DAVID

www.davidlv.com NOVEMBER 2011

DANIEL PIPES

THE RIGHT POINT OF VIEW?

POULTRY PALOOZA FLIPPING THE BIRD AT OUR NATIONAL OBSESSION

VEGAS JOBS GUY

SINGING THE UNEMPLOYMENT BLUES

A FEW GOOD READS

STEEL CITY RHYME SLINGER WHY HIP-HOP’S MOST DOPE MAC MILLER SMILES

TURNING THE PAGE ON THE SAME OLD

01_Cover_Form.indd 1

10/19/11 6:31 PM

01_Cover_Form.indd 2

10/19/11 6:35 PM

Tivoli Village has fun and festive ways to celebrate the season.

Make it a November to remember with these events:

Fresh 52’s Autumn Harvest Festival

Create Las Vegas Art Festival

Saturday, November 12, 2011 8:00am-3pm

Saturday, November 19, 2011 3pm-8pm Sunday, November 20, 2011 10am-5pm Local Independent Artists, Live Entertainment, Craft Workshops, Free Kids Crafts and More

Petting Zoo, Face Painting, Pumpkin Decorating, Live Entertainment, Games, Prizes and More

03_12_FOB.indd 3

10/24/11 5:35 PM

November

36

20

52 28

pulse

live

think

14 explore The month’s event listings to help plan your day or your stay 18 devour Where to find some of the best eats, drinks and foodie happenings in the Valley 20 desire Sin City abounds in worldclass shopping ... these are a few of our favorite things 22 discover Hot spots to go, cool things to do, hip people to see—the Entertainment Capital of the World, need we say more?

23 mingle Snapshots of the latest, greatest Vegas events

28 sense Turn the page on boring, find some great reads at this month’s book festivals.

42 Talking Turkey Get the inside scoop on an industry created to perpetuate the memory of our founding fathers.

32 speak Vegas jobs guy joins the growing ranks of the valley’s unemployed.

36 taste Get a head start on thanksgiving by exploring the great turkey dishes available around town.

Hip-hop sensation Mac Miller, photograph supplied

by Rostrum Records.

46 It’s Miller’s Time Follow the meteoric rise of Pittsburgh hip-hop sensation Mac Miller.

52 Daniel Pipes An interview with an individual whose ideas serve as a lightning rod for polarizing debate.

Copyright 2011 by JewishINK LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. DAVID MAGAZINE is protected as a trademark in the United States. Subscribers: If the Postal Service alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we are under no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year.

The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited or contributed manuscripts, photographs, artwork or advertisements.

Submissions will not be returned unless arranged for in writing. DAVID MAGAZINE is a monthly publication. All information regarding editorial content or property for sale is deemed reliable. No representation is made as to the accuracy hereof and is printed subject to errors and omissions.

4

on the cover

TM

M

A

G

A

Z

I

N

E

DAVID CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5772

03_12_FOB.indd 4

10/24/11 5:36 PM

NOV 17-19

“Buckle your seat belts” – Rolling Stone

Tickets on sale at all Venetian® | Palazzo® Box Offices 702.414.9000 | venetian.com

03_12_FOB.indd 5

10/24/11 5:36 PM

TM

M

A

G

A

Publisher/Editor Associate Publisher

Z

I

N

E

Max Friedland

max@davidlv.com editor@davidlv.com

Joanne Friedland joanne@davidlv.com

EDITORIALllllllll

Editorial Assistant

Jeremy Leopold a

Brianna Soloski

brianna@davidlv.com

Copy Editor

Pat Teague

Contributing Writers

Jim Begley Marisa Finetti Jaq Greenspon Corey Levitan Pat Teague Lynn Wexler-Margolies Sami Yenigun

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY

Art Director/ Photographer Contributing Photographer

Steven Wilson

steve@davidlv.com

Justin Boyd

ADVERTISING & MARKETING

Advertising Director Editorial Board

Joanne Friedland joanne@davidlv.com

Andrea Behrens Stewart Blumenfeld Nancy Katz Ellen Kominsky Lori Nelson

November 3 – 20, 2011 Thurs., Nov. 3 at 7:00 PM Max Brooks - How to Survive a Zombie Attack Clark County Library, Main Theater Sun., Nov. 6 at 12:30 PM Avrom Honig - Feed Me Bubbe: Recipes and Wisdom from America’s Favorite Online Grandmother Historic Fifth Street School Thurs. Nov. 10 at 3:30 PM Judith Brin Ingber - Seeing Israeli and Jewish Dance The Adelson Educational Campus

Sun., Nov. 13 at 11:00 AM Joseph Gelman - Confidential: The Life of Secret Agent Turned Hollywood Tycoon Arnon Michan Midbar Kodesh Temple Sun., Nov. 20 at 10:30 AM Mark Ribowsky - Howard Cosell: The Man, the Myth, and the Transformation of American Sports Congregation Ner Tamid

SUBSCRIPTIONS 702-254-2223 | subscribe@davidlv.com

Volume 02 Number 07 www.davidlv.com DAVID Magazine is published 12 times a year.

Copyright 2011 by JewishINK LLC. 1930 Village Center Circle, No. 3-459 Las Vegas, NV 89134 (p) 702-254-2223 (f) 702-664-2633

To advertise in DAVID Magazine, call 702-254-2223 or email ads@davidlv.com To subscribe to DAVID Magazine, call 702.254-2223 or email subscibe@davidlv.com

Visit JCCSN.ORG for details

Bransky Family Dubowsky Family

6

City of Las Vegas Shimon & Bev Ron

Congregation P’nai Tikvah Dr. Saul & Juli-Ann Ruben

DAVID Magazine sets high standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable manner. This copy of DAVID Magazine was printed by American Web in Denver, Colo., on paper from well-managed forests which meet EPA guidelines that recommend use of recovered fibers for coated papers. Inks used contain a blend of soy base. Our printer meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act standards and is a certified member of both the Forest Stewardship Council and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. When you are done with this issue, please pass it on to a friend or recycle it.

DAVID CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5772

JCCBookFest-DavidMagAd.indd 1 03_12_FOB.indd 6

10/20/11 5:01 PM 10/24/11 5:37 PM

2011 Annual Meeting Thursday, November 17 at 7:30 P.M. Adelson Educational Campus Special Tribute To Our Community’s Jewish Day Schools

Adelson Educational Campus Desert Torah Academy Solomon Schechter Day School Yeshiva Day School

Dr. Michael Zeldin Keynote Speaker

Professor of Jewish Education and Director Rhea Hirsch School of Jewish Education Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion

• Election of Officers and Board of Directors • Tribute to Leadership • Presentation of Community Awards o o

Young Leader of the Year Jewish Educator of the Year

o

Jewish Communal Professional of the Year

o

Mentsch Volunteer of the Year

o

It’s Not Your Parents Jewish Education: Making A Difference For The 21st Century

Distinguished Community Service and Leadership Award Presented to Oscar Goodman

Ellen & Paul Bodner — Janis & Drew Rounds Co-Chairs, Annual Meeting Leonard Stone Chairman of the Board

Dr. Hugh Bassewitz Chairman Elect

Elliot B. Karp President & CEO

Dessert Reception. Dietary Laws Observed.

The Annual Meeting of the Jewish Federation is open to the entire Jewish community. There will be no solicitation of funds. Reservations requested. For more information and reservations please contact the Jewish Federation at 702-732-0556 or online at www.jewishlasvegas.com.

03_12_FOB.indd 7

10/24/11 5:38 PM

contributors

Marisa Finetti is a local writer, marketing professional and blogger. The Tokyoborn Finetti has called Las Vegas home since 2005.

She has written for such publications as Spirit and Las Vegas and Nevada magazines and has a healthy-living blog at bestbewell.com.

When she’s not writing, Finetti enjoys family time with her husband and two boys.

8

Jaq Greenspon is a noted local journalist, screenwriter and author with credits on The New Adventures of Robin Hood and Star Trek: The Next Generation.

He also is a literary and movie critic, has taught and written about filmmaking but is most proud of his role in the film, Lotto Love. A Vegas resident for most of his life, his native language is Hebrew, but he doesn’t speak it anymore.

Corey Levitan Las Vegas journalist Corey Levitan was laid off four months before the Nevada Press Association named his “Fear and Loafing” series the Best Local Column of 2011. He is now a freelance writer, a new dad and a pauper.

Jim Begley is an avid food lover who has recently taken up food writing in a feeble attempt to defray his obscene restaurant spending. If you like what you’ve read, follow him at splurgemonkey.com or via Twitter@ splurgemonkey.

Pat Teague has been a practicing journalist, manager and editor for international and regional wire services, and has worked for several metropolitan daily newspapers. He also has worked for one of the world’s largest corporations and was one of five Southern Californians in the Los Angeles chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists honored in 2000 for career achievement.

Lynn WexlerMargolies has been a feature writer and contributor for magazines and newspapers, locally and nationally, for over 20 years. She writes a monthly online column entitled Manners in the News, which comments on the behavior of politicians, celebrities and others thrust in the public arena.

She is the Founder and President of Perfectly Poised, a school of manners that teaches social, personal and business etiquette to young people.

She is a former TV Reporter and News Anchor. Of her many accomplishments, she is most proud of her three outstanding teenaged children.

Sami Yenigun Sami Yenigun is an arts and culture journalist living in Washington DC. A graduate of the George Washington University with a degree in political communication, Yenigun works for National Public Radio, where he appears regularly on All Things Considered and Weekend Edition.

In addition to reporting for radio, Yenigun also covers electronic music for NPRMusic.org.

DAVID CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5772

03_12_FOB.indd 8

10/24/11 5:38 PM

03_12_FOB.indd 9

10/24/11 5:39 PM

feedback Dear Editor: Regarding the article on kosher restaurants and the lack thereof, I would like to comment: First, the writer’s comment their favorite “treif”(non-kosher) restaurants, then go on to discuss kosher restaurants and the meaning of “kosher.”

Later in the article they discuss the fact that they keep kosher.

Much of the article is taken up with the sad fact that kosher restaurants have a difficulty succeeding in Las Vegas because the large Jewish population does NOT support them. Do these writers NOT understand that what they say is ironic and untruthful, regarding their own choices?

Your articles are generally well done. This one makes NO sense.

Jews do NOT have two digestive tracts – one for the home and one for the eating out. Ridiculous!!

A Reader, Las Vegas, NV

To the Editor:

Congratulations goes to the Epstein Family, who took this photo at a Cafe on the Tayelet (Beachfront Promenade) in Tel Aviv.

Even though I am not Jewish, I pick up your publication every month. This month you helped settle an argument I had with my wife.

Each year our neighbor constructs this hut in his back yard. My wife was convinced that this was some kind of religious activity. I on the other hand always believed that this was for their kid’s (and they have a lot) birthday party.

I guess one should never doubt the intuition of a good woman.

Thanks for you article on sukkahs. Next time please publish something that backs me up.

George Ramsgate Las Vegas, NV

They win a year’s subscription to DAVID. To enter submit your photo to editor@davidlv.com

UPCOMING ISSUES DEC JAN FEB

CHANUKAH ARTS & CULTURE RELATIONSHIPS

DEADLINE - NOV 18 DEADLINE - DEC 17 DEADLINE - JAN 20

To advertise, please call Joanne 702.254.2223 • CELL 702.497.2092 joanne@davidlv.com • www.davidlv.com

PHONE

10

We want to hear from you!

Compliments and complaints are welcome, but only if we get them. Send them to the editor at editor@davidlv.com with “Letter to Editor” in the subject line or mail them to DAVID, 1930 Village Center Circle, No. 3-459, Las Vegas, NV 89134

DAVID CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5772

PAS_Sept '11.indd 1 03_12_FOB.indd 10

10/20/11 10:14 AM 10/24/11 5:41 PM

from the publisher Welcome to the cocktail party. We have great food, perfect libations and, oh yes, some of the freshest music around. So step beyond the silk cordon and come inside: business-casual optional.

All we ask is you wear a smile. In our many exhibition rooms you’ll find the finest fashion details, all in the season’s hottest color — raspberry. Try a piece on, all from the finest stores in town.

Next, listen to brother Begley as he enthralls foodies with his mouth-watering tour of the Valley’s tryptophan-infused treats — available, by the way, all year-round. He is aided and abetted by Pat Teague, who regales you with tales of our almost national bird and how (failing to achieve that noble distinction) he landed on our dinner plates.

In the library (no food or drinks, please), settle into a tufted wingback and sample some titles hot off the press: books for all ages and interests. The Jewish aisles are crammed with 13 great reads, four of which will be spotlighted at this year’s Southern Nevada Jewish Book and Arts Festival. We even have an author or two around to chat with.

Now, to the main attraction: three fine fellows, all of the tribe (Jewish). In our efforts to provide the widest spectrum of human excellence, we present … the rapper, the humorist and the neo-con.

At 20 years old, Mac Miller is (as our cover sells it) The Steel City Rhyme Slinger. He wears a smile as accompaniment to his honeytongued lyrics. With an irresistible beat (even to this 60-year-old), and an irrepressible joie de vivre, he chronicles the times, explains and teaches.

Corey Levitan is a much-welcomed voice to DAVID, and we are proud to pick up where he left off with the city daily. We also look forward to his unique perspective in future “speak” columns, and to more of the giggles he provides.

And, finally, we sit down with the estimable Daniel Pipes. When such academic luminaries come to town, we will elicit their views, regardless of political bent, to enliven and elevate the public debate. Kol Hakavod (all honors) to Pipes interviewer Lynn WexlerMargolies for a job well done.

The Nevada Press Association announced its slate of 2011 winners. Although the organization did not review DAVID this year, we intend to remedy that in the future. For now, we can report that several of our contributors were honored for journalistic excellence. A heartfelt mazal tov (congratulations) goes out to Steve Friess, Xania Woodman, E.C. Gladstone and Corey Levitan. When we announced at the launch of our magazine that we would bring readers award-winning journalism, we meant it.

