Downtown ZEN Jan 2013 by Downtown ZEN Magazine

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

The Downtown Team Jamie Naughton Loren Becker Audrea Hooper Rosalind Searcy Tyler Williams

Contributing Writers Don’t mix your opiates with your champagne trying to stave off withdrawal from the enchantment of the passed holiday season because 2013 is the year downtown will make you smarter! Whether you’re teething or getting fitted for dentures take a bite out of this issue’s education pie. Your first serving will be dished out by Connie Yeh and Meg Murray with Downtown Project’s (DTP) early education school opening in August. From there, Shannon Sneade and Las Vegas Academy (LVA) will make you adventurous, creative, and open-minded. Prefer a more apple-flavored dessert? Taste the (ful)filling success as a teacher with Ovik Banerjee’s Downtown Classroom Series. Top it all off à la mode with Joe Mahon and Downtown Speaker Series. But wait!! Don’t forget the sprinkle of love from Sgt. Curtis and his friends at Carson’s sixth floor C.O.P. Stop. And while you’re at it, come together with your common wealth of knowledge at The Beat, Bar+Bistro, and Chicago Joe’s. Feeling gypped by the Mayans and their unpredictable ways? The stars have realigned and are accurately displayed in this month’s astrology section. However, if you find yourself lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, utilize the foldout map for your downtown travels.

As always, we love hearing from you. Have suggestions or feedback? E-mail us at downtownteam@zappos.com, or follow and “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ZapposDowntownHappenings. We hope you enjoy this month’s edition of the Zappos Family Downtown Employee Newsletter! - The Downtown Zappos Employee Newsletter Team

Photography Brian Paco Alvarez Loren Becker William Carr

| Back Cover | General Images | Front Cover Image

Editor-In-Chief Loren Becker

| Front Cover Image

Managing Editors Michael Boley Mandy Crispin

| Content Editor | Content Editor

Art Director

We’ll see you there!

The Zappos Employee Newsletter

John Fanok

| Tangible Color

Last months article on Rachel’s Kitchen had a major oversight and we would like to take this opportunity to apologize and correct our mistake. Please know the Karen referred to in the article is and should be Caron Richardson. Again we apologize for the mistaken spelling of Caron’s name.

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PAST EVENTS 04 It All Happened Last Month

CONTENTS

Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon Tech Cocktail Week Zappos Downtown Trivia Night Work In Progress Open House Ugly Sweater Run

CALENDAR & EVENTS 11 Campus Update 15 January Calendar 17 Things To Do 19 Events 23 Bulletin Board 25 Smith Center Map Insert

CULTURE 29 Restaurant & Bar Review

Chicago Joe’s Commonwealth

31 He Said, She Said Bar+Bistro

33 A Look At Las Vegas Education Las Vegas Academy Downtown Classroom Series DTAC Early Education Speaker Series

FUN & WEIRD 47 Boley’s Crystal Balls 49 Word Search 50 Interesting Knowledge Nuggets 51 Fabulous Downtown 52 Everything Else!

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TECH JOBS

http://about.zappos.com/jobs/jobs-zappos-family/search-open-positions Hey, Mac! Here’s the 411 — The Zappos Family is seeking individuals to join our expanding business throughout several departments. Do you have what it takes to be a difference-maker in the field of analytics, software and information technology? Would you say you have a hard drive, embrace Windows of opportunity, constantly crawl through depths of material, interface and utilize coworkers as open sources? If this sounds like the Apple of your eye, cache in your chips where you are now and join our phenomenal hot spot! Navigate to our Jobs page through the QR reader, and we’ll save a cookie for you!!

On the Cover

William Carr www.williamcarrgallery.com Visit his physical gallery at The Miracle Mile Shops The Zappos Employee Newsletter

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It All Happened Last Month (Don’t worry — there is more to do this month.)

PAST EVENTS

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL MARATHON TECH COCKTAIL WEEK DOWNTOWN TRIVIA NIGHT WORK IN PROGRESS UGLY SWEATER RUN

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ROCK ‘N’ ROLL MARATHON

On Dec. 2, 2012 more than 3,100 runners and walkers went allout at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon and 1/2 Marathon braving treacherous winds and diving temperatures. Throughout the 26.2 mile stretch were dozens of Zappos volunteers rooting on runners while handing out water, including Couture’s Assistant Buyer III, Stephen Carnes. “I think it’s an excellent opportunity to give back to the community. There are so many of us here, and Zappos has done so much for the community … [it allows us to] it gives back to those that have supported us.” Throughout the event, Zappos also hosted a downtown “hot corner” with live music and light display near the future 400 Stewart Ave. corporate headquarters. Congrats to all runners and volunteers who helped make this possible!

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TECH COCKTAIL WEEK

Tech Cocktail recently opened up an office in downtown Las Vegas and is working with Downtown Project to bring monthly events to the area. This was Tech Cocktail’s first event in this new series. The event included a few special keynote talks, startup pitches, a startup showcase and, of course, cocktails. The premise is simple: We mix together your region’s hottest tech startups with a couple hundred passionate technophiles—and serve over cocktails. The result is a delicious blend of entrepreneurs, investors, employers, job seekers, and those simply looking for a fun environment to mingle with fellow local tech enthusiasts.

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ZAPPOS EMPLOYEE DOWNTOWN TRIVIA NIGHT

The Zappos downtown team hosted the first of what will be many downtown trivia nights. It was held on Dec. 1 at the El Cortez Fiesta Room. We had over a 100 people show up, and a total of 17 teams entered to battle for the top prizes. When the beer suds settled and the adult round was concluded, there was only one clear champion: Congrats to team â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hot Marinara!!!â&#x20AC;? for winning 1st place and their choice of either a Romo Romotive Robot or a $150 gift card to zappos.com. Other prizes included dinner and a show at Smith Center. Feb. 23 will be our next Downtown Trivia Night. Keep your ears and eyes open for more details.

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WORK IN PROGRESS

Based on the concept of co-working, “Work In Progress” hosted their first open house Dec. 6 at their new location on Sixth Street. “Work in Progress” builds spaces and experiences that enable entrepreneurs and innovators to connect with each other and discover new ways to build amazing things. Much like its name, the ideation space is a work in progress as demolition and reconstruction on what used to be law offices at Sixth Street and Bridger Avenue will soon become a permanent meeting place by the end of January.

UGLY SWEATER RUN

A colossal number of ugly sweaters decked out in mismatched stripes, glitter snowflakes, and embroidered stockings took over downtown Las Vegas the morning of Saturday, Dec. 15. This was the first year for the Ugly Sweater 5K Run held by Human Movement Management which helped benefit the Toys for Tots Foundation. Organizers said runners donated more than 1,000 toys to local children during Saturday’s run.

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Campus Update

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UPDATES: CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT

UPDATES

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mo

ving alon g. 11

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Progress! ISSUE 10

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In ancient Roman religion and mythology, Janus (Latin: Ianus) is the god of beginnings and transitions, thence also of gates, doors, doorways, endings and time. He is usually a two-faced god since he looks to the future and the past. The month of January was named in honor of Janus by the Romans. 13

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Things You’ve Got to see in

JANUARY

Calendar Things To Do Upcoming Events Smith Center

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CALENDAR: JANUARY

CALENDAR

JANUARY 01 Tue.

02 Wed.

● NEW YEARS DAY!!

• Wednesday Night Hang, 8:30 pm–10:30 pm

03 Thu. • Tech Jelly, 7 pm–12 am

04 Fri. 05 Sat. • 3rd Street Farmers Market, 9 am–2 pm • First Friday, 6 pm–11 pm

07 Mon. • Human Experience — Open Mic, 7 pm–11 pm

06 Sun.

● gfdgfgdfgdfgdfgd ● gfdgfgdfgdfgdfgd

08 Tue.

• Sunday Reset, 7 am

09 Wed.

• Green Jelly, 7 pm–9 pm

11 Fri.

• Tech Jelly, 7 pm–12 am

12 Sat.

• 3rd Street Farmers Market, 9 am–2 pm

14 Mon.

13 Sun.

• Vegas StrEATS, 6 pm–1 am

15 Tue.

● gfdgfgdfgdfgdfgd

16 Wed.

• Green Jelly, 7 pm–9 pm • Trivia Night at The BEAT, 7 pm

18 Fri. • 3rd Street Farmers Market, 9 am–2 pm • Vintage Bike Night, 7 pm–10 pm

10 Thu.

19 Sat. • Family Game Night, 3 pm–6 pm

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17 Thu. • Tech Jelly, 7 pm–12 am

20 Sun. ● gfdgfgdfgdfgdfgd ● gfdgfgdfgdfgdfgd

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21 Mon. • 31st Annual Martin Luther King Parade, 10 am–3 pm

