Quartzsite's Desert Messenger adds RebelMouse

Quartzsite, Arizona

Desert Messenger is testing a new Social Media "front page" format called RebelMouse.

Rebel Mouse combines current feeds from Desert Messenger's Facebook, Twitter YouTube and other Social Media websites. It's algorithm creates a unique and interesting layout, so be sure to check it out! 


For folks not on Facebook or Twitter, now you can keep up with all the updates in one location!

Still in its infancy stages, the site was launched in June 2012 by former Huffington Post CTO Paul Berry.

Also there's a link to my YouTube account so folks can view Quartzsite videos, all with one click!

Click: https://www.rebelmouse.com/DesertMessenger/

Email Editor@DesertMessenger.com with any questions or glitches.

Enjoy,
Shanana Rain Golden-Bear
Publisher, Desert Messenger,
Quartzsite's FREE Community Paper
www.DesertMessenger.com

Quartzsite publisher speaks out against tabloid's copyright infringement

EDITORIAL by Shanana "Rain" Golden-Bear
Publisher Desert Messenger, Quartzsite's FREE Community Paper

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, 

but theft is a sin.” ― Elena

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery… Sounds good, right? But how does a person deal with a competitor stealing Copyrighted advertising materials? Well, my first emotional response was naturally that of anger; but then the moment arrived when I was able to turn that anger into constructive action and this editorial was born. 

In an effort to support transparency, and demand true justice in Quartzsite, I believe we must hold ourselves and others accountable for what we are doing in our community. So, allow me to shed some light on the subject ….

In the October 20, 2012 issue of The Desert Freedom Press, there are a minimum of five (5) Display Ads I personally designed for my clients which were printed without my permission. The publisher, Jennifer “Jade” Jones, who still operates without a current Quartzsite business license, evidently chose to ignore or outright violate the Copyright Notice published in each and every issue of the Desert Messenger as well as General Advertising Policies posted online at www.DesertMessenger.com.

Desert Messenger’s General Policies, page 2, of 2012-2013 Advertising Rate Card states, “All advertising copy, photos and illustrations prepared by the Desert Messenger are the property of the Desert Messenger and may not be reproduced for other use without prior approval in writing. Graphic Design Services, special requests, preparing ads for other publications, or excessive changes from ordered proofs may result in additional charges at $40 per hour.”

Over the past four years, I have developed professional working relationships with local newspapers near Quartzsite. We cooperate with each other in a professional manner, sharing ad creatives with the expressed written permission from our clients. However, that has never been the case with Jones. 

The theft of copyrighted material and lies has been an ongoing issue in Jones’ tabloid since the very first edition. However, the occurrences of Desert Messenger Copyright Protected display ads appearing in her paper have recently increased.

Now, before Jones responds accusing me of libeling her “good name”, I can provide dated emails containing the ad proofs I provided to my clients. Obviously I designed the ads long before her publication was printed! So, if she were to publicly apologize for the theft of copyrighted material, I would be open to accepting her apology along with a change in her behavior. However, more likely than not, Jones will find some minor flaws in my words, tear apart some legal technicality or try to make it all my fault for allowing her to steal my work. Or maybe she’ll say ALL FIVE of those advertisers instructed her to steal the ads from me! Yeah, right! All in attempt to detract from taking responsibility for her actions.

I could spent hours shrink wrapping every ad to slow down the process of future theft attempts, or include watermarks on every page online. However, I feel it is important for the readers of Desert Messenger to have unlimited, unobstructed, access to the online edition. I could spend much of my time trying to thwart the inevitable theft of ads from a publisher who continues to operate her business without a license. But with much of Jones' tabloid design being a total imitation of Quartzsite's Desert Messenger, one only has to conclude Desert Messenger is the envy of her every action.

Silence is not golden when it comes to theft, cyber-bulling, or intimidation. I have remained silent on many serious issues regarding Jennifer Jones. But the time has come to speak up. I doubt I would find any small business owner who would allow the theft of their merchandise to go unreported. 


