By Rick Riozza
The 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...
By Robin E. Simmons
The 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,...
By Heidi Simmons
At 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...
ROBIN E. SIMMONS ANSWERS QUESTIONS FROM “SCREENERS” MAIL BAG
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....
By Haddon Libby
On 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...
Last 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...
By Bruce Cathcart
As 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...
It’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...
Ringing 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...
By Jennifer Tan AKA Mrs Fett
Everything 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...
Week of December 26
© Copyright 2013 Rob Brezsny
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Edmund Kean (1789-1833) 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 Bronwyn Ison
Time 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...
by Sunny Simon
The 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...
INTRODUCING NEW PRODUCT AND TECHNOLOGY TO THE COACHELLA VALLEY
The 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...
Their debut album, Mannequin, is now available for digital download
By Noe Gutierrez
Cover and Photos By Chris Miller (Imagine Imagery)
Picture this; Chris Miller, the phenomenal photojournalist, and I are driving a long dirt road onto a sprawling horse property with acres of hills and valleys. We see both farm and wild animals as we continue the search for our human...
By Eric The Red
After listening to their practice, while sitting around a tray of home-made nachos, I had the opportunity to interview what I can call the best new rock band in the Coachella Valley. This band is Bridger. Consisting of Jim Cathcart and Jacob Miller equally handling guitar and vocal duties, Dan Wheat on the bass as well...
By Eric The Red
In recent days, we’ve been honored by a number of amazing bands, who in their own right can be considered punk rock royalty. This next week, our valley has the privilege of hosting a show with 2 amazing bands; Riverside’s Voodoo Glow Skulls and Simi Valley’s Strung Out. I had the pleasure of speaking with Jordan...
Desert Arc is pleased to announce that 50 of its neediest clients with developmental disabilities were treated to a special holiday luncheon and received wonderful large gift baskets at Palm Desert Resorter Country Club this past Tuesday, December 17th. The event was organized by Ms. Ernie Rubin and her sister Teddie Rozell, who brought together a group of local...
By Denise Ortuno Neil
On the streets of the Coachella Valley, under bridges and in camps, there are people living a different life than most. They have come on hard times for a multitude of reasons and no two stories are the same. But thanks to the dedication of the Street Life Project, this population of the Coachella Valley has...
By Denise Ortuno Neil
It’s not well known to most, but behind the scenes of the foster care system there are people at work insuring the rights of children who are sometimes left without a voice. They are the advocates at CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, and they are introducing new board members and a special fundraising event in January...
By Phil Lacombe
Name: Raymond Thi Gomez .... I go by (SAVAGE).
Where you tat: I currently tattoo out of Art & Ink Tattoo Studio in Coachella and Indio.
Why you started tattooing: I’ve always drawn, but I started by drawing pics for people when I was 17 and they would get them tatted. A year went by when I turned 18...
2ND ANNUAL SANTA PAWS 5K RUN/WALK TO BENEFIT GUIDE DOGS OF THE DESERT
Spread the cheer-Santa Claus is coming to town! Join us for the 2nd Annual SANTA PAWS 5K, Saturday, December 21st in Palm Springs-BENEFITTING GUIDE DOGS OF THE DESERT. Awesome fun event -Santa suit, event shirt, Santa photo, goodie bag and milk and cookies at the finish line....
By Julie Buehler
Let’s say you’re Mr. or Ms. Most Eligible Bachelor/Bachelorette in your hometown.
Let’s say you think rather highly of your well-dressed, Audi-driving, Harvard-educated self and are seeking a new special someone in your life.
Let’s say you think most members of the opposite sex would drop their current partner for a chance to call you their one-and-only.
Now, let’s shift...
By Flint Wheeler
If you have watched any of the major tennis tournaments on TV the few past years, you may be wondering, “Where are all the Americans?” Sadly, the majority of them have either packed their bags and gone home, or moved on to the next tour stop before even reaching the second round. There has been much talk...