22 Tue.

23 Wed.

• Green Jelly, 7 pm–9 pm

25 Fri.

• Tech Jelly, 7 pm–12 am

26 Sat.

• 3rd Street Farmers Market, 9 am–2 pm • Sounds of the Cinema, 7 pm

27 Sun.

• Delivering Happiness Inspire: Las Vegas, 5 pm–8 pm

28 Mon.

24 Thu.

29 Tue.

● gfdgfgdfgdfgdfgd ● gfdgfgdfgdfgdfgd

30 Wed.

• Green Jelly, 7 pm–9 pm • Trivia Night at The BEAT, 7 pm

31 Thu. • Tech Jelly, 7 pm–12 am

FEBRUARY SNEAK PEAK

01 Fri.

02 Sat.

• 3rd Street Farmers Market, 9 am–2 pm • First Friday, 6pm–11pm

03 Sun.

• Delivering Happiness Inspire: Las Vegas, 5 pm – 8 pm

04 Mon.

05 Tue.

● gfdgfgdfgdfgdfgd ● gfdgfgdfgdfgdfgd

06 Wed.

07 Thu. • Tech Jelly, 7 pm–12 am

08 Fri.

09 Sat.

• 3rd Street Farmers Market, 9 am–2 pm

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• Vegas StrEATS, 6 pm–1 am

10 Sun. ● gfdgfgdfgdfgdfgd ● gfdgfgdfgdfgdfgd

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Go on a Scavenger Hunt

THINGS TO DO Stop by The Beat’s Wednesday Night Hang Come chill with us every Wednesday night from 8:30 pm–10:30 pm for a change of scenery and sound! Enjoy a unique, laid-back atmosphere featuring drink specials and live music by fabulous Las Vegas talent. Las Vegas trumpet player and recording artist Joey Pero hosts this event. The Beat will be offering a “fine beer” drink special on Duvel, Gulden Draak and Piraat as part of the “Blue Beat” special. The Beat is located on 520 Fremont St. inside the Emergency Arts Building (6th Street & Fremont Street).

Do you know how many lights line the Fremont Street Canopy? You will when you play the new city scavenger hunt. The game sends clues to any text-enabled phone. You’ll get to know the casinos that helped put Vegas on the map. From the Golden Gate, Sin City’s first casino, to the recognizable lights of the Fremont and Four Queens, you’ll discover what first drew folks to this little desert town. Be ready to bluff your way into Binion’s iconic Poker Room and snap a picture with Vegas Vic and Vickie. Find the little cigar shop where all the Hollywood celebs go to get a light before grabbing a cocktail at the coolest bar in town. You’ll come away knowing how Vegas grew into a global hub of fun and fortune, and get a true taste of its appeal along the way. Sign up on the Web site, and you and any number of your friends can compete. The game has several routes in Las Vegas, including Fremont Street. It’s an out-of-the-box way to get to know your city. $9–$12 per person. www.strayboots.com.

Get Outdoorsy I mean “Outdoorsy” in a patio drinking kind of way. Take off work early on Friday like they do back East, and stretch out in a patch of sun on Bar+Bistro’s patio with a pitcher of house sangria. Nothing could be better! $6 glass, $20 pitcher, in The Arts Factory, 107 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite 155. www.barbistroaf.com.

TOUR OUR NEW DOWNTOWN LANDMARKS The Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health

Visit the Fremont Bicycle Clinic On a mission to facilitate safe and proper bicycling through education, workshops and maintenance, the clinic helps the community rehab bikes. Get yours done, and then pitch in a hand to help others! Shop Hours: Mon, 10 am–4 pm; Tue, 10 am–4 pm & 6:30 pm– 9:30 pm; Wed, 10 am–4 pm; Thu, 6:30 pm–9:30 pm; Sat, 12:30 pm–3:30 pm. If you are a co-op member you can always contact us outside of normal shop hours if they do not work for you. The best way to contact us and view our most up-to-date hours is our

You’ve driven by it a thousand times and wondered if it’s as weird on the inside as it is on the outside. (Answer: Yes.) Being inside the events center is like living inside a Dr. Seuss book. The rest of the center is nice office space with an impressive art collection. Arrange a tour and see for yourself by calling 702.483.6000. Go on the first and third Tuesday of each month, 11 am.

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Fremont.Bike.Clinic. Make sure to “Like” us. The clinic’s newest volunteer, Zack, will be manning the shop on Tuesdays from 6:30 pm–9:30 pm and Wednesdays from 10 am–4 pm. Zack just moved here from Los Angeles where he was a part of two prior co-ops. He is extremely knowledgeable regarding bikes and is a great addition to the team. Stop by and say “Hi”!

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The Mob Museum

Las Vegas invested $185 million to build it. Drop your car across the street in the new garage; you’ll get free parking for two hours with a validated ticket. Make your way up the front steps under the solar trees and into the marble lobby contemplating the sustainable yet luxurious surroundings. Make your way back to the council chambers and grab a red theater seat for your rear: now watch democracy at work. You should finish the visit off by riding the elevator to the seventh floor to see the mayor’s views. City Hall, 495 S. Main St., 702.229.6011, Mon–Thu, 7 am–5:30 pm.

There are two sides to every story. Come down to the Mob Museum and get the true story. It was a stage for one of the biggest mob hearings in history. Now it’s the setting for the nation’s most comprehensive look into organized crime and law enforcement. Located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, The Mob Museum presents an authentic insider’s look at the mob’s impact on our history and our society. These are the true stories of events that shaped our country, and now you can witness them firsthand. The Mob Museum, 300 Stewart Ave., 702.229.2734, Sun– Thu, 10 am–7 pm; Fri–Sat, 10 am–8 pm. Adult Admission $18. $10 for NV residents. www.themobmuseum.org.

THINGS TO DO: JANUARY

The New City Hall

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts Check out the Hoover Dam-inspired architecture exterior and its elegant appointments inside. Take in its centerpiece, the 2,050-seat Reynolds Hall and its grand lobby; don’t forget the Cabaret Jazz room and Troesch Studio Theater in the Boman Pavilion. Peruse its smattering of artwork (both modern and classical) around the center. Free hour-long tours every Wednesday & Saturday, 10:30 am. Make reservations by calling 702.749.2000.

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Neon Museum and Boneyard The Neon Museum preserves and exhibits classic Las Vegas neon signs. The museum’s collection consists of both restored and unrestored signs, mostly housed in the Neon Boneyard in downtown Las Vegas. Many of the restored neon signs, which can be found along the Fremont Street Experience and Las Vegas Blvd., are also part of the museum’s collection. For museum updates and tour information, visit www.neonmuseum.org.

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Jelly

Delivering Happiness Inspire: Las Vegas!

What is a Jelly? Jelly is a casual work event where everyone’s invited. It’s for anyone who’d like to work alongside other creative people in a welcoming environment. You bring your laptop and some work, and Jelly provides Wi-Fi, a table and chairs, and smart people to bounce ideas off of and collaborate with.

Our Delivering Happiness Inspire! event is a forum for sharing the rich and thought-provoking (and oftentimes funny) content that inspires and spreads happiness at an individual, community, and even global level. Through a series of brief, prepared (but collaborative) talks, community members and local thought leaders bring their stories perspectives, passions, and experiences to the stage (ala TED) to shine a spotlight on the things that matter most. Location Downtown Project Construction Zone 150 S. 7th Street Las Vegas, NV 89101

Location /usr/lib http://usrlib.org The Beat Coffeehouse www.thebeatlv.com 520 Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101 Time Thu, Jan. 3 7 pm – 12 am Thu, Jan. 10 7 pm – 12 am Thu, Jan. 17 7 pm – 12 am Thu, Jan. 24 7 pm – 12 am Thu, Jan. 31

Time Sat, Jan. 26 5 pm – 8 pm (Every fourth Saturday) More Info www.inspirelasvegas.eventbrite.com www.deliveringhappiness.com

More Info www.vegasjelly.com

Green Jelly & Green Coworking

VEGAS StrEATS

The goal of Green Jelly is to connect individuals who are interested in all things eco-friendly and sustainable. That means a range of people who are interested in everything from learning how to recycle to people who are looking to live carbon-neutral or netnegative. The group also has a heavy focus on business owners and potential start-ups that have an interest in sustainability and the triple bottom line (People-Planet-Profits).

Vegas StrEATS is a street food and culture festival hosted every second Saturday in downtown Las Vegas showcasing the valley’s hottest local food trucks, artists, musicians, and fashion. StrEATS is presented by Slidin’ Thru in partnership with El Cortez and Insert Coin(s). Each month, various food trucks serve up unique gourmet bites along Jackie Gaughan Plaza. Local bands, MCs, and DJs provide the soundtrack for the night ranging from indie rock, hip-hop, dubstep, and house music. Graffiti artists and streetwear brands line vendor row slanging fresh apparel and art. Come experience a bit of homegrown Vegas culture!

