By Sunny Simon
You just scored an interview with your employer of choice. Getting the job offer
is dependent upon rising above the competition. It takes more than a good
resume and firm handshake to pull off a successful initial meeting. The interview
is your one shot at convincing the hiring manager you are the ideal candidate for
the position. Increase the odds of...
by Lisa Morgan
There are those who live and walk among us, drawing daily from a deep well of courage that
many of us will never have to tap. The demands, sacrifices and challenges they face on a moment by
moment basis, go unrecognized by most. There are regular prejudices and judgments levied against
them by others who pass by in ignorance and...
By Lisa Morgan
I had the extreme pleasure to spend the better part of an hour on the phone with the notorious
bad boy, Michael Madsen. This deep, analytical thinker, who applies his powers of observation to
acting, photography and poetry, was probably one of the easiest people I’ve ever talked to. Far from
the practiced and coached interview one might expect from...
By Lisa Morgan
In January 2007, Erica Stone stumbled across a stranded Marine at Palm Springs airport. He had been
shot in the leg and had fallen off a building in Iraq. He had nobody there. His whole unit was still in Iraq.
His plane had been delayed and now he was going to have to wait there for 23 hours until...
By Noe Gutierrez
It’s 111° in Cathedral City, when the last member of the PSSSTOLS strolls into the
basement where the rest of the band awaits. A quick hello to his fellow members, he straps
on his guitar and drinks some wine. Joel counts it in and the music begins. This is a sample
of a day in the life of ‘PSSSTOLS’ a...
By Lisa Morgan
There isn’t a band around that hasn’t had to face the drama of personnel changes. Bands are very much like families. They work together to create something really cool, and when it works, there’s nothing better. But like family members, people move or change jobs, temporarily upsetting the perfect balance they all created together. Some bands never...
By Raymond Bill
Some of my favorite restaurants in the Coachella Valley are not found on the busy
streets of downtown; rather, they are tucked away in some of the finest hotels our desert has
to offer. With luxurious views of world-class golf courses and live entertainment, a night out
for dinner can feel like a weekend getaway. One restaurant that boasts such...
Musical Theater performer, director and teacher Justin Blake is offering a one day seminar for
the singing actor on May 18th in Palm Desert and again on June 1st in Yucca Valley.
The course is based upon a technique developed by famed New York performance coach David
Craig with whom Blake studied for five years. His classic text "On Singing Onstage" has...
By Curtis Hendricks
Many people have come to me expressing how they wish they had more time to go back
to school. In the early years of my marriage I was having difficulty competing in the job arena. I
had a full time job, three kids, and a wife that I wanted to spend time with. How was I going to
attend college?...
by Jill Coleman RN
Many of us have heard about it, and know it is not good, but why is it not good? That's is what I am
going to try to answer today.
A little history: Professor Kikunie Ideda from the Tokyo Imperial University isolated glutamic acid as a
new taste substance in 1908 from seaweed. He noticed that the Japanese broth...
Valley Rhythms by Lola Rossi-Meza
On Sunday, April 28, a family gathering took place to celebrate George Jacobs’ 86th birthday, at The
Blue Coyote Grille, 445 North Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. (760) 327-1196. Jacobs was the former
personal valet for Frank Sinatra during the 60s and 70s. His son, local artist Snake Jagger, had this to say,
“It was great getting...
It's a jungle out there for homeless animals, so help them find a home and some love!
Join Bianca Rae and Loving All Animals on Saturday, May 4th for the "It's a Jungle Out There..."
adoption fair. The event runs from 10-4 p.m. in the suite next to Babe's at The River in Rancho Mirage.
Loving All Animals, the Animal Care Center...
Film 4 Change and AMFM Fest are proud to announce a wonderful partnership with Journeys in Film, a project of the USC Annenberg Norman Lear Center, focused on educating through global understanding. "This will allow us to strengthen our mission of bringing community together through the power of story. It will help us provide support for the educators wanting...
