VOLUME 1 ISSUE 41 | OCTOBER 4 - OCTOBER 10 | 2017
YOUR FREE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, PERSONAL FINANCE, MUSIC & CLASSIFIEDS NEWSWEEKLY
LOCAL Mercury Girl
SPORTS Is there an upset in the air?
LIVE A Side of Phish
TABLE OF CONTENTS
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 41
| OCTOBER 4 - OCTO
TAINMENT, PERSONAL YOUR FREE ARTS, ENTER
FOCUS ON THIS WEEK! A Side of Phish
Mercury Girl Is there an upset in the
WEEKLY CLASSIFIEDS NEWS
LIVE
LOCAL
SPORTS
BER 10 | 2017
FINANCE, MUSIC &
4
THE ARTS
6
FAMILY
8
EVENTS
air?
10 ON TEN
26
REAL ESTATE
29
HAPPY HOUR
30
CLASSIFIEDS
Coldwell Banker will be sharing real estate information on a bi-weekly basis relating to the buying and selling of your home.
To advertise email focusonclassifieds@gmail.com or call today.
13 THIS WEEKS FEATURE 16 EARTHWEEK
Diary of a Changing World By Steve Newman
18 NIGHTLIFE
We were there...were you?
20 SPORTS
Focus on Sports- Is there an upset in the air? By Focus Omaha
22 LIVE & LOCAL
Mercury Girl – Wanting to be Different By Andy Roberts
24 FINANCE
Herek Financial will be sharing financial information relating to the markets, investments, financial news and other information with regard to finance. By Mike Herek
Focus is your FREE Arts, Entertainment, Personal Finance, Music & Classifieds Newsweekly. We’ve brought all of these elements together for the first time, all in one weekly format. Our goal is to provide you, the customer, with the best possible publication to suit all of your needs. Focus 7914 W Dodge Rd. # 413 Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 208-6545 focusomaha@gmail.com www.focusomaha.com
Friday, October 6 | 7p - 9p Up & Up by Bradley Miller Star Deli 6114 Military Ave, Omaha, 68104 Up & Up is my exhibition of recent silk screens, photographs and paintings. A show of my continual exploration of art and process.
Friday, October 5 | 5p Opening Reception with Ted Lauritzen Wright: Politics of Thursday, October 5 | 6:30p - 7:30p Power Stories of Survival: Anderson O’Brien Fine Art Eyewitness Holocaust Testimonies 1108 Jackson St, Omaha, 68102 Benson Branch Library Opening Reception with the Artist 6015 Binney St, Omaha, 68104 October 6th 5:00-8:00pm Join us to hear from Lila Lutz, a Wine & Hors D’oeuvres Holocaust survivor whose journey ---------------------------------------------to freedom took her from her native country of Poland to the United States Friday, October 5 | 5p Mindy Leahy Art Show! and eventually to Omaha. Lutz is the second presenter in a four-part series The Sydney 5918 Maple St., Omaha, 68104 to hear the eyewitness accounts and This will be Mindy Leahy’s first art learn from the experiences of survishow in four years. vors of the Holocaust during World ---------------------------------------------War II. October 6th – October 15th American Craft Week Blue PomeLila Lutz was born in 1931 in a small town in Poland. She did forced labor in granate Gallery | 12:30 – 2:30p Celebrate American Craft with Blue two different ghettos, and was made Pomegranate Gallery! Stop by the galto walk several miles between the lery on Saturday, October 7th to cretwo in the severe Polish weather. Lila ate a masterpiece on the “Lite Brite” and her father were liberated by the Russians in May, 1944. They remained style pegboard and create a beautiful sterling silver and pearl pendant with in Poland for some time, and then secreted across the Austrian border to local artist, Cassie Leaders, at the gallery on Saturday, October 14th from a Displaced Persons camp in Vienna. 12:30 – 2:30pm. Learn how to hammer Lila and her father waited for 3 years in the DP camp and then in Paris, until silver and wire beads, and then assemher father received a visa to the United ble it all together into your very own gorgeous statement necklace! States. As a minor, Lila was not issued her own visa, but she turned 16 on the voyage and the authorities at Ellis Sign up for a time slot by visiting the gallery, calling 402-502-9901, or Island very nearly denied her entry. emailing info@bluepom.com Within a few years Lila became a U.S. citizen, married, and settled with her Pendant with 1 dangle $21.50 family in Omaha. Pendant with 2 dangles $23.00 Pendant with 3 dangles $26.50 This series is presented in collabora-
EVENTS