Upscale Retirement Living!

Penthouse Suites Still Available • Variety of floorplans up to 1,395 sq ft • Anytime Dining • Fitness center and spa • Active Living program with scheduled transportation • Concierge services available • Wine bar, bistro, theater and library • Weekly housekeeping and linen service • Assisted living services available SM

SM

Call to Schedule a Visit!

at green valley ranch A one of a kind retirement community

(702) 900-0221

1935 Paseo Verde Pkwy • Henderson, NV 89012 merrillgardens.com

License #5271AGC-1

Max Friedland max@davidlv.com

Retirement & Assisted Living NOVEMBER 2011 DAVID

03_12_FOB.indd 11

11

10/24/11 5:41 PM

SOLID

As an engineering geologist, John Peck has built a career on understanding the nature of stability.

So much so that he was an integral member of the team that designed the Skywalk at the Grand Canyon.

What word would he use to describe retirement living at Las Ventanas? Same one he’d use to describe that bridge.

Pr emier Life C are R e t i re m e n t L ivin g 10401 West Charleston Boulevard Las Vegas, NV 89135 • (702) 207-4215 • www.wisedecision.org Las Ventanas is an ABHOW-managed community.

03_12_FOB.indd 12

Wi s e D e c i s i on

10/24/11 5:42 PM

pulse INSIDE explore @ 14

Erik Beehn @ CENTERpiece Gallery

devour @ 19 Bottles & Burgers Comma Ca Hussong’s

desire @ 20 Rasberry Rush

discover @ 22

Conservatory at Bellagio Motor Trend Auto Show Insert Coins Videolounge Gamebar

Violinist Rachel Barton Pine performs with the Las Vegas Philharmonic on Nov. 19, 8 p.m., Artemus W Ham Concert Hall, 4505 Maryland Pkwy., UNLV Campus, Las Vegas.

702-895-2787. lvphil.com

NOVEMBER 2011 DAVID

13_22_Pulse.indd 13

13

10/24/11 5:43 PM

eXplore L A S

V E G A S

Body Carnival. Through Jan. 2, $8.50$9.50, Tues.-Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sun. Noon-5 p.m., all ages.

Lied Discovery Children’s Museum, 833 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-3823445. ldcm.org Affect/Effect. Through Nov. 19, Tues.-Sat. noon-5 p.m., free. Contemporary Arts Center, 107 E. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-3823886. lasvegascac.org

11.2

Dine Around with Women’s Philanthropy. 5:30 p.m., $36, all ages.

Town Square, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-732-0556. jewishlasvegas.com

11.3

Rod Stewart. Through Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m., $49-$250, 21+. The Poker Room at Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas.

702-731-7110. caesarspalace.com

11.4

Barry Manilow. Through Nov. 20, 8 p.m., $65-$250. Paris Las Vegas, 3655 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-948-6937. parislasvegas.com What Continues the Dream: Contemporary Arts and Crafts from the Powwow Tradition.

Through Dec. 21, Weds.-Fri., 12:30-9 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., free. Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St. Las Vegas. 702229-6383. artslasvegas.org Vespers by Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theatre.

Through Nov. 6, $30-$40, all ages. West Las Vegas Library Theatre, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-507-3980. lvdance.org

Erik Beehn. Through Nov. 13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., free.CENTERpiece Gallery at CityCenter, 3720 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-736-8790. centerpiecelv.com

11.1

Fall at the Bellagio Conservatory.

Through Nov. 27, free, all ages. Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-693-7111. bellagio.com The Lion King. Through Dec. 31, 4 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m., $64-$168.50. Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702632-7777. mandalaybay.com Rumor de Lobos Grandes: Endi Poskovic Selected Prints. Through

14

Jan. 9, hours vary, free. Historic Fifth Street School Gallery, 401 S. Fourth St., Las Vegas.

702-229-1012. artslasvegas.org Caesars Classic Poker Tournament. Through Nov. 7, times vary, costs vary, 21+. The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas.

702-731-7110. caesarspalace.com Pop Stories. Through Nov. 26, Tues.-Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., free. Brett Wesley Gallery, 1112 S. Casino Center Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-4334433. brettwesleygallery.com

First Friday. 6 p.m.-midnight, free, all ages. Various locations downtown. For more information, call 702-384-0092. firstfridaylasvegas.org The Great Craft Festival. Through Nov. 6, Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. & Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., $7-$8, all ages. Cashman Center, 850 N. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas. stevepowers.com

11. 5

Hadassah souther nevada chapter presents annual gala for giving.

Honoring Congresswoman Shelley Berkley.

7-11 p.m., from $150.00. Red Rock Casino Resort Spa, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-838-9184. hadassahellen@cox.net Jane Smiley Reading. Part of Las Vegas Valley Book Festival. 3:30 p.m., free, all ages. Historic 5th Street School, 401 S.

DAVID CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5772

13_22_Pulse.indd 14

10/24/11 5:44 PM

Fourth Street, Las Vegas. 702-229-5431. vegasvalleybookfestival.org

Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-891-7777. mgmgrand.com

Sinbad. Through Nov. 6, 8 p.m., $55, 21+.

Orleans Showroom, 4500 W. Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas. 702-284-7777. orleanscasino.com

city lights music together and the down syndrome organization of southern nevada. 12-4 p.m., $33 per family, Temple Beth Shalom, 10700 Havenwood Lane, Summerlin. 702-838-4751. citylightsmusictogether.com

Complexions. 8 p.m., $35-$75, all ages.

Artemus Ham Hall at UNLV, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas. 702-895-2787. pac.unlv.edu Art Walk. Through Nov. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., free. Trails Village Center, 1970 Village Center Circle, Las Vegas. 702-595-8255.

Tom Stevens. Through Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m., $10. Showroom at the Suncoast, 9090 Alta Drive, Las Vegas. 702-636-7075. suncoastcasino.com

11. 6

AePi Alumni Event. 10 a.m., free, 21+. Las Vegas Hilton, 3000 Paradise Road, Las Vegas.

702-271-5295. lvhilton.com Jewish national fund, las vegas region: annual golf tournament.

7a.m., $180, all ages. Sienna Golf Club, 10575 Siena Monte Ave., Las Vegas. 702-435-6505. jnf.org/lvgolf

11.9

Elena Papandreou. 8 p.m., $40, all ages.

Doc Rando Recital Hall at UNLV, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas. 702-895-3332. pac.unlv.edu Art & Wine: A Perfect Pairing. 5-7 p.m. $35-$38, 21+. Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-693-7111. bellagio.com

11.10

A Walk on the Wild Side. Through Jan. 26, Mon.-Thurs., 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m., free. Bridge Gallery, City Hall, 400 Stewart Ave., Las Vegas. 702-229-1012. artslasvegas.org mac Miller: the blue slide park tour. 7 p.m., from $22.50. House of Blues, inside Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-632-7600. houseofblues.com The Latin Grammy Awards. 5 p.m., $59.05-$631.15. Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-632-7777. mandalaybay.com

11.11

Ray Romano & Kevin James. Through Nov. 12, 10 p.m., $99.99-$119.99. Terry Fator Theater at The Mirage, 2880 Las Vegas Blvd.

S., Las Vegas. 702-791-7111. mirage.com Drew Carey. Through Nov. 13, 8 p.m., $89, 13+. Hollywood Theatre at MGM Grand, 3799

11.12

Marty Allen. Through Nov. 13, 4 p.m., $49.95. Palace Station, 2411 W. Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-367-2411. palacestation.com Winter Brew’s Best Beer Festival. 1-6 p.m., $25, 21+. The Village Lake Las Vegas, 30 Strada di Villagio, Henderson. 702-564-4700. montelagovillage.com

America’s original

hookah lounge Open Every day from 5pm-1am, Happy Hour every day 5pm-7pm & Tuesdays from 5pm-1am

Featuring Specialty Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Mixed Drinks, Hookahs and Food.

Fresh52 Autumn Harvest Festival.

8 a.m.-3 p.m., free. Tivoli Village, 302 S. Rampart, Las Vegas. 702-900-2552. fresh52. com Don Rickles. Through Nov. 13, 8 p.m., $74.95, 21+. Orleans Showroom, 4500 W. Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas. 702-284-7777. orleanscasino.com

11.13

adelson educational campus, in pursuit of excellence gala. Honoring Alan Dershowitz. 5 p.m., from $250. Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-2554500. adelsoncampus.org/scholarshipgala.cfm Fresh52 Autumn Harvest Festival.

8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., free. Sansone Park Place, 9480 S. Eastern Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-9002552. fresh52.com Global Day of Jewish Learning.

9:30 a.m., free, all ages Adelson Educational Campus, 9700 Hillpointe Road, Las Vegas.

702-732-0556. theglobalday.com

11.15

Jewish Genetic Screening. 7:15 p.m., free, all ages. Midbar Kodesh Temple, 1940 Paseo Verde Parkway, Las Vegas. 702-2632404. midbarkodesh.org ™

11.16

Ethel M. Holiday Garden. Through Jan. 1, 5-10 p.m., free. Ethel M., 2 Cactus Drive, Henderson. 702-458-8864. ethelm.com Nevada Emerging Writers Series: Srikanth Reddy. 7 p.m., free, all ages.

Greenspun Hall at UNLV, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas. 702-895-5542. blackmountaininstitute.org

hookahlounge.com paymons.com 702.731.6030 4147 S. Maryland Pkwy.

702.804.0293 8380 W. Sahara Ave. NOVEMBER 2011 DAVID

13_22_Pulse.indd 15

15

10/24/11 5:44 PM

LIGHT UP THE SKY: A JEWISH REPERTORY THEATRE PRODUCTION. Through Nov. 20, $TBA, all ages. Adelson Educational Campus, 9700 Hillpointe Road, Las Vegas. 702-5255077. jtrn.org

11.17

(Best Kept Secret)

boutique

&Affordable

Adorable

clothing

accessories

shoes

Check us out on www.bestkeptsecretboutique.com

Like Us

on facebook: (Best Kept Secret) Boutique 1930 Village Center Circle Suite 4 Las Vegas, NV 89134

In the Trails Village Center 16

PEST CONTROL. 6 p.m., free, all ages.

Lifelong Learning Center, 8050 Paradise Road, Las Vegas. 702-257-5555. unce.unr.edu JOAN RIVERS. Through Nov. 19, 9 p.m., $56.

The Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-414-1000. Venetian.com 2011 ANNUAL MEETING – JEWISH FEDERATION. 7:30 p.m., free. Adelson Educational Campus, 9700 Hillpointe Road, Las Vegas. 702-732-0556. jewishlasvegas.com

11.18

GIRL SCOUTS OF SOUTHERN NEVADA ONLINE AUCTION. Through Nov. 25.

Proceeds benefit leadership programs for Girl Scout of Southern Nevada. For more information, visit girlscoutsnv.org CREATE LAS VEGAS – ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL. Through Nov. 20, 3-8 p.m. (Sat.) & 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sun.), free. Tivoli Village, 302 S. Rampart, Las Vegas. 702-481-6558. createlv.com LAS VEGAS SNOWJAM. Through Nov. 20, Fri. 4-10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. & Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., $15, all ages. Cashman Center, 850 N. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas. snowjamshow.com DAVID HASSELHOFF. Through Nov. 20, 8 p.m., $49.95, 21+. Orleans Showroom, 4500 W. Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas. 702-284-7777. orleanscasino.com PARTY FOR A PURPOSE. Through Nov. 19, free. ICE Jewelry inside the Palazzo, 3325 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-369-2955. palazzo.com

11.19

CONGREGATION NER TAMID’S WOMEN OF VALOR 2011 GALA. Honoring Elissa Cadish, Lexy Capp & Tricia Kean. 6 p.m, $180.

55 N. Valle Verde Drive, Henderson. 702-7336292. lvnertamid.org NEVADA CHILDHOOD CANCER FOUNDATION PROFILES OF COURAGE GALA. Honoring Community Angels, Volunteers, Students & Sibs. 6 p.m, $250.

Bellagio Tower Ballroom, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Lasa Vegas. 702-735-8434. nvccf.org PAINTING YOUR GARDEN WITH COLOR. 10 a.m., free, all ages. Lifelong Learning

Center, 8050 Paradise Road, Las Vegas. 702257-5555. unce.unr.edu LAS VEGAS PHILHARMNONIC MASTERWORKS II VIOLINIST RACHEL BARTON PINE. 8 p.m., from $38. Artemus W Ham Cocert Hall, 4505 Maryland Pkwy., UNLV Campus, Las Vegas. 702-895-2787. lvphil.com

11.20

JEWISH GENEOLOGY SOCIETY MEETING WITH SPECIAL GUEST JOEL WEINTRAUB. 1 p.m., free, all ages. Sahara West Library, 9600 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas. 702-5284334. jgssn.org

11.23

INGRID FLITER AND JULIAN SCHWARZ. 8 p.m., $35-$75, all ages. Artemus Ham Hall at UNLV, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas.

702-895-2787. pac.unlv.edu

11.25

MORRISSEY AT THE CHELSEA. 8 p.m., $66, all ages. Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com MOTOR TREND INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW. November 25-27, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., $6-$9. Discount tickets are available online.

Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas. autoshowlv.com

11.26

JANET JACKSON. Through Nov. 27, 9 p.m., $75-$195, 21+. The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas.

702-731-7110. caesarspalace.com RYAN BINGHAM & THE DEAD HORSES. 7 p.m., $30-$40, all ages. Veil Pavilion at Silverton Hotel Casino, 3333 Blue Diamond Road, Las Vegas. 702-263-7777. silvertoncasino.com MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER. 7:30 p.m., $35-$85, all ages. Thomas and Mack Center, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas. 702739-3267. unlvtickets.com

11.27

YO GABBA GABBA! 3 p.m. & 6 p.m., $28, all ages. Orleans Arena, 4500 W. Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas. 702-284-7777. orleansarena.com LOVE 2 DANCE. 3 p.m, $25, all ages.