By: Bronwyn Ison
Immersed in a funk? Experiencing a lack of motivation? Do not care for the way
you feel? Therefore, what are you going to do about getting back into the groove? Time
is passing and we continue to do nothing about addressing our problems. It is time to
investigate the issue and commence solving the problem(s).
May I challenge you to hit...
By Janet McAfee
Pets come to us in many ways, sometimes when we least expect them. Patricia Rogers was
grieving over the loss of her beloved cat, Shadow, when a neighbor called her last September about the
plight of a puppy named Polar Bear. The dog belonged to a young divorced mom with two toddlers.
The mom worked long hours and the family...
Golf and Sexy, two four letter words that aren’t often used in the same sentence, but that’s
about to change. Get ready for an unforgettable weekend at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and Eagle
Falls Golf Course. The Links and Laces Golf Tour brings a whole new meaning to “Fantasy” golf . . .
birdies, eagles & beauties.
On May 31st-June 2nd Fantasy Springs...
Our season in the Coachella Valley is winding down but there are lots of end of the season parties and
The Coachella and Stagecoach concerts. This means more people on the road that have been drinking.
Thus expect more auto accidents.
I use to have a radio show entitled “Accidentally Yours” where we discussed what to do if you were in an
accident....
By Craig Michaels
Now that the music festivals are over and the temperatures are rising, it’s a perfect time to
take a road trip. While Las Vegas may have some interesting shows, there’s an attraction
just off the I-15 Freeway in the town of Yermo that will showcase a very unique show of its
own this Saturday. The Calico Ghost Town, which is...
Limb loss is not a topic of interest on most days and to most people. But in the aftermath of the bombings at the Boston Marathon the level of interest and the need for understanding is heightened for those who were injured, their families and friends and co-workers. At the present time there are twenty or more people who...
by Mike Bennett
Whitewater, California
Whitewater Preserve is one of the best free spots to cool off, hike and become one with
nature. I wish I could say fishing was part of it because every time I look at all the trout in the ponds at
Whitewater preserve I get hungry.
It’s just a short ride on 10 west, exit at the Whitewater exit....
By Elini P. Austin
It has been more than 25 years since the Smiths broke up, and guitarist Johnny Marr has finally released a proper solo album.
Growing up in Manchester, England, Johnny Marr cycled through a series of bands before hooking up with singer/lyricist (Steven) Morrissey. With the addition of bassist Andy Roarke and drummer Mike Joyce, the Smiths were...
By Rick Riozza
Rosé’s quality continues on the rise, and whether sparkling or still, this fresh, fruity wine is the perfect quaff for the desert’s evanescent spring and summertime throughout the world.
A couple of weeks ago, I had the great opportunity to meet and speak with Anthony Terlato who was showcasing his fine wines at James Corona’s Heather James Art...
By Robin Simmons
There are a slew of promising films, likely blockbusters all, that loom on the cinematic horizon for summer viewing delights. In an informal online poll, more people want to see MAN OF STEEL than any other mainstream summer film. In order, the next most anticipated are IRON MAN 3, START TREK INTO DARKNESS, THE GREAT GATSBY and...
The Harvard Business Review recently published research on business start-ups. Harvard University’s Shikhar Ghosh proved that 75% of all new businesses fail. While there were numerous reasons for failure, a key factor was the lack of a viable business plan.
While traditional approaches focus on elaborate planning prior to starting the new business, emerging thought based on the study of...
Week of May 2
© Copyright 2013 Rob Brezsny
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Are you afraid that you lack a crucial skill or aptitude? Do you have a goal that you're worried might be impossible to achieve because of this inadequacy? If so, now is a good time to make plans to fill in the gap. If you formulate such an...
Book Review by Heidi Simmons
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Adventures of Peter Rabbit
By Beatrix Potter
Fiction
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Going through a box of old books, I found a 1938 copy of Beatrix Potter’s Adventures
of Peter Rabbit. I’m not sure to whom the book originally belonged, but I instantly and
intimately remembered the story as soon as I saw the colorful cover. It may have been
my mother’s when she was...
By Haddon Libby
Cinco de Mayo is about Mexican culture, margaritas, the French, Prohibition and American unity.