Location /usr/lib http://usrlib.org The Beat Coffeehouse www.thebeatlv.com 520 Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101 Time Tue, Jan. 1 Tue, Jan. 8 Tue, Jan. 15 Tue, Jan. 22 Tue, Jan. 29 (Every Tuesday)

6 pm – 8 pm 6 pm – 8 pm 6 pm – 8 pm 6 pm – 8 pm 6 pm – 8 pm

More Info www.facebook.com/groups/vegasgreenjelly

Location Jackie Gaughan Plaza at the El Cortez Hotel & Casino 600 E. Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101 Time Sat, Jan. 12 6 pm – 1 am (Second Saturday of every month) More Info http://vegasstreats.com www.facebook.com/VegasStrEATS

Contact Ciara Byrne: cirarmbyrne@yahoo.com Hanan Sabri: hanan.sabri@gmail.com

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Real Results Boot Camp

The Downtown3rd Farmers Market has become an integral part of downtown Las Vegas. The biggest indoor farmers market showcases local Las Vegas farmers as well as including lots of fresh produce from California. There are also many other vendors and healthy lifestyle classes, art shows, and culinary demonstrations from famous Las Vegas chefs. The mission of the Downtown3rd Farmers Market is to be a sustainable, seasonal, healthy lifestyle center for the city. The farmers market is conveniently located in the middle of the Las Vegas Valley off of US-95 and Casino Center Drive.

You are meant to have a body that is lean, strong, and flexible. Join our Downtown Boot Camp in the Jackie Gaughan Plaza across from the El Cortez valet and train with the top fitness professionals in town. Have fun, feel great, meet new people, and get real results — guaranteed!

Location 300 N. Casino Center Blvd. (In the old Transit Center) Las Vegas, NV 89101

Time Tue 6 am – 7 am Thu 6 am – 7 am (Every Tuesday & Thursday)

Time Fri, Jan. 4 Fri, Jan. 11 Fri, Jan. 18 Fri, Jan. 25 (Every Friday)

Location Jackie Gaughan Plaza at the El Cortez Hotel & Casino 600 E. Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101

More Info www.realresultsfitness.com 702.769.2991

9 am – 2 pm 9 am – 2 pm 9 am – 2 pm 9 am – 2 pm

Contact Paul Rosenberg: 702.204.5247

More Info www.downtown3rd.com/las-vegas-farmers-market

UPCOMING EVENTS: JANUARY

Downtown3rd Farmers Market

Vintage Bike Night Trivia Night at The Beat Come with a team or find one at The Beat. Every other Tuesday you can test your knowledge and flex your brain in a cerebral competition. There will be prizes and beer specials, and most likely a little more beer than brains. Location The Beat Coffeehouse www.thebeatlv.com 520 Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101

Ride out for a night of Motorcycles + Art + Music in downtown Las Vegas. Las Vegas Vintage Bike Night featuring café racers, custom bikes, classic Harleys, retro sport bikes, and scooters. There will be a jammin’ lineup of live music, live body painting by Alex P. Huerta, artists & vendors, and food & drink specials from Bar+Bistro. Whatever you ride, bring it down for Vintage Bike Night. Location The Arts Factory & Bar+Bistro 107 E. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89104

Time Tue, Jan. 15 7 pm Tue, Jan. 29 7 pm (Every other Tuesday)

Time Fri, Jan. 18 7 pm – 10 pm (Every 3rd Friday)

More Info www.facebook.com/DowntownTriviaNight

More Info www.theartsfactory.com 702.644.9412

Contact Augusta Scott: ascott@zappos.com

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First Friday

VEGAS StrEATS

First Friday is celebrated in the Arts District of downtown Las Vegas. The hub is on Casino Center Blvd. in between Colorado St. & California St. with an extension on 3rd St. & Colorado St. First Friday has been extended to include the Fremont East district with live activities and music in Get Back Alley behind Beauty Bar and The Griffin. First Friday celebrates young and established local artists. There are food trucks galore and music on three stages with over 12 live bands. There will be special art installations and live performance paintings. It is all about community coming together to celebrate art. First Friday has a great variety of artists, vendors and activities that are fun and exciting for all ages. They even have a kid’s zone with different themes each month.

Location Casino Center Blvd. & Colorado St.

Location Jackie Gaughan Plaza at the El Cortez Hotel & Casino 600 E. Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101

Time Fri, Jan. 4 6 pm – 11 pm (First Friday of every month, next night is February 1st)

Time Sat, Jan. 12 6 pm – 1 am (Second Saturday of every month)

More Info www.firstfridaylasvegas.com www.facebook.com/firstfridaylasvegas

More Info http://vegasstreats.com www.facebook.com/VegasStrEATS

Sounds Of The Cinema

January Art Tour Join us for the December Art Tour as we celebrate the holiday season and tour the many galleries of the Arts Factory, and then dine at Bar+ Bistro. Location The Arts Factory & Bar+Bistro 107 E. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89104 Time Thu, Jan. 3

6 pm – 9 pm

More Info www.theartsfactory.com www.facebook.com/events/504102076275325 Contact: Shaea Labus: slabus@zappos.com

Presidio Brass To Perform Jazz And Classical Music From The World Of Hollywood Presidio Brass is based in San Diego and performs regularly as a part of Millennia Consort, California’s premiere brass, organ and percussion ensemble. Members of Presidio Brass have performed with major symphony orchestras, including the London Philharmonic and Los Angeles Philharmonic. The group has performed in more than 30 states. Tickets are now on sale for the Jan. 25 concert by Presidio Brass at the Historic Fifth Street School, located at 401 S. Fourth St. The 7 pm show features a brass quintet performing well-known jazz and classical music used in film soundtracks. Location Historic Fifth Street School 401 S. Fourth St. Las Vegas, NV 89101 702.229.6469 Time Jan. 25

7 pm

Tickets $10 (in advance) $15 (at the door) Students, seniors and military personnel will be charged $10 at the door. More Info www.artslasvegas.org 702.229.3515

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RANDOM

FUN FOTO

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UPCOMING JANUARY SHOWS AT THE SMITH CENTER

STARTING AT

Las Vegas Philharmonic — Rising Star

Visit www.thesmithcenter.com to see the full lineup 702.749.2000

Jan. 12, 8 pm

Each year, the Las Vegas Philharmonic designates one of its Masterworks concerts to showcase an up-and-coming music talent. This year we feature violinist Elena Urioste, a two-time winner of the Sphinx Competition. Picture postcards spring to mind as the Las Vegas Philharmonic takes us on an aural European tour. A blend of Basque melodies and French style inspired the sensual, hypnotic dance rhythm of Ravel’s Bolero. Sibelius evokes the austere winter landscape of Finland in his Violin Concerto, expertly delivered by the radiant Elena Urioste. The journey ends in Austria with Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphony, the thrilling and triumphant capstone of his symphonic output.

JAZZ ROOTS: Vocalese Jan. 17, 7:30 pm

Featuring Manhattan Transfer, New York Voices and special guest Jon Hendricks. Take some of the best-known, most complex and sophisticated instrumental solos in jazz and treat them as melodies and add swinging, poetic lyrics: That’s Vocalese. This show brings together, for the first time, living legend Jon Hendricks, the originator of the Vocalese style, with the eight-time Grammy®-winning vocal group Manhattan Transfer, and New York Voices, an award-winning vocal ensemble, known as one of the most important vocal groups in jazz today.

DRUMLINE LIVE

Jan. 18 & 19, 7:30 pm

DRUMLINE LIVE kicks off its fourth US tour in the 2012-2013 season following tremendous previous success. This versatile group of musicians and dancers brings an explosive energy and athleticism to an eclectic mix of sounds. Equally at home with the hottest contemporary hip hop, R&B, classic Motown tunes, and the rousing sounds of the great brass tradition, DRUMLINE LIVE is thrilled to share the American marching band experience with a wider audience.

The Joffrey Ballet

Jan. 22 & 23, 7:30 pm

They were the first company to appear on television, the first to perform at The White House, the first American company to visit Russia, and soon they will make their very first appearance at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. Nevada Ballet Theatre and The Smith Center proudly welcome The Joffrey Ballet as they perform unique pieces ranging from a rare classic to a modern masterpiece, and even a Jane Austen-inspired ballet.

TICKETS $

Ray Kurzweil — How to Create a Mind Jan. 27, 7:30 pm

Audi Speaker Series Ray Kurzweil has been described as “the restless genius” by the Wall Street Journal, and “the ultimate thinking machine” by Forbes. A leading inventor of our time, he was the principal developer of the first CCD flat-bed scanner, the first omni-font optical character recognition, the first print-to-speech reading machine for the blind, the first text-to-speech synthesizer, the first music synthesizer capable of recreating the grand piano and other orchestral instruments, and the first commercially marketed large-vocabulary speech recognition. Ray Kurzweil hits The Smith Center stage as a part of the Audi Speaker Series, discussing his latest book, “How to Create a Mind, The Secret of Human Thought Revealed.”

Natalie Merchant — In Concert with Orchestra Jan. 29, 7:30 pm

Natalie Merchant has earned a distinguished place among America’s most respected recording artists as a prolific songwriter with a compelling artistic vision and a unique and captivating performance style. Going Platinum as the lead singer of the band 10,000 Maniacs, she helped define college rock and create the first wave of alternative bands. Now on her own, she has become a master of the folk song. Coming to The Smith Center on her world symphonic tour and featuring songs from her latest album, “Leave Your Sleep,” Natalie Merchant has “never sounded quite so right” (The Boston Globe).