tion with the Institute for Holocaust Education. Meeting these individuals is a rare opportunity you won’t want to miss. The two remaining presentations will take place: Oct. 12 at W. Dale Clark Main Library Oct. 19 at W. Clarke Swanson Branch ----------------------------------------------
Various chains will be available for purchase at an additional cost. Follow Blue Pomegranate on Facebook for daily posts about artists from across the country throughout American Craft Week. *Normal gallery hours: 10am-7pm M-Sat, Noon-6pm Sun. ----------------------------------------------
4 Focus | October 4 - October 10 | Volume 1 Issue 41
Bradley Is a 2009 graduate of UNO receiving a BA in Studio Art. While exploring different collage techniques in 2008, I began to digitally alter my own photographs by progressively layering, blurring and stretching areas within the photos to create new textures and shapes.
other artists. It’s all about enjoying the experience of making art, and meeting other artists of all abilities and ages. No previous experience required! Everyone from professional artists to those who’ve never picked up a pencil are welcome!
GALLERIES
Anderson Enterprises 15418 W Center Rd, Omaha, 68144 ---------------------------------------------Anderson O’Brien Fine Art Old Market 1108 Jackson St., Omaha, 68102 ---------------------------------------------Artist Cooperative Gallery The exhibition coincides with Benson 405 S 11th St, Omaha, 68102 First Friday artwalk and is free and ---------------------------------------------open to the public. Show will be open Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts through October 30th 2017. The 724 S 12th St., Omaha, 68102 opening reception is from 7:00 pm to ---------------------------------------------9:00 pm on October 6th. Blue Pomegranate Gallery 17305 Davenport St, Omaha, 68118 Please contact the artist at brad@ ---------------------------------------------bdmillerart.com for inquires about Cooper Brown Art artwork. Art sales can be made directly 2215 Harney St., Omaha, 68102 through artist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dundee Gallery Friday, October 6 | 7p - 10p 4916 Underwood Ave, Omaha, 68132 Furnish - Will Anderson ---------------------------------------------Petshop Gallery 72 2725-2727 N 62nd St, Omaha, 68104 1806 Vinton St., Omaha, 68108 Petshop invites you to the opening re- ---------------------------------------------ception for “Furnish,” new works from Gallery 1516 Will Anderson. 1516 Leavenworth St., Omaha, 68102 ---------------------------------------------“Furnish” runs Garden of the Zodiac October 6th thru November 24th 1046 Howard St., Omaha, 68102 and is viewable by appointment - pet- ---------------------------------------------shopgallery@gmail.com. Hot Shops ---------------------------------------------1301 Nicholas St, Omaha, 68102 Sunday, October 8 ---------------------------------------------The 402 Sketch Walk Hugo Art Galleries (402) Arts Collective 2718 Pacific St., Omaha, 68105 6051 Maple St, Omaha, 68104 ---------------------------------------------Do you draw? Paint? Sketch? Do you Joslyn Art Museum want to meet and see other artists 2200 Dodge St., Omaha, 68102 in action? Then come to the 402 ---------------------------------------------Sketch Walk! All ages all abilities are Lewis Art Gallery welcome to meet other sketchers as 8600 Cass St., Omaha, 68114 we go outside to sketch the Benson ---------------------------------------------area! We will gather at 1pm in the 402 MANGELSEN Images of Nature venue and then scatter out along the 1115 Harney St., Omaha, 68102 surrounding area to draw, paint, or ---------------------------------------------use any medium you’d like, to sketch Modern Arts Midtown what you see. We will rejoin back in 3615 Dodge St., Omaha, 68131 the 402 to share our work, talk about ---------------------------------------------our experiences and network with Old Market Artists Gallery
1034 Howard St., Omaha, 68102 ---------------------------------------------Passageway Gallery 417 S 11th St, Omaha, 68102 ---------------------------------------------Petshop Gallery 2725 N 62nd St., Omaha, 68104 ---------------------------------------------The Little Gallery & Underground Film Forum 5901 Maple St., 68104 ---------------------------------------------The Union for Contemporary Art 2417 Burdette St., Omaha, 68111 ---------------------------------------------UNO Art Gallery 6001 Dodge St., Omaha, 68182 ---------------------------------------------White Crane Gallery 1032 Howard St, Omaha, 68102 ---------------------------------------------Zombie Art & Glass Gallery 6001 Maple St., Omaha, 68104 ----------------------------------------------
