By Heidi Simmons
At the beginning of the 28th annual PSIFF, Palm Springs International Film Society Chairman, Harold Matzner said in his personal welcome letter that he was, “Honored and delighted to oversee your cinematic journey into the realms of storytellers from Hollywood and around the world.”
That is indeed why the Palm Spring International Film Festival is such a wonderful...
By Heidi Simmons
Movie adaptations are often criticized for being “not as good as the book.” Turning a bestseller into a big hit can be a significant and daunting challenge for filmmakers. There is an art to successfully adapting a book to film, and sadly not many movies do it well.
But it does happen, and “A Man Called Ove” is...
By Avery Wood
Locals already know the best desert spots to go when you want to get away from the action of life, but now they can see the same desert landscapes full of western themed action in Cataract Gold, directed by La Quinta resident Paul Kiener and starring Caroline DeGraeve and Morgan James of the band Pocket Yellow. The...
By Dee Jae Cox
Theater has reflected the attitude and perspectives of cultures across the world and across the centuries. It is the keeper of the creative light having begun long before film or television was even a distant concept and having survived the oppression of the ages. Since its beginning, theater has faced censorship by governments and churches. Because...
By Robin E. Simmons
NOW PLAYING:
PATERSON
I loved this beautiful, satisfying and touching film. It’s easily one of writer/director Jim Jarmusch's most accomplished, if not his best movie so far. In tone, structure and theme, there’s a sweet affection and sublime wisdom that permeates every frame. But what really sets the movie apart are the many moments of beauty and magic...
By Heidi Simmons
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Nutshell
by Ian McEwan
Fiction
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Human procreation is a miracle. When it comes to awareness, there is still so much we don’t know about fetal brain cognition. How much do the unborn know? What emotions do they feel? Can they comprehend their reality in utero?
In Ian McEwan’s latest novel, Nutshell (Nan A. Talese, 208 pages) an unborn child is...
We have the power to make tomorrow our world, for our neighbor and for ourselves. For what We want. Go straight ahead with what you believe to be right and beautiful. Don't let anyone else dictate the outcome for our world. Use your own strength and actions to make it so. Engage your Superpower for tomorrow's destiny. And...Get Ready...
By BIG ED the Budtender
C.C. RELEAF’S Lead Budtender
Have you ever wondered what the big deal is with all the different names and types of marijuana? Well, let's see if I can't help you weed through the different strains of Marijuana and why there are so many.
Indica strains are known for being physically sedating, perfect for relaxing with a...
More needed rain is forecasted, but some storms may cause serious and dangerous problems. Here are a few tips for preparing for storms, and weathering them safely.
Always keep a battery-powered radio in your home so that you can tune to radio stations if you lose electricity. Check or change the batteries frequently.
Keep a flashlight in an easily accessible spot...
By Haddon Libby
With the transition of power from Barack Obama to Donald Trump, there is a mix of euphoria and catatonic astonishment amongst Americans. As we close out the eight year presidency of Barack Obama, let’s review some of his greatest accomplishments and failures.
Accomplishments:
While many dislike it, he passed the Affordable Care Act which helped nearly 40 million uninsured...
By Dale Gribow
If you were in town during December 2016, you noticed there were more articles in both the Desert Sun and local TV on Holiday Scams than I could ever recall. They were often some take off on "you asked, we respond". The Desert Sun's opinion page on 12-24-16 explained that during times of good cheer SCAMMERS bring...
One of the fastest growing business services in the U.S. is background, drug and aptitude/integrity screening. CV Background Screening & Drug Testing has just opened its doors, providing full 24/7 Service to its clients in the Coachella Valley.
Employee drug abuse and pilferage are at an all-time high. As the job market tightens and the minimum wage increases, identifying good...
