed and continue to rock the party!” Ysiano astutely puts it into perspective, “We are going to continue to rock rad 80’s awesomeness and continue to provide the inspiration for countless dick jokes for years to come. Whatcha gonna do when Dongermania runs wild on you?”

When you think 80’s think this: First name Long, last name Dong.

Look for LongDukDong80s on Facebook for more information and future shows.

back.” He is also the drummer for Penny Unniversity and Dali’s Llama. Brown attests to his tender age, “My favorite part of the 80’s was being born.”

Joe “Dub” Wallace, at least that’s what I call him, is the band’s bass player and third lead vocalist. He also performs with the respectable reggae band Roots Syndicate.

A highlight of mine is when “Dub” puts the bass down to woo the women by singing his rendition of ‘Sunglasses at Night’.

Chris Koenig is the keyboard master. He also straps on the key-tar when it’s called for. Koenig may be the “quiet one” but he is also the “brain”.

Finally there’s the conductor, Jeff Mazer who is LDD’s unsung hero. He is a multiinstrumentalist, sound technician and over-looked vocalist. He plays keyboards primarily but can pick up the bass and guitar without trepidation. Mazer is the glue of the LDD puzzle.

Long Duk Dong has performed at almost every venue conceivable in the Coachella

Valley. They have a knack of putting a smile on your face regardless of your age or whether you were a product of the 80’s.

That decade produced many a hit song and LDD carries that torch with pride. Whether it be one-hit wonders or classic songs that you secretly sing to in the car or the shower, LDD is everyone’s band. Extra cheese please!

Long Duk Dong will be performing at the Hood Bar & Pizza 74360 Highway 111, Palm Desert on Tuesday for New Year’s Eve. There is a $100 prize for the best 80’s costume.

Dub puts it in terms only he comprehends,

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December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

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Local Music Spotlight

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by Robin Linn

house of broken promises Living in the Music

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ouse of Broken Promises is the love child of desert bad boy, Arthur Seay and his brother in music, partner in crime, drummer, Mike Cancino. The band has been through some changes in personnel....which is always trying in a group.....and this led them to join forces with the newest member, bassist and vocalist Joe Mora. Mora comes to them from HDR....a band out of LA that received a lot of love for their thick and heavy original rock. In that project, Mora served as guitarist. Now he’s traded his guitar in for the bass. Together this powerful trio creates well crafted, heavy hitting rock songs that shake the earth and waken the spirits. The lyrics can be cheeky...loaded with innuendo and double-entendre. Seay is the driving force who brings most of the ideas to the table....... the band then develops them and crafts them into heavy metal perfection. Now with Mora in on the writing process, the lyrics have taken on deeper content and the new material represents the strengthening bond between these world-class players. Their sound explores a full range of over driven, dynamically tempered, super heavy tones, all executed with ultra-tight musicianship. The live show is more like a show-and-a-half. They command respect and the audience’s full attention, and are as much fun to watch as they are to listen to. This is a band that has worked their asses off since they were kids, developing themselves first as individuals, and then as a band. Cancino and Seay have been playing together since high school, along with sometimes bassist, Eddie Pascencia. Discipline and commitment to their music have fueled their growth into super talented rock star material. I have been a fan of both Seay and Cancino’s since the mid-nineties when I discovered how innovative, creative and talented they were. I knew back then they were headed for great things....and I was right!

Mastering an instrument is one thing.....writing great music.....well....it’s what makes House Of Broken Promises that band!

HOBP have played before tens of thousands of connected fans at music festivals and venues all over Europe....including Desert Fest in London and Germany, and Hellfest in France.

Europe, known for being populated with more sophisticated audiences, has fallen in love with

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the sounds of desert rock. Bands like Queens of the Stone Age, Kyuss, Vista Chino, House of Broken Promises, Unida (Arthur and Mike’s side project with vocalist John Garcia of Kyuss fame) are always in demand there. Bands like the Truckfighters from Sweden were greatly influenced by the completely unique sounds created first by Kyuss, Unida, and HOBP. So much so...they describe themselves as a desert stoner rock band. In June of 2014 Seay, Cancino and Mora will be off, along with John Garcia and Unida, to perform a series of festivals and shows during the summer concert season that emerges each year in Europe. June 20th, 2014 they will be playing with both HOBP and UNIDA at Hellfest, a 3-day festival in France, alongside some of the top drawing bands in heavy metal and hard rock. An honor for any band.....and one HOBP has earned.

Before HOBP, there was Unida, which also features vocalist, John Garcia (Kyuss, Vista Chino). Unida experienced great success in building a large following in US and Europe, landing them a record deal with Man’s Ruin Records. When that label went defunct......they were signed to American Recordings...a deal that turned sour and is still in litigation today.

Several bass players were on the Unida band roster including Slipknot bassist Paul Gray, one of Seay’s besties, and Scott Reeder, bassist for The Freeks, and Sun and Sail Club....two other bands that have me hook line and sinker.

Reeder recently recorded a track on Jake E. Lee’s new debut record Red Dragon Cartel. Reeder has earned himself a place in rock and roll history books for his work with many artists at Rancho De La Luna recording studio in the high desert which has recently won him a Grammy nomination. The desert has been turning out world class original rock bands for well over two decades and with the success of the latest QOTSA record, Like Clockwork, our music scene here continues to gain steam and international recognition.

So the road to success has been rocky...and

loaded with obstacles......yet at each juncture, even in the face of heartbreak...HOBP pick themselves up by the bootstraps, shake it off and step up and over to the next level of success.

As musicians, songwriters, and as a band, they continue to grow into a force to be reckoned with. I have seen them 3 times this year and each time I am more blown away than the last.

Whether or not they are playing for hometown fans at The Hood or playing before thousands at a giant music festival.....HOBP bring IT and leave you wanting more.

I was invited to stop in to the studio where HOBP makes all the magic happen. When I did they offered to play me a couple of new songs they were working on for the upcoming European tour. What I heard made me melt.

Honestly...it was one of those life experiences

you keep with you forever. The two new numbers were amazing and a bit more serious in subject matter. For me...it was more than just great new HOBP. The new songs represented growth, a lot of hard work....and cement the new trio with the first material they have co-created from the ground up. The drums, bass, and guitar are all in your face....but it’s a beautifully balanced sound. No one drowns anyone else out. The guitar tones are crisp, deep, dark and heavy...and Seay’s technique and style is masterful. Seay credits knuckles and tubes for his distinct and desirable tone, but the man knows the sound he is after...and he achieves it beautifully. Seay is articulate and imaginative and the songwriting is absolutely fresh and relevant. This isn’t a band that rests on their laurels. They work hard, they love what they do...and it shows. They are at the top of their game and a desert treasure. I wish them a productive year, a successful tour and I predict... this IS the year for House of Broken Promises.

To read my interview with Mike Cancino and Arthur Seay....visit my blog Robin Linn’s Desert Rhythms at www.rminjtree@blogspot. com or check out the full interview at www. coachellavalleyweekly.com/HOBP. www.facebook.com/HOBPMUSIC

Local Music Spotlight

December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

by eric the red

Lexilust I

n recent days, our local music scene has been going through a recovery from a massive recession of local shows. At its peak, our valley had local bands playing shows all throughout the week and through the weekend. For some reason, unbeknownst to me, bands just stopped playing and venues closed their doors. Now that the area has begun rebuilding the scene, some of the old bands are coming back into the light. One such band is Lexilust. Describing their music as Punk, Hardcore and Electronic, Lexilust is ready to help in renewing our scene to its former glory.

Comprised of vocalist Adam Levy, Josh Reef on the drums, guitarist Sean Brown and Mike Aaronson holding down the low end on bass, Lexilust originally began playing music in 2003. During their time together, the band built a loyal and undying fanbase. After some time, the members decided to put Lexilust on the back burner, and focus on other creative endeavors.

When asked what made them decide to get back together, Adam stated, “Basically, for many years now, we’ve been getting a lot of emails, and friends and old fans have

always asked, ‘Why did you stop playing?’ and we didn’t do it on purpose, life just kind of brought us apart. We all kinda did our own things. Josh went on to start Fight Fair, I went on to make movies and stuff.

Basically, just popular demand [brought us back]. We heard our friends in Losing Team were playing a reunion show, and we did one about 5 years ago, so we thought, why not do one now? There’s never a better time. We just got everyone on the same page and started hashing it out.”

With a response like that, you might think that this reunion show was a last minute, spur of the moment gig. It turns out, that is not the case. “We’ve always been talking, and we’ve always had a really big part of our heart in Lexilust. We never really broke up or anything, we just went on to pursue other creative passions,” Josh

Local Music Spotlight

said. He continued by stating, “It’s funny how the saying goes, ‘If it’s meant to be, it comes back to you.’ We’ve really been kind of overwhelmed by the support over the years.”

Not only has the support of their fans brought them back to our music scene, it’s also given the band the initiative to get new music out to the masses. When asked what their plans were after the show, the band stated, “We plan on getting in the studio to record some new songs, possibly an EP for all of the fans that we have, but we kinda feel like we owe it to ourselves and the people who supported us to come out with some new music for them to listen to.

That’s the game plan.”

I wanted to get a bit more in depth in regards to their recording, so I asked them if they could give me any additional info

by eric the red

Ming Bob of Ming Tran

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ith this major reunion show coming up, I finally got the opportunity to interview one of my newest and best friends. Bassist for Ming Tran and legendary promoter Ming Bob. Now, I’ve known Bob for about a year now, but I’ve never had the opportunity to hear his music. Now that Ming Tran has reunited, I’m going to get that chance. I’ve also got the chance to ask him about the future of Ming Tran, his advice on starting a band, and I even got a curveball question or two in.

Right out of the gates I was curious about why these older bands are getting back together. When asked how they made the decision to reunite, Bob stated, “[I] got a text from Orlando saying ‘Yo, we got asked to do a reunion show. You down?’ ‘I’m down,’ and so starts the jam sessions.”

Ready and raring to go, the band has been hard at work, preparing to delight their fans with a blast from the past and maybe, even the future. When asked if Ming Tran is back for good, Bob was on the verge of cryptic in stating, “We never really know.

We played a lot of shows and toured quite a bit over the years. We all communicate to see if everyone is available to do a show and go from there. We pretty much like to

jam and rock shows, that’s for sure. It just depends on everyone’s time schedule.”

With some business out of the way, I wanted to get to some fun. So I threw Bob a curveball. I asked how he is going to survive the coming zombie apocalypse?

Bob’s response did not disappoint. “My wife, along with her gaming gear (love you babe, wink), a nice underground concrete facility with an air conditioning/heater run by solar power. Two pair of chop sticks, two good size bowls, crushed tea leaves, some roaster sauce, a lifetime supply of water and rice with a good old fashion samurai sword made by Hattori Hanzo, my choice, and the wife is going with the CO2 tank gun from ‘No Country for Old Men.’ Also clean socks, clean underwear and plenty of toilet paper.”

A man who is more than happy living out the rest of his life with his wife, rice, video games and clean socks… It’s as they say, “great minds think alike.”

Even though they haven’t played music in some time, the members of Ming Tran have not been resting on their laurels. I asked Bob what he and his bandmates are up to, aside from music. “Orlando Is currently doing photography while traveling. Check out his work at www.orlandowelsh.com, it’s really amazing. Homer is the founder

about their new CD. “We want to record anywhere between 3 and 5 new songs and we’ll release them on Soundcloud and we’ll talk about it on our Facebook page.

We want to get into the studio sometime between now and March.”

So not only is this a spectacular reunion show, it’s also the kickoff for a reinvigorated Lexilust to spread their music to the masses.

Be sure to head out to Bar in Palm Spring, Friday, December 27 and catch Lexilust with Ming Tran, Losing Team, and Red Receipt with a special DJ set by Infinitee. The show is 21+ with a $10 cover at the door.

