March 2010

A Bright, Beautiful You!

While many of us have curtailed our spending, we still make our appearance a high priority. In fact, Americans seem largely undaunted in their quest for perfection, according to a 2009 survey...

BY TRUDIE MITSCHANG

A ‘Splash’ of Imagination

Form and color have long distinguished the daring and monumental sculptures of New York-based artist Dennis Oppenheim. For his new series of work, Splash Buildings, he reaches deep into his youth,...

BY STEVEN BILLER

Detours - A visit to Florence, Lucca, and beyond

In Italy, like other European cities, it’s best to pick the most appealing destination and thoroughly explore it — and surrounding areas within an hour’s drive.

BY JOSEPH DIAMOND AND LINDA SPENCE

Editor's Letter March 2010

As temperatures climb during the days this month, it’s easy to forget the cool nights. I’m reminded each year during the evening matches at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Center...

BY STEVEN BILLER

Palm Springs Horoscopes - March 2010

Fascinating conjectures on the History Channel about 2012: After a fall, a hiker discovers a lone Easter Island giant head on a deserted island. Calculating its alignment with the “2012...

Sherryl Nova

PSST - Barrels of Fun

D’Agostini has been photographing wine caves since 1996 — sometimes documenting their construction. At Ironstone Vineyards in the Sierra Foothills, he came upon cave doors made from staves of...

Janice Kleinschmidt

PSST - The Bold and the Beautiful

Ballet dancer/instructor Valerie Mahabir used the bold artwork of actor Jack Armstrong to inspire the choreography of Cosmic Firebird Ballet, being presented March 13 in Rancho Mirage. Lights in...

PSST - What’s Under the Hood, Al DiMora?

Al DiMora’s lair in an inconspicuous Palm Springs industrial park holds many marvels of innovation. From Batman’s car (from the 1992 film Batman Returns) to an armored and armed spec vehicle...

Steven Biller

PSST - Word Association

Jerry Banks, a retired trial lawyer living in Rancho Mirage, has written the first in a series of legal mysteries featuring Portland lawyer Barry O’Shea. The Secret Agenda (SterlingHouse...

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

After 17 years crisscrossing the ocean between jobs and houses in London and Los Angeles, Lorna Luft relaxes in the warmth of the desert. Dreams come true for desert resident Lorna Luft as she pays...

BY GLORIA GREER

Texture, Color, Comfort

In search of the perfect setting to showcase the flowers and bright colors of spring fashion 2010, we found Andalusia at Coral Mountain a fine complement, with its shadowy archways, intimate nooks,...

The Hay Days of Palm Springs

So many people see the Coachella Valley as a place of Hollywood celebrities and industry icons, tuxedoes and gowns, gourmet cuisine, and place settings with shiny silverware and elegant flower...

By Maryann Ridini Spencer and Janice Kleinschmidt

Timeless Style

Visiting Frasca Jewelers in its new location (73560 El Paseo, Palm Desert) a block west of its fire-damaged boutique, we were hardly surprised to find owner Maria Wahl wide-eyed and marveling at a...

Wealth - Lessons Learned

Former star of M*A*S*H Wayne Rogers has re-emerged as a nationally respected investment manager, finance expert, and Fox News contributor. As CEO of Wayne M. Rogers & Co., he shares his personal...

BY ELLEN PARIS