General Patton was an avid polo player and experienced equestrian
Emcee: Sylvester Stallone
Guest Speaker: Helen Patton – Honorary Chair of the General Patton Museum
On Sunday, January 29th, the Empire Polo Club is hosting a field dedication ceremony in honor of General George S. Patton. Patton is well known as one of the greatest and the most colorful generals in U.S....
By Flint Wheeler
With Trump It’s A Strong Possibility.
Legalized sports betting might expand over the next four years as President-elect assumes the White House and the Republican Party controls both chambers of Congress.
That’s according to R Street Institute, a public policy think tank in Washington, DC, that largely promotes conservative and libertarian ideas.
R street believes Trump’s long history in gambling...
By Jenny Wallis
Dear Jenny,
I have been dating, well, it seems like forever! I have been actively dating for over seven years. I just cannot seem to find a relationship that lasts more than six months. Every time a relationship ends it always seems that it ends for the right reason, but I always wonder, why did I even waste...
Week of January 19
© Copyright 2017 Rob Brezsny
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Are you more attracted to honing group dynamics or liberating group dynamics? Do you have more aptitude as a director who organizes people or as a sparkplug who inspires people? Would you rather be a Chief Executive officer or a Chief Imagination Officer? Questions like these will be...
By Doug Morin
Executive Director of CV Volunteers In Medicine
The UCLA Health People Animal Connection (PAC) Program has found that owning a pet can benefit the health of your heart in many ways. A research study they conducted examined how a group of patients in the cardiac intensive care unit responded to the presence of a dog. The results showed...
By Dr. Peter Kadile
Dear Dr. Kadile, my friend takes melatonin to help her sleep. Does it really work? - Lyn, La Q uinta
Lyn, melatonin is a natural hormone supplement that can assist with sleep. It is not meant to be like a traditional “sleeping pill”. Melatonin is naturally produced in your brain and tells your body that it’s nighttime and...
By Sunny Simon
One of my favorite clients came to me with a problem many of us share. In her quest for producing a stellar work product, Madison suffers from a dream destroying syndrome. Any guesses on what that is? I’ll give you a hint. If you spend an inordinate amount of time tweaking a presentation, a work paper or...
The Desert Woman's Show is celebrating its fabulous diamond anniversary on January 14 & 15 at Agua Caliente Casino, Resort & Spa and promises to be bigger & better than ever. Every attendee will have the opportunity to win a 1.00 ct. round diamond from El Paseo Jewelers! Guests must enter to win at the event and 105 names...
The popular music, art, and skateboarding event plans even more exciting surprises for fans.
The El Gato Classic Legends Weekend returns to Palm Springs for the third time, January 13 - 15, 2017. The wildly popular event brings together art, music, and skateboarding as a complete weekend experience that will be enjoyed by fans, industry professionals and the top pros...
By Gilbert Ward Kane
CV Weekly: You are a legend and innovator in vert. What got you into skating?
Eddie "El Gato" Elguera: "I started back in 1970. My brother used to surf. When there were no waves, they would skate. Back then they were little boards with clay wheels. I would borrow their boards and ride them on my knees,...
By Gilbert Ward Kane
Coachella Valley Weekly: What was it about skateboarding that interested you?
Lance Mountain: I was about 10, so you're trying to find things you're interested in. I had four or five friends who were 4 years older than me. We played a bunch of games. Everything was established and judged. All the rules were set to let...
By Gilbert Ward Kane
Coachella Valley Weekly: What got you interested in skating?
Steve Caballero: "Probably the fact that it was pretty popular in the mid-1970s. Pretty much all my friends had a skateboard. I'd go to the market and see skateboard magazines on the rack. I would sort through them and see there was a huge skate scene down in...
By Heidi Simmons
The Palm Springs International Film Festival is at full-speed with screenings throughout the day at six venues. Filmmakers from around the world have come to share their films with the eager community of world cinema lovers. The PSIFF is an astonishing event and a major achievement for those behind the scenes.
This year welcomes Michael Lerman as the...