But theft aside, when someone "lifts" a piece of work from an Internet site and includes it in print, the quality seriously deteriorates. If an ad cannot be read, it's totally useless and the advertiser should not pay for it. It would benefit every advertiser to have their ad created for them by each publication - or to cooperate with local media reps to receive a proper version of their ad, alleviating the issue completely.

To put things into perspective: 
the fact that Jones would rather steal my ads than create her own design work, 
only shows me how well the ads were designed; 
and that advertising in the Desert Messenger 
REALLY works! 

Every perceived negative situation can be transformed into a Positive one!

So Mrs. Jones… I say... Thank you for the compliments!

To summarize the problematic issues of envy,

“Never trust anyone who wants what you’ve got. 

Friend or no, envy is an overwhelming emotion.”

– Eubie Blake

Best of Quartzsite winners 2011

Okay folks, here are the winners in the first ever Best of Quartzsite! The ballots were published in the Desert Messenger both issues in November, 2011.

When all the negative publicity of Quartzsite dominated the media during the summer, I felt it was time to celebrate what we do right in Quartzsite! I’ve taken alot of heat from folks not understanding the power of celebrating the good in our lives. I really don’t believe good old fashioned competition is bad for the economy or our community. As I sat with the piles of ballots and the huge list of categories I created, I wondered how crazy I was to attempt this! But, your responses were so overwhelming, I had to get ‘er done! Winners get bragging rights, and everyone who received just one vote is listed. Thank you to everyone who took the time to write in your favorites. Congratulations to everyone! Quartzsite Rocks!!!


Best Alternative Energy: Solar & Sun won overwhelmingly with Solar Panels, Coal, and Discount Solar coming in close behind.

Best BBQ: Jerky Store & More on Hwy. 95 was the only one to receive votes, other than “slim pickin’s”!

Best Biscuits and Gravy: This was a very popular contest for who had the best in town. Main St. Eatery came out on top, followed by Mostly Wood Gift Shop & Restaurant, Sweet Darlene’s, La Casa del Rancho and the QIA.

Best Breakfasts: Once again the Eatery beat out the pack. Sweet Darlene’s came in a close second, followed by the following ties: Bad Boy’s Café, La Casa del Rancho, Mt. Quail Café.

Best Burgers: this was surprising, as Burger King barely beat out the Eatery, with Carl’s Jr. and McDonald’s.

Best Cell Phone Coverage: Verizon was the huge winner in Quartzsite! No other service was mentioned.

Best Coffee: The Eatery came out piping hot, with Scenic Road’s Kona Coffee in 2nd place. Followed by La Casa del Rancho, Sweet Darlene’s, Love’s and McDonald’s.

Best Dinner: The Eatery barely beat out La Casa del Rancho with Sweet Darlene’s, Grub Stake Grill, followed by Sizzler in Blythe.

Best Food Vendor: The General Store got the most votes, followed by Pig N a Poke at the Main Event, Jack’s Indian Taco at Main Event, Bad Boys, The Eatery, and Rockin’ Robins.

Best Friday Night Fish: There were a lot of votes in this category. It seems folks in Quartzsite love their Friday Night Fish Fry. Sweet Darlene’s was the huge favorite with The Eatery coming in close behind. The Grub Stake and Yacht Club fared well, also, as well as the VFW.

Best Desert Golf Course: Quartzsite Golf Course scored a hole in one with the most votes, with Greasewood coming in not far behind. District Club also was mentioned.

Best Ice Cream, Pies, Dessert: Dorothy & Toto’s Ice Cream & Kettle Corn was the favorite (they just opened in their new building next to D&B Leather!) Grandma’s Pies, Sweet Darlene’s & Quartzsite Bakery tied close behind. Vendors at Rice Ranch, DQ, and McDonald’s were also mentioned.

