Palm Springs International Film Festival salutes Sonny Bono's vision

The following article appeared in today's edition of The Desert Sun.

Palm Springs International Film Festival salutes Sonny Bono's vision

by Bruce Fessier • The Desert Sun • January 5, 2008
PALM SPRINGS - It was 1986 when two Chamber of Commerce officials came to Sonny Bono's Palm Springs restaurant and asked if he was interested in helping start a film festival.
"Actually, I'm way ahead of you. I've got some real good plans," he said.

Sonny Bono, the visionary, will be saluted tonight at the showcase event of the widely respected Palm Springs International Film Festival, now in its 19th year. (photo at left: Sonny Bono, Mary Bono and Tony Curtis, 1995)

But nobody could have imagined that this former studio hand to Phil Spector could have achieved so many of his dreams - from becoming a rock and TV star with Sonny & Cher to starting his own restaurant, founding a film festival, becoming mayor of Palm Springs and getting elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Ten years after his death from a Lake Tahoe skiing accident at age 62, some people still think he was lucky.

Earl Greenburg, who became chairman of the Palm Springs International Film Festival seven years after Bono's death, said he has had trouble getting some Hollywood personalities to accept a Sonny Bono Visionary Award because they wonder if it's a compliment.

"There's a different viewpoint about Sonny from the people who live here or have lived here than from people on the outside," Greenburg said.

Actor Dick Van Patten, who attended last year's festival gala, said the festival is famous now and "everybody's jumping on the bandwagon." But he said even Palm Springs people didn't think Bono could make his first film festival dream come true.

Van Patten, who will receive a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars Jan. 12, came to the initial film festival gala wearing a suit and a crown after the festival didn't have the clout to get its first honorees, including Frank Capra and Lucille Ball.

"He had a real argument to get them to do a film festival there," Van Patten said. "I used to play tennis with Sonny. He said, 'I'm trying to get a film festival in Palm Springs. They're all fighting against it.' But he said, 'If I do get it, would you like to be the king?'"

Times have changed. And at tonight's awards gala, Joe Wright, director of probable Oscar nominee, "Atonement," will receive the Sonny Bono Visionary Award. Bono will be saluted before the presentation of the Ensemble Performance Award to the cast of "Hairspray."

to read the rest of the article, click here

Palm Springs Film Fest: Opening Night Screening

Today is the first in a series of posts covering the Palm Springs International Film Festival. This world renowned film fest runs from January 3rd-14th and will screen over 225 films from 70 countries. The film festival draws in the major Hollywood actors, directors and producers. Our festival is unique in that it screens more international films than any other film fest in the US; therefore it attracts filmmakers from around the world, looking for their big break into the film industry. Over the next 10 days I plan to share highlights of the festival, including my perspective on a few films that caught my eye. I will also include coverage of:

* Opening Night Screening and Gala (see below)

* Black Tie Star-Studded Awards Gala

* Dick Van Patten Star ceremony on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars

* Private Reception Gala (with surprise guest)

* Closing Night Gala

**************************************

The Opening Night Screening Gala

Thursday night was an evening of excitement and glamour as the 19th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival kicked off with the opening night film screening and gala party. It was a crisp winter night, the desert sky was pitch-black, accented by distant stars and a dramatic moon glowing in the night. The huge Hollywood searchlights majestically scanned the sky, marking the spot where the magic of the film fest was unfolding before the eyes of eager film goers. It was the U.S. premiere of "Then She Found Me," a new film directed by Helen Hunt, in her first stint as a director.

above: the red carpet was lined with press, taking photos and capturing every moment of the evening.

above: Helen Hunt arrives on the Red Carpet at the Palm Springs Film Fest

above left: the Opening Night Screening and Party is the beginning of a busy ten day period for Palm Springs. Over 117,000 people are in town attending various functions and viewing films during the festival. Above right: Here's a cheesy photo of The Palm Springs Savant himself, Mr Rick Rockhill. I wore a black crush-velvet jacket with a nice silk ascot.