& owner of NYLON RECORDINGS and is living it up LA style, producing some sick talent. Steve has a beautiful family, and is also a marathon runner. He ran 68 miles in two weeks. He also loves skateboarding.

Basically, [if it’s] active and hard to do, Steve is doing it. Me? [That’s a] tough question,

since I pretty much lived and breathed music for seventeen years. Off time I am working with or helping with music events.

My wife and I donate our time to most of the Comic conventions year round, such as [the] San Diego and Long Beach Comic Cons & the Stan Lee LA Comikazi Con.” It’s easy to see how with such busy lives, the band doesn’t get to play often. I’ll say that personally, I’m ecstatic that Bob and all the guys in Ming Tran are coming back together.

Bob requested to add this final note, “Thank you all for the many years of awesome shows and great times we got to share with you all. I will never forget the day that we met, I swear it’s the best. Take care of each other out there, support ALL local music, METAL included… I got this from CVMS, ‘Without Local bands, there would be no national bands’. On that note, I love you all, most of you know me and if you don’t know me, well, come up and say hi.

If you’re a band and need some help or got a question, I am always down to help out.

Last thing, I’m pretty hyped about the new Star Wars… Just saying… Til’ the next time friends & family. Much love.”

So make sure to come down to BAR in Palm Springs and catch Ming Tran, performing with Lexilust, Losing Team and DJ Infinitee. The show starts at 9 PM, with a $10 cover at the door.

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December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Don’t Be

CLUELESS IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY

EVENT CALENDAR Opening Day at Eldorado Polo Club Sun. January 5. Matches at 12pm & 2pm Public Welcome/Free Tailgating Eldorado Polo Club is pleased to announce the launch of yet another exciting season of world class polo right here in the Coachella Valley. For over 50 years players from all over the world and across North America have gathered in the Desert to compete in one of the most thrilling horse sports on the planet, and this season will be no exception.

Opening Day at Eldorado Polo Club is Sunday, January 5th and will feature polo matches at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. The easy to find entrance to the club is on Madison St in Indio between Avenue 50 and 52, the public is welcome to attend and admission is free!

Sunday Polo is a must do activity during the winter months in the Desert. Guests can enjoy the full service Club House restaurant or pull up their vehicle on the elevated berm and tailgate in style. In addition to polo, guests can experience wine tasting and be able to purchase the fine cigars of Payne Mason. Be sure not to miss the famous halftime divot stomp of the 2pm match and enjoy a complimentary glass of Teqava Sparkling Tequila. Sunday Polo continues every week until March 30. Club House Restaurant reservations can be made at (760)-831-POLO. Eldorado Polo Club is also home to the Cantina which boasts a field-side patio in which guests can enjoy up close polo action with matches at 12pm Saturday and 10am Sunday throughout the season. The Cantina is open Tuesday through Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring live music after Sunday Polo. It is a great place to rub shoulders with the players or hang out with friends and family in a relaxed atmosphere.

Eldorado Polo Club welcomes everyone to come and experience the excitement of polo this winter. Eldorado is also available for weddings, special events, corporate functions or group polo outings.

Eldorado Polo Club 50950 Madison St, Indio CA 92201 (760)-342-2223. www.eldoradopoloclub.com THE DESERT ROSE PLAYHOUSE TO PRESENT “NITE CLUB CONFIDENTIAL” The Desert Rose Playhouse, the Valley’s live stage company serving the LGBT community, will present Miss Joey English in Dennis Deal’s “mid-century modern” jazz musical Nite Club Confidential. The production will open January 10, 2014 for a six-week run closing on February 16, 2014.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM and Sundays at 2 PM. With an impressive background performing in nightclubs, theatres, and on television

8

around the world, Miss Joey English stars as 1950’s nightclub chanteuse “Kay Goodman”, a woman who all through the Eisenhower administration, never once saw daylight. Miss English is joined by award-winning singer/ actor/dancer John Ferrare as singer/agent/ club owner “Buck Holden” and fresh young talent Katie Pavao as up-and-coming nightclub star “Dorothy Flynn”. Also appearing are Ryan Dominguez and Jeremy Johnson as “Mitch” and “Sal”, versatile and personable members of the vocal group, The High Hopes.

These five characters, accompanied by an onstage 3-piece combo, take audiences on a giddy and sophisticated global adventure from New York to Hollywood and Paris with a smart mix of Vocal Standards like “That Old Black Magic”, “Goody Goody”, and “Something’s Gotta Give” as well as terrific new Jazz tunes.

The production is directed by DRP Artistic Director Jim Strait. Broadway and Hollywood veteran Steven Smith is Musical Director/ Conductor and choreography is by Mark Demry.

The Desert Rose Playhouse is a project of Desert Rose Productions, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit corporation. Nite Club Confidential continues Desert Rose Productions’ mission to produce and present literate, relevant and entertaining plays and musicals to LGBT and Gay-Friendly theatregoers in the Coachella Valley.

Tickets are $30 for Friday and Saturday evening performances; $28 for Sunday matinees and go on sale December 15, 2013. To order go online at www.desertroseplayhouse. org or call 760-202-3000.

Where: The Desert Rose Playhouse, 69620 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 FANTASY SPRINGS’ IMPROV COMEDY SERIES MAKES A COMICAL RETURN FOR THE 7th SEASON You’ll be laughing all the way to the slots in the coming months. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino’s Improv Comedy series opens for a 7th season on January 10th with some of the biggest names in comedy.

Top-name comedians such as Fritz Coleman, Dat Phan, Rondell Sheridan, Jack Gallagher, Bob Zany and many more, will hit the stage and make audiences roar with laughter. You’ll see well-known acts, as well as get introduced to some rising stars in the industry.

The Improv series runs every Friday and Saturday night through April 12th. Three comedians perform at every show, which take place each Friday at 9pm and Saturday at 8pm & 10pm. Tickets are $20 per show and are available by calling 800.827.2946 or online at www.FantasySpringsResort.com. Guests must be 21 or older to attend Improv performances.

Star-Studded Cast to Perform “The Man Who Came to Dinner” Coyote StageWorks is pleased to announce a roster of celebrities scheduled to appear in “The Man Who Came to Dinner” at 6:00 pm on Sunday, January 19, 2014 at the Annenberg Theater in Palm Springs. The one-night-only performance will benefit Coyote StageWorks, a not-for-profit company dedicated to advancing theatre as a vital art form in the desert communities of the Coachella Valley.

Veteran stage, television and film actor G. W. Bailey has been cast as the famously outlandish radio wit Sheridan Whiteside, the role played by Nathan Lane in the show’s Broadway revival in 2000. Bailey (Captain Harris of “Police Academy”) is joined by funnyman Fred Willard (“Everybody Loves Raymond,” Waiting for Guffman,” “A Mighty Wind”), and his “Major Crimes” and “The Closer” co-star Phillip P. Keene. Additional celebrities named to the growing cast list are Joyce Bulifant (“The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Airplane!”), Jim J. Bullock (“Too Close for Comfort,” “Hollywood Squares,” Broadway’s “Hairspray”) and Mo Gaffney (“Absolutely Fabulous,” “That 70’s Show,” “Kathy and Mo: Parallel Lives”).

Local celebrities also slated to appear in the performance include Valley philanthropists Annette Bloch, Barbara and Jerry Keller (Acqua Pazza, Lulu), and Terri Ketover. Wells Fargo financial professional Gary Hall will play a role, as will popular radio host Bill “Bulldog” Feingold, CBS Local 2 meteorologist Patrick Evans, and restaurateur Tony Marchese (Trio, Purple Room).

“We are excited to have such a talented line up perform at our benefit,” stated Chuck Yates, Founding Artistic Director of Coyote StageWorks. “Stage and screen stars, as well as local luminaries, are still being confirmed for this production which promises to be a huge success. I look forward to seeing the Annenberg stage filled with celebrities!”

Tickets are $75 and $125 per person for the performance only; $250 and $500 tickets include a VIP cast reception following the performance. Artists are subject to change without notice.

The Coyote StageWorks 2014 also includes: The Andrews Brothers: A Madcap Musical Salute to the Swinging ‘40s - Jan 24 - Feb 16, 2014 The 39 Steps - Feb 28 - Mar 9, 2014 Love, Loss and What I Wore - Mar 28 - Apr 6, 2014 The mission of Coyote StageWorks is to provide a forum for thought-provoking, entertaining, and culturally significant works in an environment that nurtures the creativity of the individual and the enrichment of the community.

For more information about Coyote StageWorks and its 2014 season, please visit coyotestageworks.org. Group sales: 760318-0024. To purchase individual tickets or subscriptions call 760-325-4490 or visit annenbergtheater.org.

Returning for the 5th Year, Desert Hot Springs Spa Tour!

Celebrating the beautiful healing hideaways of California’s Spa City, the Desert Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce along with

the Hoteliers Association of Desert Hot Springs will host the 5th Annual Spa Tour on Thursday, January 30, 2014 from 5pm to 8:30pm.

Overlooking the Palm Springs area, Desert Hot Springs is home to dozens of boutique resorts known world-wide for their natural, healing, hot mineral waters and represent various styles to include Mid-century Modern, Moroccan, casual, classic and clothing optional.

Spa Tour is an amazing opportunity to see several of these properties in one evening, and the beauty that rests within.

Tickets are available for the 5th Annual Spa Tour and can be purchased Monday-Friday from 9am to 4pm by calling the Desert Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce at 760-3296403 or in person at 11-999 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs. Available ticket levels and prices are as follows: VIP Tour: $125 if purchased by December 31, $150 from January 1st Guided Tour: $40 if purchased by December 31st, $50 from January 1st Self - Guided Tour: $20 if purchased by December 31st, $30 from January 1st *All ticket sales are final and nonrefundable Pete Carlson’s Golf & Tennis Hosts 10th Annual Golf Expo At College of the Desert’s College Golf Center, With the Latest Golf Equipment, Instructional Clinics, Food, Entertainment and PGA Pros in Attendance.

Fri and Sat, February 7th & 8th. Hours are from 9am to 4pm. The event is free to the Public and always well-attended. College of the Desert Golf Center is located at 73-450 Fred Waring Drive. Contact Pete Carlson’s Golf & Tennis for additional information at 760-5683263.

“This year’s Expo promises to be one of our largest and most exciting for golfers of all levels,” says Pete Carlson. “As our store celebrates our 33rd anniversary, we are glad we can once again bring this free golf event to the community,” Carlson adds.

The public is invited to test the latest golf equipment from the top manufacturers in the industry. Golfers can have their new golf clubs custom fitted using the latest technology. The Expo offers golfers the chance to test drive a large selection of equipment, purchase equipment at special pricing and get expert, personalized club fitting. In addition there is entertainment, food and PGA Pros in attendance.

Manufacturers attending include Adams, Ben Hogan, Bobby Jones, Callaway, Cleveland, Cobra, Mizuno, Nike, Ping, TaylorMade, Titleist and more.

Pete Carlson’s Golf & Tennis, celebrating its 33rd Anniversary this year, is home to thousands of top name brand golf and tennis items, including equipment, accessories, footwear, designer active wear and more.

Pete’s 14,000 square foot store is located at 73-741 Highway 111, Palm Desert, California, 92260. Hours are Monday through Saturday 9am to 6pm, and Sunday 11am to 5pm. For more information, call 760-568-3263 or 800600-3263 or visit www.petecarlsonsgolf.com.

tat talk

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

by phil lacombe

Ken Lightcap from Body Accents

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ame: Ken Lightcap Where you tat: Body Accents Tattoo Why you started tattooing: I started tattooing because I’ve always had a deep love for art and the subculture of Tattooing.

I have been drawing since I was around eight years old and finally decided I wanted to be a tattoo artist when I was fifteen.

What style of tattooing do you enjoy the most: The style I enjoy tattooing the most is black and grey demonic imagery, even though a lot of my clients know me

for doing colored tattoos. I like the styles of the big names people know such as Paul Booth, Bob Tyrrell, Victor Portugal, and Guy Aitchison.