By Heidi Simmons
The Palm Springs International Film Festival consistently presents and celebrates a line-up of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer films. Over the years, the LGBTQ themed movies have reflected political and social concerns while making audiences laugh, cry and sometimes scream at the screen.
Listed in the current PSIFF program under LGBTQ are thirteen movies. Three are documentaries...
Record Setting 9th Annual Tournament attracts 18,000+ to Valley
Synapse Sports has announced the ninth annual Sand Storm Lacrosse Festival, being held Jan. 16-17, 2016 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, Cal., has been expanded to include competition on 51 fields. A record 330 boys’ and girls’ teams - comprised of middle and high school players - are...
Rap/Hip Hop Night
By Tracy Dietlin
It was another great night at The Hood this past Sunday when the CV Music Showcase had four rap/hip hop artists competing. Marco Thoma, Stevieraps, The Bermuda and Cali Elijah, all gave passionate performances. But at the end of the night it was The Bermuda who won the $200.00 cash and the opportunity to move...
By Noe Gutierrez
The BrosQuitos are the All-American band that we can all be proud of. Four young men who have developed an indie/pop sound unique to the desert, intently moving away from any preexisting desert rock sound. A 2016 Tachevah finalist, Max Powell, John Anthony Clark, James Johnson and Hugo Chavez are garnering steam towards their musical goals.
Coachella Valley...
This Saturday, January 15, 2017 at Fantasy Springs Casino Special Events Center, two of the best Motown groups to come out of Detroit will be performing live. You can still purchase tickets at the events center box office.
By Noe Gutierrez
The Four Tops & The Temptations are forever emblazoned in music history. The Temptations had hits like “The Way You...
By Lola Rossi
With over 55 years in the entertainment business, superstar Tony Orlando takes the stage at 8 p.m. this Saturday, January 14, 2017, at Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Place in Coachella. (760) 775-5566.
Born and raised in Manhattan, New York, Tony Orlando grew up in a musical family. “My grand-father, Leon Stanley, was the head of the Local...
By Eleni P. Austin
Hope Sandoval never seems to be in a hurry. That works within the confines of her music, which can be languid, seductive and mesmerizing. But it’s wildly frustrating for her fans. Over a nearly 30 year career, she has basically released only six albums. Born in 1966, Hope grew up in East Los Angeles, the youngest...
By Patte Purcell
I had a great interview with one of the most successful jazz promoters/musicians in the desert and also one of the nicest, Michael Paulo (and boy can he dance). His signature series "Grooves at the Westin" is starting again with a powerhouse lineup. I bought the first two tickets for their first headliners, Greg Adams and East...
By Morgan James
The Semi Finals of The CV Open Mic Competition at The Block Sports Bar & Grill in Cathedral City brought well over one hundred fans clamoring to see the talent that we had grace the stage. Incredible performances inspired fans to get up and dance as they cheered on our musicians, representing a multitude of genres from...
By Craig Michaels
Whether you chuckle, snort or giggle, life is better when you’re laughing! Grab some friends or make it the perfect date night at the valley’s only dedicated comedy venue, Imrpov at Fantasy Springs Casino. The side-splitting shows return every Friday and Saturday night this season with some of the best comedians in the business. The 10th hilarious...
By Angela Romeo
The beauty of simplicity lies in its complexities. Such is the case with Artist Kevin Nierman’s work, Vertimo.
Vertimo, a named derived from the kinetic energy, vertical with motion, that responds to external influence, is a series of hollow clay spheres infused with permanent stain, not a ceramic glaze. Strung on a steel wire each sphere creates a...
By Janet McAfee
Bennett was never allowed inside a house before, and I shudder to think how he suffered through the scorching Coachella Valley summer. The young couple who owned him already had their moving van packed for their new home when they relinquished Bennett to Loving All Animals. In a sadly familiar story to animal rescuers, their new home...