Great Plains Black History Museum 7400 Dodge St., Omaha 68114 ---------------------------------------------Joslyn Art Museum 2200 Dodge St., Omaha, 68102 ---------------------------------------------Omaha Children’s Museum 500 S 20th St., Omaha, 68102 ---------------------------------------------Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, 28210 W Park Hwy, 68003 ----------------------------------------------
PERFORMING ARTS Holland Performing Arts Center 13th & Douglas St., Omaha, NE 68102 ---------------------------------------------Omaha Community Playhouse 6915 Cass St., Omaha, NE 68132 -----------------------------------------------Orpheum Theater 409 S Sixteenth St., Omaha, NE 68102
MUSEUMS Durham Museum 801 S 10th St., Omaha, 68108 ----------------------------------------------
Focus | October 4 - October 10 | Volume 1 Issue 41 5
don’t forget their leash and doggie bags! HOURS Early Bird Hours + Friday 8a - 10a General Admission + Friday 10a - 6 p General Admission + Saturday 9a - 6p General Admission + Sunday 10a - 5p ----------------------------------------------Friday, October 6 A Walk To Remember Stinson Park | 6p-8p 67th and Center, Omaha, 68106 Please join us in support, not only for us, but anyone that has experienced the loss of a child.
your sweet angel! We will have a NEC table set up with information available about this terrible disease. T-shirt and onsies for Sale T-shirts $20 Onsies $15 Balloons $1.00
Donations are always welcome as well. Funds will be going to help research a Friday, October 6-Sunday, October 8 • We are located on an old horse cure for NEC. Junkstock Harvest Edition farm just outside of Omaha called ----------------------------------------------Sycamore Farms Sycamore Farms. You’ll want to make Saturday, October 7 1150 River Road Dr., Waterloo, 68069 sure you wear comfy shoes that you Harvest Fest | 8:30a-12:30p https://www.junkstock.com/ won’t mind if they get a little dusty. We The amount of love and support our Farmer’s Market, 168th & Dodege, Junkstock is one of the premier junk, are on a farm after all. family has received has been amazing! Village Pointe music & food festivals around the We can not ever thank each and every- In addition to the regular farmer’s marcountry. This year we are celebrating • Tickets can be purchased at the one of you guys enough. ket you’ll also enjoy face painting and our 6th year of Junkstock and over the Junkstock gate the day of the event. bounce house for kids, live music, craft years we’ve discovered a few handy We look forward to seeing everyone. vendors, specialty items, pumpkin pie things that we thought we would • Cash is king. We recommend that eating contest and free hayrack rides. share... you bring cash but we do have an onA Walk to Remember VillagePointeShopping.com site ATM. Most vendors do take credit When: Friday October 6th from 6-8pm ----------------------------------------------• Plan plenty of time, Junkstock cards as well. Where: Stinson Park In Aksarben Saturday,October 7 typically has 200+ vendors, 23+ food Village CathedralFest 2017 | 9a trucks and all kinds of fabulous bands • Bring the kiddos! Kids 12 & under Cause: To Honor the life of our beauSaint Cecilia Cathedral, 701 N 40th St. on the Junkstock Stage playing are free, and we have a fun children’s tiful sweet boy, come together as a Our fun annual fall event raises though out the weekend. You’ll want area that they will love. community to support, lift and love important monies for the parish while to plan plenty of time so you can take each other. Anyone that has had a loss providing an opportunity for parish, it all in. • . Pet friendly. We love your four is encouraged to come out and honor school and community fellowship. legged bff’s, so bring them along. Just
6 Focus | October 4 - October 10 | Volume 1 Issue 41
Hundreds of volunteers and attendees from new to long-time parishioners and neighbors, school parents and students, teachers and alumni, create an atmosphere that appeals to all ages. Join in the fun this year!!
