by Lola Rossi-Meza
Karaokie Jo celebrates 25 years as the first KJ in the Coachella Valley.
From eight tracks and cassettes to Laserdiscs and CDs to the now more sophisticated Lap Top Computer, Karaokie Jo has stood the test of time and is celebrating 25 years as the first Karaoke Disc Jockey in the Coachella Valley. She now performs in the...
According to the Small Business Administration, 70% of all new businesses survive one year while half survive five years. If you want to be one of the survivors, you have to be physically, mentally and financially ready for the long hours, costs and demands required. It cannot be stressed enough that it is imperative for you to have a...
By Selma Grows
Originally from Marin County, this week’s featured artist, Niki Rhodes, has been from Nebraska to Virginia to Boston and San Francisco and now proudly calls the Coachella Valley her home. She has been a SELMA affiliate for over 6 months and has already completed 2 Public Benefit showings during the El Paseo Art Walk, Palm Desert.
Raised by...
GET SERIOUS, SILLY, GROSS & SCARY
HOPE SPRINGS
If it weren’t for stars Tommy Lee Jones and Meryl Streep, this film would be almost unwatchable. Advertised as a romantic comedy, it’s anything but. This serious drama brings to life – if you can call it that – a very long counseling session with an extraordinarily bland psychologist (Steve Carrell). We squirm...
By Michael Brewer
It takes a lot of faith in your food to open a restaurant in the Desert in July. It takes a lot of pride to open a small pizzeria at The River at Rancho Mirage, surrounded by large, well-known chain restaurants. After one mouthwatering meal at Michael’s Pizzeria, the confidence that they have in their restaurant is...
Alert, you may have heard eating yogurt is good for your digestive system. The answer is affirmative. Ingesting a probiotic as a part of your daily regime will bolster you as well. Ok, you may be asking yourself a pro bi what? What are probiotics? Why do we need them? What can a regular probiotic do for me? All...
by Jack St.Clair
“You know what a paradox is?” says Chris Dub, the 24 year old giant-of-a-bass player for Deadend Paradox. “That’s kind of us. Three different types of guys colliding.” It’s an accurate self-assessment from this local rock band that prides itself on being atypical.
Deadend Paradox began like most bands. Singer, guitarist Alex Antonio, 24, and drummer Eddie Airada,...
The American standard of popping pills and treating the symptom of the underlying disease is really not creating health in our society. Instead, this subscription to big pharma is leaving patients to contend with more pills to treat side effects of the first pills, trapping them in a vicious cycle of pharmaceuticals.
There are many schools of thought regarding health,...
by Haddon Libby
I got a few people in high places upset with me recently because of an article I wrote on “The Misuse of RDA (aka Redevelopment Agency) Funds”. I was told that I don’t understand government accounting. Government accounting, I was told, is “bucket” accounting and totally different than the real world.
Let’s walk through “bucket” accounting and see...
Week of August 16
© Copyright 2012 Rob Brezsny
ARIES (March 21-April 19): These days you have a knack for reclamation and redemption, Aries. If anyone can put fun into what's dysfunctional, it's you. You may even be able to infuse neurotic cluelessness with a dose of erotic playfulness. So be confident in your ability to perform real magic in tight...
BYLINE: DIANE MARLIN-DIRKX
Game On! Well, not quite. However, soon the fashion dress-code climate will evolve from Desert Casual (crop-pants and a food-fight-bright print top for her, khaki shorts and polo shirt for him), to Desert Evening Casual (same as above, but with more valet-blinding bling) to breathtaking Gala Garb! The operative word on the “Gala” invitation with its red...
Ask a mobile DJ how they like performing at weddings and you will get a different answer every time. From, “I love being a part of someone’s special day” to “I hate bridezillas.” Many DJs who are great club jocks are not necessarily good wedding DJs. A good wedding DJ not only possesses diverse music knowledge from every decade...