South Point Hotel & Casino, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-796-7111. southpointcasino.com

DAVID CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5772

13_22_Pulse.indd 16

10/24/11 5:44 PM

Vegas Valley Book Festival All events take place at the following address unless otherwise stated. Historic 5th Street School, 401 S. Fourth Street, Las Vegas. 702229-5431. vegasvalleybookfestival.org

11.5

Writing for today’s reader:Favorite authors discuss their work - Maile Chapman, Jillian Cantor, Gwen Cooper with moderator Stacy Willis. 9 a.m./YA Tent, free.

Children’s Books: To entertain, educate and enlighten with Anna Dewdney Loren Long, Barbara McClintock, Kathryn Otoshi, with moderator Kevin Janison. 9 a.m.

Auditorium, free..

Getting Started in Travel Writing.

Megan Edwards and Mark Sedenquist. 9 a.m.

Meeting Room 170, free. .

Young Adult Author Panel. Part of Las Vegas Valley Book Festival. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., free, all ages.

Casino Women / Courage in Unexpected Places Susan Chandler, Jill B. Jones, Geoconda Arguello Kline with moderator Steven Horsford. 10:15 a.m.

Auditorium, free.

What’s Your Story? Keeping Important Details in Memoir Writing and Letting Go of the Rest with Oksana Marafioti. 10:15 a.m.

Meeting Room 170, free.

What’s hot for teens in fantasy and paranormal fiction. Rachel Caine, James Dashner, Becca Fitzpatrick, Sophie Jordan, Bree Despain, Veronica Wolff, Tera Lynn Childs, and Rachel Hawkins. 10:15 a.m., free. .

11.3

An Evening with Max Brooks: How to Survive a Zombie Attack. 7 p.m., free. Clark County Library Main Theater, 1401 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702-507-3400.

11.4

Inaugural Poster Signing with artist Richard Curtner. 6:30 p.m., free. Brett Wesley Gallery, 1125 S. Casino Center Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-433-4433. brettwesleygallery.com First Friday Mobile Poetry Brigade.

Local poets at neighborhood galleries, downtown arts district. 6-8 p.m., free. Various locations downtown. For more information, call 702-384-0092. firstfriday-lasvegas.org Nevada Humanities Salon: An Evening with Poet Martín Espada.

Reception 7:30 p.m. Program 8 p.m.

Winchester Cultural Center, 3130 McLeod Drive, Las Vegas. 702-455-7430.

Contemporary teen fiction: The dark and the light with Jay Asher, Daisy Whitney, Liz Gallagher, Stephanie Perkins, Emily Wing Smith, and Lisa Schroeder. 11:25 a.m., free.

Can’t Somebody Get Vegas Right? The Truth (and Fiction) about Las Vegas with Rick Lax, David Philip Mullins, Heather Skyler, and Claire Vaye Watkins with moderator Andrew Kiraly. 11:30 a.m.

Auditorium, free.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

The Craft of Poetry: Workshop with Martin Espada. 11:30 a.m./Meeting Room 170, free.

301 N. Buffalo Drive 255-3444

Blending Realistic Fiction With Fantasy: Jay Asher, Cat Patrick, and Suzanne Young. 12:25 p.m., free.

www.thebagelcafelv.com

The Good Old, Bad Old Days: Perspectives on Las Vegas Nostalgia with John L. Smith, Joe Schoenmann, Michael Vernetti with moderator Michael Green. 12:45 p.m.

Auditorium, free.

Writing Realistic Sci Fi and Fantasy Workshop: with Maxwell Alexander

WhereTheLocalsEat.com

NOVEMBER 2011 DAVID Bagel_Cafe_112011.indd 1 13_22_Pulse.indd 17

17

10/19/11 3:17 PM 10/24/11 5:45 PM

Drake. 12:45 p.m./Meeting Room 170, free.

DELIVERING HAPPINESS: Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh and Jenn Lim. 2 p.m./Auditorium, free.

WRITING MEMORABLE CHARACTERS IN FICTION: with David Philip Mullins. 2 p.m./ Meeting Room 170, free.

CRYSTAL BOOK MARK AWARDS. 3 p.m.

Auditorium, free.

JANE SMILEY READING: 3:30 p.m., free, all ages.

THE PARANORMAL BALL 7-9 p.m., $10.

11.6

CHEF RICK MOONEN HOSTS: Geno Bernardo - NOVE Italiano, Carlos Buscaglia - Due Forni Pizza & Wine, Carrie Chesto Craftsteak, Lorin Watada - Bachi Burger, Barry S. Dakake - N9NE Steakhouse, Sam DeMarco - FIRST Food & Bar, Jerry Goumroian - The Great Greek, Robert Solano - Mundo.

Additioally Desert Companion Festival Stage, beer & wine garden, regional farmers market, “kids in the kitchen,” used book vendors, kosher food vendor, author book signings, Day Break Café, free health monitoring station, Curbside Cafe, and Nevada Repertory Dance Theater. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., $10.

Saturday, December 17 - 2 & 7pm Sunday, December 18 - 1 & 5pm Tuesday, December 20 - 7pm Wednesday, December 21 - 7pm Thursday, December 22 - 7pm Friday, December 23 - 7pm Saturday, December 24 - 1 & 5pm



Groups are Welcome!

(10 or more)

The Nutcracker experience is perfect for your corporate or club holiday event!

Contact Joel Mann (702) 967-4938



ORDER NOW (702) 946-4567 nevadaballet.org

TickeTs also available aT Paris las vegas’ box office, aT Parislasvegas.com and Through TickeTmasTer ouTleTs. Season Sponsors:

18

“EATING LOCALLY IN THE DESERT” with Rick Moonen, Amanda Burden, Gina Gavan, Carolyn Niethammer, and moderator Joanne O’Hare. 11 a.m., free.

“BLOGGING FOR FOOD LOVERS” with Dianne Jacob. 12:15 p.m., free.

“FEED ME BUBBE: RECIPES & WISDOM FROM AMERICA’S FAVORITE ONLINE GRANDMOTHER” – Avrom Honig shares kosher recipes and more in Room 170. 12:15 p.m., free.

“EATING TOMORROW” with Rick Moonen, John Curtas and local chefs, with moderator Andrew Kiraly. 2 p.m., free.

Southern Nevada Jewish Book & Arts Festival 11.6 FEED ME BUBBE: RECIPES & WISDOM FROM AMERICA’S FAVORITE ONLINE GRANDMOTHER: AVROM HONIG. See Vegas Valley Book Festival listing.

11.10

SEEING ISRAELI AND JEWISH DANCE: JUDITH BRIN INGBER. 3:30 p.m., free. Adelson Educational Campus, 9700 Hillpointe Road, Las Vegas. 702-794-0090. jccsn.org

11.13

CONFIDENTIAL: THE LIFE OF A SECRET AGENT TURNED HOLLYWOOD TYCOON: ARNON MILCHAN: JOSEPH GELMAN & MEIR DORON. 11 a.m., free.

Midbar Kodesh, 1940 Paseo Verde Pkwy., Henderson. 702-794-0090. jccsn.org

11.20

HOWARD COSELL: THE MAN, THE MYTH AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF AMERICAN SPORTS: MARK RIBOWSKY. 10:30 a.m., free. Congregation Ner Tamid, 55 Valle Verde Drive, Henderson. 702-794-0090 jccsn.org

To submit your event information, email calendar@davidlv.com by the 15th of the month prior to the month in which the event is being held.

Candlelighting Cheshvan/Kislev 5772

FRI., NOV. 4, CHESHVAN 7 Light candles at 5:24 p.m.

SAT., NOV. 5, CHESHVAN 8 Shabbat ends 6:20 p.m.

FRI., NOV. 11, CHESHVAN 14 Light candles at 4:18 p.m.

SAT., NOV. 12, CHESHVAN 15 Shabbat ends 5:15 p.m.

FRI., NOV. 18, CHESHVAN 21 Light candles at 4:13 p.m.

SAT., NOV. 19, CHESHVAN 22 Shabbat ends 5:11 p.m.

FRI., NOV. 25, CHESHVAN 28 Light candles at 4:10 p.m.

SAT., NOV. 26, CHESHVAN 29 Blessing of the New Month Shabbat ends 5:09p.m.

DAVID CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5772

13_22_Pulse.indd 18

10/24/11 5:45 PM

devour

Bottles & Burgers Looking for a holiday cocktail? How about the Pumpkin Pie Ginger Rumshake at the soon-to-be-opened Bottles & Burgers in Tivoli Village. The adult libation is a mixture of pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla ice cream, ginger and some rum – that’s the adult part. Topped with whipped cream and crumbled gingersnap cookies and you’ve got pie in a glass. Bottles & Burgers is just looking to make life easier for you.

Hussong’s Corn can be such a simple dish but not at Hussong’s Cantina Taqueria in Mandalay Place where they can be accused of gilding the lily. Their elote plasero, an addictive rendition of the Mexican street food favorite, comes slathered in a butter/mayo amalgamation and is liberally sprinkled with chili flakes and cotija cheese. The resultant is a wonderfully gooey mess meld of spicy and sweet you’ll want time and time again.

Comme Ca Looking for a unique twist on Thanksgiving this year? Head to Comme Ca and check out the French spin they’ve put on the traditional turkey dinner. Served family-style, the prix fixe menu will feature Gilcrease Orchards Pumpkin Soup, which is accompanied by a Garnet Sweet Potato Mille-Feuille. Guests can follow that up with a Waldorf Salad. The main course will consist of Roasted Tom Turkey, with Foie Gras Apple Stuffing, Green Bean Cassoulet, Comme Ca Cranberry Sauce and Giblet Gravy. Wind down the evening with an unusual twist on pumpkin pie – Deep Fried Bourbon Pumpkin Pie, served with huckleberry ice cream. $49/person. Comme Ca at the Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com NOVEMBER 2011 DAVID

13_22_Pulse.indd 19

19

10/24/11 5:46 PM

desire

Fall Accessories Bring on the night! The festive Harper evening clutch is a DVF must, $450. Diane von Fursenberg, at The Shoppes at The Palazzo 3327 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-369-2955.

Look sharp with this Italian silk tie, embellished with classic rugby stripe Swarovski crystals, $495. Judith Leiber at The Forum Shops at Caesars, 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-732-9040.

Tahitian Jelly Beans by Michele feature a dose of playful luxury in an irresistible range of colors, like this one in “merlot.” With a chronograph movement and a sporty strap and bezel, these timepieces are undeniably fun, $295. T-Bird Jewels, 1990 Village Center Circle, Las Vegas, NV 89134 702-256-3900

Neiman Marcus fashion director Ken Downing, selected vine ripened colors for the season, like Ken›s Bodacious Bordeaux: Wine of the Vine lipstick and Bodacious Bordeaux nail lacquer set by Le Métier de Beauté, $49.

Available exclusively Neiman Marcus at Fashion Show, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-731-3636.

20

DAVID CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5772

13_22_Pulse.indd 20

10/24/11 5:46 PM

Like a museum piece, this simple, yet elegant ruby and gold pendant by Tommy Bahama is a sophisticated way to accessorize your wardrobe. Ruby and 24 carat gold-plated silver, $108. Available at Tommy Bahama, Town Square, Fashion Show.

Rachel Zoe wouldn’t dream of designing a sleek suede pump without adding a little something extra, like crocodile-embossed leather, $295.Neiman Marcus at Fashion Show, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-731-3636.

In the season’s deepest garnet, the red velvet jacket is a must have for the holidays.

Meticulously tailored, the satin bow also adds delightful charm and playfulness, $128. Available at White House Black Market, Town Square, Fashion Show.

Reserved only for the most special pooch, a satin and leather collar adorned with Swarovski crystals and crystal-studded dog bone charm. $495. Judith Leiber at The Forum Shops at Caesars, 3500 Las Vegas Blvd.

S., Las Vegas. 702-732-9040.

NOVEMBER 2011 DAVID

13_22_Pulse.indd 21

21

10/24/11 5:47 PM

discover Conservatory at Bellagio It’s that time of year again – the conservatory at the Bellagio is decked out in all its autumnal finery. The designers have gone above and beyond this year, including a 20-foot tall cornucopia in the display, with a 15-foot tall scarecrow standing guard over all of it.

There is also a 35-foot tall cider mill in the center of the display, which flows into a stream surrounded by dozens of pumpkins.

Finishing off the display is a giant pumpkin made from 2,000 orange carnations. The display is free and open daily, through November 27. Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-6937111. bellagio.com

Motor Trend

Attention all car buffs! The Motor Trend International Auto Show will be in Las Vegas, showcasing the latest and greatest in 2012 car models. With dozens of manufacturers in attendance, this year’s show will be a great opportunity to check out the latest trends in cars, especially when it comes to hybrid and electric cars. Attendees will also have the chance to test drive select car models around the convention center. November 25-27, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., $6-$9. Discount tickets are available online. Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas. autoshowlv.com

Insert Coins Videolounge Gamebar Looking for something unique to do in Vegas? Want to spend some time reminiscing about your childhood love of video games? Head over to Insert Coins Videolounge Gamebar, where you can try your hand at a variety of gaming systems, including Atari 2600, Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, Xbox 360, and other arcade games. The lounge also features live DJs Thursday through Sunday. Insert Coins Videolounge Gamebar, 512 Fremont Street, Las Vegas. 702-477-2525. insertcoinslv.com 22

DAVID CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5772

13_22_Pulse.indd 22

10/24/11 5:48 PM

mingle

Ashley and Liora Herschmann with son Ari

Former Israeli tank commander and lead singer for the rock group SIREN, Ron Weinreich

friends of the israel defense forces dinner

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Hotel & Casino Tuesday,October 4 Stan and Sandy Mallin

Nancy Throne and Don Hecker

Sheldon Adelson and Major General (Res.) Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon

Members of theIsrael Defense Forces

Photographs by cashmanphoto.com

International recording artist, Leil Kolet

Officers of the Israel Defense Forces

Matthew and Shirley Kalb

(left to right) Fima Falic, FIDF National Chair Nily Falic, Event Host Dana Werner, Ruthie Norsoph, Leora Blau

NOVEMBER 2011 DAVID

23_26_Mingle.indd 23

23

10/24/11 5:49 PM

mingle

Jewish Community Center of Southern Nevada, Presents: Taste Of The jcc

@ the JCC Sunday, September 25 Photographs by Marc Frye & Tonya Harvey

24

DAVID CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5772

23_26_Mingle.indd 24

10/24/11 5:49 PM

mingle

NOVEMBER 2011 DAVID

23_26_Mingle.indd 25

25

10/24/11 5:50 PM

mingle

cosmopolitanconnections.com HOSTED BY YVETTE BROWN

AGAVE MEXICAN RESTAURANT Wednesday, October, 5 Photographs by Amit Dadlaney

26

DAVID CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5772

23_26_Mingle.indd 26

10/24/11 5:50 PM

live INSIDE sense @ 28

Vegas Book Festivals.

speak @ 32

Catching Up With Corey.

taste @ 36

Turkey Options for the Whole Year.