Who inspires you to tattoo: Paul Booth was definitely the main artist that inspired me to tattoo. I loved his black and grey work of demons, skulls, and the absurd. I am naturally drawn to dark imagery because it catches your attention, evokes deep emotions, and a lot of the time is more detailed than any other style of artwork.

I feel his style best represents the same imagery I see in my head. I use him as a great inspiration to accomplish my own goals as a developing artist.

If you could tattoo anywhere in the world where would you go: You know that’s something I never really thought about. I honestly focus more on finding a place to tattoo where I have peace, quiet, and time to focus on my work without being disturbed. If I had to pick a spot though, I’d definitely say Norway because the Black and Death Metal scene is huge in that country and I would definitely be tattooing the style I’d want to tattoo more often than where I tattoo now. This valley doesn’t have a high demand for skulls and devil heads. (laughs to self).

Tell me your favorite tattoo story about one of your clients: Wow, I really love this question because I have a funny story to share. I’m not going to share the name or the piece I was working on, but basically this client farted in my face. Haha I was working on this guy for about 6 months doing a big piece on his leg. Well on the second to last session he came in a little tipsy to take off the edge of the pain. I was working on him for about three hours before he started having a coughing fit. Mind you the position he way lying in on the gurney had his rear facing my face because I was working on the back of his leg. Once he started coughing, on each cough he would let out a fart. It happened three times back to back, and

I almost lost it cracking up. I had to play cool, calm, and collected. However, in my head I was about to explode with laughter.

My buddy Dave and I just looked at each other with the hugest grins, and I said to my client, “I’m going step outside for a smoke real quick so you can collect yourself.” Once I stepped outside I lost it completely and couldn’t stop laughing for a good five to ten minutes. Good times being a tattoo artist haha I finished the session however.

Body Accents Tattoo (760) 340-1331 73885 Hwy 111 suite 3, Palm Desert, CA

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December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

sports scene

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Julie Buehler

sports

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Article & photos

by Scott Pam

Robin Hood Archery

The Super Bowl-Or-Bust Mentality Is Busting Your Appreciation For Football

J

ust knock it off, ok?

Just for one season, quit.

Just for one week, stop yourself from saying what every lame-ass Mike Floriowannabe is saying.

Peyton Manning is having one of the greatest seasons in the history of sports whether the Broncos win a Super Bowl or not.

He broke ANOTHER record on Sunday and, for those keeping track, that’s the infinityith that’s fallen at the hands of 18 through his NFL career.

Look, this season has been wacky on a lot of levels, and for some inexplicable reason, Manning’s greatness is getting dismissed by some. It’s as though critics have grown numb to his artistry and are now more compelled by his infrequent oversights. Qualified NFL analysts say things like “Well, sure 51 touchdowns is cool, but it’ll mean nothing if he doesn’t win the Super Bowl.” Really? Meaningless to whom? How quickly some dismiss history for the sake of their own convenience.

Let’s say you’re enjoying the Sistine Chapel’s majestic ceiling for the first time and as you marvel at its intricacies and reflect on its rich history, your fellow traveler says, “Well, this place stinks. Can’t find a hotdog stand to save my life.”

Petty, no?

There’s every reason to marvel about Manning’s career and especially the season he’s having in 2013.

On Sunday, he threw 51 times in a win over the Houston Texans and logged his 51st touchdown pass this season, breaking Tom Brady’s record of 50 set in 2007.

He threw that pass to Julius Thomas, the same guy he threw his first pass of the season to. That’s just poetic.

Manning matched Brady’s 2007 touchdown mark 5 quarters sooner than Brady needed to best the mark set by Manning in 2004. So Manning, stepped over Brady to break his own record again.

Manning is one of only 5 players to throw for 5,000+ yards in a season and the first to do that AND throw 50+ touchdown passes.

He’s going to win the MVP for a recordobliterating 5th time, become the first player to win MVP honors with 2 different franchises and for the second season in a row has earned his team a first-round bye in the playoffs.

And if they don’t win the Super Bowl, all that will mean nothing? Tell the guys having to rewrite the history book. Manning is making them work overtime.

The problem is sports media has become so one-dimensional and myopically focused on winning championships that many are losing key perspective and causing fans everywhere to do the same.

Football is NOT a one-man show. It’s a complicated chess match in which a quarterback, the most talented and most valuable of which, is only on the field MAYBE half the time.

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Franchises used to build teams: as in a sturdy defense, stout offensive line, precise special teams units and all with the understanding that the 3rd string guy had to be as competent as the starter.

But then came endorsement deals and TV money and players that were no longer players but the “face of the franchise” and those guys had to get paid. Once the salary cap was introduced (1994), this meant, by definition, less money for the tertiary players that were historically key to many a championship runs.

So now we have an NFL where the last 13 MVPs- that is, the MOST VALUABLE PLAYERdoes NOT win the Super Bowl.

The last MVP to win a Lombardi was Kurt Warner in 1999. Since then, the league MVP has been on the losing team 5 times and failed to make it to the big dance the other 8 times.

Football is NOT a one-man show. Even if the one man is an all-time great.

As previously mentioned, Manning became one of 5 quarterbacks to throw for 5,000+ yards in a season. Mathew Stafford in 2011, Tom Brady in 2011, Drew Brees in 2012, 2011 and 2008 and Hall of Famer Dan Marino in 1984.

Guess how many won the Super Bowl the year they surpassed that mark.

“I’ll take: The Number Less Than One, Alex.”

Marino and Brady both lost in the Super Bowl their years, Stafford was a first round playoff punt and the one year Brees WON the Super Bowl (2009) he passed for only 4,388 yards. Slacker.

So if armchair quarterbacks, while downing their Stella and nachos are complaining that Manning’s historic numbers are meaningless without a ring, be the one person smart enough to dismiss THAT notion as meaningless.

IF the Broncos win the Super Bowl, Peyton Manning will have completed the GREATEST SEASON IN THE HISTORY OF SPORT. Period.

If they don’t he’s still adding more evidence to support the claim he’s the greatest quarterback to ever play football.

So sit back, grab a hot dog and enjoy. You have the privilege of seeing it.

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.

December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

• • • • • • •

Equipment sales & rental Archery instruction for adults and children Unique family recreational activity Junior Olympic Archery Program Nationally certified instructors Individual, groups and families $5 group introductory classes

CALL TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!

Robin Hood Archery

44-901 Golf Center Pkwy Suite 1 Indio, CA 92201

760-347-8828

M

aybe it was seeing the Hunger Games so many times and watching Katniss hit every target except one or Hawkeye in the recent Avengers movie; it could also be my love of the Lord of the Rings trilogy...

Robin Hood Archery hosts Saturday Specials for $5.00 at 10:00 A.M. and 11:30 A.M. I had been hearing the ad for weeks on the radio and saw it in print. I could not wait to try it out and see if I had what it takes to even begin archery. From their website I sent an email requesting more information three days before to make sure that I had a spot in the class. To get the special, you have to make a reservation by phone or email them first.

This was my first formal archery lesson even though I had tried archery when I was in Boy Scouts over 30 years ago. We never got lessons but were handed bows and arrows - we just shot at the targets that were downrange, sometimes hitting them and mostly missing them.

Many years after Boy Scouts, I got to try archery again during my winter trips to Frost Valley, New York. No matter how hard I tried, I could never hit the targets. I did manage to get some good hiking in to retrieve the arrows that made it past the target, which is all of them.

My instructor, Josahan Jaime, one of the family members who have owned Robin Hood Archery for 22 years, started archery when she was six. Josahan has garnered a few medals along the way, was the two time Junior National Archery Champion and was on the Texas A&M Archery Team.

We started with the basics - safety - no one in front of the shooting line, no dry firing bows, arrow pointed down and moved to the basics of form.

Josahan, Jos for short, showed me the proper stance, the correct grip on the bow, which will surprise most new archers, and how to get three fingers on the string after properly placing the end of the arrow at the nock.

Next we covered the five steps of shooting and then it was on to shooting arrows at the targets. I aligned my body up, first making sure my weight was evenly distributed and my feet were shoulder width apart perpendicular to the target. Next I presented the bow as she taught me, with the specific way to place my hands on the grip.

Using my left hand, yup, I’m a lefty, I placed the

notch in the arrow at the nocking point and then put my three fingers on the string at the guard and brought my left arm back until my fingers were under my left cheek and the bowstring was touching my nose. I did not know that was supposed to be a part of the form. After bringing my elbow back a little further, I released my first arrow.

It hit just above the center of the target in the blue zone. I was thrilled to even hit the massive target at all.

Over the next hour, Jos helped me refine my archery to getting all three arrows into the center yellow zone. In the middle of the lesson, she had me switch to a compound bow.

I could not hit the target with the compound bow. I tried a few times and barely got the arrow onto the target, let alone in the blue area at the outside rings. At least there was a backstop so I would not have to hike too far to retrieve my arrows.

Hunters favor the compound bow as it delivers more power to the target than the recurve bow. I found it to be unmanageable, but again this was my first time practicing archery correctly. Perhaps with more practice, I might be able to hit the targets with the compound bow, and with the reasonable rates for rentals and practice time, this is a hobby I can get into and really give that style of bow a true chance.

I switched back to the recurve bow, which I think is more elegant for archery. Maybe I am just old fashioned, but the recurve bow just seems to be my definition of archery.

I drew the bowstring back to my face, my nose touching it. I had already checked my feet, my hips, made sure my right shoulder was lowered and the inside crease of my elbow perpendicular to the ground to avoid having the Bowstring get the inside of my forearm, a common problem for beginners my instructor explained.

I had three fingers just below the nocking point, resting just below my chin. I slowly relaxed my three fingers and let the arrow fly. The arrow flew from my fingertips. With a pop and a thud, I had hit the balloon in the center of the target. This was the last set of the three arrows in the lesson. I launched the next two arrows and also got them in the center of the target.

Truly, I was amazed that I could hit the targets with such accuracy after only one lesson. Kudos to my instructor!

Robin Hood Archery, 44901 Golf Center Parkway, Suite 1, Indio CA, 92201 347-8828, info@robinhoodarchery.com

11

December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Eleni P. Austin

THE PARSON RED HEADS

Consider This

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

“Orb Weaver” (Fiesta Red Records)

T

he Parson Red Heads have been together nearly 10 years, but they have only released two full-length studio albums. The band, (Evan Way, guitar and vocals, Charlie Hester bass, Sam Fowles guitar and Brette Marie Way, drums and vocals) formed in Oregon and relocated to Los Angeles.

As indicated by their name, the band is clearly influenced by Country-Rock progenitor Gram Parsons. They also soaked up the sounds of other L.A. touchstones like the Byrds, Love, Buffalo Springfield and the Negro Problem.

Making their bones as a live act, they gigged throughout the city, setting up residencies at venues like the Echo and Spaceland. The energy from their performances was so infectious, other musicians felt compelled to join them.

Sometimes as many as 15 musicians were crowded onstage expanding their joyous noise.

Their first recorded efforts arrived in 2007, an EP, Field Mouse, a full-length, King Giraffe and a live album, Spaceland Presents: The Parson Red Heads [at The Echo].Another EP, Owl And Timber appeared in 2008, and their second album, Yearling was released in 2011.

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

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Both King Giraffe and Yearling were precise and meticulous. The latter was produced by Mitch Easter and Chris Stamey.

The duo started off in the seminal Power Pop band the Sneakers. Later, Stamey formed the db’s and Easter gained notoriety through Drive-In Studio, the recording facility he set up in his parents’ garage.

During the 80s, Easter produced milestone records for R.E.M., Suzanne Vega, Marshall Crenshaw and Game Theory. He also fronted his own Power Pop trio, Let’s Active.

Parson Red Heads recently returned to Portland, Oregon and started production on their third record, Orb Weaver. In interviews they have explicitly stated that instead of crafting a perfect gem in the studio, the band wanted to recreate the “improvisational bombast” that characterized their live sets.