In Los Angeles County 56 courts have been closed due to a lack of money. Riverside is next. In the Indio court, some cases have been sent to downtown Riverside or even Orange County because there were no courtrooms available. This affects a lawyer and client’s decision of whether it is worthwhile to go to trial. Now you and...
BEACHWOOD SPARKS “Tarnished Gold” (Subpop Records)
Gram Parsons coined the term “Cosmic American Music”
to describe a style of music he pretty much invented.
Back in the late 60s, Parsons was leaving the Byrds to form
the Flying Burrito Brothers. At the same time, former teen idol
Rick Nelson was putting together his Stone Canyon Band.
Both men pioneered a Country-Rock hybrid that paid homage
to...
by Lisa Morgan -
At the early age of 7, Caroldean knew what it was to be a trend setter. A girl after her English grandmother’s own heart, Caroldean spent vacations in Europe with her grandmother being immersed in fashion trends that were a year ahead of the other girls and even the grown women back home. Her grandmother, having...
by Lisa Morgan -
It was 1978. The music scene was a kaleidoscope of influences. Van Halen had just burst onto the scene amidst the cultural phenomenon of Saturday Night Fever and Grease. It was also the year Jim Stephens, music devotee and entrepreneur, hung up his last piece of drywall, took the bold, adventurous leap and opened his own...
by Lisa Morgan -
When I was asked to write a business profile on our desert’s lovely indoor shopping mall, I thought to myself, “A mall is a mall. They have a bunch of stores and a food court. I go there to shop and eat.” Realizing that doesn’t make for much of an interesting read, I did some research,...
by Lisa Morgan -
You, my dear shopping divas and maestros, have a problem that you may not be aware of. There are only 20 MORE SHOPPING WEEKENDS BEFORE CHRISTMAS?!! It’s true! Now before you frantically check your calendars and begin checking my count, just stop, breathe and continue reading for a moment. I am here to help. This is...
FREE WILL ASTROLOGY
Week of August 9
© Copyright 2012 Rob Brezsny
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Apollo astronaut Russell Schweickart had a vision of loveliness while flying through outer space in his lunar module. "One of the most beautiful sights is a urine dump at sunset," he testified. He said it resembles a "spray of sparklers," as ten million little ice crystals...
by Mike Livingston; Co-Host, The CaddyShack Radio Show
With the PGA Championship, golf’s fourth major just on the horizon, Keegan Bradley decided early August was as good a time as any to get hot again. The reigning PGA Champ has been very up-and-down since his breakthrough last year at the Atlanta Athletic Club but that inconsistency was on the upswing...
RECALLING THE FAMILIAR, DISCOVERING THE NEW
THREE FILMS THAT CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO
TOTAL RECALL
I have total recall of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s over-the-top 1990 version of Philip K. Dick’s novel directed Paul Verhoeven. No doubt the maker’s of this reboot are hoping you don’t.
The newest iteration of Dick’s enigmatically layered short story (“We Can Remember it for You Wholesale”) reflects...
I met Lilly, the cute little black kitten pictured, at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms. This Riverside county shelter, a modern sprawling building is located in an industrial area off the Bob Hope exit from the 10 freeway. They have an overflow of kittens, beautiful little animals of multiple colors...playful and pawing against the glass, ready...
After years of desert residents asking for it…they finally got it! Red Lobster is here and open for business! My husband and I decided to wait a few weeks before going to avoid the long wait and to let them get the bugs out from opening a new location. Last week we decided it was time. Fortunately we didn’t...
Can you believe it is August? A new school year is around the corner. Soon we will be kissing our summer goodbye. It is bitter sweet. Children will be back to a regular schedule, as will the parents. Children will bemoan their early bedtimes. Parents will be scrambling for dinner and school lunch ideas....
Get ready to rock with the return of Unida this Friday night at The Hood Bar in Palm Desert. Guitarist and co-founder, Arthur Seay, says the band never really broke up or went away, they just took a break. The last time they performed together was at the benefit show last year for Isaiah Poag. Before that it had...