KODO

Feb. 1, 7:30 pm

Kodo, the legendary taiko drummers from Japan, bring the latest iteration of their ever-evolving One Earth Tour to North America. Titled Legend, the production was created under the direction of Japanese Living National Treasure Tamasaburo Bando — full of Japanese drums, music and stunning stagecraft. Called “musical perfection” by The Boston Globe, KODO brings to life a unique culture, four powerful seasons and the great beauty of the natural world.”

JAZZ ROOTS: A Tribute To Ella, Joe & Basie Feb. 3, 7:30 pm

Featuring Janis Siegel, Kevin Mahogany and the Count Basie Orchestra with Special Guests Nikki Yanofsky and Nicole HenryIn February, we celebrate Black History Month with a tribute to Ella, Joe and Basie. Count Basie’s music, characterized by a blues-steeped jumping beat and contrapuntal piano accents, was a showcase for top singers. Tonight, we honor two great singers whose performances with the Count have reached legendary proportions.

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Feb. 5–10

ALL ABOARD for this saucy and splendid production of Roundabout Theatre Company’s ANYTHING GOES, winner of three 2011 Tony® Awards including Best Musical Revival and Choreography! One of the greatest musicals in theater history, Cole Porter’s first-class musical comedy is sailing to Las Vegas, while it continues a triumphant run on Broadway where The New York Times calls it “MUSICAL-COMEDY JOY” and USA Today hails it as “GLORIOUS and EXUBERANT!”

UPCOMING JANUARY SHOWS AT CABARET JAZZ A CLUB AT THE SMITH CENTER Tom Wopat — “Love Swings” Jan. 11, 7 pm & 9:30 pm

It’s a rare performer who can star on a classic television action series that’s become part of American pop-culture, win topbilling on Broadway marquees in award-winning hit musicals, record solo albums featuring country chart-makers and play the leading man in a hit situation comedy. That rare performer is Tom Wopat.

SPECTRUM’S MOTOWN TRIBUTE Jan. 19, 7 pm

Spectrum, the internationally acclaimed Motown-style vocal quartet brings its award-winning show back to the Cabaret Jazz room for the third time since the Smith Center’s opening less than a year ago. The show features classic songs from the Temps, Tops, Miracles, Stylistics and many more as well as the close harmonies and deft choreography that have become Spectrum trademarks. Each previous show sold out weeks ahead of time, so buy your tickets early!

Michael Cavanaugh: The Billy Joel Songbook Jan. 25, 7 pm; Jan. 26, 3 pm & 7 pm

Michael Cavanaugh is the New Voice of the American Rock & Roll Songbook. A charismatic performer, musician and actor, made famous for his piano/lead vocals in the Broadway Musical Movin’ Out. Michael Cavanaugh was handpicked by Billy Joel to star in title role and evokes a style rivaling the Piano Man. Michael appeared in the show for three years and over 1,200 performances, receiving accolade after accolade, which culminated in 2003 with both Grammy® and Tony® award nominations. He comes to The Smith Center’s Cabaret Jazz, performing the Billy Joel Songbook.

Karen Briggs — Jazz Violinist Jan. 31, 6:30 pm

Join us for an evening of amazing entertainment including a VIP Reception prior to the performance and an opportunity to “Meet the Artist.” A portion of the proceeds will go to the HerShe Foundation, which prepares youth in foster care to transition from adolescence to adult independence and to support other charitable organizations in the Las Vegas community.

Clint Holmes

Feb. 1 & 2, 8:30 pm; Feb. 3, 2 pm

The acclaimed singer Clint Holmes, named Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year three times, Singer of the Year four times and awarded the Sammy Davis Jr. Foundation award, returns to Las Vegas to begin an exclusive engagement at Cabaret Jazz club the first weekend of every month. A master entertainer, Clint never performs the same show twice. Instead, he features a constantly evolving kaleidoscope of music every single night, ranging from contemporary to jazz to Broadway. Showcasing the greatest songwriters from around the world, he creates a spellbinding evening of music that’s both Live and Alive.

Terry Bozzio with Überschall Jan. 20, 2 pm & 8 pm

Überschall is a band comprised of present and past members of Blue Man Group and other beyond talented Las Vegas musicians. Joining for these performances will be legendary drummer Terry Bozzio (Frank Zappa, Missing Persons, Jeff Beck, Fantômas …). With four drum/percussion stations and two guitars and bass, Überschall will take the audience on a sonic journey that defies categorization.

UPCOMING EVENTS: JANUARY @ THE SMITH CENTER

Anything Goes

TICKETS $ STARTING AT

Visit www.thesmithcenter.com to see the full lineup 702.749.2000 ISSUE 10

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The Zappos Employee Newsletter

JANUARY 2013

ISSUE 10

What’s Happening? Restaurant And Bar Review

CULTURE: JANUARY

CULTURE

Chicago Joe’s and Commonwealth

He Said, She Said Bar+Bistro

A Look At Las Vegas Education Las Vegas Academy (LVA) of the Arts Downtown Classroom Series (DCS) Early Education In Downtown Las Vegas

Downtown Area Command (DTAC)

Interview with Police Officer Sgt. Christopher Curtis

Downtown Project (DTP) Downtown Speaker Series

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JANUARY 2013

The Zappos Employee Newsletter

Each month, we’ll take a slightly tipsy tour of one of downtown’s famous — or infamous — watering holes and report back with our findings. Do you need to bring your highest limit credit card? Can you get a PBR for a dollar? Is there any chance you’ll find a seat on a Friday night?

Commonwealth By: Angelina Fadool

The newest addition to Fremont East, Commonwealth bills itself as “a cocktail bar for uncommonly good times.” Outfitted with soaring, chandeliered ceilings and a rooftop bar, the latest member of the neighborhood has the potential to become one of the greatest. Price Point: Straight up, no chaser Pretty much everything on the menu, from multi-liquor libations with freshly muddled herbs to a beer, is priced from $7–10. Commonwealth is a true cocktail bar — as one friend put it, “if you’re the fool who rolls up in there asking for Bud Light, they’re going to make you pay for it.” There may not be a happy hour, but this is a great place to try something special — the “Little Hot Mess” and banana bread beer my companion and I ordered on our last visit were well worth our $20 tab. Ambiance: Ultrahip Commonwealth features three bars — a main long bar, a rooftop bar, and a Prohibition-era speakeasy style private room accessible only to guests with a reservation. Décor centers on dark wood, peacock statues, and a fair bit of mustache portraiture. I dig the retro speakeasy vibe of the main floor, but I have yet to make it upstairs— once because of rain and once due to a lack of staffing.

Pitfalls: Growing pains Commonwealth is a brand new establishment, so it stands to reason that there are still a few kinks to work out. The bartenders and servers seemed efficient, but they weren’t overly eager to assist us with the extensive cocktail menu. When I asked about the hot toddy and Irish coffee served on the roof, I was informed that upstairs was closed. Fortunately, the ambiance and our drinks made up for any lack of service. Care to quaff expertly mixed cocktails in an elegant setting? Then it’s definitely worth a trip downtown to check out the new kid on the block. Commonwealth 525 E. Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101 702.798.7000 www.commonwealthlv.com

Entertainment: You & your crew Dim lighting and a bumpin’ blend of old-school hip hop and indie rock made intimate conversation a little difficult, but would pose no challenge to a more raucous group of friends. Rumor has it the rooftop garden is quieter, but I can neither confirm nor deny this personally. I look forward to seeing how the schedule of house and guest DJs evolves over the next few months.

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By: Jo Casey

When we first walked into Chicago Joe’s for dinner, I thought we had walked into someone’s living room! It was immediately warm and welcoming. Red glass candles and checkered tablecloths were the first thing I noticed, but what made Chicago Joe’s super cool was that we could tell it was a home that had been converted into a restaurant. They sat us at a table in the corner that was super cozy but a tad claustrophobic for four people, so we asked to move, and we were accommodated. The bread we had at the beginning of the meal was warm and delightful, but I have to say the highlight of our entire meal was the salad. They make their dressing in-house and fresh every day. It is a sour cream based dressing with a hint of garlic. It was seriously amazing. I would go back just for that salad dressing! As for the main dishes, I’m a pretty picky eater, and I generally stick to one of two things when eating Italian food; it’s either spaghetti with meat sauce or chicken Alfredo. I decided to

have the chicken Alfredo, and I was not disappointed! The sauce was outstanding without being too rich, which was perfect. My dining companions all ordered different dishes: veal picante, chicken Marsala, and the special, pasta Luigi. The pasta Luigi was a mix of sausage, pasta, and various peppers. It was great! Besides the excellent company that I was in, the ambiance of the place was pretty legit. Some other patrons were celebrating a birthday, and the waiter encouraged us all to sing happy birthday to them … which we did. I felt like I was eating dinner at a friend’s house, and I totally loved that vibe! The price was pretty good, too. The 4 of us ate there for under $100, which was a great start to a great night!