Orb Weaver opens with a brief, bucolic (and untitled) instrumental. But the album really kicks into gear with “To The Sky.” Rubbery bass lines connect with a tick-tock rhythm. Kaleidoscopic guitar riffs thread through an aural tapestry.

Evan Way and his wife Brette Marie share a sweet & sour vocal chemistry

that echoes Marty Balin and Grace Slick from Jefferson Airplane. The lyrics ponder existential dilemmas like “How do you know if it’s real if it’s not even there?/How do you know if it’s real if you’re not even sure that you care?”

The Power Pop vibe is ever present on three tracks, “Every Mile,” “Runs Out” and Small Change.” On “Every Mile,” pounding percussion and serpentine guitar riffs snake through a sinuous melody. The lyrics offer some cutting words for Los Angeles…“Why would I stay in a place where there is no soul/ Used to think it was my only savior, losing my mind just to find some favor/Gave everything I had but it needed more.”

The guitar on “Runs Out” veers from sharp and spare licks to a ringing jingle-jangle. The lyrics are cryptically philosophical..“I never thought about the truth of what is real, like it was something we could know/ All of my understanding stops at what I feel, ‘bout where we are one day we’ll go, meanwhile all the time in the world runs out.”

Short and sweet, “Small Change” is anchored by tilt-a-whirl guitar riffs and

pummeling drums. Suddenly the track switches gears and re-focuses on sparkling vocal interplay, recalling the ‘60s Sunshine Pop of Free Design or the Partridge Family (or real life Partridge Family doppelgangers the Cowsills).

The lush and ethereal harmonies displayed on both “Beginning” and “I Never Sleep” verge on beatific. On the former, strummy acoustic, and soaring electric guitars cushion the languid melody.

Despite the hook-filled arrangement, the latter track is cloaked in regret… “I remember when we smoked that cigarette, while we walked to your car, now I don’t know where you are/We lived in a daze, we worked jobs we got paid, I never slept and I haven’t started yet.”

The best tune here is “Times.” Powered by taut economical riff-age, slinky bass runs, a kick drum beat and shimmery keys, the melody slowly unfurls. The relaxed intricacy recalls both the Bob Welsh and Buckingham/ Nicks era of Fleetwood Mac. Its equal parts “Mystery To Me-Meets-Tusk!”

Evan Way has written most of the songs here, but Sam Fowles’ contribution is the standout track, “Borrow Your Car.” As sung

by Fowles, the song combines pensive lyrics, and a Byrdsy guitar break. The angular melody feels like a sideways homage to Big Star.

The album closes with “Give Yourself Away.” A countrified charmer, accented by soulful intertwined guitars, diminished piano chords and burnished harmonies.

The lyrics are a study in romantic disappointment.

Orb Weaver was produced by Scott McCaughey. Best known as front man for smartass Seattle Punk Pop favorites The Young Fresh Fellows, (an on again/off again band since 1984). McCaughey was also been a touring member of R.E.M. from the late 80s until the band’s demise in 2011. He also played with Peter Buck in the Minus 5 and with Buck and eccentric British singersongwriter, Robyn Hitchcock in the Venus 3.

While Orb Weaver doesn’t reach the shambolic heights of the Parson Red Heads’ live sets, it manages to showcase the band’s Cosmic American influences. Somewhere Gram Parsons is smiling….

BACK IN BUSINESS H ASAME S R ELOCATION TURNED fresh out the box THE DESERTS FRESHEST FASHION BOUTIQUE

AFTER CHRISTMAS SALE -DEC 26-31ST

Large Selection Clearance Items

The Rest Of Store Will Be

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5 DAY’S ONLY! SHOP LOCAL - FRESHEST SELECTION

STAY FRESH

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December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

PET PLACE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Janet McAfee

MILLIE’S LETTER TO SANTA

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he cute wide eyed puppy in the pet store window captures your heart, and your children beg to adopt her. The Pennsylvania website is a colorful, professional display showing various dogs frolicking in green fields, and when you call a friendly voice offers to transport a puppy by airline to anywhere in the country. They don’t ask anything about you, where the

Wonderful Kitty Gorgeous fellow seeks home for the holidays! His owner “moved” and left him at the shelter, Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms.

He’s a playful sweet boy only 8 mo old. Cat ID#A1069778.

Call (760) 343-3644.

georgeous shepherd

Another special dog....this unusual tri colored Shepherd is at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, call (760) 3433644 re dog ID#A1068990. This fellow is only 2 yrs old, an active loving animal who enjoys the company of humans and fellow dogs.

14

dog will stay, or if you have other pets. But it’s a friendly voice, and the dogs appear happy and adorable.

If you are a regular Pet Place column reader, you know we promote the adoption of rescue and shelter animals. What you may not know about is the nightmarish cruelty that exists in the world of commercial breeding at thousands of puppy mills across the United States. These large scale breeding facilities are often in secret locations where the public cannot see the squalid conditions and neglect the parent dogs suffer. Breeding dogs may spend years in tiny cages without experiencing the touch of a human hand, never even knowing the feel of the earth below their little paws.

Sometimes the mama dogs lose their teeth from overbreeding.

Future columns will cover this complex issue and introduce you to some local dogs rescued from puppy mills. It is hoped that increased public awareness will bring better treatment for these loyal creatures that

December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

by Rick Riozza

A Classic Champagne for New Year’s and Beyond

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bring such love into our lives.

During this week of Christmas, I came across a letter to Santa “written” by Millie, a beautiful little dog rescued by the National Mill Dog Rescue (www.milldogrescue.org).

Here are some excerpts from Millie’s letter: Dear Santa, I’m curled up on this great thing called a lap in a warm, happy place called home. As I snuggle under my pink Hello Kitty! Blanket, I can relax and watch the snow fall. For many years, I could only dream of a place like this.

Just last Christmas, like so many Christmases before, I thought a place like this wasn’t real…at least not for me.

In my home, I have met the most loving people. I get food every day. I get treats.

I get a lot of room to play. I have beds in several rooms. In fact, one of my favorite words is room because for the first time in my life I have lots and lots of room.

You know what Santa this snow stuff isn’t so bad after all. It’s much different now that I don’t live in a puppy mill. Until earlier this year, I had lived my whole life in a cage. I

ate, drank, relieved myself, and had babies all in one tiny, little cage.

Although my cage was inside a building, there was no heat. In the winter, it was very cold. When it snowed, it was damp and even colder. It was so bad Santa that I kept warm by shivering because I had no blanket.

Each year, I had lots and lots of puppies.

But I never really got to know them. They quickly were packed up in crates and sent off to a place called a pet store.

After years of not having a name – just a number – my new mom named me Millie.

I love having a name and I think it’s very pretty.

Since I’ve been rescued I found out that my new mom knows all about puppy mills and fights for other dogs like me – the mothers in the mills. Now that I have the one thing I wanted most for years – a home – I’d like one last wish Santa. I’d like to rescue more dogs from puppy mills so that they can live the good life too.

Love, Millie

he great news that’s just come over the wine wires is that Cristal— the “jewel” of the Louis Roederer Champagne line, which became the “bling-bling” sparkler of choice by hip-hop devotees following the blitz of mentions in rap songs in the 1990s, then dropped

by Jay-Z and others when the Roederer company reportedly expressed their consternation that such a “culture” brought “unwelcome attention” to its brand—is back on top.

In 2005, Cristal champagne ranked 8th behind other brand names when it came to “high-end” recognition. It was the bee’s knees for opulence—just mentioning having the stuff made you sound rich and maybe aloof. The problem Cristal (and Dom Perignon for that matter) had with real wine lovers was that they were so high-priced, and, one could possibly get the “same” or similar quality in a less expensive wine. Of course, that’s hardly a problem on the scale of meaningful things, but the point was that people without certain discriminating palates, were carrying-on like wine connoisseurs just because they could afford to buy and drink Cristal. (Definitely snootiness on both sides of the aisle—you think?)

Actually Roederer produces an array of great Champagne—13 different types, from Brut premier (very dry) to Blancs de Blancs (dry) to Carte Blanche demi-sec (sweet)—but I’m specifically talking about the Cristal. And honestly the “Cristal” has had magnificent vintages—but in some years, perhaps not as good, and they were still charging $500 a bottle. So the brand somewhat suffered because of the Jay-Z thing and the realization that it was kinda over-priced for some of the quality.

And in a strange reversal, a lot of wine enthusiasts kinda looked down on Crystal, naming so many more Champagne as preferable and certainly cheaper. In other words, they would never think of having Crystal—even if they could well afford it!

Well—why don’t we all just get along and for this New Year, let’s celebrate that Roederer has produced a bitch of a good

champagne in their latest production of Crystal. Whoops! Pardon my French—I think that language was a remnant of some rap song or something like that!

Anyway—just the other day, a distributor from the east coast thought he’d do the right thing and sent me a bottle of the Louis Roederer 2004 “Cristal” Rose Champagne for a review. This famous Champagne House has been making champagne for the last 200 years and Crystal for the past 100.

Only in 1974 did the house begin to make a Rosé.

The harvest of 2004—as they say, “it was a very good year”. A generous year, yielding both quantity and quality. A cool moderate spring, just the right amount of rainfall during the growing cycle and despite a cold and rainy August, September was dry and sunny ripening the grapes perfectly. By the 20th of that month, the vineyard team found the grapes as “stellar” combining maturity and freshness!

60% Pinot Noir - 40% Chardonnay. The Rosé is made up from old vine Pinot Noir grapes from the finest of the Aÿ vineyards, organically grown, which lie on a limestone block with clay and limestone soil that provide a crystalline purity of acidity corresponding perfectly to the Cristal style. The pristine Chardonnay is from Avize. Cristal Rosé is matured 6 years in the cellar and rests for 8 months to perfect its maturity.

This 2004 Crystal Rosé is pastel pink in color with bright, slightly orange glints.

Fine, light bubbles in a long-lasting flow.

The bouquet is delicate and subtle, with elegant fruitiness (red fruits: strawberry, ripe fig), zesty hints (citrus fruit: lemon and orange) and juicier nuances such as vine peach. There is a deep, slightly sweet burst of aromas. One can simply breathe this in all night.

In the mouth, the bite is young, springlike and energetic like eating fresh wild strawberries from a field, it becomes fullbodied and silky, but based on very mineral freshness. The second taste has airy fruit tones and great aromatic purity, displaying the discrete power of this great cuvée.

Cherry notes appear, other berries come about, a bit nutty, a few traces of Danish pastry and lightly roasted dried fruits hint at its enormous capacity for change as it will continue to age in the bottle.

Quotes are coming in from the wine world: “Clearly imbued with the Cristal style, this wine has purity, fruit, finesse and

incomparable harmony. In three words: proud, rich, and luxurious.”

“Levi Dalton at Convivio (NYC) compared this wine to the pianist who hits the right keys at the right moment. He’s referring to the precision of the wine, which is astonishing. There is no singular flavor, but rather a resonant chord, a series of oppositions that create the invisible intensity of an electric current, the power of the charge balanced by the elegance of the flavor and the structure of the wine. You could describe it as light and brisk, or bold and intense; either way, you’ll still be tasting it ten minutes later.”

“It has the bliss of great Burgundy and the delicate length of Champagne, lasting for minutes. It should last for decades in the cellar.”

I’ve mentioned this before, that be it just once a year, or, even just once in a lifetime, we’ll venture out to a really expensive wonderfully delicious wine where we follow our vino hearts to culinary sensibilities we might have missed otherwise. This 2004 Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé, $500 to $600, is a treat for a lifetime.