Best Indian Taco: Joan’s Fry Bread edged out Pig in a Poke and Jacks at Main Event. There’s evidently a good Indian Taco at the Potpourri held in Parker.

Best Jerky: The Jerky Store & More on Hwy. 95 received the most votes, followed by Daniel’s Jerky on W. Main.

Best Antiques: Burt & Billie’s edged out Vendors at QIA, Vendors at Sell-a-Rama, Vendors at Hi Alley & Jim Shiew.

Best Place for New/Used Books: Readers Oasis overwhelmingly received the most votes. Other entries included the Quartzsite Library, Main St. Laundromat, and Amazon.com.

Best Place to Buy Rocks: T-Rocks rocked this category, followed by QIA Pow Wow, GFWC annual yard sale, Hi Alley Swap Meet, Rocks in my Head at Rice Ranch, PNQ’s Rock Auction, Hardie’s Beads & Jewelry, and Gem Shop.

Best Place to Buy RV Batteries: RV Lifestyles got the most votes! Discount Solar and Solar Bill’s came in close behind.

Best Place to buy something cool you don’t really need: Addicted to Deals came in first among the long list: GFWC annual yard sale, Gambler’s, yard sales, K&K Kitchen, Hardies, Costco, & Family Dollar.

Best Prime Rib: The Eatery beat out Mt. Quail and VFW.

Best RV Repair Service: RV Lifestyles and their friendly staff received the most votes, followed by Running Lizard, Mark Fuller, Coat’s RV and “my retired husband”!

Best Sandwiches: Jerky Store & More beat out The Eatery by just a few votes! Following them were Silly Al’s, Subway, and Patty’s.

Best Spaghetti garnished lots of votes. The winner is The Eatery, with Celia’s Rainbow Garden’s Spaghetti feed coming in close behind! Sweet Darlene’s, La Casa del Rancho, Yacht Club also received votes with one for “my wife’s”!

Best Storage: Paradise RV Storage came in first over Rose RV and Betty Hunter Storage.

Best time to visit Qtz. PO: “Summer” was the overwhelmingly popular answer, which included votes for July and August. Then there were the times of 2:30-4pm, 3-3:30pm and the one that made me smile was “after 4pm”!

Best use of Rock Yard Art: Celia’s Rainbow Gardens received the most votes here! Coyote Pass RV Park’s new water feature was also mentioned, along with Swanson’s old place on Desert Ave., and La Posa South.

Favorite area at Celia’s Gardens: The Veterans Area/Soldier Village received the most votes. The trails, the kid’s handprints brick wall, Rock Club area, and the center were also mentioned as beautiful places to visit.

Favorite ATV Trail: Dripping Springs, followed by Old Yuma Rd., Communication Hill, Railroad Pass-Bouse, and Stone Cabin trails were also mentioned.

Favorite Auto Repair: Best Auto barely came out ahead of Everett’s Towing, closely followed by American Tire, Taylor’s in Blythe, and “my retired husband”!

Favorite Bartender: Dianne of Yacht Club brought in the most votes, followed by Carol of Beer Belly’s, Diane at Silly Al’s Pizza, Terry at Yacht Club, Grubstake, and “myself” actually received two votes!

Favorite BLM Volunteer: Alice at La Posa South edged out Ellen at Tyson Wash, the folks at Plamosa Rd., and Lyle.

Favorite Charity event: Celia’s Rainbow Gardens’ Spaghetti Feed dominated the category followed by PNQ’s Rock Auction and GFWC Fashion Show.

Favorite Cook: Bud at the Eatery beat his co-workers, Janet & LaMont, but Abel at Times Three, came in a close second to Bud. Bob Nickerson was also mentioned for his cinnamon rolls.

Favorite Dog Groomer: Hollywood Pets edged out Cindy’s Pet Service. Marie(before she died) and Jade were also mentioned.

Favorite Electrician: Running Lizard edged out Dennis McGuiness, Denny Davey of Tews RV, Jim, John Prutch, Countrywide Bob Amos, J&S Electric of Parker.