CULTURE: Restaurant And Bar Review

Chicago Joe’s Chicago Joe’s 820 S. 4th St. Las Vegas, NV 89101 702.382.5637 www.chicagojoesrestaurant.com

* $ - $25 and Under $$ - $25 - $40 $$$ - $40 - $55 $$$$ - $55 and Over The dollar sign represents cost based on a three-course dinner and a 15 percent tip. ISSUE 10

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The Zappos Employee Newsletter

He Said,

Atmosphere: While it can be tough to find close parking on a half-busy night, once you're inside you'll feel right at home. The vibe could definitely be defined as "artsy," but I was surprised to find how warm and intimate the environment was. Our server was not only friendly, but also very knowledgeable and willing to help.

drinks: So I'll admit it: I love sugary drinks. I feel like I should enjoy my alcohol — especially at Vegas prices. So I was all-ears when our server mentioned their new cocktail menu. After browsing a decent-sized list of signature bevvies priced from $9–12, I settled on a Singapore Sling. As a non-gin drinker I was skeptical, but I was happy to find out that it was very well-balanced and not overpowering whatsoever.

the app: The app selection includes a variety of tapas and other contemporary plates priced from $6–15. We chose the five cheese mac recommended by our waitress, and it was excellent. As a pasta fiend, I was thoroughly impressed. Great portion for two as well!

the main event: To preface, I'm a meat-and-potatoes, dollar-menu, plain-jane type of eater. When I , look at a menu where entrEes are priced $25–30, my priority is finding something familiar to ensure it won't be a total miss. I was happy to find the menu includes a large selection of salads, sandwiches, and personal pizzas that were both appealing to my tastes and a manageable "first-date" price (you know, the $9–15 you would be comfortable spending even if the, date was a bust). The menu also includes a large vegan selection of apps and entrEes that even seemed appetizing to a non-vegan like me. I chose a personal pizza called "the Carne," but my blind love for cheese led me to overlook the cabrales on the ingredients list. This pungent Italian blue cheese made for a less than pleasant experience for my basic taste buds.

overall rating: I give it a "Solid." Definitely worth a trip to the Arts District, and it would be a great place to bring out-of-town guests as a "local gem."

* $ - $25 and Under, $$ - $25 - $40, $$$ - $40 - $55, $$$$ - $55 and Over The dollar signs represent cost based on a three-course dinner and a 15 percent tip.

1 = "Not for me"

2 = "Slightly Underwhelmed"

The Zappos Employee Newsletter

3 = "Meh"

4 = "Solid"

JANUARY 2013

5 = "Uhh, YES!"

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Atmosphere: Personally, I loved the artsy vibe — but I am a sucker for upcycled bottles used as water glasses. Having witnessed the crowds here on a fire-dancers-in-the-courtyard First Friday, I was pleasantly surprised by the laidback atmosphere — and it was a treat to check out paintings by local artists from the comfort of our booth.

drinks: The drink menu offers a decent selection of beer and wine and a full bar featuring a lengthy, slightly intimidating whisky selection. Our server offered to help me navigate the list, but a cocktail, “Guinness Gone Genius,” called my name. Rimmed with a combination of crystallized espresso and bourbon barrel smoked sugar, this smooth and creamy libation was well worth the price.

CULTURE: HE SAID, SHE SAID

BAR+BISTRO

She Said at...

the app: The portion size was definitely on point, but I didn’t love it — probably because the mac I make at home is just as good for a fraction of the price. I’m planning on trying something from the $5 sliders menu on my next visit.

the main event: I have a pretty adventurous palette and love blue cheese, but I have to agree — the Carne was not for me. Since I don’t typically have to pay for my date’s meal, I opted for the grilled mixto — an , outstanding entree consisting of lamb chops, baby back ribs, glazed chorizo, and a Kobe steak over a lightly dressed watercress salad. This one was a pricey choice, but it was delicious and large, enough to share with my hungry, pizza-less companion. Once she discovered us sharing my entree, our server offered to take his pizza off the bill — a testament to the great service.

overall rating: Based on the service and my cocktail alone, I am happy to give this one a “Solid.” I plan on coming back on a Saturday or Sunday to check out the award-winning “hangover brunch.”

1 = "Not for me"

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2 = "Slightly Underwhelmed"

JANUARY 2013

3 = "Meh"

4 = "Solid"

5 = "Uhh, YES!"

Bar+Bistro 107 E. Charleston Blvd. #155 Las Vegas, NV 89104 702.202.6060 www.barbistroaf.com

The Zappos Employee Newsletter

Feature:

A Look At Las Vegas Education

Above: Las Vegas Academy, today Left: Las Vegas Academy, 1954

The Zappos Employee Newsletter

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“Hello Zapponia! I’m Shannon Sneade, a junior in high school at Las Vegas Academy. On behalf of everyone at LVA, we are eager to welcome Zappos into the downtown area. As an aspiring journalist, I will be writing a monthly column on the happenings and culture of my school, which will be featured in the monthly Downtown Newsletter. If you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to contact me at lvaaccolades@gmail.com. Please stay tuned and thank you so much for reading!” Thank you, Shannon Sneade

Meet LVAbeen

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The Zappos Employee Newsletter

CULTURE: A Look At Las Vegas Education

Las Vegas Academy

Downtown Classroom Series Downtown Classroom Series (DCS) is part of the initiative to spread education and learning to form a closer-knit community and is led by Ovik Banerjee, a UNC-Chapel Hill graduate, VFA fellow and a member of Downtown Project’s education team. The platform he’s using for DCS is called Skillshare, an online website which connects its users, who are both teachers and students, through classes ranging in formats: round table discussions, part presentation/part engagement, and straight lecture, but lesson plans can take any shape. All classes available through the notated url at the end of this piece are free (so finances are not a barrier to learning) and onsite. They are posted anywhere from two weeks to one day ahead of time, but Banerjee said that DCS is “in its initial stages,” and as a long-term initiative he hopes DCS will have a permanent schedule and a permanent physical location downtown. If there’s one important thing people need to know about Downtown Classroom Series, what would it be? That anyone can teach … Whatever you’re passionate about we want you to be able to teach a class. Why is this important for downtown? I really believe that learning is a continuous process, and I feel that the trap that a lot of people fall into is that it’s very easy to get caught up in all the things going on in your life because people have responsibilities. But learning is fun and people benefit from it, especially when they do it with the community. It establishes new relationships, and when you learn this way you have a chance to connect some areas that otherwise wouldn’t connect, and that’s where some really interesting ideas can come from. How is this is going to change the face of education? It has the potential to change the perception of community learning. I don’t know if it’s ever going to replace the … structure of traditional, recognized learning in the sense that ‘you went to a school that’s accredited; you are competent in these skills,’ and I think that will always have a place in our society, but I do think that it’s creating a new space in … learning skills. Before, there’s always been a desire to learn [for example] how to play guitar, to learn how to do crafts, and there have been different niche places to learn how to do that, but it’s been difficult to connect to those niche places unless you knew about them already. So I think this has the potential to break down those niches and really connect those silos to one another. The main payoff of this project long-term is yet to be seen, but when we sat down with Christine Nottage, teacher and student through Skillshare, the benefits became apparent and seem almost imperative to a healthy, happy community. It confirmed what Banerjee said earlier that day: “Granted, a lot of these things you can figure out how to do on your own [through various online media], but that’s very impersonal, and there’s something about finding likeminded people to connect with that you can’t get online, even through online hangouts. There’s something much more powerful about physically being in the same space.” 35

Nottage taught an etiquette class that covered table manners, conversation starters and follow-up in the form of written letters. She worked from a PowerPoint and had an interactive activity during which everyone made handwritten notes (yes … with a pen and paper). Nottage grew up taking etiquette courses as a child and at college while working on her master’s degree, and she thought this was something she could share that would be fun and that people might be interested in. She used an etiquette book from the ‘60s that started a conversation about what has changed over the last 50 years. This conversation broke into new avenues about proper manners (there were no cell phones then, but there are now!) that Nottage may incorporate into another version of this class. Nottage had about eight people attend, and it was very “interactive, and at any point people could come up and ask a question.” How she got involved: Nottage heard people talking! Learning what we’ve learned from downtown lately, how else do things start happening other than conversations with friends? How did you first meet Ovik [Banerjee]? You just get to know everybody … I go to the tech jellies; I go to the green jellies. Nottage and her husband moved downtown by happenstance and were thinking about leaving, but she said, “the community has really kept us here.” On the DL e-mail Listserv for their building, Nottage gets out into the neighborhood and reaches out to her neighbors. She confirms that the one most important thing about Skillshare is the community it helps to cultivate. The point of Skillshare is everybody can be a teacher, right? So did you have some experience? “No I didn’t.” She said she was terrified, but she “felt comfortable [enough] because I knew almost everyone there,” and she also said, “I had to steel myself.” (We all just love public speaking don’t we?) Many people who don’t think of themselves as professional, trained, or experienced teachers, may find that if some thought is put into it, they have in fact taught someone something in some capacity. Nottage began to recall that “I would have to teach” ad hoc through having to simply talk to people throughout her professional life. This point goes to show that a lot of presenting in everyday life is about teaching, and anyone can do it.