By Rick Riozza
Each year since 1988, Wine Spectator has released its Top 100 list, where their editors select the most exciting wines from the thousands they reviewed during the course of the year. They write, “These wines are a diverse group—ranging from emerging labels and regions to traditional estates exploring new directions—and all generate the excitement we call the...
Popular Event Has Become One Of The Largest Taste Events In The Valley
The Annual Taste of La Quinta will again return to Old Town on January 14th, 2017. The unique event blends culinary and wine tasting into a can’t miss celebration for foodies and wine connoisseurs alike.
The 2016 taste event drew almost a thousand guests to Old Town La...
By Robin E. Simmons
NOW PLAYING:
Last week at the PSIFF someone asked me, “Do movies matter?” I said, “Yes, absolutely. We need stories to understand who we are, our relationship to the planet and each other.” I thought of that question again when I watched “Hidden Figures,” following film. It’s perfect example of a movie that matters.
HIDDEN FIGURES
When Katherine Johnson...
By Heidi Simmons
So much of the world’s most serious troubles are centered around differing religious beliefs. Unfortunately, there are religious extremists and fanatics in every religion thinking their way is the only way.
We are a country that vehemently believes in freedom of religion. There are more and more people changing their faiths. This has created first-hand opportunities to understand...
Though fire season is pretty much over, during this time of year we remind families the importance to change their smoke detector batteries, advise them how to be safe while cooking, or driving in the rain and, for those of us in wildland fire-prone communities, encourage them to follow the “Ready, Set, Go” model to properly prepare for the...
By Haddon Libby
The Limited is closing all of its stores, while Macy’s is cutting more than 100 of their 700 stores in a move followed by other retailers like Staples, Men’s Wearhouse/Jos A Bank, The Gap and Abercrombie & Fitch and Wal-Mart. Sears and K-Mart are likely to go bankrupt in the next 18 months while Sports Authority’s 460...
By Dale Gribow
Contrary to popular opinion, many lawyers do have a heart. I truly feel like crying every time I reject a victim's case with big injuries. Unfortunately most victims focus on the injury, especially when they are rear ended and clearly not at fault. A good lawyer must evaluate any harmful negative factors like: admitting partial liability at...
By Bruce Cathcart
Happy New Year! For many the New Year is an opportunity for a whole new start… out with the old and in with the new. For others it is more like finishing a chapter in a book and anxiously awaiting the start of the next chapter. Most of us will have made and broken our New Year’s...
By Flint Wheeler
With the recent approval of $750 million in public money for a new football stadium in Las Vegas, Mark Davis, the owner of the Oakland Raiders, said Wednesday that he was more determined than ever to move the team there.
The governor of Nevada, Brian Sandoval, signed a bill in late 2016 that puts $750 million from hotel...
By Maureen Forman
As we embrace a new year, many of us pledge to be a nicer person, to be kinder, less negative, more compassionate. In short we make the promise to be the very best versions of ourselves this year.
For parents, that often involves grappling with the unnecessary fights we have with our children. And for parents that were...
Desert AIDS Project (D.A.P.) has been awarded a grant for $15,000 from The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) in partnership with Macy’s. The grant will be used for clinical and social services programs for low-income people living with HIV/AIDS, helping them to achieve and maintain viral suppression and lead longer, healthier lives.
“D.A.P. is honored to be recognized by The...
CareerBuilder Defending Champion To Speak At Chamber Event
Jason Dufner, in addition to defending his CareerBuilder Challenge title this year, will also be interacting with fans ahead of the event. The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their Annual CareerBuilder Challenge Kick-Off Event & Mixer on January 18th. The defending champion has confirmed he will speak at...
Week of January 12
© Copyright 2016, 2017 Rob Brezsny
ARIES (March 21-April 19): In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil is a huge holy tree that links all of the nine worlds to each other. Perched on its uppermost branch is an eagle with a hawk sitting on its head. Far below, living near the roots, is a dragon. The hawk and eagle...
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