Author: dailycastsocal

Uncertain economic times are generating a welcoming response in parts of the U.S., including Palm Springs in Southern California where the local government is posting street banners that read “Palm Springs loves Canada.” Statistics from aviation data firm Official Airline Guide show airline bookings between Canada and the United States have plummeted by more than 70 per cent for the upcoming summer months compared to last year. Palm Spring’s mayor says the signage is an important statement and gesture on a lot of levels. “One is pure and basic, there are a lot of Canadians that call Palm Springs home for three months plus out of the year,” says Mayor Ron deHarte. But with over 300,000 northern visitors each year to a city of only 45,000, deHarte says the intention of the messaging goes beyond that “Yes, there is an economical impact that is significant when you have that size of a group that is coming to your city,” he says. Some travellers at the Calgary International Airport tell CityNews the welcoming gesture makes a difference. “At least as a Canadian, I’d be more willing to shop somewhere if they said anything about Canada, like wow you see us as a country,” said one person. Another traveller heading to Palm Springs went as far as saying Canada should reciprocate the gesture towards the U.S. “I mean, let’s welcome all people,” they said. “I love to travel, so why not make it reciprocal, you know what I mean?” For now, guests flying into Palm Springs will arrive to the signs that for some, lessen the sting of a Canadian dollar worth approximately 70 cents to the U.S. dollar. The Canadian government recently updated its advisory to warn residents travelling to the United States they may face scrutiny from border guards and the possibility of detention if denied entry. Crossings from Canada into the United States dropped by about 32 per cent, or 864,000 travellers, in March compared to the same month a year ago, according to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Source link

Billboard, Amazon Pharmacy and Amazon One Medical teamed up with comedian/musical improviser Reggie Watts to hit the streets of Palm Springs with the sickest show seen in the desert, “MuSick: Live from Reggie Watts’ Couch.” Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Amazon Pharmacy made the opening weekend of Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival “less painful” for festival-goers with a free live show on Saturday afternoon, April 12 with Reggie Watts — in the name of the brand’s mission to “make healthcare less painful.” When Watts woke up feeling “sick” on a festival day, he turned to Amazon One Medical and Amazon Pharmacy to get rolling again. And roll he did, without getting off the couch, through the streets of Palm Springs. He surprised festival goers by riding on a motorized, four-wheeled sofa — with an incredible sound system one might add — to invite music lovers to “MuSick” at the Ace Hotel.  During the event, Watts, who is known for his beatboxing music, crafted “sick” beats out of sick sounds. Imagine an audience dancing to a chorus of coughs, bobbing to syncopated sneezes, and throwing their hands up to a throw-up reflex. The whole performance took place atop a larger-than-life 12ft-tall couch (complete with giant throw pillows). A way to let the audience know that with Amazon Pharmacy and Amazon One Medical you can get medical care without getting off the couch. Or even, hypothetically, without leaving the dance floor. Special guest NEIL FRANCES and Rhythm Luna opened the show before Watts’ headline performance.  The event also treated fans to specialty cocktails and mocktails, including some health-inspired beverages like Sinus Spritz, MuSick Margarita, Cougha-colada, Thirst Aid, and Placebo Effect, as well as cold pressed juices from a wellness bar and branded misters and fans to fight off the heat.  “The event was sick fun—in the best way,” Watts said. “It made perfect sense to be out there making ‘MuSick’ about getting prescriptions delivered. Playing live for people on the street, then climbing up on this massive couch to perform? Easily the softest stage I’ve ever been on. Hopefully when folks are curled up sick at home, they’ll think of Amazon Pharmacy and get what they need fast.” Scroll on below to see more of the action from the “MuSick: Live from Reggie Watts’ Couch” event! Reggie Watts at the Billboard and Amazon Health’s Pop-up Party held at Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs on April 12, 2025 in Palm Springs, California. Guests at the Billboard and Amazon Health’s Pop-up Party held at Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs on April 12, 2025 in Palm Springs, California. NEIL FRANCES at the Billboard and Amazon Health’s Pop-up Party held at Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs on April 12, 2025 in Palm Springs, California. Amazon decor at the Billboard and Amazon Health’s Pop-up Party held at Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs on April 12, 2025 in Palm Springs, California. Amazon decor at the Billboard and Amazon Health’s Pop-up Party held at Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs on April 12, 2025 in Palm Springs, California. Staff at the Billboard and Amazon Health’s Pop-up Party held at Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs on April 12, 2025 in Palm Springs, California. Source link