In Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece “Sweeney Todd” there is an initial meeting between the barber, Sweeney, and pie shop owner Mrs. Lovett that paints a picture of just how bad times can be. Each laments, through song of course, of the troubled times that lay ahead. Each in their own disturbed way attempts to top one another as to whose plight is worse. Through this very masterfully written show, a plot is hatched in which the two decide to embark on a new business, which includes the traditional murdering of people who have wronged them, chopping them up and using them as pie filling. Suddenly Mrs. Lovett’s pie shop is a thriving business and her fortunes have changed. Or so it seems.
Many of us today around the country may very much feel like Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett. I am fairly certain that everyone knows someone who has either directly or indirectly been affected by our current national financial situation. Some call it a recession, while others call it a depression, but no matter how you describe it these are some desperate times indeed, Mrs. Lovett.
With many Americans watching every penny and an uncertainty of just what our financial futures are it can all be too much to deal with. I, regardless of whether times are great or not-so, have been somewhat of a frugal spender. Some might say a penny pincher or a tight wad, but I could never understand paying double for something that I can get down the street for so much less. This exercise in frugality has served me well, even more so during this current downswing. That is why I have decided to share with you some of the bargains to be had around the valley.
For starters many of u like to go out to eat, especially us bears. The thing to remember that when going out to eat is that it is usually more of a social event than just plain eating. And while there is little substitute for delicious cuisine, sometimes the company you keep is more important. Many of the restaurants in town have discounted coupons, or offer discounts to full time residents. A great and delicious bargain for on 99 cents is the appropriately titles 99 cents burger at the Yellow Basket in Cat City. If you have guests visiting the buffet at the Spa Casino is a bargain and has a nice ambience. If just wanting to meet up with friends and have a little something, coffee and a nosh at Koffi is not only inexpensive, it is a true slice of Palm Springs culture.
If you are looking for some inexpensive things to do besides eat, try these on for size. On Thursday nights from 4-8 The Palm Springs Art Museum is open and free to the public. The museum is currently hosting a Mapplethorpe exhibit, and has recently been renovated to be a PS jewel. Besides the museum on Thursdays, there is of course the Street Fair, which is fun to browse and meet up with old friends.
Another fun thing to do is to go on a photo safari. Palm Springs is known worldwide for its architecture and natural beauty. Carry your camera around and just snap some shots. You will see PS in a way that you may not have before. Fun places to shoot are The Moorten’s Botanical Garden which is under $5, or try one of our many free hiking trails.
For those wanting to lay out by the pool, and don’t have one, Paul, the owner of the Desert Bear, allows well behaved visitors to come soak up some sun at the hotel for free. Just bring your own towels and snacks, and be polite, and respectful of hotel guest.
Moviegoers should know that the Mary Pickford has matinee prices up 6 o’clock every day of the week, and the Camelot has a special nighttime matinee for shows after 8pm.
Well I have to get back to baking my pies now, but I hope these tips make things a little more fun at least. If you have any saving tips let me know, and I will share them here in another money saving article.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Marching Forward
It is rare in life when one gets a second chance to get something right. This is not to say that there aren’t attempts to make a wrong right, but often that is an exception to the rule. On November 4th of last year an injustice was perpetrated onto our community. Our right as gay men and lesbians to get married was taken away from us. A very slim majority of voters went to the polls and voted to legislate prejudice over basic civil rights. And while many of us did what we could to ensure that such an outcome did not occur, there were far too many of us who did not.
I am not saying in any way shape or form are we responsible for the outcome of the vote on Proposition 8. Far from it. What I am saying is that far too many of us simply took it for granted that people would do the right thing and vote for our rights to live happy lives as married couples. On March 5th of this year, just a few short weeks ago, the California Supreme Court has decided to hear arguments regarding the constitutionality of Proposition 8.
Immediately following the outcome of Proposition 8 there was an outpouring of outrage and sadness. Shocked by what was definitely a defining moment in our communities history, people, gay and straight alike, took to the streets literally in peaceful protests and marches. Now I know, there are those of you thinking about that “poor lady Phyllis who had her cross ripped our of her hand and was attacked”?Regardless of what happened to the media attention grabbing granny, or what anyone thinks of it, actions of a few do not reflect the entire gay community. I for one couldn’t have cared less if she had her cross knocked out of her hand. Regardless of age, race, sexuality, if you stand in the way of someone’s god given rights as a human being than you had better be prepared for the consequences. The media was quick to turn poor Phyllis into a victim, and more recently has made those who gave money to Proposition 8 victims as well.