By Eleni P Austin
Has it really been 22 years since Pearl Jam released their debut, Ten? It seems like only yesterday when the Seattle five piece (along with Soundgarden and Nirvana) introduced the Pacific Northwest Grunge scene to mainstream America.
There’s a bit of a “Cinderella” element to Pearl Jam’s origin story. Guitarist Stone Gossard and bassist Jeff Ament rose...
By Janet McAfee
Two little dogs in the Coachella Valley are still waiting for a home, two years after they were rescued from high kill shelters. While other dogs dream of a new bone or a squeaky toy in their Christmas stockings, Johnny and Shawna's hope is for a family and a home where they belong. Maybe this season their...
By Rick Riozza
It’s always fun to imagine spending the holidays in Italy—but getting the entire family over there defies logistics. Of course, San Francisco isn't too far away and they've got great Italian fare & haunts all around town at the best restaurants and at great hole-in-wall places; and think about North Beach and at the Wharf. But sometimes...
By Raymond Bill
One of the most enticing amenities Palm Springs has to offer is its variety of boutique hotels and restaurants. As a local, one can indulge in a mini vacation to include spa packages and fine dining without leaving the valley. A new favorite of mine is the Colony Palms Hotel on Indian Canyon Drive downtown Palm Springs....
By Robin E. Simmons
Some seasonal thoughts on the sacred and the profane
Before recorded history, there’s little doubt that our ancestors celebrated and probably sacrificed their kinsmen, virgins and enemies (among other living things) at the time of the winter solstice. This was done in the hope that the “sun would return” and once again the land will blossom. Every...
By Heidi Simmons
It’s that time of year when the obligation of gift giving can take the fun out of the holiday. But there is a simple solution for the “giver” who is challenged with a variety of finicky “receivers.” And it only takes one shopping trip – to the great bookstore Barnes & Noble.
Books are a wonderful gift idea....
By Haddon Libby
This week’s article is going to be mediocre. Hopefully it will rally toward the end although I wouldn't count on it.
I sort of wanted this week’s article to be better but with holiday obligations and not getting enough sleep and business obligations and some personal stuff, I’m just not feeling it…not to mention does anyone really care...
By John Paul Valdez
In order to understand what a Bitcoin is one has to have some understanding of currencies in general. First, "Bitcoin" is a brand name. There are several decentralized virtual currencies, which is what a Bitcoin is, but this brand has most of the market as it pushed the idea to where it is becoming more of...
By Dale Gribow
Thieves are very inventive during the Christmas Holiday Season. Here are some 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...
By Bruce Cathcart
Many years ago I had a real taskmaster for a stepdad. Being the “Tom Sawyer of fence painting” type of kid, he would always say to me, “give a lazy man a job and he will find the easiest way out of it!” The good thing about holiday home traditions is that that by definition they involve...
Were all kids at heart, but one of the first questions you should ask “is the Toy age appropriate says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.” It's essential to adhere to the age guidelines indicated on toy packaging, because even a toy for a 3-year-old could have parts too small for a 2-year-old to handle properly. Are there any small, loose...
Last Tuesday, December 10th, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 in support of lifting the ban on food trucks across the County. Riverside County was the last county in the state banning this type of business. The lifting of this ban was due to the hard work of Supervisor Kevin Jeffries who represents cities such as Riverside...
By Jennifer Tan AKA Mrs Fett
Anyone who knows me knows I have a borderline stalker obsession with Little Big Planet. So, when Media Molecule (creators of Little Big Planet) came out with Tearaway, I bought it. I also bought a PS Vita, JUST to play Tearaway. And it was worth it!
You play as a You. Not you as in...
By Patte Purcell
I'm impressed! I have written restaurant and club reviews for years but for the first time, I must begin with an accolade. As I stepped into VUE Grille & Bar located in the Indian Wells Golf Resort, I noted a refreshing hip ambiance. The trendy yet luxurious interior gives a nod to the colors and feel of...