Cheers & Happy New Year’s

15

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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 DECEMBER 26 29 PALMS INN; 29 PALMS; 760-367-3505 Bev and Bill 6pm (JZ) ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Reunion w/ DJ Day in the Amigo Room 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Lilli Rose 7-10pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Paula Prince 7pm (PB) BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 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; 760-251-1991 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 FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Sonny Evaro 6pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Frank Di Salvo 6-9:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke w/ Roberto 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Bob Allen in the lounge and Tom on the patio 6pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Country Night w/ Redline 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; 760-341-7200 “Sassy & Sultry” featuring Gina Carey 5-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am

16

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 RFJT Presents Ted Quinn’s Variety Show 7pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760327-1161ext.230 Machin’ 7pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 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 VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Casey 5:30pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 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 DECEMBER 27 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 CB Brand & DJ D. Lee 10pm Amigo Room AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Karaoke w/ AJ The KJ 8-12am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Gennine FrancisJackson 8pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 Lexi Lust, Ming Tran, Losing Team, Red Receipt, and DJ set by Infinitee 8pm BILLY REED’S; PS; 760-325-1946 Live Music 6-10pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 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 Merry Metal Xmas w/ Remnants of Man, Sangre and Drop the World 8pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760-325-2600 Lassie Jo’s Best Damn Karaoke 7pm DILLON ROADHOUSE; DHS; 760-251-1991 EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Sonny Evaro 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 Dude Jones 9pm HAMILTON’S; LQ; 760-698-8303 T.B.A. 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Tribe-O 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Frank Di Salvo 6-9:30pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live DJ 8:30pm (VD) KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 T.B.A. 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; 760-345-2450 Tease 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-9991995 Venus Rising 9pm (VD) MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760325-2323 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; 760-3274080 The Hive Minds 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-3450222 Doug Rojiers 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Three Chord Justice 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760327-1161ext.230 The Gand Band 9pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 T.B.A. 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 8pm, Scott Carter Band Sidebar Lounge 10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Whiskey & Knives, Dali’s Llama, and Rawbone 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; 760-341-3560 Demetrious and Co. (JZ)(RR) TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985

T.B.A. 9pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 Tilted @ Night 10pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-755-5391 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 VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Inca Kings 5:30pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Bubba Sparxxx 9pm THE WINE BAR AT OLD TOWN; LQ; 760-5642201 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 DECEMBER 28 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 Stronghold presents Reggae Sol noon poolside, Highlife w/ DJ Day 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 Jennine FrancisJackson 8pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 Guest DJ 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 DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760-3252600 T.B.A. 8pm DILLON ROADHOUSE; DHS; 760-251-1991 EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 The Vibe 3-7pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Sonny Evaro 6pm 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 8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Art for the Homeless 1st Annual Winter Foof & Coat Drive

w/ music by The Desert DJ Ent. Group 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 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; 760-345-2450 Tease 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Venus Rising 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 THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm (PB) O’LEARY’S; PS; 760-325-4913 T.B.A. 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 The Hive Minds 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-3450222 Kal David 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, Sara Petite 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Crocodile Rock ( Elton John tribute band ) 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760327-1161ext.230 The Gand Band 9pm 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; 760-327-8311 Martin Ross, Starlite Lounge 5pm, Mercedes Moore, Sidebar Lounge 10pm, DJ Shasta, Starlite Lounge 10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Acoustic Sessions 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 OGR 9pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 Tilted@Night 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 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 VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Jeff 5:30pm

WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm THE WINE BAR AT OLD TOWN; LQ; 760-5642201 Abie Perkins 7-10pm (LR)(PR) WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Brian Nova’s Xmas show 7pm (JZ) ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm (VD)

SUN DECEMBER 29 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; 888999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm (LR) CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke 9pm

December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

COME JOIN US FOR THE FUN!!

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

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

PLAYOFFS I THE PLAC S E TO BE

12105 PALM DRIVE DESERT HOT SPRINGS

(760) 251-2644

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December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

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Movie Reviews with Robin E. Simmons

P.S.I.F.F. TIP SHEET T

he 25th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) announces 187 films from 60 countries, including 77 premieres -- 8 world, 22 North American and 47 U.S. -- that will unspool January 3-13.

This year’s movies are more diverse in theme with a trend towards more personal, character-driven stories that defy easy genre labels. For movie buffs, this promises to be a rich and satisfying cinematic experience.

“The New Voices/New Visions Award” will honor one of 12 films from top emerging international directors marking their feature film debut at the Festival, with the additional criteria that the films selected are currently without US distribution. The exceptional films selected for this year include: ABOVE DARK WATERS (Finland)

Told through the eyes of a sensitive young boy, this sensitive, tragicomedy is about growing up in southwestern Lapland in the 1970s with authenticity and hilarity.

Director: Peter Franzén. Cast: Olavi Angervo, Samuli Edelmann, Matleena Kuusniemi, Ismo Kallio, Marja Packalén. Peter Franzen.

US Premiere.

n

r t a in me n te t

E

BRISTOL GOODMAN (USA) This uniquely stylish thriller traces the story of a traumatized Iraq War veteran who meets his dream girl in an internet chat room, only to have his dream turn into a nightmare when he witnesses what appears to be her murder live online. Director: Dan Harnden. Cast: John Golaszewski, Natalia

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Volkodaeva, Kate Gorney, Ezra Saint James, Lucas Van Engen, Jessica Myhr, Joe Varca.

World Premiere CLASS ENEMY (Slovenia) In this compelling Slovenian drama, a group of teens blame their demanding new German teacher and his demeaning methods when one of their classmates commits suicide, and a colossal battle of wills ensues. Director: Rok Bicek. Cast: Igor Samobor, Nataša Barbara Gracner, Tjaša Železnik, Maša Derganc, Robert Prebil, Voranc Boh, Jan Zupancic, Daša Cupevski.

North American Premier EVERYTHING WE LOVED (New Zealand)

Charlie once made a living as a traveling magician. His picture-perfect marriage and family, though, has been torn asunder by a crippling loss. What will Charlie do to save the family he loves? Behold, a grand illusion! Director: Max Currie. Cast: Brett Stewart, Sia Trokenheim, Ben Clarkson.

World Premiere.

HAN GONG-JU (South Korea) A teenager is abruptly transferred to a new school and placed in a stranger’s care – for reasons too terrible to guess. An amazing first feature, it won two awards at the Busan International Film Festival.

Director: Lee Su-jin. Cast: Chun Woo-hee, Jeong In-sun, Lee Young-ran, Kim So-young.

North America Premiere.

LEFT FOOT RIGHT FOOT (Switzerland) A pair of young hard-partying lovers are forced to grow up fast in photographer

EMAIL: RANDY@SIR-PS.COM

20

Germinal Roux’s first feature, a beautiful elegy on the loss of innocence elevated by stunning black-and-white cinematography and mesmerizing music. Director: Germinal Roaux. Cast: Nahuel Perez Biscayart, Agathe Schlencker, Mathilde Bisson, Dimitri Stapfer, Stanislas Merhar. US Premiere.

THE MAGNETIC TREE (Spain)

A young man returns to Chile from Germany after many years. In a series of probing, freeform conversations, his colorful, multigenerational family explores the safety and connectedness and the feelings of confinement that come from family relationships.

Director: Isabel de Ayguavives. Cast: Andrés Gertrúdix, Catalina Saavedra, Manuela Martelli, Gonzalo Robles, Juan Pablo Larenas, Daniel Alcaíno, Edgardo Bruna. North America Premiere.

MEDEAS (USA)

An archetypal tale of adultery is rendered with exquisite strokes in this slow burning rural psychodrama, the first feature from an Italian-born filmmaker working in the US. “A rare piece of pure cinema.” Twitch.

Director: Andrea Pallaoro. Cast: Catalina Sandino Moreno, Brian F. O’Byrne, Kevin Alejandro, Ian Nelson, Mary Mouser. North America Premiere.

OF HORSES AND MEN (Iceland)

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44850 San Pablo, Palm Desert

This very dry, very Icelandic comedy is a North Country romance about the human streak in the horse and the horse in the human. Director: Benedikt Erlingsson.

Cast: Ingvar E. Sigurdsson, Steinn Armann

Magnusson, Helgi Björnsson, Charlotte Bøving, Atli Rafn Sigurdarson, Halldora Geirhardsdottir, Kjartan Ragnarsson. US Premiere.

Other PSIFF films with notable talent and directors include: AGE OF UPRISING: THE LEGEND OF MICHAEL KOHLHAAS (France) starring Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Partridge;

Book Review

Comments? RobinESimmons@aol.com

By Heidi Simmons

A

t the beginning of every New Year I resolve to read more. That may seem odd since I already read one to three books a week for this Book Review column. I love books: the look, the feel and even the smell. What’s best is the unknown excitement and anticipation of its contents.

Books are a very personal experience. They contain worlds.

Generally, as long as a book is wellwritten, I will read it. I like fiction,

California Woman 411

Space does not allow a full list of the most talked about films. With 135,000 expected attendees, the seats go fast. For more information, call 760-322-2930 or 800-898-7256 or visit www.psfilmfest.org to see an on-line catalog. This year’s fest offers a wonderful feast of film. The titles here are only a sampler of the treasure trove of cool movies. Indulge your passion for films. We are so lucky.

December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

A Reading Resolution

ALPHA PAPA (UK) starring Steve Coogan and Colm Meaney; LE CHEF (France) starring Jean Reno; ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME (USA) featuring Elaine Stritch, Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Nathan Lane.

THE GALAPAGOS AFFAIR: SATAN CAME TO EDEN (USA) featuring the voices of Cate Blanchett, Diana Kruger and Josh Radnor; THE INVISIBLE WOMAN (UK) directed by and starring Ralph Fiennes; MYSTERY ROAD (Australia) starring Aaron Pedersen, Hugo Weaving, Ryan Kwanten; REACHING FOR THE MOON (Brazil) starring Miranda Otto; TIM’S VERMEER (USA) directed by Teller and featuring Penn Jilette; TWO LIVES (Germany) starring Liv Ullman; UNFORGIVEN (Japan) starring Ken Watanabe; WALKING WITH THE ENEMY (USA) starring Ben Kingsley.

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nonfiction and biographies. My tastes are eclectic. I enjoy natural science topics from brain chemistry to animal behavior. I’m prone to favor under-dogs and misfits. Not everything I read is a treasure, but each book offers something of value.

I admit that some of the joy of reading has diminished since it became a requirement.

Reading critically, it is harder to savor a book and indulge in its prose. There is hardly time to weep and the chuckles are gone too quick. To be honest, I don’t always feel like sharing my thoughts. This year I am resolved to get the joy back and appreciate my time with the written word.

Besides books, I am also resolved to read more of the newspaper and not just scan the headlines or read the lead paragraph.

I am resolved to look through the whole magazine and read at least one article all the way through before the next issue arrives. These three resolutions should not

be such a challenge. I think they are doable and I plan to meet my goal. For me, I am certain it’s all about making time to relax and indulge in the language, the narrative and the information.

A CVW reader recently sent me some interesting facts about reading I thought I would share: • Thirty-three percent of high school graduates never read another book the rest of their lives.

• Forty-two percent of college graduates never read another book after leaving college.

• Fifty-seven percent of new books are not read to completion.

• Seventy percent of US adults have not been in a bookstore in the last five years.

• Eighty percent of US families did not buy or read a book last year.

• Fifteen percent of the population has a reading disorder.

• Students who do independent reading out-of-school for 15 minutes a day are exposed to more than a million words of text a year.

• The more a child reads the likelier they are able to understand the emotions of others.

• Reading one hour per day in your chosen field will make you an expert in seven years.

• Elderly people who regularly read are two and half times less likely to have Alzheimer’s.

• The educational careers of 25 to 40 percent of American children are imperiled because they don’t read well enough, quickly enough or easily enough.

• Over 50 percent of NASA employees are dyslexics. However, they have superb problem solving skills and 3D spatial awareness.

• Adults in the Untied States rank 12th among 20 high-income countries in document, prose and quantitative literacy. * It is never too late to become a reader.

There is something for everybody and for everybody’s level of reading. Adult or child, books are great entertainment. There is no such thing as high or lowbrow books. There is only reading.