Favorite Gas Station brought in the most votes of any category! Who would have guessed? Chevron took the most votes, followed closely by Pilot, Loves, Shell, ARCO & Mobil.

Favorite Honey Wagon: The Honeysuckles received the most votes, with Old Blue and La Posa South Petunia following closely behind…tee hee…

Favorite Desert Landmark: Halsey Williams Mill on Q Mountain came if first, with mentions of Aviation Tower (n of town), Dripping Springs, Scotty Dog (s of town), Dome Rock, Jack Cruikshandk cabin, Main St. landmark near Tyson Wash Bridge, Q Mountain, Palm Canyon, Sleeping Indian and Saguaro Cactus.

Favorite Live Performance: Paul Winer’s QIA performance received the most votes. The New Christy Minstrels at QIA, The Eatery’s Dinner Club Event, and Rock Club Variety Show at QIA also garnished votes.

Favorite Music Jam: La Posa South’s Tuesday Jam was the favorite, with Scenic Road RV singing a close second, followed by Arizona Sun RV , Holiday Palms RV, and QIA Desert Music.

Favorite Karaoke: Silly Al’s Pizza received the most votes! The Yacht Club and Taco Mio were right behind along with QIA.

Favorite Plumber: Long time resident, Dennis Dole received the most votes! Denny Davy and Running Lizard followed close behind.

Favorite QES staff member: Debbie Peterson edged out Linda Ward for the wonderful work with our elementary school children!

Favorite RV Park: This category had the most nominees. Tews RV Park beat the pack, just edging out Sunsetters RV. Scenic Road and JR’s closely followed, with other mentions of Mt. View, Cactus Patch, Quail Run, Cloud’s Trailer Park, Mt. Quail I & II, Al’s RV Park, Winter Haven, Tyson RV Park, La Posa North, and La Posa South.

Favorite Scholars’ staff member: Principle Steve McClenning brought in the most votes, followed by Julie Anderson.

Favorite Street Name: No Name Street clearly was the most favorite! Other names receiving votes were Hummingbird, Riggles, Quail Trail, Lollipop Lane, Cowell, and Moon Mountain Rd.

Favorite Waitperson: Michelle Lukkasson of The Eatery received top honors. Karen Day of Mt. Quail/Q-Town tied with Sandy of Sweet Darlene’s, followed by Diane of Yacht Club, Joanie Qualls of Times Three, Carol of Beer Belly’s, Callie of Palo Verde, Cindy of La Casa del Rancho, and Dianne of Sweet Darlene’s.

Favorite Youth Activity: Movies at First Assembly of God edged out the Boy Scouts, 4-H, Summer crafts at AWC and Football.

Friendliest Propane Service: goes to RV Pit Stop edged out the Jerky Store & More/Desert Propane. Patty’s RV, Suburban Propane, and A&B Propane also received votes.

Hardest working Medical Professional: Frances of La Paz Medical Clinic edged out Doctors O & P, Dr. Sumar, the nurse, and Dr. Hadlock, (veterinarian).

Hardest working Town employee: Town Manager, Alex Taft dominated the category. QPD Chief of Police Jeff Gilbert came in a close second, followed by Mayor Jose Lizarraga (not an actual employee), Debbie Dupree of Public Works, Julie Pieper at Town Hall, QPD Officer Rick Patterson, and Rick Smith “the tree waterer”.

Most community minded business person: Michelle and Jerry Lukkasson received the most votes. Also receiving votes were Sherri & Rick Garlow of Quartzsite General Store, Shanana Rain Golden-Bear, and Steven Bennett.

Most Dedicated Community Volunteer: Carol Kelley edged out Marilyn McFate, closely followed by Joanne Winer, Sandee Wall, Michelle Lukkasson, Shanana Rain Golden-Bear, Mary Huntley, and Monica Timberlake.

 Marilyn McFate deserves a big shout out for being the only one to fill out every category on the ballot! Whoo hooo! You rock, Marilyn!