Jump into a good book with the Vegas Valley Book Festival and the Jewish Community Center sponsored Jewish Book Festival. Meeting dozens of authors and participate in panels and workshops given by today’s shining stars in the book world.

NOVEMBER 2011 DAVID

27_Live_Splash.indd 27

27

10/24/11 5:51 PM

sense

28

DAVID CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5772

28_31_sense_Jewish_Books.indd 28

10/24/11 5:52 PM

Dipping into the ewish J

Inkwell

An Opportunity to Meet the People of the Book

J

ews have a grand tradition as storytellers. It’s how we survive. The stories we pass down from generation to generation connect us to our parents and children. Passover, one of the more important holidays during the year, helps re-tell the story of our exodus from Egypt and keeps us from forgetting what the Lord did for us there.

Of course, as time goes on, our stories are used to teach lessons and history. The words of Shalom Aleichem (born Solomon Rabinovich 1859) gave us the stories (originally in Yiddish) of Tevye the Milkman and led to Fiddler on the Roof, the first commercially successful English language representation of Eastern European Jewry. But more importantly, it gave the generations that followed a glimpse at what life in a Ukrainian (Russian) shtetl was like.

As the Jews migrated to America and began to take on aspects of the American Dream, the stories that shaped their lives also changed.

Isaac Bashevis Singer, another Yiddish writer, told stories of his homeland (Poland) and of the immigrant experience he saw firsthand upon coming to America in 1935.

By the time the ‘50s came around, writers like Saul Bellow, Bernard Malamud and Philip Roth had taken up the challenge of translating the Jewish-American experience into words and images on the page. Each, in his own way, passed along the stories for

the next generation — letting them know it was OK to be Jewish in America. These men opened the floodgates for the Jewish writers who followed. Even if they weren’t writing explicitly about the Jewish experience, it was still there somewhere. As Malamud said, “All men are Jews, though few men know it.”

The legacy of these writers, and many others, continues to thrive — even as the Jewish Community Center of Southern Nevada launches its fourth annual Jewish Book Festival. This year, for the first time, it partners with the 10-year-old Las Vegas Valley Book Festival. The JCC’s portion of the festival is scheduled to run from Nov. 3-20, dovetailing directly into Jewish Book Month, which runs Nov. 21-Dec. 21 (ending, conveniently, the first night of Hanukkah).

Jewish Book Month is the creation of The Jewish Book Council, which was officially founded in 1943 (although it can trace its roots back to 1925), and sponsored, until 1994, by the national Jewish Community Centers Association. The “mission” of the JBC is to “Promote the reading, writing and publishing of quality Jewish content books; serve as the resource center for information about the North American Jewish literary scene; and serve as the coordinating body of Jewish literary activity in North America.”

The Las Vegas Festival, working closely with the JBC, arranged to bring four authors to town to speak about their nonfiction

projects. There will be presentations at various locations around town. Dates, times and locations are provided in DAVID Magazine’s November Explore section.

According to the JBC website, Jewish literature is in the midst of a resurgence that hasn’t been seen since the end of World War II, and they are doing everything they can to ensure this trend continues. In addition to Book Month and the Jewish Book Network (which provides resources and programs to more than 100 member organizations and authors), the JBC also administers the Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature (see sidebar). As they rightly point out, “The preservation, transmission, study, interpretation and celebration of both sacred and secular texts have been, and remain, hallmarks of Jewish civilization.

Jewish learning embodied in the printed word has played a crucial role in the development and strengthening of Jewish communities throughout the world.” Despite this, no novelists are scheduled to make an appearance at the festival.

With that in mind, here are the titles to look for at the Festival. Enjoy talking to the authors, mingling with other readers and get an autograph or two while you there they may be worth a fortune in years to come.

— By Jaq Greenspon NOVEMBER 2011 DAVID

28_31_sense_Jewish_Books.indd 29

29

10/24/11 5:53 PM

Howard Cosell: The Man, the Myth, and the Transformation of American Sports by Mark Ribowsky Former Monday Night Football host Howard Cosell was a megastar in the sports world, providing real and heartfelt coverage of a variety of sporting events.

He was among the first to announce the death of John Lennon and reported live from Munich during the attacks on Olympic athletes in 1972. Howard Cosell: The Man, the Myth, and the Transformation of American Sports is the first full biography of the legendary sports host and covers a number of aspects of his life, with interviews from a wide range of people who knew him well.

Confidential: The Life of Secret Agent Turned Tycoon — Arnon Milchan by Joseph Gelman Joseph Gelman takes us inside the life of Arnon Milchan, he shares with us a story that seems to have come straight off the silver screen.

From his life as a secret agent to a Hollywood tycoon who gave dozens of stars the boost they needed, Milchan was a force to be reckoned with. Producer of such films as Pretty Woman, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, among others, Milchan is the sort of person people looked up to.

As Peter Chernin, former CEO of Fox Entertainment Group, said “Never, never tell jokes about a man with easy access to weapons of mass destruction.

Feed Me Bubbe: Recipes and Wisdom From America’s Favorite Online Grandmother by Avrom Honig

30

Everyone has at least one person in their family who can cook. For Avrom Honig, it was his grandmother.

What began as an online television show on JLTV has spun into a cookbook that is loved and adored by millions of people. Honig, a recent broadcast graduate and Al Roker intern, shares his life growing up in an Orthodox household and all the wonderful memories and lessons learned through his grandmother’s now-famous Kosher recipes.

acclaimed. And his last book, Walking Israel, won a Jewish National Book Award. The List, his first novel, is a semiautobiographical piece, which follows Austrian refugees, Edith and Georg, in the years immediately following the end of World War II. The couple deals with rising waves of antiSemitism in their adopted home of London, as the horrors of the world did not end with the destruction of the Nazi death camps.

Seeing Israeli and Jewish Dance

by Judith Brin Ingber

The Inquisitor’s Apprentice by Chris Moriarty

Author Judith Brin Ingber has collaborated with a variety of people to probe the dance scene in Israel.

The book explores viewpoints on numerous topics, including the role of women in Israeli and Jewish dance and the ways in which dancing has honored the memory and culture of Judaism, during a time when what it means to be Jewish is changing constantly. Ingber, a choreographer, dancer, and dance scholar, has compiled many wonderful essays on the topic of dance, as well as the many other topics that shoot off from it.

Chris Moriarty’s latest book is the only young adult title on this list.

Her previous books include Philip K. Dick nominees and winners but this fantasy is a big departure for her.

That said, this tale of a “young Jewish boy who discovers a talent for seeing magic and is apprenticed to the feared and hated NYPD Inquisitors” is garnering rave reviews. The illustrations by Mark Edward Geyer are delightfully detailed pen and ink drawings that capture the whimsical flavor of Moriarty’s prose.

Here are some more books — either published recently or out soon — for you to keep an eye out for while wandering through the your favorite brick and mortar or digital bookstore’s tome-strewn aisles.

The List by Martin Fletcher Martin Fletcher is no stranger to the spotlight, having been a TV journalist for more than 40 years. His two previous books, both nonfiction, were critically

The Vices by Lawrence Douglas The “Vices” in Lawrence Douglas’ second novel refer not to a collection of bad habits but to a family, which itself may come to personify those habits. The murder mystery has an unnamed

DAVID CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5772

28_31_sense_Jewish_Books.indd 30

10/24/11 5:54 PM

narrator trying to discover the truth behind the supposed suicide of his friend, Oliver Vice, over the side of the Queen Elizabeth 2. The search for the truth will take the story through many years and to exotic European locales. In the end, our narrator may discover more about himself than about the mystery.

The Emperor of Lies by Steve SemSandberg (Sarah Death) A best-seller (and winner of the August Prize) in Steve SemSandberg’s native Sweden, this sprawling epic takes historical fact and blends it into a powerful story of survival.

Set in the Polish ghetto of Lódz, from 1940-1945, the story looks at the rule of Mordechai Chaim Rumkowski, the local businessman the Nazis appointed to oversee nearly 250,000 Jewish inhabitants. The Emperor of Lies is SemSandberg’s first book translated into English, with the task handled by Swedish writer Sarah Death.

In The King’s Arms by Sonia Taitz In The King’s Arms is the In the King’s Arms first novel from essayist and professional parent Sonia Taitz Sonia Taitz. Her book Mothering Heights: Reclaiming Parenting from the Experts was an international best-seller, and advance praise for this new work promises the same result. The book follows the story of a daughter of Holocaust survivors who wins a scholarship to Harvard University.

While there, she falls in love with a decidedly non-Jewish son of a wealthy, anti-Semitic family. Henry Feingold, emeritus professor of American Jewish “Sonia Taitz’s writing is touching, endearing and wise.” —Kirkus Reviews

History at the City University of New York, declares it “nothing short of stupendous.”

Hope: A Tragedy by Shalom Auslander Shalom Auslander has written numerous essays, short pieces and even a memoir dealing with his estrangement from his Orthodox upbringing and how he’s come to terms with it. With Hope: A Tragedy, he makes the leap to novelist, translating all that angst into a quirky, witty piece with unforgettable characters and, ultimately, a compelling story and quick read.

Selected Poems, Plays and Prose

by Izak Goller Before Izak Goller died in 1939, he was a teacher, poet, playwright, philosopher and novelist in Liverpool, England. He was also a devout Zionist, which colored much of his work. This new collection, based on extensive academic research, serves as a reintroduction to his fiction and poetry, and a previously unpublished (and only recently discovered) novel.

Goller also was an amateur artist, and the book contains reproductions of many of his cartoons and illustrations.

a novel

“A gloriously rendered novel.”

—Betsy Carter, author of The Puzzle King

Pale Blue Ink in a Lady’s Hand by Franz Werfel (James Reidel) Franz Werfel is probably the most well-known name on this list, having published the New York Times bestseller The Song of Bernadette in 1942. Pale Blue Ink in a Lady’s Hand is the last of his novels (he died in 1945) translated into English. This short book tells the

story of a love triangle between “an Austrian bureaucrat, his younger, trophy wife Amelie, and a Jewish woman from his past, Vera Wormser, with whom he’d fallen in love when she was fourteen.” Even though the words date from 1940, when put in context they show a remarkable prescience for the world that was to come.

The Conversation by Joshua Golding This is Joshua Golding’s first work of fiction.

He long published in the fields of theology and philosophy. In this work, professor Golding gives us the character of David Goldstein, whom we follow during his four years at university.

David becomes a direct participant in numerous conversations about theology and religious identification, topics Golding knows incredibly well. By the end, he will have thoroughly examined some complex issues and we, as readers, will be invited to reach our own conclusions.

The Muse of Ocean Parkway and Other Stories by Jacob Lampart This collection of short stories won the New Rivers Press fiction contest in 2009, leading to its publication this year. Lampart was born in Poland in 1946, finally making his way to Brooklyn, where he grew up, in 1950.

The stories in this collection, several of which have appeared previously in some of the country’s top literary magazines, including Commentary and Green Mountain Review, look at the Jewish American experience and, according to C. Michael Curtis of The Atlantic, “awaken memories of early Philip Roth and forever Bernard Malamud.”

NOVEMBER 2011 DAVID

28_31_sense_Jewish_Books.indd 31

31

10/24/11 5:54 PM

speak

32

DAVID CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5772

32_35_speak_Cory.indd 32

10/24/11 5:56 PM

Fired and Loafing “

I lost the only real job I had in Las Vegas.

— Corey Levitan

M

y email password at the newspaper was still working. So I decided to check in — what the hey — and see how many of my old readers missed me.

There was only one message, but it warmed my heart.

“We want you back, Corey!” read the subject heading.

When I opened it, I found out how sorry Consumer Reports was to see my subscription lapse.

Last month, I was named best newspaper columnist in Nevada by the state press association. This prestigious honor came with a side of bittersweet irony: I no longer have

”

a newspaper column. I was laid off in June.

And the irony runs deeper. No one has held more jobs in the history of Las Vegas, and now I can’t find another one. I sampled 170 occupations for “Fear and Loafing,” the humor column I launched in 2006. They included washing the windows at the top of the Stratosphere, scrubbing outdoor PortaPotties in August and go-go dancing in a thong at a gay bar.

But when I brought a souped-up version of my column to the biggest alt-weeklies in town, they all passed.

Hmm, I wonder if the gay bar will take me back for real. (I did make $11 in tips that night.)

NOVEMBER 2011 DAVID

32_35_speak_Cory.indd 33

33

11/2/11 9:39 AM

Coming to a large Vegas paper from a small Los Angeles one was beyondwildest-dreams great. I was tackling the most insane assignments in the world’s most insane city — along with my deepest personal fears, which saved on frequently prescribed therapy.