To understand these connections better, we start at the UCLA Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture. They have traced the origins of Cinco de Mayo to the Mexican gold miners of California. These miners were overjoyed by the 1862 defeat of...
By Bruce Cathcart
About 38 years ago while a student at UCI and struggling to stay awake in my Econ 101 class I
vaguely remember my professor stating, “In a free market the amount of interest paid was the
reward relative to the amount of the risk taken”. In plain English then, the higher the risk, the
higher the interest rate. If that...
By Sunny Simon
While meandering in and out of casinos on the Las Vegas strip, I suddenly realized
I was famished. We were in Caesar’s Palace, so I suggested we head over to the
Mesa Grill, owned by Chef Bobby Flay. My mouth watered when I thought about the
Blue Corn Pancake and Barbeque Duck entrée on the lunch menu. Unfortunately,
my taste buds...
By Nyla Patzner
Over 2,000 craft beer and food lovers will ascend up the hill to The Living Desert where more
than three dozen vendors will be serving their beers, wines, cider, menu favorites, and sweet
treats at the zoo’s Brew at the Zoo, happening Saturday, May 4th, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
A fundraiser for the zoo, guests can be reassured...
By: Jack St. Clair
“I have to say that each year we have done this I am even more amazed at how many
people work hard to make it happen,” said Josh Heinz, singer/songwriter/guitarist from
Blasting Echo. He is talking about the annual Concert for Autism that will be held at
The Hood in Palm Desert on Saturday May 11th. He started the...
By Judith Salkin
As you get ready for Cinco de Mayo on Sunday, remember it’s the Battle of Puebla and
not Mexico’s Independence Day that you’re celebrating. “El Dia de la Battalla de Puebla” is the
commemoration of the 1862 victory of the outnumbered Mexican forces over the better armed and
manned French forces in the city of Puebla.
But enough of the history...
Figue: Feeding the Desert’s Hunger for Quality Dining
By Marissa Willman
It’s pronounced “Fee-gue,” like league, but owner Lee Morcus says “fig” is
fine, too.
That’s because the restaurateur’s latest dining concept isn’t hung up on
pretention. Instead, it’s focused on a purely Mediterranean experience.
“We want to take people away for two hours a day,” Morcus said. “This is a
place where body, mind, heart...
By Lisa Morgan
The wagons have all pulled out of town and the dust is just beginning to settle over the Empire Polo
grounds. Over the last three weeks, Goldenvoice has flooded the Coachella Valley with line-up of
incredible musical talent that has bordered on the absurd with the final display being the Stagecoach
Music Festival. I have to say that being a...
By Lisa Morgan
Exhausted as I was from putting in the miles at Stagecoach 2013, absolutely nothing was going to keep
me from seeing the local line up of bad asses playing FOR FREE at The Hood Bar, Palm Desert, Saturday
night. The lineup of Spankshaft, Jokes for Feelings and Warsaw Poland Brothers was a sure thing for a
good time full of...
By Raymond Bill
I am excited to share my experience at Cuistot, where I enjoyed the best meal I have
had this year! Although I have eaten at many restaurants across our valley, this particular meal
was beyond incredible! While on a blind date, I discovered what separates Cuistot from every
other restaurant in our valley, let alone French restaurant. With its architectural...
By David Wayne
When the Publisher of CV Weekly asked me to be the alternate pampered palate, I was excited,
and wanted to pick a special place for my first experience. I chose Capri Restaurant at Miracle Springs
Hotel in Desert Hot Springs. Coming across the valley into Desert Hot Springs has never been more
worthwhile. The more than traditional Italian restaurant, nestled...
By Sam DiGiovanna
“Boston, Ricin, West Texas” what’s next? I didn’t think I’d be addressing this as the ‘safety topic’ for the week, however. it’s been very tough last week for most of the Nation. There is something we can do!
"Homeland Security starts with Hometown Security, and all of us play a critical role in keeping our Country and communities...