Congratulations to all the Best of Quartzsite Winners and everyone mentioned.

Everyone is a winner!

Celebrate with gratitude the wonderful people who make Quartzsite what it is today!

Quartzsite Rocks!

Quartzsite Free Community newspaper invited to state library

Desert Messenger, Quartzsite's FREE Community Paper has been invited to

Arizona State Library

Quartzsite, AZ- Shanana “Rain” Golden-Bear, Publisher of the Desert Messenger, announced Monday, April 4th, that Quartzsite’s FREE Community Paper, will soon be available at the Arizona State Library in Phoenix.

The Arizona State Library gathers newspapers from around the state and archives them for historical purposes. The Desert Messenger will be added to the short list of La Paz County newspapers: Parker Pioneer and the Quartzsite Times.

Victoria Tafoya, of the Law and Research Library Division, will visit Quartzsite next week to pick up copies of every edition of the Desert Messenger from October 2004 through the present. These papers will be microfilmed and added to their extensive collection.

"This is an exciting time, not just for the Desert Messenger, but for the whole community of Quartzsite!" said Golden-Bear. "Quartzsite will now have a powerful and growing presence at the State level," she continued. "What a great honor for the wonderful town of Quartzsite!"

The latest print copies of Arizona Newspapers are kept in the Law and Research Library in the 1938 addition to the Capitol Building. Newspapers dating from Arizona’s Territorial period through two years ago and all newspapers on microfilm are housed in the Polly Rosenbaum Archives and History Building located near the Capitol at 1901 W. Madison Street, in Phoenix. Online access to newspapers is available at both buildings through www.lib.az.us

Arizonans can explore thousands of online articles and images from popular magazines, scholarly journals, current newspapers and other reference works through their public and school library websites. The Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State.

The agency serves the Arizona Legislature and Arizonans, providing public access to public information, fostering historical/cultural collaborative research, information projects and ensuring that Arizona’s history is documented and preserved. Visit the Arizona State Library online at http://www.lib.az.us.

# # # #

The Desert Messenger is locally owned and published by Pilot Rock Publishing Co.

Now in our 7th year, Desert Messenger publishes the first and third Wednesday of each month September through May; the first Wednesday in June, July & August. Founded by Walt Akin in 2004, Shanana "Rain" Golden-Bear now continues his vision of creating a voice for the people.

Desert Messenger is your source for local news, events and entertainment. Find out what's going on in Quartzsite, the Rock Capital of the World! As the population swells in winter, events and happenings abound! Make sure to pick up your copy of the Desert Messenger first when you arrive in town. Locals look forward to the next issue to keep in touch with all the events. Or view the whole paper online at: www.DesertMessenger.com
Phone: 541-218-2560
Email: desertmessenger7@yahoo.com

Jedidiah Free comments on new Quartzsite paper

This Town Ain't Big Enough
For the Two of Us, Pahdnah.


by Jedidiah Free
Normally, I write about the peace and beauty of the desert, and the interesting things to do here in Quartzsite. Occasionally I write about the people and businesses that make our town exciting. I typically stay out of politics and the public forum as much as possible, but once in a while a topic arises that I cannot, in good conscience, remain quiet about, like my article last April about the closing of the State Parks here in Arizona. Today happens to be another one of those times.

There is a bully here in Quartzsite. I know about bullies. I grew up in a rough Jewish/Italian inner city neighborhood in Philadelphia, during the 70’s and 80’s when desegregation of schools was taking place. In my neighborhood, when a bully showed up, he didn’t last long. We were tough and not easily intimidated. We stood up for ourselves and each other. Even kids who weren’t friends beforehand banded together to fight a bully. If a new kid decided to be a bully or step on someone’s turf, he’d better be sure of the group dynamics of the neighborhood before he started something. That small, wimpy kid on the block could have a loyal gang of twenty brutes ready to back him up in the blink of an eye.