I have always stated that if you truly believe in a cause then you must stand behind your beliefs. You don’t hide by donating money and then are outraged when your donation is made public. You do not insert yourself into a rally of people that you want to deny their rights and then not expect them to react.
Of course this is a two way street. I heard plenty of gays and lesbians stating that they would not join any Prop 8 protests because of the infamous cross incident. Nor would some of them refuse to boycott businesses that donated to the yes campaign, for the only reason that the business was a favorite of theirs, or there was no proof that such business donated to the yes campaign. The whole “proof” rationale is ridiculous. The way I see it, if you ask a person if they supported Prop 8 either directly or indirectly, if they do not give a definite no, or refuse to answer, than they are not a friend to our cause.
As for those protests that were well attended, they were still not attended enough. This is Palm Springs and we have a much bigger gay population than showed up at any of the rallies. If you are not outraged or even interested in the outcome of Prop 8 than you are either not paying attention or are just plain selfish. We are talking about being recognized not as gays and lesbians, but as human beings with “certain unalienable rights”. We have another chance to speak out. On March 5th California Supreme Court will hear arguments regarding the constitutionality of Prop 8. Leading up that date, and to the day of their rulings, there will be more rallies, demonstrations, and more importantly conversations. Now is our time to truly make our voices heard. We need to collectively come and stand together. So if you want to make a difference than get involved. As for your friends who seem disinterested, explain to them how important this. Convince them than they need to get off the bar stool, log off the internet, and even forego a trick, and make a true difference. Luckily we do have a great community that has come together but we need every single one of us to speak our voice. Our time has come
I am not saying in any way shape or form are we responsible for the outcome of the vote on Proposition 8. Far from it. What I am saying is that far too many of us simply took it for granted that people would do the right thing and vote for our rights to live happy lives as married couples. On March 5th of this year, just a few short weeks ago, the California Supreme Court has decided to hear arguments regarding the constitutionality of Proposition 8.
Immediately following the outcome of Proposition 8 there was an outpouring of outrage and sadness. Shocked by what was definitely a defining moment in our communities history, people, gay and straight alike, took to the streets literally in peaceful protests and marches. Now I know, there are those of you thinking about that “poor lady Phyllis who had her cross ripped our of her hand and was attacked”?Regardless of what happened to the media attention grabbing granny, or what anyone thinks of it, actions of a few do not reflect the entire gay community. I for one couldn’t have cared less if she had her cross knocked out of her hand. Regardless of age, race, sexuality, if you stand in the way of someone’s god given rights as a human being than you had better be prepared for the consequences. The media was quick to turn poor Phyllis into a victim, and more recently has made those who gave money to Proposition 8 victims as well.
I have always stated that if you truly believe in a cause then you must stand behind your beliefs. You don’t hide by donating money and then are outraged when your donation is made public. You do not insert yourself into a rally of people that you want to deny their rights and then not expect them to react.
Of course this is a two way street. I heard plenty of gays and lesbians stating that they would not join any Prop 8 protests because of the infamous cross incident. Nor would some of them refuse to boycott businesses that donated to the yes campaign, for the only reason that the business was a favorite of theirs, or there was no proof that such business donated to the yes campaign. The whole “proof” rationale is ridiculous. The way I see it, if you ask a person if they supported Prop 8 either directly or indirectly, if they do not give a definite no, or refuse to answer, than they are not a friend to our cause.
As for those protests that were well attended, they were still not attended enough. This is Palm Springs and we have a much bigger gay population than showed up at any of the rallies. If you are not outraged or even interested in the outcome of Prop 8 than you are either not paying attention or are just plain selfish. We are talking about being recognized not as gays and lesbians, but as human beings with “certain unalienable rights”. We have another chance to speak out. On March 5th California Supreme Court will hear arguments regarding the constitutionality of Prop 8. Leading up that date, and to the day of their rulings, there will be more rallies, demonstrations, and more importantly conversations. Now is our time to truly make our voices heard. We need to collectively come and stand together. So if you want to make a difference than get involved. As for your friends who seem disinterested, explain to them how important this. Convince them than they need to get off the bar stool, log off the internet, and even forego a trick, and make a true difference. Luckily we do have a great community that has come together but we need every single one of us to speak our voice. Our time has come
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