I starred in television and radio commercials. I threw out the first pitch at a major-league exhibition game. I couldn’t walk through either Sun City without cheek-pinching from admiring newspaper subscribers. (If my wife ever betrays me, as I frequently remind her, she can be replaced in a flash by any number of willing babes with removable teeth.)

I have this theory that Las Vegas, for whatever reason, allows people to achieve three levels more of success than they deserve in any normal city. (If you don’t believe me, ask Criss Angel, Terry Fator or the ghost of fat Elvis.)

By my fifth year at the paper, however, most of my fun was drowned out by a slightly different experience: terror. Not only was my column demoted from weekly to monthly, but my job was threatened on a daily basis by a new editorial regime that didn’t seem to get what it was I did that was so great or

even so remunerable.

I don’t claim to know what the trenches of Iraq are like. But I can definitely report how it feels to show up for duty every morning curious if it will be the last time you get to see your buddies. For weeks at a stretch, just getting five hours sleep required a nightly Xanax.

Of the nine-and-a-half reporters working in our department, efficiency experts declared, all our work could be accomplished by four. (Explanation for the half: We had one reporter who was also an editor. Either that or it referred to my stature.)

I tried every trick in my book. I bought a new, dress code-friendly Kohl’s wardrobe. I stopped passing gas at my cubicle.

I hauled my newborn daughter into the office. (On Facebook, I called it Skylar Levitan’s meet-everyone-who-can-possibly-lay-Daddy-off tour.)

“Don’t worry,” said one of my co-workers.

“They would never lay off one of their most popular writers.” (That guy was laid off, too, by the way.)

Any way you look at my particular skill set, “essential to the production of a newspaper” is never what you come up with.

Look, I’m simply reporting what hap-

pened to me. I’m not trying to frame it as anything particularly tragic or even unusual. All over the world, corporations are trying to preserve their lives by gutting their own vital organs. This is especially true here in Las Vegas, where more than 14 percent of us perpetually can’t find work. And it’s truer for newspaper reporters, who find themselves only slightly more in demand than telegraph operators. (Since the editor and publisher who hired me were shown the door last November, nearly a third of my former colleagues have followed them through it.)

“I’m afraid I’m going to have to … ,” said my new editor.

I knew this couldn’t be good. You’re not summoned to the big guy’s office to receive a raise or a better parking space. But no amount of worrying in the world prepared me for the completion of that sentence, which unfolded in such slow motion it feels as though it continues to this day … “ … let you go.”

Other than the death of a childhood friend, nothing has ever hurt my gut as much — although that time I got my rib broken by a bloodthirsty female boxing champ came close.

Don’t gamble with your Las Vegas real estate.

Elizabeth Schwartz Fray Broker Salesman REALTOR 702.236.1616 elizabeth@schwartzfraygroup.com

Phyllis R. Schwartz Broker Salesman REALTOR 702.378.2808 phylschwar@aol.com

Two generations of real estate experience with more than 56 years of combined experience.

Specializing in Residential, High Rise, Commercial and Land.

Experienced and succesful short sale and foreclosure agents.

Las Vegas Avoid Foreclosure… for information visit www.lasvegasavoidforeclosure.com 34

DAVID CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5772

32_35_speak_Cory.indd 34

10/24/11 5:57 PM

Newspapers never announce when they dump popular writers. And since my column began appearing only on the first Sunday of every month, readers were forgetting when it was published anyway. So my face simply disappeared.

Except that it didn’t. I still show it at Vons, the Summerlin post office and my favorite Thai happy-ending massage parlor.

(Just kidding, of course. Vons is too expensive for unemployed people to patronize.)

Without a gig, though, the public recognition I receive now is reminiscent of Gary Coleman: the security guard years.

Last month in an overcrowded Costco, some overweight dude with a Brooklyn accent screamed at the top of his lungs: “Yo, Corey! You do all these jobs. Go open another register!”

Which is great. But then he wanted what Larry David once dubbed the “stop and chat.” I used to love chatting with readers, but now it’s a big ball of awkward. Should I have bummed Mr. Brooklyn out with an update? No, and I continue to resist. People have their own troubles; they don’t need to hear mine. (Hopefully, he’s reading this now and getting set straight. He did sound Jewish.)

Unlike most of my former colleagues, I eventually got lucky enough to find some journalism work. I now blog about TV shows for msn.com.

But it’s just freelance (“free” being the operative word, since it pays a third of what my old job did). And there’s no place for the funny voice I entered journalism to cultivate.

But, hey, I’m not complaining. For one thing, my wife still works fulltime. DAVID promises more of the kind of work I love, so look for it here on a regular basis. And my home office has the best dress code ever: testicles covered (except on casual Fridays).

Plus, I lied to you before. I do have a fulltime job: keeping a miniature human being alive. As a matter of fact, stay-at-home dad is the most important job I’ve ever held.

I won’t bore you with the sort of “Mr. Mom” detail that causes me to hide close friends from my own Facebook feed. Suffice to say that only once in life will I overestimate the fastening power of a bloated diaper.

I suppose if this challenge had to present itself at some point in my life, now’s perfect. How many other dads get to spend most of their child’s first year in the same

room? (Actually, in this economy, I’m sure there are plenty. But I made myself feel good by typing that, so shut up.)

And while it’s true that earning the same paycheck I did at age 22 puts a serious crimp in my family’s ability to afford shelter and food simultaneously, the anxiety about finding a job is surprisingly less acute than the anxiety about losing one. (The bottle of Xanax I haven’t touched since June can attest to that.)

Recently at Trader Joe’s, a gray-haired lady kept staring. Eventually, she approached and told me how what I do is so great and special, I should be proud of myself.

It’s moments like these that give me the hope to press onward.

Smiling and nodding, I listened to her gush and thank me for at least another minute before it clicked: I was wearing the T-shirt given me after the day I spent with Las Vegas Fire Station 1.

She thought I was a firefighter.

“You’re very welcome,” I said.

Links to Corey Levitan’s humor articles are posted at www.coreylevitan.com.

— By Corey Levitan

Relax and enjoy the season’s festivities

g Handlints, all eveneddings, ,w caterinngdraising, fu s, birthdasyarys r e iv ann more. and

BOOK YOUR COMPANY HOLIDAY PARTY

BY NOV. 25 & RECEIVE

15% off total food bill To Book: 702-327-5074 or desiree@OriginIndiaRestaurant.com PURCHASE $100 IN GIFT CERTIFICATES AND RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL $15 GIFT CARD 4480 Paradise Road, #1200 | Across from the Hard Rock Hotel 702.73-INDIA (4-6342) | www.originindiarestaurant.com NOVEMBER 2011 DAVID Origin_India_11_2011.indd 1 32_35_speak_Cory.indd 35

35

10/19/11 12:16 PM 10/24/11 5:57 PM

taste

Thanksgiving 365 Great Turkey Dinners the Rest of the Year

36_39_taste_Turkey.indd 36

10/28/11 10:01 AM

T

hanksgiving is a great holiday. It’s a weekend of three F’s football, family and most definitely food. As a general rule, Thanksgiving is a time to overdose on turkey. And, while leftovers are typically plentiful the week after, what are we to do the other 51 weeks a year? Where do we go to get a turkey fix in, say, April? With that in mind, we scoured the Valley to identify some of the best year-round Thanksgiving-esque offerings.

Farm Basket’s Great Gobbler While Farm Basket’s barnlike structure should be easy to spot, you’ll miss it if you don’t keep your eyes peeled. If you’ve lived in the Valley for any appreciable length of time, you’ve probably passed by it at some point. If you haven’t visited, I’m here to tell you it’s about time you dropped in on this Valley classic, near the intersection of Jones and Charleston.

Farm Basket has been serving chicken and turkey for more than a generation, a rarity in Las Vegas where venues reinvent themselves on a regular basis. While there used to be a number of Farm Baskets throughout the Valley, only the Charleston one remains today. Farm Basket claims it was the nation’s first chicken company to offer a drive-thru. Who am I to disagree with a claim of that magnitude?

The menu’s simple, a number of fried chicken offerings with a turkey option slyly lurking — the Great Gobbler. Like the Farm Basket itself, the Great Gobbler is simple: a deep fried, made-toorder turkey breast nestled inside a sliced hoagie roll, with a slather of Miracle Whip and a small container of cranberry sauce by its side.

Nothing more. Simple and simply delicious.

This is not haute cuisine, but rather a throwback to when sandwiches were served with minimal accoutrements. Could it

Bachi Burger’s Lonely Bird

use some garnish? Perhaps. Lettuce and tomato may help, but the turkey is perfectly fried and the cranberry sauce provides some flair; Miracle Whip adds a touch of creaminess.

Why not try this classic yourself? Consider it a history lesson on the Valley’s culinary beginnings, and a chance to treat yourself to a sandwich that’s unavailable elsewhere in town.

Bachi Burger’s Lonely Bird Bachi Burger would seem an unlikely locale for good turkey. This Asian-inspired BBQ burger joint’s menu features a myriad of red meat offerings, and the Lonely Bird. It’s a play on a traditional Japanese offering — tsukune — that’s essentially a chicken meatball; however, Bachi’s take on tsukune is a melding of chicken and turkey in a wonderfully moist patty.

My biggest qualm with turkey burgers is that they tend to be dry.

Often, this is due to turkey being a low-fat protein that needs to be cooked to medium to ensure it’s done. The Lonely Bird, augmented by the chicken, is consistently juicy, however, thanks perhaps to an assist from the herb pesto. It’s simply a REALLY good turkey burger.

Of course, all Bachi burgers are served on wonderful buns. Made locally in a Chinatown bakery, and to the restaurant’s specifications, they are slightly sweet and incredibly light – perfectly addictive and the perfect complement to the wonderful patties. This attention to detail rounds out a wonderful turkey burger experience and begs the question: Can such a delicious repast truly be lonely?

Republic Kitchen and Bar’s Turkey Pot Pie

Republic Kitchen and Bar’s Turkey Pot Pie

Republic is a hip hangout in the Henderson area, with interesting twists on standard classic American fare. Among its offerings are a remarkable Kobe Sloppy Joe, memorable tuna nachos and can’t-getenough-of-them, deep-fried PB&J bites (yeah, they’re as good as they sound). What you’ll also find is an outstanding turkey pot pie — a quintessential comfort food.

If there’s a better one in town, I’m not certain where it’s being served. Republic’s riff on the American classic is chock full of turkey and myriad fresh vegetables, including sweet corn, green peas and carrots. The sweetness of the maple-roasted turkey gets lost in the satisfying filling. But what truly sets the pie apart from the crowd NOVEMBER 2011 DAVID

36_39_taste_Turkey.indd 37

37

10/24/11 5:58 PM

Homemade Greek Food

is the crust — remarkably flaky and buttery — in which the savory mixture resides.

The light and airy pastry combines with the heavy, creamy filling for a wonderfully balanced dish. It’s a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meal that you’ll be hard-pressed to finish in one sitting. But no matter how much of the dish you eat, you don’t want to scrimp on the crust

Sierra Gold’s Turkey Burger

WWW.MARKETGRILLECAFE.COM GET 15% DISCOUNT OFF BILL WITH THIS AD ve expires 11/31/11 We’ d e Mov 7070 N. DURANGO DRIVE 7175 W. LAKE MEAD BLVD, STE. 230 (Corner of Elkhorn & Durango, next to Centennial hospital) LAS VEGAS, NV 89128 LAS VEGAS, NV 89149 (702) 564-7335 (702) 396-0070

Market_Grille11_2011.indd 1

Sierra Gold, the higher-end option in the PT’s chain of restaurant/ bars, is known for its diverse menu. I’m particularly fond of the Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Onion Rings, which are exactly what you’d expect. The Cheetos heat contributes nicely to the overall flavor, elevating this appetizer above standard bar fare.

An order of the rings would go wonderfully alongside one of the best pure turkey burgers in town. Sierra Gold offers a variety of burger toppings. My favorites are the Ortega chiles. The slight heat they provide is a nice complement to the inherently mild turkey, as is the seasoning applied in the kitchen to the meat itself.

Neither overwhelms the burger, and you won’t forget it’s a turkey patty you’re eating. Kudos to the kitchen, which turns out a perfect rendition of this tough-to-get-it-right burger on a regular basis.

If Ortega chiles aren’t quite your style, consider some of these burger-enhancing options: How about grilled mushrooms for more umami flavor? Or roasted red peppers for a sharp, smoky infusion?

Still, not sure? You’ve got 31 other choices. As Black Sheep put it in their classic hit, “The Choice is Yours!”

10/17/11 3:41 PM

Sierra Gold’s Turkey Burger

Carlos’ Kitchen’s Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

www.sholombook.com

38

I suspect the most polarizing inclusion on this list will be Carlos’ Kitchen’s turkey cranberry sandwich over Capriotti’s Bobby.

Capriotti’s, now headquartered in Las Vegas, has quite the local following. Still, I’ve never been terribly impressed with their turkey.

I’ve always found it unbearably dry. Occasionally, in a moment of weakness, I forget and order it again. It never fails to disappoint.

Capriotti’s is a ubiquitous local chain. Carlos’ Kitchen is hidden away in the nondescript Charlie’s Saloon on Durango. You wouldn’t expect to find high-quality cooking from a Strip-pedigreed chef in a location like this, but there it is paired with the typical Valley gaming bar. Chef Carlos opened inside the local bar and continues to impress patrons who track him down.

His turkey cranberry sandwich, the antithesis to the Bobby, is

DAVID CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5772

36_39_taste_Turkey.indd 38

10/24/11 5:59 PM

KingDavid_DavidMag ad:3.8125x10.375

9/24/11

5:23 PM

Page 1

Nevada’s only Funeral Home and Cemetery combination dedicated exclusively to the Jewish Community

Carlos’ Kitchen’s Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

worth the pilgrimage. No shredded turkey or dryness here. Just layers of turkey atop buttery grilled rye bread, finished with fresh spinach leaves and a house-made cranberry mayo.

The familiar cranberry-turkey combination conjures Thanksgiving thoughts, and the sandwich is a delicious metaphor for the season.