The Coachella Valley has wonderful libraries with outstanding librarians. It is their pleasure to help start you reading, find a good book or recommend something for your specific interests.

There are local book clubs that meet regularly. They read and get together to discuss books and their meaning. It is a perfect opportunity to meet people and exchange ideas. There is no wrong answer.

Check for a book club at your local library or start one in your neighborhood.

Reading together as a family is always a good idea. Reading out loud is wonderful no matter your age. Young Adult (YA) books are popular among kids and adults of all ages. Short stories are a fun way to get familiar with an author. Most authors have collections of short stories. Find an author you like and stick with him or her all year by reading their entire oeuvre.

Movies are often based on a book, so read the book before you see the movie.

The conversation after the film will be far more interesting.

This New Year make a reading resolution for good health and good mind. It’s as important as your resolution to eat right and exercise. Make time for yourself and join me for a good read everyday. Enjoy! *Source: The Literacy Company, The Jenkins Group, Brian Tracy and Robert Brewer.org

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WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Line Dancing w/ Tina 5:30-9pm THE WINE BAR AT OLD TOWN; LQ; 760-5642201 Michael Keeth 6-10pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Theo Coakley 6:30pm

MON DECEMBER 30 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 FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Hal Sweasey 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 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) RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Pictures From Eden w/ Acoustic Guest Rob Lawrence SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 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; 760-328-5955 Art of Sax 8-11pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Urban Soul Project Band 8pm

TUE DECEMBER 31 29 PALMS INN; 29P; 760-367-3505 T.B.A. 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 New Year’s Eve

Party 8pm, 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 New Year’s Eve Party w/ Mr. Blaqk 8pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-992-0002 John Stanley King 5-9pm (JZ)(BL) EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 Mikey Reye’s New Year’s Eve Show 8:30pm FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Hal Sweasey 6pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 New Year’s Eve Party w/ Long Duk Dong 9pm INDIAN CANYONS GOLF RESORT; PS; 760833-8700 DJ Randy Johnson 6-9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm (VD) KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Dana Larson 6:30pm LA BRASSERIE; LQ; 760-771-4400 New Year’s Eve w/ Mark Carter 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Mark Gregg 5pm, Bob Allen 6pm outside patio LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Purple Reign and The Mothership Connection 9pm 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; 760-3274080 Eclectic Tuesdays. Singer/songwriter night. All acts welcome. Hosted by JB, Sign up 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 New

Year’s Eve w/ The Paul Chesne Band 6pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-327-8311 Michael Keeth Sidebar Patio 5:30pm, NYE w/ Mercedes Moore 8pm, NYE w/ Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 8pm, Nye w/ DJ Shasta Starlite Lounge 10pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Open Mic 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 New Year’s Eve w/ The Rebel Noise & Caxton 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. (RR)(JZ) TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 Tilted@Night New Year’s Eve Bash 8pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 New Year’s Eve Party VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Einstein 5:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Trish Hatley Jazz 6pm (JZ) ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 New Year’s Eve Party w/ DJ PJ & DJ Remise 8pm

WED JANUARY 1 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; 760-864-4119 Derek Jordan Gregg and Sean Poe 9pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-992-0002 Rose Mallet 5-9pm (JZ) FIRECLIFF; PD; 760-773-6565 Sonny Evaro 6pm HAMILTON’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL; LQ; 760698-8303 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8:30-12:30am

THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Open Mic 8pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live Music (RR) KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke w/ Roberto 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 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 PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Michael Holmes Trio 6:30pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 D Phillips Band 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Straight Ahead Jazz (JZ) VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Nite Fixx 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Ben 5:30pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Art of Sax 7-10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Karaoke WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 6pm

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film

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Robin E. Simmons

movie matters I

love getting email from “CV Weekly” readers who respond to my Screeners column. Here’s a selection from the past

year: Dear Mr. Simmons, I didn’t get GRAVITY. I walked out after only 20 minutes. I turned in my 3D glasses and got my money back. What was it you liked so much? (J.K. Calabasas)

As I mentioned in my column, I thought GRAVITY was a deeply spiritual film disguised as a thrilling action adventure. The movie has made more than half a billion dollars in worldwide gross, so it’s doing something right and connection to a vast audience from different

December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

ROBIN E. SIMMONS ANSWERS QUESTIONS FROM “SCREENERS” MAIL BAG

cultures. In my opinion, the movie is a metaphor for the lonely, terrifying and finally -- hopefully –transcendent journey we all take as we make our journey across the cosmos. By the way, you are the only person that has told me they did not enjoy this astonishingly visceral cinematic experience.

Hey Screeners guy, it seems like most of the movies you review you like. Do your really like everything you see? (Doug M., Big Horn) I prefer praising good movies or at least movies I enjoy. Life’s too short to waste on bad movies. However, I do include some movies in my Screeners column that were a disappointment.

For instance, I hated THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE. The only incredible thing about this abysmally boring and pointless film is that it got made!

Hi Robin E. Simmons, I really enjoy your movie column and have attended some of your Q&A’s at Cinemas Palme d’Or (and also the ones printed in the CV Weekly). What is the most memorable quote from the actors or directors you spoke with this year? (Kiki Z., Joshua Tree) Although I didn’t print my conversation with Mr. Fonda, it’s the one that most lingers in my mind when he spoke of the true cost ($250,000) of filming EASY RIDER and how this cultural touchstone could be made today with a

consumer camera and a laptop. I think he said that an enterprising young indie filmmaker today can carry a movie studio in his pocket. Or words to that effect. He agreed that with today’s technology, there’s no excuse for not making the movie that’s in your head. I like that.

Dear Sir, care to predict the Best Film Oscar©? (Jake S., Idyllwild) I think GRAVITY will win Best Picture. You can put money on it if you’re a betting man.

Hello Mr. Screeners person. I love your movie column and the CVW. You guys are great. I have a question about movies with similar themes. How come there are a number of movies about lone survivors like the one with Robert Redford lost at sea and Sandra Bullock lost in space and Mr. Phillips kidnapped

by Somali pirates and Marcus Luttrell’s horrific experience in Afghanistan? What’s going on?

(A.L., Desert Hot Springs)

Honestly, I don’t know. Maybe it’s just the zeitgeist -- a true reflection of a kind of desperation we all feel? The same question has occurred to me and I asked LONE SURVIVOR producer Randall Emmett why the similar themes, and he just shrugged. And shook his head. Obviously he had been thinking about this as well. I do think movies are a mirror to a collective feeling. Someone should look into this. By the way, for me LONE SURVIVOR is the best film of the year. It works on many levels and is far more than just a war movie. It’s about our common humanity and it’s about acts of grace and mercy. It’s about praising heroes and it asks if our longest war is worth it. It is a brilliant piece of story telling and filmmaking. For the record, I did not believe a single frame of ALL IS LOST. It looked pretentious and phony and I wondered if Redford has ever even sailed. But Redford will probably be nominated for an Academy Award since the Academy is made up of older white guys like Redford!

Hello Robin, care to predict the five women that will be nominated for Best Actress? (Jane S., Palm Springs) Sure. Cate Blanchett (BLUE JASMINE), Judi Dench (PHILOMENA), Sandra Bullock (GRAVITY), Meryl Streep (AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY) and Emma Thompson (SAVING MR. BANKS).

Dear Mr. Simmons: I love documentaries and am glad you include them in your column.

What is the best documentary you’ve seen this year? (Spike O., Palm Desert)

There have been a number of superb documentaries recently. It’s a favorite genre of mine as well. I’d be hard pressed to find a more joyful, poignant and entertaining than 20 FEET FROM STARDOM about great back-up singers.

And the soundtrack is exceptional.

Hi, thanks for a great year of movie writing.

My question is: What do you think is the most anticipated movie of 2014? (Bud and Sue M., Cathedral City) Without question, it’s Christopher Nolan’s INTERSTELLAR. It’s about travelling vast distances and perhaps to other dimensions through “worm holes.” Rumors suggest it plays with elements of time, space, mind and matter.

But then again, maybe not. Strangely enough, there’s also a lot of buzz about the newest, big budget version of GODZILLA directed by Gareth Edwards. His only other film was the ultra low budget ($15,000) MONSTERS that he shot himself and edited on a laptop.

Hi, love your column. just wondered if you are obsessed with movies and see everything?

Lt. Julien W., 29 Palms) No, I can’t see everything. I actually have a life. But yes, I am obsessed with movies. Always have been. I think movies matter. They are the most potent art form we have. They are our shared experience. The reveal who we are and let us safely face our fears. They can inspire, divert and remind us of our core emotions and empathies. They can indulge our fantasies and fetishes for good or ill. But they cannot be dismissed as irrelevant. We must have a shared narrative and movies provide that. Someone wiser than I said, “When our stories die, we die.”

23

December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

O

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Haddon Libby:It’s all local

Blueprint for the Coachella Valley

n December 18th, the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (“CVEP”) had a half-day stakeholder session at the Renaissance Esmeralda Hotel in Indian Wells. The meeting was the first of many in determining the Economic Blueprint from which they will base their activities for the five year period beginning in 2014.

In case you were unaware, CVEP’s mission is to market, facilitate and provide information to its clients, investors and the Coachella Valley in its efforts to foster economic development in our region. Two key objectives at CVEP are to educate low income youth while expanding new, higher paying jobs to the Coachella Valley.

As was discussed on the 18th, the true

unemployment rate in the Coachella Valley is approximately 26% with some areas in the valley having unemployment levels nearing 40%. These startling statistics make the Coachella Valley one of weakest areas for employment in the United States.

During break-out sessions, participants pointed out that a highly skilled labor force is critical to attracting businesses to the region - something the Coachella Valley is lacking. Without this pool of talented workers, the Coachella Valley is forced to compete with other regions for businesses looking to move their locations. This is a significant challenge in that we do not have the economic incentives that other places are able to offer. Making things worse, California is considered one of the least business friendly places in the nation.

Having these major strikes against our region, the Coachella Valley has fewer ways to compete for new jobs.

While well intentioned, the economic blueprint that was written in 2009 focused on economic diversification into Healthcare, Logistics, Clean Technology and the Creative Arts. The thought was that by focusing on these sectors, we could bring higher wage jobs to the region. The challenges of a lowly skilled workforce and a lack of

Dale Gribow On The Law

holiday scams, part 2

L

ast week we discussed how thieves are very inventive during the Christmas Holiday Season. Here are some more scams going around as of December 2013.

REMEMBER WHAT YOUR PARENTS TAUGHT YOU: If it SOUNDS too good to be true it is a SCAM. For instance: You did not win the lottery in Spain, The Netherlands, Canada or anywhere else. You didn’t buy a ticket did you?

A poor widow or bank manager does not need your help to move money from a dead person’s account to another place.

The IRS is not electronically auditing you.

The Jury Clerk never calls for your Social Security number.

Bank and Credit Card companies do not email you to verify your information.

Scam artists use the information obtained above to steal your identity.

Examples of Current SCAMS: 1. CREDIT CARDS: Always write on the back of your credit card “ASK FOR ID”. Always make copies of the front and back of all credit cards so you will have that information if they are lost or stolen.

2. LUGGAGE: Remove old airline tags from your bags and never list your home address on your luggage. That info makes it too easy

24

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

for someone to know you are not home and burglarize your home.

3. Senior Emergency Care: There is a new telemarketing scam from businesses calling themselves “Senior Safety Alert, Senior Emergency Care of Senior Safe Alert. They are allegedly selling a personal emergency alarm system. They offer you the alarm at a LOW rate only to get your credit info and steal your ID. 4. Gift Cards for Survey: You get a call promising you a gift card to a well know restaurant chain and use their logo……if you take a short survey. They ask for personal info and you then start getting telemarketing calls now that they have your email, phone and home address.