Several months ago the Desert Messenger ran an article about bullying. I wonder if the editor of the brand new “newspaper”, the Desert Free Press, whose name I could mention, but won’t, read that article. The Desert Free Press has decided to bully its way into this community and try to stir things up. The challenge has been thrown, and the line has been crossed. Words have been printed and tactics have been used to cause people to choose a side. I have made my choice. I choose to leave the peace and quiet of the desert, metaphorically speaking, and come to the defense of my friends, some of whom have been personally attacked by this bully.
I believe strongly in a free press, but I also understand that with freedom comes responsibility. There is a fine line between free speech and slander, between fact and opinion, between reporting and ranting and raving, between citizen advocacy and personal vendettas. Both the New York Times and the National Enquirer consider themselves newspapers, but that does not mean their quality or content are equal. I could go on a rampage and take some cheap shots at this bully, but I refuse to lower myself to that level. I prefer to look bullies in the face and call things as I see them. I will, instead, let the readers choose.

The people of Quartzsite, the vendors, and the winter visitors, are intelligent, discerning citizens. We know solid decent journalism when we read it. When citizens participate in town hall meetings, ask questions, and get involved in the community, the distinction between truth and lie becomes obvious. Hearsay becomes just juicy gossip without any solid foundation. Discrepancies, distortions to the facts, and half-truths can be discerned. Armed with truth, we, the people of Quartzsite, both permanent and temporary, can decide who our friends are and who the ranting and raving bully in the community is.

In the Wild West, gun battles on Main Street were common to run a bully out of town. In my neighborhood in Philly we settled alot out in the street, too. Many times the bully showed up only to find the fight was way bigger than he expected, and had to make a hasty retreat. This winter, in Quartzsite, a bully has appeared and is trying to mess with us by dragging us into a childish game of name-calling, propaganda, cheap shots, and gossip. It will end quickly if we band together and stand up to this bully. Let’s show this bully what this town, our neighborhood, is made of. One thing about bullies is that deep down inside they are cowards. They try to get their way by bluffing their way through with scare tactics, manipulation, and tricks. They try to appear bigger and tougher than they really are. But they are cowards, and they only win when the object of their bullying allows them to win.

We didn’t start this fight. But we can finish it. So let’s look this in the eye and call it as it is. A turf-war. A bullying situation. A barrage of propaganda and manipulative half-truths. And let’s stand up for each other, join forces, and show this bully that she won’t win. Let’s show her what were made of. Let’s do it now and get it over with, so we can just get on with the business of the town and the season. And so I can get out of politics and the public forum, and go back to my peace and quiet out in the desert.

Quartzsite, AZ Desert Messenger newspaper latest issue online!

Today's issue of the Desert Messenger, Quartzsite's FREE Community Paper, is now available online. The papers will be delivered today in over 70 locations in and around Quartzsite, AZ.

CLICK HERE for the current issue of the Desert Messenger

For the latest news, visit http://www.desertmessenger.com/

New E-edition of the Desert Messenger online

Quartzsite- The newest issue of the Desert Messenger, Quartzsite's FREE Community Paper is now online! Check it out online at http://www.epageflip.net/title/6362

With a major computer crash, comes challenges, so it's not perfect, but it delivered to the printer with barely 10 minutes to spare! They all say, it's not a matter of if, but when a computer crashes...so make sure to back up REGULARLY...

Be sure to display the Team Spirit Page, page 13 of the Oct. 6th issue, in you home, business, car, etc.! Our Scholars' Academy Football team is great and let's show them we support our youth! GO BIG BLUE!

The next home football game is Friday night 7pm at Town Park. A couple of the lights broke during Monday's storm, but they hope to have them all working by gametime! Come on out for a fun family evening!

Get Quartzsite news first!

Today's issue of the Desert Messenger is now available online. Sign up for your FREE Subscription to receive VIP Emails alerting you when the next issue becomes available. Get the news first, before the paper hits the street! http://bit.ly/DMnowOnline