You could do a lot worse.

— Jim Begley

• Southern Nevada consecrated Jewish cemetery • Proudly serving all Jewish denominations • Elegant 250 seat Allen Brewster Memorial Chapel • Knowledgeable and caring Jewish staff • Special Veterans Pricing Plan • Special Synagogue Pricing Plan • Burials out-of-state and Eretz Yisrael Endorsed by the entire Rabbinic community, meeting the needs of every denomination with tradition and compassion.

Farm Basket

6148 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas 702.878.6343 10 am – 9 pm daily www.farmbasketchicken.com

Bachi Burger

470 E. Windmill Lane, Suite 100, Las Vegas 702.242.2244 11 am – 2 am Tues – Sat; and Noon – 10 p.m. Sun www.bachiburger.com

Jay Poster Funeral Director, Manager & Founder

Irv Weinberger Counselor, Family Services

Sheryl Chenin-Webb Counselor, Family Services

Bobbie Sgrillo Counselor, Family Services

Republic Kitchen & Bar

9470 S. Eastern Ave., Las Vegas 702.463.3500 11 am -2 am M-F and Sat; Sun 9 am – 2 am www.republickitchenandbar.com

Sierra Gold

Various locations throughout the Valley Open 24 hours a day www.sierragoldlv.com

Carlo’s Kitchen at Charlie’s Saloon 4420 S. Durango Drive, Las Vegas 702.207.6556 11 am – 11 pm daily www.carloskitchenlv.com

A Dignity Memorial® Provider

2697 East Eldorado Lane Las Vegas, NV 89120 702-464-8570 www.kingdavidlv.com NOVEMBER 2011 DAVID

36_39_taste_Turkey.indd 39

39

10/24/11 6:00 PM

40_41_Think_Splash.indd 40

10/24/11 6:01 PM

think INSIDE Lets Talk Turkey@42

Taking a Look at Our Thanksgiving Dinner, From Pilgrims to Perdue.

It’s Miller’s Time@46

Understanding This Pittsburgh Rapper’s Smile.

Daniel Pipes@52

An Interview With the Right Perspective?

If you look up “most dope” in the Urban Dictionary you get Mac Miller. With his debut album on its way, booked out venues and growing ranks of most dope fans, there is no holding this heeb back.

This steel city rapper is clearly taking off.

NOVEMBER 2011 DAVID

40_41_Think_Splash.indd 41

41

10/24/11 6:02 PM

Let’s Talk Turkey, S Our Thanksgiving Repast has Quite a Story....

By Pat Teague

B

y some estimates, the predecessors of the birds that grace our holiday tables these days were already around 50-60 million years ago. And fossils from more modern turkeys have been found in Pleistocene epoch deposits dating back 12,000 years and beyond.

Historians tell us wild turkeys known as Meleagris ocellata, originally from the Yucatán and substantially smaller than their American counterparts, were domesticated in what now is Mexico between 200 B.C.E. and 700 C.E. When Europeans encountered turkeys in the Americas, they misidentified them as guineafowl, which were known overseas as turkey fowl (or the turkey hen and turkey cock), based on the bird’s importation to Central Europe through Turkey. That identifier, shortened to just the name of the country, stuck for the American bird. Hence, the turkey.

Colonists also brought European domesticated turkeys with them to America, where they eventually were bred with the Eastern Wild Turkey, or Meleagris gallopavo. Out of that union came the oldest American breed, the Narragansett, one of seven Standard varieties the American Poultry Association catalogs.

Ben Franklin suggested the wild turkey was a more suitable national symbol than the bald eagle. His apologia for the turkey came in a letter, dated Jan. 26, 1784, to his daughter Sarah Bache: For my own part I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen the Representative of our Country. He does not get his Living honestly.

You may have seen him perched on some dead Tree near the River, where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the Labour of the Fishing Hawk; and when that diligent Bird has at length taken a Fish, and is bearing it to his Nest for the Support of his Mate and young Ones, the Bald Eagle pursues him and takes it from him.

“With all this Injustice, he is never in good Case but like those among Men who live by Sharping & Robbing he is generally poor and often very lousy. Besides he is a rank Coward: The little King Bird not bigger than a Sparrow attacks him boldly and drives him out of the District. … For the Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America... He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on.

By some accounts, in pre-settlement America there were roughly 10 million wild turkeys roaming the eastern parts of what now is the United States. The turkeys were a major food source for many 42

DAVID CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5772

42_45_Talking_Turkey.indd 42

10/24/11 6:03 PM

, Shall We? American Indians, though the Cheyenne and Apaches reportedly would not eat the fowl.

Other tribes used the turkey feathers to make robes and blankets and headdresses, and as fletching for their hunting arrows. Turkey bones could be fashioned into tools.

Europeans who came to the New World found wild turkeys inhabiting parts of what are now 39 states. Some of the newcomers reported flocks of turkeys numbering in the hundreds of thousands, birds that apparently were quite approachable.

Only the males, known as gobblers or toms, make the familiar turkey gobbling sound, a mating call to the hens. When a female inevitably shows up, it’s strutting time.

The circling tom fans his tail, lifts it, drops his wings so the tips drag the ground, raises the feathers on his back, bill forward, and pumps up his formidable crop. The tom also makes a “chump” sound during the routine, followed by a low “hum” and a fluttering of tail feathers. While strutting, his facial skin engorges – and the colors intensify, particularly the white forehead.

Get the picture? The hens did.

Domestic turkeys have white-tipped tails, according to National Geographic, because they are descendants of the Mexican subspecies that the Spanish visitors took back to Europe in the early 16th century for domestication. The white tip distinguishes the domestic turkey from its wild cousin, though captive diet, lifestyle and breeding have also been cited as the cause of other discrepancies, according to the society.

So what about that first “thanksgiving” in the fall of 1621, near Plymouth? Was wild turkey on the menu for the settlers and the Wampanoags? Many historians believe it was. No one is too sure about the date the three-day feast began, but it was sometime between late September and November.

Of course, in those days “thanksgiving” was almost the opposite of what we think of today. It was a time set aside to praise God for blessings, such as a fruitful harvest, a victory in battle or a drought-breaking downpour. It was a time for rectitude, for fasting, not gluttony.

It was generally a one-day event. George Washington called for a day of thanksgiving in December 1777 after the defeat of the British at Saratoga, N.Y. Washington also would call for days of thanksgiving while he was president, as did John Adams and James Madison and Abraham Lincoln.

Editor Sarah Josepha Buell Hale, author of the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” famously lobbied Lincoln and several presidents before him for a national day of thanksgiving. Her early letters to the other chief executives failed to persuade, but the one NOVEMBER 2011 DAVID

42_45_Talking_Turkey.indd 43

43

10/24/11 6:03 PM

she wrote Lincoln — coming at a time of great national sorrow and angst — gained traction with the 16th president. He supported legislation establishing a national holiday of Thanksgiving in 1863.

But what the Pilgrims and others who survived that first year of incredible hardship and death in Massachusetts enjoyed with the Wampanoags was a multi-day feast. The Native American guests had taught the newcomers about indigenous crops like corn, and how to fish and hunt turkey and other game.

Of course, as pioneers pushed west, cutting and clearing virgin forest, the turkey’s habitat was altered or disappeared altogether.

Later, the birds were the targets of heavy market hunting. By the mid-19th century, the wild turkey had been eliminated from nearly half its original range, historians say.

Incredibly, by the early 20th century, only about 30,000 turkeys remained. But by 1920, millions of acres the pioneers had cleared had regenerated, providing new woodland areas. More and more conservation laws were enacted, fostering a revival of the wild turkey once more.

Far more has been done since then, with state and federal wildlife agencies spending funds generated by hunting licenses and the like on turkey revival projects. The National Wild Turkey Federation reportedly contributed $82 million for similar efforts.

Now, the wild turkey has been restored to its original range, as well as many other regions. By some estimates, the wild turkey population has swelled to 4.5 million birds and is spread over 49 states (but not in Alaska). Loss of habitat and other environmental factors are still concerns to wild turkey enthusiasts. However, populations of the big birds are expected to remain at high levels.

44

In America these days, of course, the nonflying commercial bird rules the economic roost. It is from these carefully developed flocks that the multibillion-dollar turkey industry gets the frozen or deli product that ends up in our grocery stores, or as breeding and laying stock. Five states dominate the production of commercial turkeys, with Minnesota, North Carolina and Arkansas atop the pyramid.

These days, the turkey industry has been reshaped from a singleproduct, holiday-driven business into a fully integrated commercial enterprise, with a diversified product line designed to compete with other protein products on a year-round basis. Think sliced turkey, smoked turkey, honey-baked turkey, on the supermarket shelf, and turkey sandwiches at home.

By the industry’s accounting, per capita consumption of turkey meat has increased by 102 percent since 1970 in North America.

Forty years ago, half of all turkey consumption occurred during the holiday period. Now, that percentage has fallen closer to 30 percent, the industry reports.

Last year, each American consumed an average of 16.4 pounds of turkey, twice as much as in 1970. Other data put the amount at 17.6 pounds of turkey per capita, an impressive number, but still far behind chicken (83.5 pounds), beef (62.8 pounds) and pork (49.5).

But the turkey processing industry, which supposedly provides some 25,000 American jobs, has been wracked by the U.S. downturn.

In 2009, the industry generated $3.57 billion in sales, down just over 20 percent from the previous year, according to eatturkey.com.

The industry has suffered a double blow from higher commodity prices and lower consumer spending. As a result, some purveyors have cut production in hopes of driving up prices, while others have

DAVID CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5772

42_45_Talking_Turkey.indd 44

10/24/11 6:04 PM

actually increased output, Watt Poultry reports.

As with so many integrated industries in America, bigger companies dominate the turkey world. Innovation has led to fewer hatcheries and greater production, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

The modern process usually is broken up among several farms — laying facilities, incubators, brooder barn and slaughterhouses. The industry also has figured out how to make its birds fatter. A quarter century ago, the average bird weighed 20 pounds. Today, it’s closer to 30.

Ground turkey is growing in popularity in the United States, but whole turkeys are still the major sell. According to eatturkey.com, about 43 percent of the turkeys sold go to grocery stores, some 24 percent of the output ends up in commodity outlets, another 18 percent goes to food-service outlets and something close to 10 percent is exported. Mexico is the biggest buyer, at some 360 million pounds of turkey, with China (86 million), Russia (26 million) and Canada (22 million) far behind.

Organic production of turkeys hasn’t done particularly well compared to that segment in other food industries. Just a fraction of the birds are raised that way.

According to the Toronto Star, regulations against outdoor turkey growing (to prevent the spread of disease) have stunted the output.

And a report from Iowa State University notes that organic turkeys need 25 percent more space and take 14 weeks to grow to about 11 pounds, versus 10 weeks in a factory.

The top five turkey producers feature some well-known names, with Butterball LLC at the top of the pecking order, followed by Jennie-O (named for the daughter of the founder), Cargill Value Added Meats, Farbest Foods and Kraft Foods Inc./ Oscar Mayer.

Minnesota is home to Jennie-O, owned by Hormel Foods, and Cargill. Butterball, a joint venture of Smithfield Foods and Goldsboro Milling Co., is headquartered in North Carolina. Tyson is in Arkansas.

The turkey production process is described by some observers as “hellish.” It is not something to read about, or to see a documentary on, just before your holiday meal. It is a world designed to produce eggs and whole turkeys as quickly as possible, and the process certainly has its detractors in People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and others.

Because of their overdeveloped breasts, live turkeys in this environment could not mate even if they had the desire. Semen is coaxed from the males, and hens are inseminated artificially.

As soon as she lays an egg that eventually will hatch into a poult, the hen is inseminated again. The process is repeated for about six months, at which time the hen is “spent.” Some producers then ship the hens off to be slaughtered for their meat, or have them reconditioned, sometimes through forced molting, for another round of “breeding.”

Eggs are scooped up, shipped to a hatchery and placed in large incubators, set for high speed with bright lights and optimal heat and humidity. The eggs hatch in less than a month.

The poults that emerge are quickly transformed — it takes 14-18 weeks — into whole turkeys for slaughter, using feeding, housing, surgical and lighting techniques along the way that are designed to optimize growth and survivability.

Butterball, for example, has seven plants capable of processing more than 1 billion total pounds of live turkey each year. The company says its 26,000 delivery trucks collectively travel some 30 million miles a year, distributing to all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Thanks — for Nothing Hey, gobble this, Miles Standish!

I mean, how would you feel at this time of year if you were a self-respecting tom like myself? Sort of like Marie Antoinette being told by Robespierre that she’ll be at the “head” table.

C’mon, man!

Sure, this is a dissenting point of view. Get used to it. You think I should be caught up in your solemn, autumnal reverie, grateful and honored to be fattened up for the occasion?

Seriously?

How’d you like being the “center of attention” on a day set aside for feasting — on you? Chop. Chop.

Pardon me, while I give you the bird, butterball.

Oh, and speaking of pardoning, that’s really hilarious every year when the prez “pardons” one of my feathered friends at the White House, trotting him out for all the world to see. Ha-ha. Talk about a captive audience.

All I’ve got to say is, “Thank you very much. I won’t be here all week.”

That rollicking pardon stuff goes back to the days of Honest Abe. Of course, the annual hilarity really got going in ’47 with Harry Truman. In case you hadn’t noticed, Harry, the pluck stops here. How about pardoning all of us, bro, even the hens?

Didn’t think so.

Nope, it ain’t fun being a turkey this time of year. Not any time of the year — no matter how you slice it.

I’m just saying.

“It all started in a sun-burnished field near Plymouth, Mass., on a crisp fall day. The year was 1621. A beat-up ship lay at anchor nearby …”

Cue the harp music. Pass the corn. I’m gonna be sick.