The opening film was Then She Found Me, directed by Helen Hunt; a romantic comedy starring Helen Hunt, Bette Midler, Colin Firth, & Matthew Broderick. The film is scheduled to open in theatres across America in April, but I had the pleasure of seeing it last night. The basic storyline is about a schoolteacher (Helen Hunt) who is 39 and wants to have a baby. She plays April, a troubled woman, dealing with love interest issues, family challenges and self doubt. She meets her natural mother (Bette Midler) who attempts to get to know her and develop a relationship. An interesting relationship develops between April and Frank (Colin Firth) which winds through the story revealing their complex personalities. While there are one or two points when I felt the April's character's behavior was improbable, the film was entertaining and held my attention. Matthew Broderick portrays April's inept husband Ben masterfully, there were moments when he was cuddly and then annoying. There is a fun surprise at the end which leaves the viewer with a question or two, but with a warm smile none-the-less.

above: Academy Award winning Actress and Director Helen Hunt introduces her film at the Palm Springs Film Festival. It was dark in the theatre so this photo is somewhat grainy. I thought Helen was delightful- she came across as down to earth and humble.

The After Movie Gala Party

Helen Hunt attended the after party and mingled with guests discussing her film. Above: there was a huge after party at the Palm Springs Art Museum, with a delicious buffet with fresh fruit and vegetable platters, cheeses, shrimp, pastas and beef. It was catered by Spencer's Restaurant at the Mountain, a top restaurant here in the desert.

above left: fabulous desserts from these petite fours to brownies, cookies and fresh fruits. above right: dramatic lighting provided atmosphere to the museum. There was live music just beyond this bar in the center of the room.

above: I ran into friend Maggie Downs (white jacket), a rising-star reporter for The Desert Sun newspaper. She is with her colleagues Marilyn Chung (front) and... oh I forgot the other lovely young woman's name...hopefully someone will read this and remind me! Anyway it was a terrific evening and a great way to kick off the Film Festival
-Rick Rockhill

Starting the New Year off right, with Stevie Nicks

I've decided that 2008 is going to be a good year. For starters, Stevie Nicks has answered my prayers. She is coming to Palm Springs. Famous for her mystical chanteuse image, Stevie is still enjoying a strong career recording and touring schedule. I went to see her in San Diego in 2007 and shortly thereafter sent Stevie an e-mail asking her to add a Palm Springs tour date. And what do you know, voila! Ah the power of the written word. I am just hoping that I can get to chat with Stevie backstage after the show. Once she hears that The Palm Springs Savant will be in the audience I'm quite sure she will summon me...or at least conjure up a White Winged Dove to fetch me. So, on a bed of nails, I wait- to hear the call of the Nightbird. You can bet your sweet bippy that I'll be posting about it on February 3rd.
-Rick Rockhill

Wisdom Wednesdays: Featuring Dr Sidney Wang

ASK DR WANG, the psychic betta fish

This week's e-mail is from a reader named Joe,(whose location shall remain confidential for professional reasons)
Joe writes: Dear Dr Wang,
Do you believe it is important for pets to be shielded from the sexual activity of their caregivers? My cat recently reacted negatively when he walked into a room and witnessed "the beast that has two backs." Please advise.
Dr Wang responds: Dear Joe,
This is an interesting question that you have presented. Being a fish, I am a cold-blooded, aquatic vertebrate, covered in scales, therefore I have a different perspective than members of the warm-blooded animal kingdom, to which you and your pussycat belong. I consulted The Great Bubble Wall in my tank for guidance with how you should handle the pussycat who caught you in the act. Your kitty isn't upset with you and what he saw. It seems there are some differences in mating rituals of humans and cats which may have confused your pussycat. When cats do the nasty, the male cat bites the female’s neck to hold her down while he mounts her. Then she may throw him off and will attempt to slash him with her claws. Sometimes the male cat needs to fight off other suitors, as he waits for the female to be in the mood. This is all part of the feline mating ritual. The Great Bubble Wall tells me that you confused your pussycat by your own behavior.
It is not necessary for you to hide your pussycat from any sexual activity, but instead consider altering your routine to make your kitty feel more comfortable. I suggest that you try the "biting of the neck" step, and attempt to mount in a clumsy fashion. These little steps will ease your kitty's stress if he happens to see you going at it again.