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Why should people get involved and share more knowledge? Every time I talk with someone and meet someone new, especially in the community here, I’m finding out something new and different from them. It could be anything … even practical things I think are valuable, and I think it creates a

closer community when you’ve got this kind of sharing. I think everyone has something to teach. DCS uses Skillshare and may eventually involve other activities, but it’s main contribution may be that very concept Nottage is so passionate about; it’s that learning takes place every day all day if it’s recognized that way, and that whether or not people realize it, they are teaching and learning from each other all the time. Banerjee said “one of the things that Downtown Project is trying to do is create a part of Las Vegas that’s for Las Vegans, and part of that is creating communities,” whatever avenue that may take, “it’s both a physical location, and it’s also ties that bind people together.” To find a Skillshare class, visit www.skillshare.com/dtlv or search by zip code from the site’s main page. To teach a class, please contact Ovik Banerjee at ovikb@downtownproject. com. Check out Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ DowntownClassroomSeries.

What’s your story? Grew up in the Deep South and escaped to Blue Heaven (UNC Chapel Hill) for four years of college where I studied Biology and Environmental Science. During my time at Chapel Hill, I was involved with NC Fellows, Carolina United, APPLES Service Learning (Alternative Spring Break to New Orleans and Alternative Fall Break to the NC Coast), the Environmental Affairs Committee of Student Government, Tar Heel Bikes program, and was an RA for a year. On the side I spent a summer playing in mud (studying carbon sequestration in mangrove forests in Ecuador) and created a new scoring and ranking system for assessing the vulnerability of population’s access to water as part of my research with the Water Institute. In my free time, I played frisbee, ate at every restaurant within a 10 mile radius, and went to concerts at Cat’s Cradle. I’m really excited to be working with the education team and working to bring in some TFA-ers to the Downtown area next year.

CULTURE: A Look At Las Vegas Education

Why is this kind of teaching important for downtown? (This time she was a student.) It’s not only the social and community side, but Shaun Swanson did one on math, and math has always kind of intimidated me, but he took some of the intimidation out of it and suggested really good reading. … And I think it’s that kind of topic that you normally wouldn’t really know anything about, and you’re not committed to it for a semester, and you can come in and have a finite time, and then after the talk if you’re really interested in it you can pick the person’s brain further or you have different options and avenues, but it opens a door. I think that’s a really nice way to learn. You don’t have to write a paper or take a test or be graded on anything. It’s a really nonjudging atmosphere that you’re really comfortable in and asking questions. The physics and math questions I would have been like ‘yeah I’m not asking that,’ I got answers for.

Describe yourself in three words: Adrenaline seeking wanderer When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? Roller coaster tester (not designer, tester) TV show you wish you could be on? The Amazing Race Spot you wish you had unlimited airline miles to travel to? Antarctica or Australia (the two continents I haven’t been to)

OVIK BANERJEE University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Bachelor of Science Environment Science & Biology

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The Zappos Employee Newsletter

Early Education In Downtown Las Vegas By: Mandy Crispin, Michael Boley, and Loren Becker

employing neuroscience and learning — teaching classes in ways that fit with how the brain learns.

Connie Yeh:

left her corporate job in New York City a year ago to work for Downtown Project as head of Downtown Project’s education initiative.

Meg Murray:

has a Ph.D. in education and is the lead researcher and school designer. Yeh and Murray are in charge of making sure this new school, which has yet to be named, comes to life this August. They’ll start interviewing to fill about 20 prospective teaching positions in January. The first year will be for students from six weeks to kindergarten age, and open enrollment will begin in March to fill an initial capacity of a little over 100 students. Then it will grow grade by grade; they are hoping to expand to different campuses as they go. The school will undertake common core curriculum requirements, but they also pored over information from experts in the field of positive psychology, a key to creating a positive environment in the classroom. With those elements, a curriculum is being devised, honed and finalized, Murray said. When the curriculum is finished, she believes this downtown school will be unique in the country for 37

How did they come to live in Las Vegas, and what were they doing professionally before joining the DTP education team? Yeh traded equity derivatives for Citi Group and worked the trading floor for over seven years before visiting downtown Las Vegas with the prospects of learning about the education initiative at Tony’s behest over a routine dinner in New York City. Murray, disheveled by the politics of directing programs on college campuses, came to Las Vegas eight years ago to pursue education based entrepreneurial business opportunities. “Whether it was an insurance company or a recruiting company, it was always educating people in some effect,” she said. Where does your passion for education come from? Murray: People are always asked about their life journey. If I stop and think about what has brought me here, it is really my kids’ path, my kids’ daily path. I made the choice to become a foster parent … . Through that process I learned a lot about helping kids in education and helping kids behaviorally. Both of my adopted children, because of how they came into the world, have difficulty in a traditional school setting. It really takes a village to raise any child but specifically children that have learning issues. I started doing a lot of volunteer work for the school, and eventually when the director became ill I proposed the idea that I step in and run the school — so I did that for the last five years.

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Classroom Rendering Courtesy of NOVUS Architecture

Downtown Project | Early Childhood Development Center

Outside of your own efforts in transforming downtown, what else is inspiring you? Yeh: One of the coolest things to me is the DTP construction zone. Either through the Speaker Series, Skillshare, or other workshops, it goes to show you that people are hungry for these spaces. Murray: For me it is being around all these possibilities. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity. There is a lot of permission to think outside the box, be creative, and get inspired right now.

up in less than eight weeks, and Natalie getting eat open. I also just found out the shipping container park is real close to starting construction. I was also WOWed by all the support that I have been feeling. Murray: We are all so busy and don’t always get to enjoy the WOW. But when you step back and take it in there is a lot to say WOW about. Some of the WOW is just from all the hope that is being generated from this project.

Where do you see downtown in five or even ten years? Murray: I see it “on the map.” When I say “the map” I mean the global map, the international map. It is a really big story that is going to be told and inspire people. It has the potential to change things if we all stay committed and do it right.

First thing that comes to mind when I say, “Favorite downtown . . .” Yeh: Restaurant: Le Thai & eat Bar: DCR Monthly Event: The Tell Random Place: The courtyard at 9th and Bridger Surprise: Provide a space and they will come Misconception: People think I must miss New York, but …

Who has given you great guiding advice? What was it? Murray: One of my doctoral professors back in my early 20’s made a commit in class one day. “If you are not uncomfortable then you’re not learning, and you may as well just stop.” Ever since I heard that quote it has really become how I try to live my life, whether it personally or professionally. It can be as easy as changing your seat every day to get a new prospective on things. Yeh: Before I came here I didn’t know if I was going to do be able to do this. I was scared, and Tony told me: “What is the worst that can happen? It is ok to fail.”

Murray: Restaurant: Le Thai Bar: Don’t Drink Monthly Event: Speaker Series Random Place: The walkability Surprise: Being part of it Misconception: It’s not safe

What’s something that makes you say WOW? Yeh: Just how much I’ve learned about myself and how far we have come with this. It’s just not me, though. I watched Sarah get Coterie ISSUE 10

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Why do you focus on education in the downtown area? Yeh: One of the things we really want to do is provide a quality educational system for Zappos and our downtown community. One of the things that Zappos and DTP are focusing on is family and kids. We think that families are such an important part of a downtown community. Can you define what early childhood education covers? Yeh: It is going to serve children six weeks old up through kindergarten. We will have separate classrooms for 6 weeks–12 months, 12–24 months, 2–3 year olds, and a mixed classroom for 3–5 year olds. What is the reasoning behind mixed-age classrooms? Murray: The kindergarten component puts us a little into the elementary mark, not just early childhood space. If you look at some of the early childhood models there is daycare, then you have Montessori & Emilia Reggio that combine students and seem to be the most academically sound. We really are looking at best practices and popping in some of the new callings out there. Yeh: In addition to what Meg is saying, the mixed classrooms really foster collaboration, leadership and teaching other students. Kids learn a lot better from other kids. You mentioned 9th & Bridger, which is the address of the new school. Can you tell us about the building? Yeh: It used to be the First Baptist Church and was acquired by the City of Las Vegas in 2000. It went up for sale last year through an RFP [request for approval] process, and that’s how we got it. The reason why we are so attracted to this building is its rich history. It is this beautiful Spanish architecture that is very special and unique to downtown. What are your plans for development of the building before you open? Yeh: We designed the space to give each classroom multiple arched windows and are going to replace some of the windows with rollup doors so each classroom will have immediate access to the outdoors. We are planning to have several gardens on the campus. We have added water bottle stations, composting stations, gardens that we hope will teach math and have students grow their own food. We will even have a tortoise habitat. We are also placing a lot of emphasis on the teacher experience. Murray: The outdoor learning environment opportunities are amazing. We have a unique opportunity to teach sustainability from a green standpoint with the design of this campus. Top: Site Plan Rendering

Why would I want my child to attend your school? Yeh: The biggest thing is the experience, and I’ll give two examples. Instead of learning math through only a book, we want them to count the leaves on the plants in the school garden, measure the soil and water. So they will learn math through gardening. In terms of homework, some of the things we are thinking of would be taking a digital camera and interviewing parents and neighbors to learn about them. It is more about the experience and applied learning.