By Curtis Hendricks
In last week’s article, I wrote about the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) tests that your child
will undergo this week. The STAR tests are a compilation of the California Standards Tests (CSTs), the
California Modified Assessment (CMA), the California Alternative Performance Assessment (CAPA) and
results of the Standards-based Tests in Spanish (STS). The STAR tests are an assessment tool...
Handmade Skin and Body Products Inspired by Locally Grown Botanicals
THE BODY DELI, the original pioneer for fresh, raw, organic skin and body care, announces the
launch of a new collection inspired by the Palm Springs lifestyle.
Building on the success of the organic skin care products offered at their Palm Desert store and
online, THE BODY DELI co-founders and “cosmetic chefs,” David...
By Haddon Libby
While packaging suggests that your pet is getting the plumpest, juiciest cuts of meat, this is often no more than savvy marketing.
Last week, Natura Pet Foods recalled their dry foods and cat treats with expirations before March 24, 2014 because of the potential for contamination with Salmonella. This includes Innova, Karma and a few other brands.
This recall...
The Good, The Bad and the Ugly of a Jury Trial
I have always instructed the lawyers in my office that when they get within 5 miles of the
courthouse to be the most courteous driver out there. You never know if the person you just cut off or
flipped off is going to be on your jury………..or if he or she...
Week of April 25
ARIES (March 21-April 19): How we react to the sound of the wind gives clues to our temperament, said philosopher Theodor W. Adorno. The unhappy person thinks of "the fragility of his house and suffers from shallow sleep and violent dreams." But for the happy person, the wind sings "the song of protectedness: its furious howling...
“DISASTER” IS A DARK DELIGHT
DOING APOCALYPTIC BRUNCH WITH FRIENDS
IT’S A DISASTER
Writer director Todd Berger’s satiric, sharply observed and witty film pits eight seemingly normal friends together for their monthly brunch when the unexpected and unimaginable happen: A hazmat suited neighbor, seeking D batteries, alerts them about the mysterious detonation of dirty bombs that will soon kill them. If it...
Book Review by Heidi Simmons
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Heart of Dankness: Underground Botanists, Outlaw Farmers, and the Race for the
Cannabis Cup
By Mark Haskell Smith
Nonfiction
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Grow Girl: How My Life After The Blair Witch Project Went to Pot
By Heather Donahue
Memoir
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UCR Palm Desert finished the last of the 2012-2013 Arts & Letters Series on a high note.
Sharing their personal opinions and perspective, the two attending authors...
By Sunny Simon
Whether you are revamping your resume, or creating one for the first time, do
not under estimate the importance of this marketing tool. The sole objective of
a resume is to reach the next level which is an invitation to interview. Obtaining
the attention of a prospective employer is essential. Avoid getting your document
tossed in the reject pile by carefully...
By Eleni P. Austin
Growing up deep in the San Fernando Valley Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith had a peripheral connection to the music business, their father.
By the time the Goldsmith brothers were born Lenny Goldsmith was a successful Malibu realtor. But back in the ‘70s, he had been an integral part of the Funk collective, Tower Of Power.
Taylor...
By Rick Riozza
Okay—whether one pronounces Chateau “St. Jean” as “Saint-Gene”, or, the French,
“SÃn Zjoh(ñ)”, ( I know—better heard than spelled ) all that doesn’t matter when
enjoying this season’s wine dinner finale to one of the most successful wine-pairing
dinner programs that we have experienced in our fair desert surrounds.
So let’s switch from French to Italian and exclaim “Le Serate di...
By Lisa Morgan
Stagecoach has confirmed one thing for certain. Jeff Bridges, though he has played many roles, will never live down his identity from the movie The Big Labowski as “The Dude” or “His Dudeness” or “The Dudarino. He walked on stage to the sound of many people calling out, “Duuuuude” while others shouted one-liners signature to the cult...
Chris Shiflett and the Dead Peasants featuring the lead guitarist from the popular band The Foo Fighters. Playing a mix of original songs and covers from Merle and Conway, they bring an upbeat tempo to the classic country songs. As the lead guitarist for the Foo Fighters, Chris knows how make that guitar speak. He plays his country with...
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