— Tom Turkey

NOVEMBER 2011 DAVID

42_45_Talking_Turkey.indd 45

45

10/24/11 6:04 PM

It’s Miller’s Time This Pittsburgh Rapper is the Main Attraction

By Sami Yenigun Photographs by Justin Boyd

A

t just over 30 million views, the video that made Mac Miller a viral success is named for someone who, until now, had little to do with hip-hop.

From atop his lofty media tower, Donald Trump spotted the young entertainer’s rapid rise — Miller won’t turn 20 until January — and dubbed him the next great white rapper.

“I haven’t actually seen the language (of the video),” the real estate mogul says. “It’s a little hard to understand on the song itself. Probably, it’s not the cleanest language you’ve ever heard, but this kid is the new Eminem.”

Eight smile road Detroit rapper Eminem, real name Marshall Mathers, came up in the late 1990s and early 2000s as a foul-mouthed punk who had suburban teens drooling and their parents shaking their heads. At around the same time that pop princess Britney Spears was ruling the airwaves, the media storm that surrounded Eminem put him front and center of an industry looking for a rebel. Is this what’s happening with Miller?

Eminem’s white, Miller’s white. Check. Eminem raps, Miller raps. Check. Eminem rose as an angry agent of counterculture and took mainstream music by storm with a much-hyped, controversial major label debut. Mac Miller? Check again.

But where Eminem’s The Slim Shady LP was a dark foray into the inner workings of a rapper dealing with depression and insanity, Miller’s Best Day Ever mixtape has a more positive outlook on the world.

Though Trump is right about the profanity in the “Donald Trump” lyrics, he’s wrong in his Eminem-Miller comparison.

Miller’s a kid. And, like other kids, he enjoys smoking pot, chasing girls and partying. Miller curses aren’t aggressive

46

DAVID CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5772

46_51_Mac_Miller.indd 46

10/24/11 6:06 PM

NOVEMBER 2011 DAVID

46_51_Mac_Miller.indd 47

47

10/24/11 6:06 PM

threats as Shady’s were. He swears because that’s what kids do. He’s just happy to be “On (his) Donald Trump S***.”

Mac Miller was born Malcolm McCormick and grew up in Pittsburgh. He was raised Jewish by his mother, had a Bar Mitzvah and says the best Hanukkah present he ever got was a keyboard. Miller is short, has sleepy eyes and a puerile grin.

He has a big chai tattoo on his left arm.

“I just love life. I’m a real positive energy dude, not negative at all. I’ve grown up Jewish,” he told the Jewish Chronicle last year.

Commenting on the tattoo on his arm, he said, “Part of it was to remember that’s who I always will be. But I could’ve gotten a number of Jewish-related tattoos; I got the chai because life is really important. Enjoying every possible second of life.”

Miller wears this buoyant optimism in most of his public appearances. He says it’s because he found his calling at an early age. At 15, Miller started devoting himself full time to hip-hop, though his life in music began earlier. According to his bio page on his label’s website, Miller taught himself to play piano, drums, guitar and bass by age 6.

He grew up listening to rappers Lauryn Hill, Outkast, The Beastie Boys (also Jewish) and A Tribe Called Quest. But he also cites The Beatles, Bob Marley and G. Love & Special Sauce as musical influences. Above all, he holds a special place for rapper Big L. “When I got to be 14, all I did was freestyle1. ...

Then, 15, I started listening to a lot of Big L’s Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous. That inspired me to really want to be an emcee2, and what it meant to be an emcee, not just be able to rhyme.

That really got me to the point where, I didn’t only want to rhyme but I wanted to master the craft of putting together words,” he told the online magazine HipHopDX. What’s in a name?

In the four years that Miller has been working on his craft, he’s grown out of his first stage name Easy Mac, and put out five mixtapes. His debut album is due out this month.

Miller’s rise to fame is a classic 21st-century story. Where Eminem didn’t receive much airtime from MTV until he released his second album on a major label in 1999, Miller is all over MTV’s website, without having put out an album.

Like many successful young musicians, Miller made a name for himself through social media. He tweets incessantly, about video games, Hennessy and the awe of being famous before 20; his Twitter account has almost 1 million followers.

But Miller had some help along the way.

Fellow Pittsburgh native, rapper and close friend Wiz Khalifa mentored Miller during his rise to internet fame. The two went to the same high school, are signed 48

DAVID CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5772

46_51_Mac_Miller.indd 48

10/24/11 6:07 PM

to the same independent label, Rostrum Records, have recorded tracks together (“Cruise Control” and “Keep Floatin”) and have performed live together, though they don’t collaborate as much as some would like. Miller says that’s deliberate: he wants to carve his own path in the industry.

During a BET3 interview this summer, he explained: “I would hate to look back at my career. I would hate to even be sitting on top of the game and be killing everything and selling millions and millions of records and feeling like I didn’t really do it. … Not to say that Wiz and I aren’t gonna make any music in the future, because we’ll obviously make good music together. But that’s not really our main focus. People are gonna talk and say, ‘Oh, Wiz is popping4, so now all of a sudden Mac’s popping.’ And it really means a lot to me that people understand that I’m trying to do Mac Miller.”

Youthful arrogance gets a pass In terms of lyrical content, there are similarities between the rappers. Like Khalifa, Miller smokes a lot of weed, and loves rhyming about it. His first mixtape with Rostrum Records was titled K.I.D.S. (for Kickin Incredibly Dope Sh*t). Inspired by Larry Clark’s 1995 drama of the same name, it has a more positive outlook on the day-to-day drug use of young people than the film it references. On the first verse, Miller rhymes: “I don›t wanna be inside today/ just keep it rollin like we ridin› skates/ I got a happy of haze/ I›m thinkin we gon› get high today/ And let the sun shine all in my face.” A sing-song chorus kicks in, littered with cheerful bells, major-keyed keyboard riffs and the steady tick of a high hat.

It’s a sunny take on blazing5 haze, backed by a sunny beat and delivered cheerfully.

Track six on the album, “The Spins,” is a similarly bright tune. But this time the track is built for a dance floor. Driven by a 4/4 kick from a bass drum, and a sample from recent pop sensation Empire Of The Sun, stabbing synthesizers reminiscent of ‘80s disco-pop fuel Miller’s ride through a booze-driven night of sex and debauchery.

Never one to shy from female attention, or talking about it, Miller rhymes, “Obsessed with me/ Wanna dress a freak on Ecstasy/ I’m Out and then she textin me/ Like ... what you doin next week. Next week.” He doesn’t know, of course.

What kid plans his parties a week in advance?

These rhymes aren’t clean, in content or execution, but they’re delivered with all the wide-eyed optimism one would expect from a late-teenager coming to terms with his sex appeal and celebrity.

Surely he’s no saint, but you can’t say Miller is illintentioned. Where the similar-aged hip-hop collective Odd Future has risen to the fame with violent lyrics — conjuring wild shock-inducing traumas, including bars about rape, incest and murder — the worst label you can put on Miller’s NOVEMBER 2011 DAVID

46_51_Mac_Miller.indd 49

49

10/24/11 6:08 PM

content is insensitive.

With his nerdy alter ego Cam Rillem (Mac Miller backward), the rapper manages to poke fun at himself, making it hard for others not to give his youthful arrogance a pass.

The industry takes notice If his fan base is any indication, Miller’s boyishness is working for him. A “Mac Miller” Google search brings up an array of fan sites, blogs and tumblrs6, most of which seem to be run by kids of a similar age. Macmiller.org calls itself the “Most Dope” fan site, named after Miller’s posse of friends, and features favorable quotes on the rapper from football stars like Darrelle Revis of the Jets, to established hip-hop magazines like XXL, to radio personalities like Mikey from “The Freak Show” on Pittsburgh’s 96.1 KISS FM. He’s gained attention from high-profile hip-hop producers, too, like DJ Premier and Just Blaze, and has worked with pop musicians Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera to name a few.

In an interview with Complex magazine, hip-hop producer 9th Wonder, who has worked with Little Brother, Jay-Z, Drake, Erykah Badu and more, had this to say about Miller: “Better not nobody say a bad word about that dude.

Man, I blast people on Twitter, man. I might hit somebody in the face for saying something bad about Mac Miller, man. Because he just breathes positivity, and I love positive people, and I hate negative people.

Nobody is connecting with their fans the way he is, and it’s completely honest.

“He’s not trying to be anything he’s not, which is a bad epidemic in hip-hop; you got a whole lot of (people) lying. Doing things, and being things that they’re not because they think that gets them somewhere. Mac Miller is totally opposite. He’s from Pittsburgh, he loves hiphop, he likes to party at his shows, and his shows are incredible. I’m not on the Mac Miller payroll either; he don’t pay me to say this.”

Interactive audience Miller has been on a national tour for much of the past year. On Nov. 10th, he’ll be at the House of Blues in Las Vegas. His live show is known for reckless crowds, amped7 off Miller’s highoctane delivery and emphatic gestures. It’s an interactive show because Miller wants it that way.

“One of the best parts about making music is rocking a crowd,” he told Rolling Stone earlier this year. “But my absolute favorite part, and this has always been a dream of mine, is to hold out the mic and let the crowd sing. It’s one thing to hear people sing, but to look into their faces and actually see them having fun, 50

DAVID CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5772

46_51_Mac_Miller.indd 50

10/24/11 6:09 PM

that makes all the travel, the whole road experience, all worth it.”

Last month, as a part of his “Blue Slide Park Tour,” Miller sold out New York City’s Irving Plaza, a 1,200-person venue.

Blue Slide Park, a reference to the playground where Miller and his “Most Dope” friends used to hang, is the name of Miller’s anticipated new album. He’s taken an innovative approach to its release.

In a message on Miller’s UStream8 account in late September, the rapper laid out plans for a demand-based release date. When pre-orders reach 25,000, Mac Miller will drop the album’s title track; if 50,000 fans pre-order the album, Miller will donate $50,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation; and if 100,000 people fork over their dough for the pre-order, Miller will move to an earlier release date.

That gives diehards both an incentive to purchase the album and to encourage others to buy it so everyone can get the music sooner. Miller explained his strategy to Decibel Soup’s Ryan Bassil: “Being independent allows me to do whatever I want.

I like to use that as an opportunity to do cool things for my fans. This was a way to make the release exciting for my fans and really get them involved. No one ever does anything special with pre-orders, and this is a way to make every step of the album important.”

It’s this type of peer engagement that has brought Miller to where he is today, and what will continue to move the rapper’s career forward. Miller is just another example of the need for modern-day musicians to adapt to available tools. Through free platforms (Twitter, YouTube), Miller has built a brand his teenage fans are willing to pay for.

This summer, when Miller’s fans took to Twitter to decry Trump’s anointment of him as the new Shady — they called it wrong and unfair — Mac didn›t sweat it.

“People were like, ‘How can The Donald say that? How can they say that Mac Miller is Eminem? They’re different.’

Obviously, we’re different, dude, so don’t worry about what Donald Trump calls me.”

With the amount of success Miller’s had before he’s hit legal drinking age, before he’s even released an album, he doesn’t have much to worry about.

Endnotes 1. Rhyming off of the top of your head.

2. Emcee, also known as MC, short for Master of Ceremonies, another term for the front man of a hiphop group.

3. Black Entertainment Television.

4. Extremely popular.

5. Smoking marijuana.

6. A social media site.

7. Excited.

8. A social media site where users can broadcast live video of themselves.

NOVEMBER 2011 DAVID

46_51_Mac_Miller.indd 51

51

10/24/11 6:10 PM

A NEO CONfidential An Interview with Daniel Pipes

By Lynn Wexler-Margolies Photographs by Steven Wilson

H

e is both hero and villain, revered and reviled. He presents a guarded calm, while managing an intense gaze and lucid responses. He is complicated, though gracious. Daniel Pipes is one of the world’s foremost analysts on the Middle East and Islam. He has been called a neo-conservative, although he has “ … not quite figured out what views define a neo-conservative” and whether he is one.

I was privileged to have sat with him for two hours on behalf of DAVID, discussing the threat of radical Islam that, according to 52

CBS Sunday Morning, “Pipes identified years ahead of the political curve.” In 1995 Pipes wrote, “Unnoticed by most Westerners, war has been unilaterally declared on Europe and the United States.” The Boston Globe has stated, “If Pipes’s admonitions had been heeded, there might never have been a 9/11.”

He was a Jew, born and raised in Boston, Mass. His parents emigrated from Poland in the 1940s. His father was a prominent historian at Harvard University. Pipes also attended Harvard and earned a doctorate in medieval Islamic history. Harvard has

DAVID CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5772

52_55_Daniel_Pipes.indd 52

10/24/11 6:11 PM

recognized Pipes as one of its 100 most influential living graduates.

He credits visits to the Sahara and Sinai deserts in the late ‘60s for arousing his interest in the Arabic language; and visits to Niger and Tunisia for his interest in the Islamic world. After graduating from Harvard in 1971, he spent two years in Cairo, where he learned Arabic and studied the Quran.

Pipes taught at Harvard, Princeton, Chicago, the U.S. Naval War College and Pepperdine. He has held two presidential appointments in the U.S. government, testified before many congressional committees, worked for five presidential campaigns and is founder of the Middle East Forum (MEForum.org). He is the author of 12 books, and his writings have been translated into 33 languages. His website, DanielPipes.org, is among the most accessed sources of specialized information on the Middle East and Islam.

Pipes identifies issues few recognize or acknowledge, then develops projects to address them, such as Campus Watch, Islamist Watch and the Legal Project. He has unabashedly counted among his enemies Edward Kennedy to Edward Said, Lyndon LaRouche to John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt, and Tariq Ramadan to the Council on American-Islamic Relations. He was deemed the neo-conservative movement’s leading thinker by Egypt’s Al-Ahram newspaper, and publicly invited to convert by a leading al-Qaida figure.

Whether one agrees with his actions and opinions, his expertise on the Middle East and Islam is to be reckoned with, and his integrity admired.

observers from on high. I was one of a very small minority who stood up for what the United States is and what U.S. policy was.