In commemoration of the one year anniversary of the downgrade in US Debt from AAA to AA, I thought you might like to see why we are more inclined to see the US debt rating fall in the not too distant future. This is important to you as the failure to solve this problem will impact the lifestyle...
BYLINE: DIANE MARLIN-DIRKX
On a New Yorker magazine summer cover with its much-appreciated artwork---always timely, with smart turns of teasing, a tear-or-two and sometimes snarky commentary, amusing and/or annoying---comes the colorful signature motif of the New Millennium. “Capturing the Memories” by Mark Ulriksen truly captures the modern family of today, whether “urb” to “suburb,” on a pristine...
You can’t help but feel the energy exuding from Cirenia Guerrero when having a conversation with her. It is easy to see why she has been able to establish herself as a local radio and TV personality, with her larger-than-life smile accompanied by her friendly but delicious voice.
Born in Mexicali, Baja California, Cirenia’s parents brought her to Palm...
1. Avoid the realtor acting as a “dual agent” for both the buyer and the seller. Choose an experienced realtor to represent “your interests only” in the transaction.
2. Obtain home inspections by a qualified inspector and consider separate inspections for the roof, the pool and other major items not covered by the general inspection.
3. Be informed of what is on the...
Shawn Colvin “All Fall Down” (Nonesuch Records)
“Was it real and was it new, or just some lines you said before/
I trace our steps, I look for clues/ But I don’t know you anymore.”
That’s Shawn Colvin dissecting a failed relationship in the song
“I Don’t Know You,” and damned if the words don’t ring true for anyone...
Book Review by Heidi Simmons
“Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President”
Nonfiction
Candice Millard
Ask people who the 20th President of the United States was and not many are able to answer. Ask who James Abram Garfield is and still fewer have a clear idea. Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of...
Seeking Sommeliers’ Sparkling Rosés by Rick Riozza
Increasingly, wine seems to get its fair share of TV coverage with all the morning and afternoon talk shows. And as the viewing public becomes more vino educated, most of the talk show hosts are deferring to wine professionals and sommeliers to conduct and handle the wine segments.
...
Mark Gregg is “Living the dream”
By Lola Rossi-Meza
Mark Gregg and his band, Dude Jones, have been performing in the Coachella Valley since 1994. "We were developing a following playing around the Valley, performing at ‘B.B. O’Brien’s’ and ‘Cecil’s on Palm Canyon’, but when we started playing at the old ‘Hair of the Dog’, that’s when we started to really...
As a charitable culinary community center operating out of a full restaurant, ShareKitchen participants have access to a shared kitchen facility that serves as a test kitchen where aspiring restaurateurs can develop their menus and recipes in addition to providing space for product development and small batch production for local distribution. The operation of ShareKitchen from a full...
PAUL WILLIAMS: STILL ALIVE
Remember Paul Williams -- the diminutive actor, songwriter and all-around raconteur? He was everywhere in the 70s and then slowly evaporated and -- poof! -- he completely disappeared. Williams was the guy who wrote number one songs (The Capenter’s “We’ve Only Just Begun,” Barbara Streisand’s “Evergreen” among others), was a popular (and crazy funny)...
Are you able to resist those puppy dog eyes begging for food scraps at the kitchen table? Obesity is a serious condition that can shorten the life of your dog or cat. Many pet owners fail to make the connection between their pet's weight and a myriad of medical conditions. Veterinary nutritionists estimate about 25 percent...
Nestled inside of The Westin Mission Hills Resort in Rancho Mirage is the lovely Fireside Lounge. The restaurant is decorated in rich plum and cream tones which gives it a very warm and inviting feel. It is the perfect spot to have lunch or an intimate dinner, inside or out on the patio, where you can enjoy the lush...
We are living in incredible times. I was reminded of this on Friday evening. I sat back, relaxed, and enjoyed watching the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Olympics. The ceremonies in London, England captivated me. Aside from being excited to watch the greatest athletes’ in the world, I was in awe of the incredible performances...