Keep swimming upstream,
-Dr Wang
*************************************************
PREDICTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR
Over the past week or so, Dr Wang has received several requests for his predictions for 2008. As the resident oracle of this blog, Dr Wang is delighted to oblige with these predictions for 2008:

• Researchers at King Neptune University (KNU) will find the missing genetic link between humans and crustaceans, which will rock the human seafood industry as it comes to grips with the fact that humans eating lobster is a form of cannibalism.
• A water logged ham sandwich will wash up on the shores of Miami with the image of the Virgin Mary, but will require being left underwater to see the apparition. Thousands of believers will flock to see the Virgin Mary's image using special goggles.
• Babbling Brook Community College (BBCC) will begin offering fblog courses(fishblog), using special watertight computers designed for use underwater.
• Google will sponsor "Blogger Anonymous" counselling support groups for bloggers afraid of using their own name for comments.
• Google will also establish psychiatric programs for Bloggers who have gone over the edge with their blogging. This will include assessments, and a review of live-hours logged into Blogger to identify high risk bloggers.
• Researchers at Cold Stream College (CSC) will discover that certain varieties of wild salmon are actually more intelligent than all of the 2008 presidential candidates combined.
• Underwater Aquatics Association (UAA) will be embroiled in a caviar embezzlement scandal that will rock the barnacles off of their anchors.
• Sweeping new legislation will take effect banning all stupid people from the Internet, thus reducing Internet traffic in half by November 15th.

above: The entrance to Dr Wang's Ancient Siamese Meditation Temple, where his tank resided during the passing of the New Year.
****************************************************
"Wisdom Wednesdays" features the sage advice of our resident oracle, psychic betta fish "Dr Sidney Wang". Believed to be a reincarnated descendant of King Rama II of Siam, Dr Wang responds to e-mail submissions with advice, predictions of the future and conveys ancient proverbs to provide guidance and support. Dr Sidney Wang's 24 Hour Wisdom, Advice and Inspiration service is also available from the left side navigation for this feature.

New Year's Day Brunch

January 1st, 2008 was a beautiful sunny day in Palm Springs. I was invited to a New Year's Day brunch at a friend's elegant estate in the legendary Las Palmas section of Palm Springs. The Las Palmas neighborhood is comparable to Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, but the homes here have much more land. That was the one thing that irked me about many of the homes in Beverly Hills- they cost a fortune, and they are right on top of each other. Anyway I digress. Since this was a private affair, I am limiting my photos to respect the privacy of the hosts and the guests, some of whom are titans of industry and dignitaries who relish their privacy.

above: the view from the house looking west, toward the beautiful San Jacinto mountains. The tables were beautifully set with linens and flowers throughout the grounds and around the pool. guests could meander and relax. I enjoyed a Bloody Mary by the rock water fountain in the far corner of the property, enjoying the music that was piped throughout the grounds.

above: the patio was an inviting and comfortable place to chat with some
shade from the mid-day sun.

above: Chef extraordinaire. This is Marilyn from St Louis, a faithful reader of this blog. She is the cousin of the hosts and is visiting Palm Springs over the holidays. She was cooking for days and did a marvelous job. Her apron reads: "Because I am a culinary DIVA, this kitchen was designed for Moi". (Mags, I think you need one of those too)

above: I couldn't wait to dig into the brunch, which was delicious. The white hydrangea floral centerpiece was stunning.

above: My favorite part of any meal. Dessert. I was mostly good and only had a few but I literally had to leave, otherwise I would have emptied the table! It turned out to be a wonderful afternoon filled with stimulating conversation and lots of laughs. I made a few new friends and celebrated old friendships as well. A perfect way to ring in the new year. Steve, thanks for a wonderful party!
-Rick Rockhill

New Year's Eve at Melvyn's

Before I forget, I'd like to share a few photos of how I celebrated New Year's Eve in Palm Springs. The plan was to do an early dinner at Melvyn's restaurant, then head to a different restaurant called Blame it On Midnight to catch their lounge entertainment and midnight festivities. However, after dinner we decided to stay at Melvyn's and skip the other place altogether. We had a great time, but decided to call it a night sometime around 10:30 and went home. Dining at Melvyn's restaurant is a classic Palm Springs experience; it has an old Hollywood feel, rich with history. The walls echo the many celebrities of the past (and present) who have made it a favorite. The walls of the lounge are covered with photos of celebrities who have dined on site such as Lucille Ball, Marlon Brando, Cher, Dinah Shore, John Travolta, Liza Minelli, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, Barry Manilow, Joan Collins, John Wayne, Frank Sinatra, Gary Cooper, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rita Hayworth, Bob Hope, Elizabeth Taylor...and so many more (go ahead catch your breath after that long list).