As the politics of that time became more revolutionary, I became more inclined to want to preserve what was precious … the freedoms we enjoy, the order we follow and the premises we base ourselves on. And that is the case today. I like what we have. In that sense, it’s simple … it’s like rooting for your home team … and that’s where the truck driver reference comes in. I may have come to it through a more elaborate means, but I end up in the same place … and so I feel very different from most academics, and have been loathed for my criticism of them.

DAVID: What do you feel was at the heart of that radicalism?

Pipes: I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about that, and my explanation is a bit theoretical … but we who grew up in the ’50s experienced a rather special time. We were imbued with an idealism.

The ’60s were more troublesome, and many of my contemporaries became disappointed, disillusioned ... they felt they were misled … that the United States was a fraud and not what it was cracked up to be …that it was deficient. I saw it differently, perhaps because I had traveled … yes, we had problems to be sure … but we still had it good. So I think the idealism of the ’50s, and the subsequent letdown, served as the backdrop for the radicalism of that time.

DAVID: And presently?

Pipes: Well, we’re seeing it all over again. Beginning with the 2004 Bush-Kerry presidential elections … you’ve got Kerry and Vietnam

DAVID: You’re well educated, particularly in Middle East studies.

Yet you told Harvard Magazine that you have the politics of a simple truck driver, not the complex ones of an academic. Can you explain?

Pipes: My formative experience politically and philosophically began for me as a teenager. I did a good deal of traveling and in fairly remote places, which gave me an appreciation for this country. I went to school at a time of intense radicalism, the late ’60s and early ’70s, largely led by artistic types and intellectuals.

They tend to view themselves as being not of the masses, but

… Bush and the Texas National Guard controversies … many radical American intellectuals agree that one of the major obstacles in the 2004 election was democracy. As that sentiment has progressed, alongside an increasingly failing economy, wars overseas … what you’ve got are people wanting to occupy Wall Street, and changing the political landscape … it’s the ’60s all over again.

DAVID: How does that coincide with the impending threat of global Islamist extremism?

Pipes: The radical left in this country is critical of our existing NOVEMBER 2011 DAVID

52_55_Daniel_Pipes.indd 53

53

10/24/11 6:13 PM

democracy, and so are the Islamists … they have that in common.

They form a nice basis of mutual support and, in fact, are helping each other. The Islamists’ goal is domination through Shariah law; the goals of the left are three things: reduce the nuclear family, organized religion and ownership of private property. They believe that this will liberate people and life will be better.

DAVID: Why do Europeans and American believe, for instance, the Waleed Aly Muslims when they say they are full of admiration for liberty and freedom in the West, while at the same time burning the U.S. and Israeli flags and carrying protest signs in the streets saying ‘Freedom Go To Hell’?

Pipes: Westerners view Muslims in one of three ways. First view is they see Muslims growing in numbers and ultimately there will be Muslim domination; second, they believe everyone can and will get along … yes there will be strains but eventually accommodations take place … Muslims are becoming westernized, and Westerners are getting used to Muslims; the third view belongs to Westerners who do not like Muslim imposition and will ultimately rebel against and reject it.

DAVID: Which is the predominant view?

Pipes: The second is the most common but the least likely to succeed … it’s the default position of governments, media, academia and the arts. It’s a wrong conclusion that we will all get along. Islam is incompatible with democracy, and as such would seem to have nothing functional to offer. Yet, if you go to establishment circles,

have to make … the way we do business, schools, immigration, multiculturalism and the like … the bromides are shaken when we admit there’s a problem. We have intelligence agencies to confront terrorism, but how do you contend with people whose avowed aim is to replace the Constitution with the Quran? It’s more difficult to fight those who are trying to eat away at us from the inside of a democratic, pluralistic, law-abiding society than it is to fight the terrorists. It’s easy to argue for the suppression of bombers; not so easy to argue for the halting of those who exploit our openness and tolerance. And what measures does one take against them? The establishment doesn’t like this dilemma.

DAVID: Where do you see this eventually going?

Pipes: I think the third scenario is most likely … and the more the establishment is in denial, the more vociferous the counter.

Westerners do not like the Islamization process and are going to rebel. It’s already happening in Europe, slowly … but it will escalate, and it will be fairly nasty.

DAVID: Can you give an example?

Pipes: Now you have, probably the most important political figure in Europe, Dutch parliamentarian Geer Wilders, leader of the Party For Freedom. Parties such as his didn’t exist two decades ago. He puts forth an argument against Islamic law, and there has been an overwhelming receptivity to it. He’s surrounded by six body guards at all times, but he’s doing it. It’s not happening here yet, but it’s the future. Anti-Islamic sentiments are growing. This is an

the second view is self-reinforcing … don’t worry, it’ll all work out.

DAVID: And in the face of events to the contrary, this view is still held?

Pipes: Yes, because the implications of concluding that there is a conflict are stark and unpleasant. It’s much easier to believe that things will be OK than to believe the truth with its ensuing consequences.

DAVID: What are we afraid of?

Pipes: We’re afraid to undertake the necessary changes we’ll

unprecedented, civilizational challenge.

DAVID: Muslims have been exposed in recent history to the rewards and benefits of a free society. Kabul, Afghanistan, was known as the Paris of the East in the ’60s; or similarly Beirut, Lebanon, up until 1972 … and Turkey from 1923 to 1938 under President Ataturk, who completely westernized Turkey. Even the 9/11 hijackers lived well for nine months prior to killing themselves. Why does freedom get overthrown each time in favor of Shariah law?

54

DAVID CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5772

52_55_Daniel_Pipes.indd 54

10/24/11 6:13 PM

Pipes: Muslims are very aware that the Muslim world is under stress … literacy, health, wealth, innovation … all are doing poorly.

And the way they see forward is not by imitating the West, which hasn’t gotten them anywhere; but by rejecting the West … going back to medieval norms when Shariah law was applied. They were a strong, powerful and dominant people then. In their view, the West is full of problems … just come to Las Vegas. They want to go their own way. They feel they can once again achieve dominance and success by returning to and replicating their golden age.

DAVID: How do we in the U.S. stand up to the encroaching threat of Islamism?

Pipes: Through education. We must learn about the Middle East and the Quran. Two major developments have occurred regarding this: The term Middle Eastern studies has evolved from the arcane field it used to be, into a very prominent field of study for young people. Then there’s 9/11, and the Iraq and Afghanistan wars which are attracting students to Middle Eastern studies. Through education we can overturn ignorance about Islam, and our fear of being intolerant to an ideology that is destructive to our culture … to reassert our will to stand up for our way of life before it’s too late.

DAVID: Tell me about Campus Watch, a project you started in 2002?

Pipes: It is a critique of Middle East studies at North American universities. It’s a project which seeks, by criticizing my

terrorism is the problem, what is the solution? Counterterrorism?

That’s not a military goal. But if militant Islam is the problem, then one can formulate, as I do, that moderate Islam is the solution. Our government needs to reach out to moderate Muslims … meet with them, understand them, encouraging and supporting their own voice against militant Islam.

DAVID: Israel has always been on the front lines in combating militant Islam. What are her most imminent threats other than perhaps a nuclear Iran?

Pipes: Iran is the number one threat for the obvious reasons.

But the next threat is not Egypt as many are led to believe, but Turkey. Other than increased elevated hostilities and a change in leadership, there is no real fundamental shift in Egypt. But in Turkey, the AKP government continues to ratchet up the rhetoric against Israel, and we don’t know where that’s leading to. Turkey is a significant country … it has a large population … a member of NATO. That said, it’s important to remember that Israel is strong … financially, militarily, technologically, scientifically.

DAVID: Has being a Jew played a significant role in your life’s work to identify and stand up to the threats we face from the Middle East?

Pipes: I’m not sure how to answer that. I honestly don’t know.

DAVID: What are your thoughts on the pending release of Gilad Shalit?

counterparts of the university, to improve the work and the accuracy of the material being taught on our campuses.

DAVID: How do you propose solving the problem of Muslims already living in our country, with the need to prevent their imposition on our way of life?

Pipes: Focusing on terrorism is a misnomer. Terrorism is a tactic, not an enemy. The enemy is militant Islam -- not Islam, the personal faith; not terrorism, the tactic. I believe if we see it this way, we will better understand the solution to the problem you mentioned. If

Pipes: I don’t support it. I mean I’m happy for him and his family.

But it’s a strategic disaster for Israel to release over 1,000 enemies of the state… even worse, Israel will have to work very hard now to protect her soldiers from being kidnapped. A precedent has been set … kidnap an Israeli soldier and gain the release of prisoners.

DAVID: How did you respond when al-Qaida invited you to “repent and enter into the light of Islam?”

Pipes: I declined, stating that I am faithful to my own religion, to my own country and to my civilization.

NOVEMBER 2011 DAVID

52_55_Daniel_Pipes.indd 55

55

10/24/11 6:14 PM

FREE DELIVERY

When You Open A New Account Or Make A Referral*

*Free delivery is local, weekday, small package. Referral must activate new account.

56_58_Misc.indd 56

acceleratedlv.com 5955 S. Procyon Street Las Vegas, NV 89118 P 702.966.5700 F 702.966.5714

10/24/11 5:33 PM

Novemb

marketplace ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE – CALL 702.254.2223

Affordable Dental Plan*

The Real Estate Pros

$14.95/month per Individual Plan $19.95/month per Household Plan Medical & Hospitalization Benefits Only $20 additional

Listen to Jason Ekus and Neal Katz discuss the latest Mortgage and Real Estate News every Monday at 4pm on 970am KNUU

Fees Discounted from 25% - 80% *vision, chiropractic & prescription drug plans (at no additional cost)

mortgagesbyneal@hotmail.com

Call Mark (702) 204-7498 www.mybenefitplus.com/40728494

www.allwesternmortgage.com Direct: (702) 217-2187 Fax: (702) 541-9898

First Vice President - Investment Officer CA Insurance Lic #OB55738

• Nannies • Housekeepers • Personal Chefs • Eldercare Professionals • Babysitters

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC 3763 Howard Hughes Pkwy Ste 330 Las Vegas, NV 89169 Tel (702) 836-8276 • Fax (702) 893-6965 (800) 457-4551 debra.cohen@wellsfargoadvisors.com

pbth

Photography By Tonya Harvey

Weddings Bar/Bat Mitzvahs Portraits Events 702-812-8515 www.PBTH.com

We are Hiring ADVERTISING SALESPEOPLE • Great company • Great product • Great compensation joanne@davidlv.com

Get Noticed! Advertise with...

Call Joanne 702.254.2223 56_58_Misc.indd 57 November_marketplace.indd 3

NMLS# 14210

Las Vegas Premier Domestic Agency

Debra Cohen

Photography By TONYA HARVEY

Neal Katz

Senior Loan Officer

NMLS# 347864

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

• Full-time • Part-time • On-call

(702) 451-0021 • www.nahusa.com

Shalom Senior Services Bringing Comprehensive Senior Care to You Davida Kramer Cohen, MSW, MS psych, LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker • Psychosocial Assessment • Case Management • Individual and Family Therapy

702-601-2111

www.shalomseniorservices.com shalomseniorservices@gmail.com

Member FINRA/SIPC

Michael J. Mehr, CPA.CITP Bridging Business and Information Technology •

AICPA Certified Information Technology Professional

•

QuickBooks Advanced Certified ProAdvisor

•

Integrated CRM, Inventory and Document Management Solutions

•

Google Apps, Mobile and Cloud Computing

•

Preparation of Business and Individual Income Tax Returns

Call Michael (702) 845-1746 michael@mehrcpa.com www.mehrcpa.com

10/24/11 10/20/11 5:33 9:24 PM AM

OUR FIGHT IS ON BEHALF OF ALL SISTERS. BUT OUR INSPIRATION BELONGS TO ONE.

Our Founder, Nancy G. Brinker

Her Sister, Susan G. Komen

Years ago, Nancy G. Brinker made her dying sister a promise: to do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

For more information about Komen for the Cure’s mission to end breast cancer forever, visit komensouthernnevada.org or call 702.822.2324.

This space provided as a public service. ©2009 Susan G. Komen for the Cure ® The Running Ribbon is a registered trademark of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

BE SURE TO JOIN US FOR THE 17TH ANNUAL KOMEN SOUTHERN NEVADA RACE FOR THE CURE® Saturday, May 5, 2012 • Fremont Street Experience • Downtown Las Vegas For further information, call 702.822.2324 or visit our website at www.komensouthernnevada.org

56_58_Misc.indd 58

10/24/11 5:34 PM

For problems or story ideas email us at: 13INVESTIGATES@KTNV.COM

Watch Nina weeknights at 6:00 & 11:00 on Action News.

01_Cover_Form.indd 59

10/19/11 6:36 PM

THE

HE RT

OF THE ARTS.

Academy of St. Martin in the Fields with Joshua Bell

Savion Glover

Yo-Yo Ma & Kathryn Stott with The Assad Brothers

Lily Tomlin

MOMIX - Botanica

The Cleveland Orchestra

David Sedaris

Béla Fleck & The Flecktones

Straight No Chaser

Imagination Movers

Golda’s Balcony

The Canadian Tenors

Paco de Lucía

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

The Pink Floyd Experience

Buddy Guy with Quinn Sullivan

Michael Feinstein The Sinatra Project

S I N G LE TI C K ET S O N SA LE N OV E M B E R 18 AT 8A M .

Experience The Smith Center’s phenomenal first season for as little as $24 per ticket. From music and dance, to comedy and Broadway productions, there are 26 must-see shows to choose from. Visit TheSmithCenter.com to see the full lineup and purchase your tickets today.

Debuting, March 2012

|

702.982.7805

|

TheSmithCenter.com

GIVE THE GIFT OF ART AND ENTERTAINMENT WITH A HOLIDAY GIFT CERTIFICATE .

01_Cover_Form.indd 60

10/19/11 6:37 PM