intersectional lens. Join us as we stand together against inequality, rape culture, victim blaming, body shaming and other social injustice issues. This event provides tables, speakers, live music, sign-making, open microphones and a march through the Old Market. Let’s Under the Big Top Tent: educate and empower ourselves as we Food Court LISTEN and SUPPORT one another. Meat Spin Game Together we are stronger! ----------------------------------------------Parish Center (Lower Level): Sunday, October 8 White Elephant Sale (bring cash) The Nightmare Before Christmas Drive-in Movie Night Parish Center (Street Level): Falconwood Park and Hullabaloo Silent Auction Music Group (formerly Sokol Park) Sweet Shoppe 905 Allied Road, Bellevue, 68123 Cake spin Gates at 5, Movie at 7 Tickets are per vehicle: $7 for one Outdoor Games Arcade person (single occupancy), $14 for two ----------------------------------------------- (double occupancy), or $20 for 3 or Sunday, October 8 | 8a more people (3+ Occupancy). Susan G. Komen - Race for the Cure Baxter Arena NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL. Load up the 2425 S 67th St, Omaha, 68106 kiddos but please leave your coolers Join us and race for a CURE! Bring a at home. We will have a food truck and friend and let’s celebrate life! concession stand with hot food, pop----------------------------------------------- corn, snacks, drinks, and a fully stocked Sunday, October 8 bar for the adults! Omaha CROP Hunger Walk 2017 | 1p Luther Memorial Lutheran Church Once we sell out of the drive-in passes 1031 Sunset Trail, Omaha, 68132 we switch to a Park and Walk pass. Join the original Walk event in the This allows you to park at the back United States! Raise money and walk of the lot and walk up to the viewing to fight hunger globally and in Omaha. area in front of (or amongst) the cars, Last year, CROP Walkers in Omaha or join your friends at their drive-in raised over $22,000 for local and spot. Pricing is still the same. Park and worldwide efforts to fight hunger. Walk passes are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets and you can listen Check out our website, https://www. through our PA system. crophungerwalk.org/omahane, to sign up, get more information, and learn Drive-in passes can tune into 101.3 to how you can recruit others and raise hear the audio or listen through the PA money! system. This year, we are focused on local sustainable projects that promote longterm solutions to hunger, including:
Contact us at falconwoodpark@gmail. com or by phone at 402.210.4747 for glamping reservations.