Above: The entrance to Melvyn's at the Ingleside Inn in Palm Springs. It has such an elegant feel to it, but it is very welcoming and unpretentious.

above left: the entire restaurant ceiling was covered with balloons. It was an incredible festive atmosphere. above right: the lounge, by the piano was packed solid, but there were reserved tables waiting for us after dinner, of course!

above: My idea of a good date. Rich, well dressed ladies who know what cocktail to order, Gin martinis with a twist! Later, we ended up dancing the Cha Cha. I had no idea I'd be dancing so soon in the new year (you may recall my Saturday Seven post about ballroom dancing just last week). I guess that means I can check off that resolution as complete...well, started anyway. New Year's Eve turned out to be a lot of fun, even if I was back home by 10:45 pm!
Xavier Cugat Art: "Dining at Melvyn's"

Above: This print "Dining at Melvyn's", by Xavier Cugat is hanging up inside Melvyn's. First a little background on Xavier: He was a Spanish born Cuban band leader known as the "Rumba King". He made some great music for dances like the Conga, Mambo, Cha-Cha-Cha, and the Twist when each was the rage with the public. He was known for holding his Chihuahua dog while conducting his band with a baton using his other arm. Cugat and Desi Arnaz were good buddies and would pal around together at Lucy and Desi's home in Palm Springs.

In addition to being a band leader, Cugat was an artist. This piece above was Cugat's caricature of his celebrities who dined at Melvyn's. Look closely...how many do you recognize? Here are the ones I figured out:

Kirk Douglas, David Niven, Abe Vigoda, Buddy Hackett, Vincent Price, Liza Minelli, Phyllis Diller, Ernest Borgnine, Clarke Cable, Red Skelton, Sammy Davis Jr, Cher, Sonny Bono, Bob Hope, Red Skelton, Jackie Gleason, Alfred Hitchcock, Tony Curtis, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, John Wayne, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Groucho Marx, Liberace & Tony Bennett. Did you find any I didn't list? I'm guessing that my new blogging friend Naomi (oldladyinthehills) can fill in the ones I missed.

-Rick Rockhill

Dick Van Patten to Receive a Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars

Happy New Year! I thought I'd share some Palm Springs news with you all...On Saturday January 12th, actor Dick Van Patten will be honored with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. Dick Van Patten is a familiar face to millions of TV viewers from his role as Tom Bradford on the long running series Eight is Enough. Dick Van Patten has had a very long career acting. He grew up in Queens, New York, and started acting as a child. He has performed in 27 Broadway plays, 3 of which earned a Pulitzer Prize. Dick has appeared in over 25 major films, 7 TV series and over 600 radio shows.

Back in 1989 Dick co-founded Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance Pet Foods. Since I work in the retail pet industry as a pet food buyer, I have had the honor of getting to know Mr Van Patten through his Natural Balance pet food team.

Dick loves all kinds of animals. But he often describes himself as a cat person. In addition to making a wide range of natural, holistic and organic dog and cat foods, his Natural Balance company feeds a number of animals at zoos around the country, including the world reknowned San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, and several service Dog organizations as well. In particular, his Natural Balance Zoological Formulas were developed specifically for lions, tigers, cheetahs, polar bears, snakes and carnivorous birds. He donates a significant amount of food to animal rescue organizations, Guide Dogs and other animal care organizations every year.

Sons Nels, Vincent, and Jimmy are also animal lovers as well. Jimmy Van Patten, a respected actor, writer and producer in his own right, has taken an active interest in his father's Natural Balance Pet Food company.