Week of December 19
© Copyright 2013 Rob Brezsny
ARIES (March 21-April 19): "Life is best organized as a series of daring ventures from a secure base," wrote psychologist John Bowlby. Some of you Aries enjoy the "daring venture" part of that formula, but neglect the "secure base" aspect. That's why your daring ventures may on occasion go awry. If you...
By Bronwyn Ison
As we approach the years end we generally like to rejuvenate. New Year’s proclamations are set and often kept. Yet, many are broken because we place unrealistic expectations for ourselves. Planning realistically the changes you would like to make will determine your success. Commencing with short-term goals may be a route you should...
By Sunny Simon
When I first heard about vision boards, the right and left side of my brain began a battle. My right lobe knew I was attracted to magazines with glossy colorful pictures. Since childhood I loved the process of cutting, pasting and day-dreaming so why not create a vision board? The left side of my brain countered that...
Dear Dr. Kadile, I’m trying to eat healthy during this holiday season and increase my fruits and vegetables. That includes fruitcake, right?
-Scott, Bermuda Dunes
Scott, the classic fruit cake associated with the holidays may contain a lot of fruit, but it also has plenty of sugar, butter, corn syrup and sometimes alcohol such as rum. A slice of fruitcake may...
By Tracy Dietlin
Cover an Photos by Chris Miller (Imagine Imagery). Taken at the Riviera Hotel in Palm Springs
During my first interview, I sat down with Astrella, her husband Jason Rothberg (producer), Tommy Flanagan (“Chibs” on Sons of Anarchy), Rob Patterson (guitarist OTEP, Korn, solo projects),and Dean Karr (photographer of Astrella’s fashion shoot that day, for her soon to be...
By Heidi Simmons
Heading north bound on Palm Drive just after Two Bunch Trail, the clear wide sky and pristine shadowed hills of Desert Hot Springs become tangible on the exterior wall of the new Save-A-Pet Animal Hospital. Here a loyal German Shepard, a playful Orange tabby cat and a lumbering tortoise greet passers-by.
“So many people honk and wave,” said...
By Robin Linn
If you like your music heavy, and you insist upon master musicianship.....you don't want to miss House of Broken Promises featuring guitarist and frontman Arthur Seay, drummer Mike Cancino and bassist/vocalist Joe Mora. The presentation is fiery and the music is in your face....not for the faint of heart. My predisposition for heavy music has made Arthur...
COMEDY NIGHT AT AZUL STARRING LA’S HOTTEST COMICS
DECEMBER 14, 2013
Comedy Night at Azul Starring LA's Hottest Comics announces its Saturday, December 14, show featuring comic stars CARLEASE BURKE of Showtime’s Shameless, ABC Family’s Switched at Birth and Fox’s The Mindy Project, CINDY BURNS, recently selected by Joan Rivers as the “Next Breakout Star”, and of The Tonight Show...
At Indio Chamber of Commerce. 500 Artist Signed Posters On Sale Now
The Indio Chamber of Commerce recently unveiled the 28th Annual 2014 Southwest Arts Festival® Poster at the Chamber offices. Chamber members and board members, local business owners, media and the public attended. This was an exciting event for fans of the Southwest Arts Festival® who have collected the...
By Julie Buehler
The 16-0 New England Patriots set the 2007 NFL season a blaze with new records, scorching previously held highs and were approaching a perfect season in Glendale, Arizona for Super Bowl XLII. Tom Brady and Wes Welker and Randy Moss and some other dudes no one remembers because they played on the other side of the ball...
By Flint Wheeler
Tiger Woods still has Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major wins in his sights, even though he has not been able to add to his own tally of 14 for five years.
Woods, 37, once looked like a lock to sail past Nicklaus' mark and set new standards in the sport but after he returned from injury to...
By Denise Ortuno Neil
Holiday giving meets party time when Tg Tattoo in Cathedral City conducts a toy drive for Toys for Tots on Friday, December 13th, in association with The Outpost Tavern.
The Tattoo Gallery is in their 5th year of business as a premier tattoo shop in Cathedral City, providing the best in tattoo services by expert artists. “We...
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