Salon Spotlight: Brien O'Brien Salon
Nestled in the The Corridor in uptown Palm Springs, locals and visitors find an eclectic mix of shopping and services from the ever popular Koffi and Just Fabulous to the hip and modern Brien O'Brien Salon. Curious as to what this up and coming salon has to offer, I ventured inside with my cup of...
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them,” said Albert Einstein. Applying this statement to the current state of the local and national economies, I got to thinking about the paths toward a sustainable and robust recovery.
The solutions seem obvious to me. Lower fuel costs by transitioning to natural gas for transportation as that...
by Mike Livingston; Co-Host, The CaddyShack Radio Show
Whether it’s on U.S. soil as is normally the case or on those occasions when he hops the pond, Freddie Couples transcends…..he’s loved everywhere! Even coming down the stretch at this week’s Senior Open Championship (British Open), you heard as many cheers of “Freddie, Freddie) as you did for any of the...
FREE WILL ASTROLOGY
Week of August 2
© Copyright 2012 Rob Brezsny
ARIES (March 21-April 19): The astrological omens suggest that you now have a lot in common with the legendary Most Interesting Man in the World -- adventurous, unpredictable, interesting, lucky, one-of-a-kind. To create your horoscope, I have therefore borrowed a few selected details from his ad campaign's descriptions of him....
BYLINE: DIANE MARLIN-DIRKX
If you’re a manic multi-tasker (go on, brag a little), if you are someone who likes to dress as if you have something to do (down to the last sweep of mascara), if you consider “artisanal” too-snobbish in a fresh-from-the-fields summer of Farmers’ Markets, if you can stand seeing your guy in a baseball cap turned...
DJ’s have come a long way since the phrase was coined by American commentator Walter Winchell in 1934. Elementia does more than just play music, he is constantly in his studio producing new sounds and remixing old ones. Considered more of an artist and producer, Elementia has had a few of his songs show up on the dance music...
A SECRET OUR GOVERNMENT DOES NOT WANT YOU TO KNOW ABOUT???
If you are a VET or Know a VET you MUST READ THIS. This may be the most important article you have ever read and it is retroactive too.
The Department of Veteran Affairs offers a little known benefit to war era Veterans, who are at least 65 years old,...
FATHER JOHN MISTY “FEAR FUN” (Sub Pop Records)
“Father John Misty” is the musical moniker of Josh Tilman.
Until recently he was the drummer for beardy folk-revivalists the
Fleet Foxes.
Throughout his tenure with the Seattle band, Tilman released
seven full-length CDs and three EPs, but they were sparse solo affairs.
“Fun Fear” marks not only Tilman’s relocation to Los...
Book Review by Heidi Simmons
“Subliminal: How Your Unconscious Mind Rules Your Behavior”
Nonfiction
Leonard Mlodinow
Is it possible to know what motivates us? To know why we do the things we do? Say the crazy things we say? In Subliminal: How Your Unconscious Mind Rules Your Behavior (Pantheon, 260 pages), author Leonard Mlodinow looks at the scientific evidence...
By Marissa Willman
If you’re ready for a relaxing getaway, there’s no need to look beyond your backyard: The Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells is the ultimate destination to melt your stress away.
The resort’s high expectations for customer service are palpable from the moment you arrive on the property. Whether you’re checking in, sitting down for a meal...
By Lisa Lynn Morgan
In temperatures that threatened to melt my eyelashes together, I parked my vehicle that had only just begun to control its inner 130 degree climate. I walked my lethargic posterior across the parking lot, enduring sporadic blasts of heat from the asphalt that made my hair move (an amazing fact if you know how much...
The Westin Mission Hills offers locals a perfect getaway—without leaving the Coachella Valley
Our Superb Staycation
By Tracy Dietlin
Upon arriving at the Westin Mission Hills Resort in Rancho Mirage, it is immediately obvious that this is a five-star resort.
There’s a beautiful entryway that you walk through before the lobby doors, which open to an elegant lobby with employees willing to cater...
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