If you are interested in attending the dedication ceremony here in Palm Springs, it is open to the public. Details are provided below:



And if you need a refresher...here is the opening sequence of Eight is Enough
-Rick Rockhill

New Year's Eve Greetings

Well it's the last day of 2007. Where did this year go to anyway? Apparently I spent it sipping martinis all over town...see "exhibit A" at left, as most recent evidence. (I'm enjoying a Blue Raspberry Martini with my friend Jim at Melvyn's Restaurant in this photo from last week). All kidding aside, I have always felt New Year's Eve to be quite a solemn ocassion. There is something about the passage of time and the significance of that milestone that makes me feel melancholic. I tend to be reflective and spend time thinking about my life. I am grateful for that with which I have been blessed. I am fortunate to have my health, and good fortune on many levels. So today I shall be mindful of life's blessings, celebrate the end of another year, and welcome in the new one.
Being The Palm Springs Savant, I have plans to celebrate New Year's Eve on the town, of course! No doubt another round of martinis will be in order. Last week when out to dinner at Melvyn's I was recognized in the cocktail lounge by a local reader of this blog. I was being escorted to my table, when out of nowhere I hear someone call out: "Are you Rick Rockhill?" I stopped, turned and smiled and the voice continued: "...from The Palm Springs Savant, right?" We chatted for a few minutes as the rest of my dinner party was seated. I'm always happy to meet people who read this blog. Lately I've been running into more and more, right here in Palm Springs. So if you are reading this, and plan to be in Palm Springs to celebrate New Year's Eve, don't hesitate to say hello if you see me out and about town. I may even buy you a martini!
Wishing everyone around the world, to right here in Palm Springs peace, health, happiness and prosperity for this new year.
What do you plan to do for New Year's Eve? Don't be shy now...
-Rick Rockhill

Sunday Art Review: El Paseo Public Art

For this week's edition of the Sunday Art Review, I decided to feature public art from the Palm Springs area. Yesterday I went to the world famous El Paseo shopping district in Palm Desert to take some photos. It was a beautiful day for shopping, strolling along the street, or to relax over a cup of coffee to enjoy the art. The El Paseo public art is located along the center median of the street; with new works rotating periodically. Each piece is set securely on a cement base and illuminated at night; providing a wonderful ambiance both in sunshine and by the light of the moon. Today I am featuring five works, next Sunday I will share the balance of the photos I took yesterday. I completely forgot to write down the titles of each piece and the artist name-for that I do apologize. So I numbered them for your reference. Above left is #1...

above left: #2, above right #3 probably my favorite of today's grouping

above left: #4, it's actually a man, and above right: #5
I hope you enjoyed this week's art as much as I did....which one do you like best? Go ahead, leave a comment, it's completely free and FUN too!
-Rick Rockhill

A Swank Palm Springs Soiree

Saturday evening I attended a swank soiree at the home of some friends here in Palm Springs. It was a marvelous evening, with an "A List" crowd of really nice people. As we pulled up, the valet parked our car for us, and we were offered champagne as we entered the grounds of the property. After greeting a few friends, I made my way to the martini bar outside by the pool. There was a massive ice sculpture (see photo at left). The bartenders were making Lemon Drops, pouring the cocktail into the ice sculpture to chill down the drink. Then a small cube of dry ice was dropped into the martini glass to create a smoking, bubbling effect. If you look closely in my martini glass you can see the "smoke" from the dry ice. Naturally, I stopped for my usual martini pose.

above: The party had wonderful decorations on the grounds outside by the pool. If you look closely to the left in the distance, you can see the martini ice sculpture illuminated. Dozens of fresh roses adorned each table around the pool, which was so elegant in the desert moonlight.

above: Inside, a pianist played wonderful music (he was on a break when I took this photo).

Above: The food was nothing short of fabulous. Fresh Shrimp, Crab Legs, Sushi, Rack of Lamb, salads, Carne Asada served in martini glasses and other culinary delights. The center of the table was decorated with tall glass vases with fresh white orchids floating in water, which was quite stunning.

above: later in the evening, servers brought around a tray of fresh baked, warm cookies, and a tray of cold milk in shot glasses. It was such a nice touch...hosts Greg and Brad think of everything!

above left: in the blue shirt, popular desert personal trainer Eddie, with my dear friend Skip & above right: friends Dave, Ralph and Todd share a smile. It was an elegant, enjoyable soiree; I am grateful to have such wonderful friends here in the desert.
-Rick Rockhill