5. Italian Fashion Man (aka Leather Jacket Scam): Someone with an Italian accent pulls up and claims to be here for a fashion show and he has some high end designer clothes that he can’t really take back to Italy because the custom taxes would be high. He sells them for whatever you have but he bought them in China for $30 each. This just took place in Palm Desert in November 2013.

6. Facebook Grant Scam: You get a Facebook message allegedly from your sister.

She says Hey bro, make time today to apply for this, It’s not advertised publicly. I got the info from someone at work so I am sure you

tax incentives or other business relocation inducements caused challenges in attracting any substantive growth of employment opportunities in these business sectors.

As the blueprint is meant to focus on the next five years while setting a tone for future years, participants at the December 18th meeting brought a more somber approach toward ideas for increasing employment.

Generally speaking, attendees seemed to coalesce around a need to add to the blueprint business sectors where the Coachella Valley already exhibits strength namely agriculture, tourism and hospitality.

It was noted that much of the produce created in the Coachella Valley is harvested and shipped to Central California for processing before being shipped back to the Coachella Valley for consumption. What would happen if we were able to process that food locally and/or create value added end products?

Another area where the region has not protected its strength is tourism. As has been noted by hoteliers and restaurateurs alike, the typical local worker is not on par with other destination locations.

From a political standpoint, the Coachella Valley needs to stand united in supporting the agriculture and tourism industries. As these business segments are not significant to the rest of Riverside County, if our region is not united in its vocal support of these business types, Riverside County will not be vocal on our behalf when it comes to the deployment of state or federal funds.

CVEP will be holding additional meetings with the public over the next few months as it looks toward getting the support of business, workers and the unemployed alike in the construction of the blueprint which will lead us into the next decade.

Greater participation will be sought as only five local businesses were in attendance of which none were in the agricultural industry and few were in tourism.

by Dale Gribow Attorney at Law

safety tips

December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

I

Holiday Food Safety!

t’s finally here! Everything is out and up, presents are wrapped and time to eat and enjoy (if only it were that easy…)

Here are some tips to keep your feasts safe during this Holiday season: Go wash your hands! Use hot soapy water to wash your hands, utensils, and work surfaces (including cutting boards). Repeat this throughout your preparation to ensure you aren’t spreading bacteria around. Keep that meat and poultry separate from other foods (cooked or raw).

Use separate cutting boards or platters for meats, fruits and vegetables, and other foods. Make sure you follow instructions and cook your food thoroughly!

Hitting the road and taking food with you? Here are some safety tips if you’re going

to be transporting food: Cook food completely, to its safe cooking temperature.

Do not transport partially cooked foods.

Minimize temperature fluctuations. Use a cooler and/or ice to transport cold foods. When you arrive, reheat hot foods to 165 degrees or boiling for liquids. And finally, here’s how to safely handle leftovers: Refrigerate all leftovers in shallow containers within 2 hours of serving.

Properly stored leftovers can be kept for 3 to 4 days. But if in doubt, throw them out.

Oh, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t remind you to wear gloves when handling hot plates and pans, watch your loose clothing near flames, never leave cooking food unattended!

For additional safety tips visit: www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/ Consumers/ucm188807.htm and www.nfpa.org/safety-information/ for-consumers/holidays/put-a-freeze-onwinter-fires Happy Holidays and Be Safe!

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

ShareKitchen

Know your Champagnes and sparkling wines

R

will get the grant. It’s what you need, and you can only get it today. I am in meetings for the next few hours, so my phone is off. I will call you as soon as I am done. She gives you a link which seems to be a Government webpage. They are giving a $12,000 grant to hard working individuals who either own a small business or are thinking of opening one.

The grant is available only today, so you really have to get the ball rolling ASAP. After you are assured you completed everything properly they ask for a $199 application processing fee.

7. ID THEFT: If you think you are the victim of an ID Theft then cancel your credit cards ASAP, place a fraud alert on them and call the police to make a report.

REPORT POTENTIAL ID THEFT to: Equifax 1-800-525-6285; Fraud Alert 888766-0008; Experian (formerly TRW) 1-888397-3742; Trans Union 1-800-680-7289 for Fraud alert; Social Security Administration (fraud line) 1-800-269-0271

And Remember: DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE IN THE CV THIS MONTH, CALL A TAXI…. IT IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN HIRING ME!

Dale Gribow has been “Rated” TOP LAWYER

by Palm Springs Life Magazine from 20112014 and has a Superb Avvo Peer Reviewed 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. He is the only attorney appointed in December 2013 to the Coachella Valley Association of Government’s Public Safety Ad Hoc Blue Ribbon Committee.

This group consists of the police chiefs from every city and the mayor of each city as well as the Sheriff of Riverside County and the head of the CHP and Border Patrol.

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

inging in the New Year with Champagne is as common as turkey at Thanksgiving or roses and chocolates for Valentine’s Day, let’s take a look at all of the variations of this bubbly beverage.

Champagne is a sparkling wine that comes from only the Champagne region of France. Any other sparkling wine from France is known as Crement. If the sparkling wine comes from Spain, it is referred to as Cava while Italy calls it Prosecco or Moscato d’Asti. Other regions that produce exceptional sparkling wines include Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

Sparkling wines are made of a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

The bubbles come from the second fermentation where the winemaker adds a little yeast and sugar which converts into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The reason that the cork pops is because of this second fermentation creating approximately 80 pounds of pressure per square inch in each bottle. A sparkling wine made according to the Champagne Method has its second fermentation in the bottle. Otherwise, it is made according to the Charmat Method.

Sparkling wines are classified as Extra

Brut, Brut, Extra Dry or Demi-Sec. Extra Brut has the lowest sugar content and is therefore the driest. Brut is the second driest and most commonly consumed sparkling wine. Demi-sec is the sweetest and is best served with fruit or dessert.

If you see an ‘NV’ on the label, the sparkling wine was created from the grapes of one vintage year while non-vintage sparkling wines are created from wines made over various years.

To increase clarity, most winemakers use animal products like egg whites, gelatin and fish bladders. Additionally, most sparkling wine is gluten-free.

As you ring out the old and ring in the new, celebrate responsibly while remembering to serve your bubbly at 4050 degrees.

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December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Jennifer Tan aka mrs. fett

Merry GAEMsMAS!

Gaemer Girl

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verything has been wrapped, presented, exchanged, unwrapped, opened and in some cases broken.

If you are anything like me, then you asked for at least a few gift cards, to save your grandma the stress of trying to learn what an HD PVR is, and now it’s time to cash those babies in. Being the over-planning, ever-precise, thrifty gamer that I am, I have mapped out the best gaming steals of the Dec 26th shopping adventure.

While deals are great, steals are better.

If you have an awesome smart phone, like the Galaxy S4 I snagged on black friday, you are going to want these apps. CartWheel for Target. Pick out the discount that YOU want, and they scan a custom barcode from your phone. Amazon, is not only amazing by itself, but places like Target, and Best Buy, both price match Amazon’s non clearance items. And last but not least, GameStop’s Powerup Rewards App. Xbox One- Games worth getting: BF4, Forza, and Deadrising 3. What to return: Killer Instinct and sports titles. WHY? Because the market is about to become over saturated with used copies that will be $15

cheaper. Additional controller is a must, as well as a charging station and rechargeable batteries.

PS4- For the love of every higher power ever created in gaming, do NOT open Knack.

Please see earlier review. Not to mention, there are already a grip of used copies.

Grab Killzone Shadow Fall and BF4. Both are amazing, and grasp the new power of the

PS4’s touchpad, and Vita cross play.

Speaking of PS Vita, let’s talk about THOSE steals. Buy 2 get 1 free on used games is back at Gamestop. Tearaway dropped to only $20 new and Nerf Armor cases, which are usually about $15, are on clearance at Target for $7, and I highly recommend them. Screen protectors are on clearance at Best Buy, as well as a few rad accessories, like bundles and travel bags.

XB360/PS3- be STOKED! Amazing titles

By Bruce cathcart

A Year’s Worth of Advice

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s we approach the end of 2013 we all tend to give one final glance in the rear view mirror at the events that have taken place over the past year before we move forward with plans for the coming new year. With that thought in mind I wanted to review selected real estate advice and highlights from a year’s worth of CV Weekly articles that I have shared with you each week throughout 2013.

We began this year with a lot of hope and speculation that the real estate market would recover from the crash in home values due to the unprecedented high number of people losing their homes to foreclosure as a result of the faltering U.S. economy.

Over the course of the year “REO’s” (real estate owned by banks) and “Short Sales” (homes sold with bank approval for less than the mortgage owed on them) did in fact become a much smaller percentage of the total number of homes sold each month.

Home prices increased across the Coachella Valley by as much as 30% this year helping many people to get out from being “Upside Down or Underwater” (owing more to the bank than the current market value of their home). We saw a combination of factors

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create a shortage of homes for sale which lead to increased prices and a switch from a “Buyer’s Market” (more houses for sale than Buyers) to a “Seller’s Market” (more buyers than houses for sale). This resulted in increased competition and multiple offers on nearly every home within certain price ranges in the first few days of being listed on the market. As prices increased and the interest rates went up one percent or more on home mortgages, this situation began to slow toward the end of the year as the combination of the two increased the cost of home ownership by approximately 30% to many first home buyers and simply priced them out of the market. In addition, the increased prices chased many of the investors out of the market as well leaving us in a more normal market, at least as of this writing, where we have an adequate supply of homes for the current number of buyers in the market place.

My best advice on renting, buying, or selling a home was and is to utilize the services of a licensed real estate agent (preferably a Realtor). For buyers and renters this is a “free” service to you and the right agent will provide you with expert advice, guidance and assistance throughout the entire process. For sellers you too will be provided with expert advice, guidance and assistance throughout the entire process,

but in addition to receiving a higher price (according to statistics) for the sale of your home you will also have the peace of mind that comes from the knowledge that you will have limited your liability by complying with all legal requirements and disclosures necessary to complete your transaction.

Finding the perfect agent always starts with a referral from a trusted family member or a friend that has worked with the agent to buy, sell, or rent a home! Once you have a prospective agent’s name, check them out on your computer by going to the DRE website at www.dre.ca.gov/Consumers, then the local MLS website at www.desertareamls. com , and then go to their company or personal website. Finally, before selecting your agent have a phone conversation with them and set up a face to face interview.

Agree to work with them only after you are completely satisfied that they are the right agent for you!

Always utilize the services of a reliable escrow company and make sure to obtain Title Insurance on your transaction. If possible, make sure to hire a professional, certified home inspector for an inspection and complete report as to the property’s condition. Yes, we have termites here in the desert so always get a termite/pest report from a reliable, local termite company.

Always let your trusted agent “go first” when looking at homes for sale to avoid any unwanted surprises, be careful what you say

are all under $20 since the release of next gen consoles. Mortal Kombat, LBP Karting, BF4, CoD: Ghosts, and Batman to name a few. Gamestop also dropped the price of their wireless stereo headsets for both consoles at least $20 as well!

And that’s it. The 2013 Holiday Redemption List. I hope your Holidays is filled with as much gaming as you can get, and as much food as you can handle! Merry Christmas!

Real estate

when talking in front of buyers or sellers, and be wary of the signs that a home may have been used in the illegal manufacture of methamphetamines! And finally, buying a home will be the largest financial investment for most of us over the course of our lives. In order to retire with any real sense of financial security it makes sense (for the majority of us) to have a plan to pay off our mortgage before retirement.