Left: First Baptist Church (new building site) Right: Fence Rendering Renderings Courtesy of NOVUS Architecture

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CULTURE: A Look At Las Vegas Education

Q&A

The Zappos Employee Newsletter

Interview with Police Officer Sgt. Christopher Curtis of the Downtown Area Command (DTAC) By: Rosalind Searcy Share with us your first profession and how you came to live in Las Vegas. I’m from New York and everyone gets a paper route, so I wouldn’t consider that a profession. But when I was a teenager in New York they had this program called the Co-op Program and I worked for the #3 import-export company in the world as a mail clerk. It was so exciting to work in Manhattan at that young of an age. Then I went into the Marine Corps for five years and traveled all over the world where I was on embassy duty and also got stabbed while in Yugoslavia. My most fun profession on the police department was as a hostage negotiator here in Las Vegas for five years. Is there an experience that made you want to protect and serve the community? Before I became a cop I remember in my neighborhood my dad was the person that everyone would run to if there was something bad going on in our neighborhood. It made me really admire my dad and I looked up to him like he was the fixer person, and it made me want to be that. Can you share your story of how you became a police officer? My dad was in law enforcement. I admired his profession; he was a state law enforcement officer and worked at a mental institution for most of his career for the mentally insane. And after 30 years he retired; just seeing his uniform and badge, I would just stare at it. When I was in the Marine Corps and stationed in Venezuela there was a CIA agent who really liked me and he groomed me to the career I wanted to go into, he would just teach me different things. He said in the ‘90s the Las Vegas economy is going to boom and if you want to be a cop, go there and they were testing. Then I flew here to Las Vegas from Venezuela to take the test and in 1992 I started with the police department. What are the advantages of being located in downtown Las Vegas as opposed to any other part of the city? This is easy! I use to hang out downtown. … I’m outgoing [by nature] and could feel the energy, so I put in the transfer to come downtown, and it was one of the best career moves I’ve ever made. I feel that sometimes in life you get into certain areas and circles and you just feel like you fit. There was just a positive energy going on, and I’m about positivity so my style of police work fit. Personality has a lot to do with what works. What does C.O.P. stand for? Cops, silly! Community Oriented Policing. That’s a team that I oversee. I have officers that work in all different areas … in the community that affect quality of life. Then I have officers who work exclusively with the Hispanic community … [and] I have officers that work exclusively with the homeless as well as a team that compiles intelligence and data, which is how the community-oriented policing teams traditionally work.

Can you share your relationship with Zappos? Zappos and Metro have a really great relationship. There is a desk on the 6th floor in the Carson building that’s called the C.O.P. Stop. I work with Abbie Morris (Zappos’ Safety Regulator) and provide some really up-to-date, cool information. The Zappos team can just walk up and pick up information that normally one would have to reach out two to three degrees of separation in order to get; now it’s right there where you guys can get it at arms reach. Then I come in every two weeks and do a little crime or safety brief were I talk about different crime trends or safety tips or questions that one might have. A lot of businesses talk the talk but they don’t walk the walk. … No other business in the time I have worked for Metro has reached out to the extent that [Zappos] has. Can you share the boundaries of the Downtown Area Command? To the north it’s Owens. To the east it’s Pecos. To the south it’s Sahara. To the west it’s Martin Luther King. So, everything by the Smith Center; if you go north, everything by Catholic Charities is ours. If you go south, all the businesses on Sahara. If you go east, all the industrial complexes on Pecos. How many officers work in this area? Approximately 200 work in the downtown area. First thing that comes to mind when I say, “Favorite downtown . . .” Restaurant: Uncle Joe’s Pizza, Le Thai, Garden Court Buffet at Main Street Station Bar: Downtown Cocktail Room (DCR) Monthly Event: Outreach community event Metro holds Random Place: Old School Boxing gym between Ninth Street & 10th Street Surprise: How quickly the transformation is occurring downtown Misconception: That it’s behind the times and nothing new and exciting is happening here Sarge wanted to expound on his answers in the speed round. He’s the law, so we let him. Monthly Event: My favorite monthly event is Outreach, which is we go out and talk to the homeless in the community and we find out if they want to go into treatment or if they want to go into a shelter. Most of the people refuse the services, but even if we get one or two people it makes you feel really good that someone did decide to go inside and take the services. Random Place: That would be the boxing gym, Old School Boxing. This is underground and you probably don’t even know about it. It’s between Ninth Street & 10th Street on Fremont. You go by there, it’s a throwback gym. It’s old school and grimy and it’s all kids. You can look in the window and you can see all these kids going at it. It’s about five to six blocks from downtown.

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Any words of advice for our Zappos family members as we get closer to our move to the 400 Stewart building? My advice is to utilize the police as much as you can as a resource. If you have a question about something — ask. We are more than happy to help you out in more than anything you can possibly think you could need. It doesn’t necessarily have to do with crime because we do not only deal with crime issues; we deal with civil matters as well. So just ask! Sometimes knowing makes you feel better about a situation. That’s my biggest advice. Sometimes people do not reach out to the resources they have available.

Contact:

828-DTAC

CULTURE: A Look At Las Vegas Education

Surprise: Is how quickly the transition has occurred from the old, forgotten to fun, fresh and energized. I didn’t expect it to happen this fast. It’s amazing how quickly it’s changed. Misconception: I get this all the time. A misconception about downtown is that it’s behind the times, and there’s nothing new and exciting to do. I think it’s just the opposite. In fact, I think downtown rivals the strip in fun and exciting, and it’s better than the strip as far as cultural things to do.

www.alertid.com/our-partners.asp

www.facebook.com/LasVegasMetro

@LVMPD

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The Zappos Employee Newsletter

Downtown Project: Speaker Series

Have you ever wanted to go inside the minds of others and see what makes them tick, ask them how their passion and perseverance got them to where they are today, or maybe even allow them to articulate life lessons to aid your personal quests? If you could get up close and personal with these people, wouldn’t that make you smarter, well-rounded, and more educated with a larger thirst for learning? That’s what Downtown Project (DTP) is trying to do with its newly formed, ever-evolving Speaker Series. Downtown Speaker Series is a weekly event held on Friday afternoons at the DTP Construction Zone where world renowned artists, entrepreneurs, and social scientists from across the country speak on a range of topics and where main headliners have included Morgan Spurlock, Kevin Rose, and Nyla Rogers. Although this novel idea to integrate community and culture isn’t new for many of us, it is a fresh take to the community of downtown Las Vegas. Joe Mahon is the Serendipity Sorcerer with DTP and has been working closely with the curation and event promotion since May 2012. Before joining DTP, Mahon worked with Summit Series for three months, an organization known for hosting events focused on business, technology, and charitable awareness. While at its Lake Tahoe conference last January, Mahon was introduced to various high-profile figures, one of which being Tony Hsieh. In early March, Mahon was invited by Hsieh to attend First Friday’s 43

burning man and visit the downtown area, thus spawning the Speaker Series phase under the DTP umbrella. “I was here for a week. I got to meet everybody and got to shadow Tony,” said Mahon. “Then at the end of that I asked him for a job with Downtown Project. I basically said, ‘However I can be a part of it … I’ll mop your floors if I have to.’” In its infancy stages, Mahon and others put together this one-of-akind event on the fly. The Speaker Series had opened up its doors to the community with its first speaker, Jim Kwik, on May 7 who also keynoted Zappos’ Q2 All Hands. “Tony found him for All Hands and we kind of wanted to test him out, so we set up a PA, a janky projector, set up 50 seats and blasted invites and waited to see how many people showed up,” said Mahon. Since then, the Speaker Series has rapidly grown. To date, it has held 40 talks with speeches ranging from 15 to 45 minutes long followed by a Q&A session powered by snacks — all of which are free to the public. Although it’s typical for these speakers to charge $5,000–$10,000 per talk, DTP says they pay their incentive in other ways. According to Mahon, speakers are instead offered a four-day stay at the Ogden downtown to spend with Hsieh and DTP as well as understand the community’s revitalization goal on a grander scale.

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With a Ph.D. in social science, Zappos employee Jesse Kluver has also shared his knowledge at a company All Hands and Speaker Series event. Kluver’s responsibility is to give strategic science advice to Zappos and DTP regarding human well-being, but his interests expand much further than that. “Of all the things a person could study, I think the human mind is probably one of the most inherently interesting things to try to understand … I’m fascinated by how fantastically pragmatic an understanding of human social and mental processes can be,” Kluver said. “This is really what makes me feel like what I do is worthwhile. I can make relationships, teams, organizations, and cities better by sharing some of those tentative answers with anyone who will listen.” Although Kluver’s degree is not teacher-based, he has taught social psychology courses at the University of Virginia since 2009 and has given recent talks to Claremont Graduate University, USC, and, of course, downtown.