All of these and several other tidbits of advice were covered in detail in the series of articles in the Real Estate section in CV Weekly this past year and can be viewed in their entirety on line at CV Weekly’s website under at www.coachellavalleyweekly.com/ category/real_estate/. Wishing you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

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.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Week of December 25

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Edmund Kean (17891833) was one of the most famous British actors of his time. But a contemporary, the poet Samuel Coleridge, was frustrated by Kean’s inconsistency, regarding him as a great artist who on occasion lapsed into histrionics. “To see him act,” said Coleridge, “is like reading Shakespeare by flashes of lightning.” Now and then I get that feeling about you, Aries. You have bursts of brilliance that you sometimes don’t follow up on. You’re like a superstar who loses your concentration. But I’ve got a strong feeling that in 2014 you will at least partially overcome this tendency. Your word of power will be consistency.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Ernest Rutherford (1871-1937) is known as the father of nuclear physics not just because he won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry. He was also a superb teacher. Eleven of his students won Nobel Prizes. That’s the kind of teacher or mentor or guide I urge you to connect with in 2014, Taurus. The coming months will potentially be an optimum time for you to learn deeply, and at a rapid rate. One of the best ways to fulfill that promise will be to apprentice yourself to adepts who have mastered the skills and savvy you want to acquire.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Your last best hope to get rich was back in the latter half of 2001 and the first six months of 2002. From July 2025 to June 2026, the cosmos will again conspire to give you a big fat chance to expedite your cash flow to the max. But why get bogged down dreaming of the past or fantasizing about the future when fertile opportunities to boost your prosperity are in front of you right now? Financial luck is flowing your way.

Viable ideas for making money are materializing in your subconscious treasure house. The contacts that could help you build your wealth are ready to play with you. (This offer is good until July 2014.)

CANCER (June 21-July 22): French poet Edmond Jabès had this to say about the birth of big creative ideas that dramatically transform one’s life: “For the writer, discovering the work he will write is both like a miracle and a wound, like the miracle of the wound.” Regardless of whether or not you’re an artist, Cancerian, I expect that you will experience a wrenching and amazing awakening like this in 2014.

The opening you’ve been hoping and working for will finally crack its way into your destiny. It may be one of the most pleasurable disruptions you’ve ever had.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In the coming months, I’m betting that you will exit a confined place or shed cramped expectations or break off your commitment to a compromise that has drained you.

It may happen suddenly, or it could take a while to complete. How the escape unfolds will have to do with how thoroughly you extract the lessons that your “incarceration” has made available. Here’s a ritual that might also expedite the process: Give a gift to the people you’re leaving behind, or offer a blessing in the spot where your difficult teachings have taken place.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “Now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good,” says a character in John Steinbeck’s novel East of Eden. I suggest that you make this your rallying cry in 2014, Virgo. In fact, why not begin right now, wherever you are? Say “Now that I don’t have to be perfect, I can be good.” Free yourself of the pressure to be the polished, ultimate embodiment of everything you’d ever hoped you would be. That will allow you to relax into being more content with the intriguing creation you have already become. You may be surprised by how much mojo this affords you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In 1972, English folk musician Nick Drake recorded his album Pink Moon.

He finished it in a mere four hours, singing all 11 songs and playing every instrumental track himself.

It took years for anyone to appreciate his artistry, but eventually the magazine Melody Maker selected Pink Moon as number 48 on its list of the “All Time Top 100 Albums.” Here’s one way I suspect your

© Copyright 2012 Rob Brezsny

efforts will be similar to Drake’s in 2014, Libra: You will have the ability to get a lot done in a short time.

Here are two ways your fate will be different from Drake’s: First, you will have a big pool of trustworthy allies to call on for help. Second, what you produce won’t take nearly as long to get the appreciation it warrants.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Eierlegende Wollmilchsau is a colloquial German term for a mythical pig that lays eggs like a chicken, provides milk like a cow, supplies wool like a sheep, and ultimately becomes bacon and pork chops.

Metaphorically, it may refer to a fanciful device that performs many functions. Imagine, for instance, a futuristic smart phone that could interpret your dreams, trim your unwanted hair, fix you a perfect cup of coffee, tell you you’re beautiful in ways you actually believe, and cure your little health problems.

In the real world, there’s no such thing, right? Not yet. But there’s a chance you will find the next best thing to an eierlegende Wollmilchsau in 2014.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “We don’t accomplish our love in a single year as the flowers do,” says Rainer Maria Rilke in the Duino Elegies. Do you promise to take that truth into consideration in 2014, Sagittarius? Will you pledge to diligently devote yourself to creating the right conditions for love to flourish? In the past, you may not have been fully able to carry out this slow-building marvel; you may not have had quite enough wise perseverance.

But you do now.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In 1588, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the ruler of Japan, confiscated the swords, daggers, and spears belonging to every citizen. He announced they would be melted down and used to make a giant Buddha statue. I’d love to see you undertake a comparable transformation in 2014, Capricorn. You shouldn’t completely shed all your anger and pugnacity, of course; a certain amount is valuable, especially when you need to rouse yourself to change situations that need to be changed. But it’s also true that you could benefit from a reduction in your levels of combativeness. What if you could “melt down” some of your primal rage and use the energy that’s made available to build your personal equivalent of a Buddha icon?

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The period between last July and next June is prime time to find or create your dream job. That might mean simply upgrading your existing gig so that it serves you better. Or it could involve you rethinking your relationship with work and going off in quest of a new way to earn a living. So how are you doing on this project, Aquarius? If you are proceeding on schedule, you should be halfway there by now.

The goal should be clear, and you should be more disciplined, organized, and determined than ever. If for any reason this isn’t the case, start playing catchup.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “Singing teaches two skills that are essential for any creative process,” says author and vocalist Rachel Bagby, “the ability to listen and the ability to be flexible and spontaneous.”

I bring this to your attention, Pisces, because 2014 could potentially be a Golden Age for your creativity.

It will be a time when you will benefit even more than usual from exploring and enhancing your imaginative originality. That’s why I’m encouraging you to sing more than you ever have before. Make a list of your 50 favorite singable songs. Be aggressive about expanding the music you get exposed to, and learn the melodies and lyrics to a lot of new tunes.

Cut loose with your vocal stylings whenever you have a chance, and take a vow to propel yourself out of funky moods with the creative energy of your singing.

Homework: Send me your New Year’s resolutions. Go to RealAstrology.com and click on “Email Rob.” For extra credit, send your antiresolutions: weird habits and vices you pledge to continue.

Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

Mind, body & Spirit

by Bronwyn Ison

ASK YOUSELF, “WHAT DO I NEED IN 2014?”

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ime to assess the past year as we count down the last days of 2013.

You may reflect fondly upon your accomplishments. Or, perhaps you had a multitude of disappointments. 2013 is now your past. Each year I have successfully been able to diminish the negatives and accentuate the positives. Hence, rid yourself of what does not work.

If you abhor your job consider seeking a new one or change professions. Easier said than done but not impossible.

Plan appropriately and you can make it materialize. Ask yourself what do I want to do? What do I love to do? How can I make this happen? Who in my life will support and love me? Persevere with enthusiasm and diligence. It will be the catalyst in your success.

Surround yourself with like-minded people. They must be people who genuinely care about your goals and aspirations. If you suspect negativity from anyone… lose this person/people QUICKLY! He/she will debilitate you and distract your focus.

This includes people who are happy with themselves. Congregate with individuals who are grounded and who have their priorities in order. The company you keep will declare to others much about your true character.

If you have always wanted to take a trip to Europe, go for it!!! If travel plans are what you need in 2014 then it is time you take the big trip. You especially need to take a vacation if it has been delayed. Take your spouse, significant other, or friends.

Think fitness. You want to begin an exercise regimen and don’t know where to begin. Consider a workout partner to motivate you. Each of you will be accountable to each other. Getting in shape together can be fun and challenging. You will feel better about yourself and so will your workout buddy.

Change your diet. Begin healthy habits.

Consider jumpstarting the New Year off with a cleanse or fast. Release your guilty pleasure foods and replace them with healthier choices. It will require discipline.

Yet, you will be proud of yourself and your body will be singing your praises.

May your 2014 be joyous and filled with prosperity! Each year can be enhanced by the choices you make, the company you keep, and what you give to others.

Bronwyn Ison is the Owner of Evolve Yoga in La Quinta, 50-991 Washington Street.

For more information about Bronwyn and Evolve Yoga visit: www.e-volveyoga.com

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December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

Life & career Coach

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Sunny Simon

Baby Steps Yield Adult Results

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he other day at a board meeting I silently observed the behavior of one of the members. Let’s call her Debbie. She is someone I rather admire for her no nonsense style. This is one individual who is unafraid to take a less than popular stance. Right or wrong, Debbie is recognized for rarely being neutral. She voices her opinion loud and clear never pausing to sugar-coat or dance around her point-of-view.

Although I do not always feel Debbie is right and would not want to consistently emulate her behavior, there is much to be said for people who are unafraid of creating a wave or two. Many of us hold back because we are terrified of making mistakes and being judged by friends and associates. Do you sometimes fall into that category? I know I do.

Some of us suffer from perfectionist tendencies. Thinking you must get it perfect is not only stifling and stressful, but impossible. In her book, “Never Good Enough: Freeing Yourself from Chains of Perfectionism,” Monica Ramirez Basco, PhD warns setting high standards and working hard toward achievement of those goals in not the problem. Issues occur when failing to achieve perfectionism catapults us into a whirlwind of emotional wear and tear eventually resulting in a state of unhappiness.

Releasing our tendencies to continually strive for perfection requires a concerted effort. Martha Beck, sociologist and renowned life coach suggests we begin by rejecting our inner critic. You can easily

recognize that demon. It is the loud voice inside your head constantly berating you when your actions are less than flawless.

Next time you hear that negative inner dialect trying to prevent you from speaking up and taking action, mentally change the channel. Your inner gremlin cannot win if you refuse to play the game.

As we move into the New Year, make a pact with yourself to start pushing some boundaries. You may have to start small, but baby steps generate momentum.

Remind yourself continually playing it safe is exhausting and drains you of your power.

Granted, taking a stand involves a certain amount of courage and moxie, but avoiding those out-of-the-comfort-zone actions only serves to keep you warming the bench.

So get in the game, be willing to get down in the dirt and let your shoes get a little scruffy. Take your power back, create a few waves and let your voice be heard.

Break a few of your rigid rules. You’ll be amazed at the results!

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

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

beauty

December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

Receive The Celebrity Secret Of Permanent Cosmetic Make-Up

DERMATOLOGIST WENDY E. ROBERTS

Once Thought To Be Only For The Rich And Famous Now Affordalbe To Women Of All Ages!!

INTRODUCING NEW PRODUCT AND TECHNOLOGY TO THE CV

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he renowned Allergan pharmaceutical company, creator of Botox and other beauty products, has just released its newest FDA approved filler, and has chosen the Coachella Valley’s Dr. Wendy E. Roberts as its medical provider of the JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC injectable gel.

As people age, the cheek area loses volume, making the cheeks flatten out and the skin droop and sag. JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC was recently approved by the FDA and the first and only filler approved to temporarily correct age-related volume loss in the cheek area in adults age 21 and over. It instantly provides smooth, natural-looking results that last up to two years with optimal correction.

It is the first and only Hyaluronic Acid (HA) filler FDA-approved to instantly add volume to the cheek area, resulting in a subtle lift.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a naturally occurring, hydrating substance found in human skin.

As people age, they start to lose HA, which causes the skin to lose structure and volume.

Doctor Roberts is the only Voluma Trainer and the only spokesperson for the product in The Coachella Valley.

Dr. Roberts, who was named a Top Doctor by Palm Springs Life Magazine for nine consecutive years and who has earned local and national acclaim for her dermatology practices, was declared a “Rock Star Dermatologist” by Glamour Magazine and has been profiled in many publications, including W, Self, Redbook, Oprah and Essence and Palm Springs Life. She has also been interviewed on Today, Fox News, WebMD, NBC, and CBS. Dr. Roberts is the recipient of two Presidential Citations from the American Academy of Dermatology and Certification of Appreciation from the California Medical Association.

Wendy E. Roberts MD, FAAD 35-280 Bob Hope Dr, Ste 105, Rancho Mirage, CA. Phone: (760) 346-4262 Email: info@wendyrobertsmd.com

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December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

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December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

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December 26, 2013 to January 1, 2014

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NEW YEARS CELEBRATION

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Tuesday, December 31st, 2013

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