“If we’re going to be successful, we should be promoting some of the necessary antecedents of success. In this case, knowledge, inspiration, and connection all function sort of like a magnet to attract people to the area and spawn innovation and foster community,” said Kluver. “Humans have been ratcheting up success this way at least since we acquired language; why stop now?” To further expose downtown to its Speaker Series, DTP has plans in place to build a two-level, 150-person capacity theater and bar on the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Fremont Street, named “Inspire Theater.” Furthermore, according to Mahon, two large video screens will hang near Fremont to live stream speakers and allow passersby an opportunity to tune in. No specific timetable is yet set for opening, but construction is expected to be fully complete by late summer 2013. For more information on Downtown Speaker Series and to see upcoming speakers, please visit www.downtownspeakerseries.com. Weekly informational booklets are also distributed and can be picked up at The Beat, DCR, and DTP Construction Zone.

According to Hsieh and DTP, Speaker Series is intended to make those who live and visit downtown Vegas leave smarter than when they came. By implementing these new, innovative ideas, a genuine interest is being created to make the surrounding community stronger.

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The Zappos Employee Newsletter

CULTURE: A Look At Las Vegas Education

“Instead, the perk is that they get to … explore a whole new side the city they never thought existed before … . What we’re finding is that people, who are coming to talk and share and give back their knowledge to the community, can speak from a much more personal and pure place when they aren’t being paid.”

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Long Live Core Value #3! Boleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crystal Balls Astrology

Word Search

FUN & WEIRD: JANUARY

FUN & WEIRD

A Challenge from Fashion Content

Interesting Knowledge Nuggets Vegas Vic

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JANUARY 2013

The Zappos Employee Newsletter

BOleY’s CRYSTAL BALLS Congratulations! You’ve made it through the “end of the world”!! In the post-Mayan era you can expect many interesting things coming your way, especially in January 2013. There will be significant ups, and unfortunately, a few downs. Always keep your family and friends close as they are your best allies. Always be mindful to open your sails at the right time … ‘cause if you don’t expect to remain stagnant in your relationships and finances. Here’s what to expect in the year anew:

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 The holidays have come and gone, and you’re feeling über lethargic. Your laziness to clean the house and pick up scraps of wrapping paper is embarrassing. Oh! And the warm candle you dropped and left on your hardwood? That doesn’t constitute as “waxing the floors.” Snap out of the funk and make your housemates proud!

Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20

Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 Abrasive isn’t characteristically within your nature. However, your neighbor still has a pumpkin on his front step from three months ago. This, among other things, makes your skin itch. This month you’ll finally grow a pair and vehemently stand up for what you believe in — but choose your battles wisely as this could go awry.

Bathing is usually an uneventful, everyday (sometimes an every three day) event for you. However, trying to change your identity, like purchasing boxed hair dye, will go horribly wrong. In fact, you’ll feel a part of the Exorcist as the cheap black dye will run like scary tears all over your shower walls. Stay true to yourself and go to a real salon.

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Leo Jul 23 - Aug 22

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19

GGGrrrr rrr

rrr r

A new hobby will be discovered in the coming weeks and will take up the majority of your time. At first you’ll think of it as difficult, but over time you’ll become a master of the craft. Be wary, however, as your cockiness could leave you in a hurt of trouble, making you throw the oven mitt in a fit of rage.

As the CEO and CFO of your own life, it’s time to get your act together. You appear to make quick decisions without thoroughly thinking of consequences, and you’ve been in the red for the past few weeks. Turn the tide by sitting on your thoughts and in the dark as you hide from loan sharks.

Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22

Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 Environmental consciousness is at the top of your list to begin 2013. You will aid Mother Nature with less driving, more recycling, and go easy with the aerosol can after going #2.

e on

Sti

-G B nk

No pow w with er o t f Lla he mas !

Gemini May 21 - Jun 20 Your nonexistent abs are making you frustrated, so join the gym for unexpected luck. You’ll meet a fox and work off those flab ‘n’ grab calories with your new bedmate instead of exchanging sweat beads with old man Humphrey in the sauna.

You get a serious high by saving money — and what better way than extreme couponing? However, time is always more important than money. Start this realization by renting J.T.’s “In Time.” If anything, you’ll receive 1.5 hours of “entertainment” and then can go back to clipping out two-for-one toothbrushes.

JANUARY 2013

When you buy 130 or more of these newsletters!

Your humanitarian efforts will begin to take shape this month as you realize what’s most important to you. In fact, you’ll become an unofficial counselor to most of your friends as you see them trending towards the dangerous stages of #HashtagAbuse.

Another year older and another year wiser; it’s now time to grow up and be an adult. Drop the Hotmail and raise your tech savvy to something less laughable. Also, consider a wardrobe upgrade with your mall gift card from mom.

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 Your sense of self-awareness needs work as the back and forth texting is getting annoying. Sure, you may love the chirp, swoosh, and tritone text tones on your phone, but there’s also a vibration option. Use it and you’ll be a hero in the hearts of many!

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Libra Sept 23 - Oct 22

Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21

Save

Cancer Jun 21 - Jul 22

Like Cancer, you like to stretch your dollar to the limits. Unlike Cancer, you’re smarter and more entrepreneurial. Thinking to the future, you are fed up with the inflated price of products. Your decision to buy Forever Stamps is a great idea and can drive you to profit after resale as well as early retirement. Mazel tov!

v v v vib r a t

AXPWMCQWORDPDCMYNG ODMRNCSEARCHPMMUNZ Fashion Content’s Creative Muscle Crossword Did you know that the move to Carson resulted in some of the teams being split between our two campuses? In order to better support their merchandising counterparts, a portion of fashion content has already made the move to downtown. Separation is never easy— fortunately, this is a team that understands how constraints foster creative solutions. Composing descriptions for everything from beauty products to handbags, jewelry to shoes, can sap your creativity. Not sure what to write next? Draw two of the words in the puzzle below and put them into your next description. What?! You don’t write descriptions for a living in this joint? Work two words into the next sentence you speak. Don’t talk until you can do it. Or, how about using all these words in a department wide e-mail? (Insert evil cackle here.) One of fashion content’s favorite ways to stay connected also appears in this puzzle eight times. Figured it out? Send your guess to afadool@zappos.com for bragging rights and 5 zollars.

Sleek

Lascivious

Essence

Seize

Stab

Linger

Invoke

Divine

Intense

Blissful

Violent

Distant

Obsession

Enigma

V D I N L S U O I V I C S A L I K E N S T A C L O L V N I E O L C A T S B D S L E E K M E L O O B S E S S I O N T G A K E L N M G D N L O L C A T S V N C I L B A T S R C E N C G T T A G O L I N G E A S V H N S B T O L A T C E G T D I A Z U A S I C M E Z T N S E T B I L I E N A T I D A I T S G L N O E N G T E N I B L I S S F U L S I V S N I V I D R E P I E C S G Z O C L I F U L N R S R A V M E S K R N L O L C A T S T I A O L T E E T H B E R S I S S T A C L O L G R S L U F L B 49

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Vegas Vic A Little Background You’ve undoubtedly seen him overlooking Fremont Street as boodles of people carouse in and out of casinos, restaurants, and speakeasies below. Communicating to your inner being, you assume this 40-foot structure has never dressed with the times. Balderdash! Erected in 1951, Vegas Vic is one of Fremont’s most notorious emblems. Historically speaking, at a time when the city was relatively new, his identity was also being created. Always on trend with western attire, Vic has mastered chic style with timeless appeal. Let’s take a closer look. Vic’s Stylist Picks Due to excessive desert heat and unsightly pit stains, Vic has an edited lifestyle of clothing, but adapts to Core Value #2 quite well. From 1951 through the ‘60s, he donned a long-sleeve checkered white and yellow shirt; from the ‘70s to mid-‘90s he switched to a solid yellow; and since 1998, a checkered red and yellow stitched has been his top of choice. His pants, a slim straight blue jean, combine nicely with a pair of cracked but resilient all-leather boots with embellished heel spurs. To tie the kit and caboodle together, Vic color-coordinates a widebrimmed headpiece and pebbled leather belt. Although Vegas Vic hasn’t been able to make a peep since the ‘80s (yes, he really did talk!), he’d murmur a “Howdy partner,” give a friendly wave if he could (his arm stopped motioning in 1991), and wish you happy trails!

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The Zappos Employee Newsletter

The Las Vegas Grammar School (AKA Historic Fifth Street School)

The historic Las Vegas Grammar School was built on the site of the original 1910 Las Vegas School that had burned to the ground just a few years before. The school, built in 1936, was designed by architects Orville L. Clark and George K. Thompson in the Mission Revival Style â&#x20AC;&#x201D; an architectural style that was used often in Las Vegas during that period. The school remained in operation until the 1960s when it was turned over to the municipal government for other purposes. The school was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. In 2005,

the City of Las Vegas began the process of rehabilitating the historic building back to its original splendor. The newly restored school reopened in September 2008. Today, the Historic Fifth Street School is used for various community functions such as theatrical performances, concerts, and art shows. It is also home to the UNLV School of Architecture Downtown Design Center, the Nevada School of the Arts, and the American Institute of Architects.

CULTURE: LAS VEGAS HISTORY

Fabulous Downtown

This image is from UNLV Special Collections - www.library.unlv.edu/speccol

Brian Paco Alvarez | Curator, News Bureau Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority | www.LVCVA.com 51

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