City Sprouts - a community garden & education center (omahasprouts.org) No More Empty Pots - provides access to local healthy foods, training, jobs, and entrepreneurship opportunities (nmepomaha.org) Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue - perishable food rescue organization (savinggracefoodrescue.org) ----------------------------------------------Sunday, October 8 Slutwalk Omaha Gene Leahy Mall 299 S 14th St, Omaha, 68102 Slutwalk Omaha seeks to shine a light on gender inequality through an
----------------------------------------------If you would like to see your event listed, email getintofocus@gmail.com -----------------------------------------------
Focus | October 4 - October 10 | Volume 1 Issue 41 7
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 4 Community Alliance Breaking the Silence with Darryl Strawberry Omaha Performing Arts, 5:30p ----------------------------------------------The 70’s Band Ozone Lounge, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Ice Nine Kills with Lorna Shore Lookout Lounge, 7p ----------------------------------------------Ray’s Piano Party Mr. Toad’s, 7p ----------------------------------------------Moon Hooch, Jackson Whalan and Lavender Fields Slowdown, 7p ----------------------------------------------Casey Donahew The Waiting Room, 7p ----------------------------------------------New Humans Jambo Cat, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke Forte Music Hall, 9p
THURSDAY OCTOBER 5 Cedrick Burnside Chrome Lounge, 6p ----------------------------------------------The Mighty Jailbreakers Ozone Lounge, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Kevin Killion Vino Mas, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Drowning Pool, with RGF and The Midnight Devils Bourbon Saloon, 7p ----------------------------------------------Bike Night with 4 On The Floor Dr. Jack’s Drinkery, 7p ----------------------------------------------Something Wicked Lookout Lounge, 7p ----------------------------------------------Screaming Females with Street Eaters O’Leaver’s, 7p -----------------------------------------------
Wrestle Vania The Waiting Room, 7p ----------------------------------------------DJ Wild Wes Kozee Lounge, 8p ----------------------------------------------Chris Larkin’s Jeopardy Mercury - Drinks + Food, 8p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke with DJ Mad Matz Reverb Lounge, 8p ----------------------------------------------The Avett Brothers Stir Cove, 8p ----------------------------------------------Matt Whipkey Barley Street, 9p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke Forte Music Hall, 9p
FRIDAY OCTOBER 6 LIVE2LEAD Ralston Arena, 8a ----------------------------------------------Junkstock Fall Edition Sycamore Farms, 8a ----------------------------------------------Nate Emsick Growler USA, 5p ----------------------------------------------Swampboy Blues Trio Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 6p ----------------------------------------------Kickin’ Cowgirl The Fire Barn, 6p ----------------------------------------------Scott Malone Opening (402) Arts Collective, 7p ----------------------------------------------Rough Cut Ameristar, 7p ----------------------------------------------Furnish ~ new paintings by Wil Anderson Petshop, 7p ----------------------------------------------Elevate Dance Party #15 Reverb Lounge, 7p ----------------------------------------------John Worsham Soaring Wings Vineyard, 7p -----------------------------------------------
8 Focus | October 4 - October 10 | Volume 1 Issue 41
Up & Up by Bradley Miller Star Deli, 7p ----------------------------------------------Lancers VS Storm- Season Opener Ralston Arena, 7:05p ----------------------------------------------One2Go Bogies West, 8p ----------------------------------------------Pink Ribbon Rodeo Fundraiser Bushwacker’s Saloon, 8p ----------------------------------------------Lake of Fat Kids with Blind Heart, Skyside 6, Dr. Jack’s Drinkery, 8p ----------------------------------------------Rocky Horror Picture Show Drive-In Movie NIght, Falconwood Park, 8p ----------------------------------------------Battalion of Saints Lookout Lounge, 8p -----------------------------------------------
Fifty Five & Still ALive On the Q St Bar , 8p ----------------------------------------------Hudson Moore: Just Wanna Love You Tour, Slowdown, 8p ----------------------------------------------Matchbox Twenty Stir Cove, 8p ----------------------------------------------Live Music The New Frontier Bar, 8p ----------------------------------------------SpeakerBox TapeDeck Release Party The Omaha Rockets Kanteen, 8p ----------------------------------------------First String Monopoly & Obscure Perception, Wired Pub, 8p ----------------------------------------------Ashley Raines, The Shineys, Mace Hathaway, Barley Street, 9p -----------------------------------------------
Simplicated Blue Legend, 9p ----------------------------------------------Eckophonic Chrome Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Clarence Tilton Growler USA, 9p ----------------------------------------------DJ Wild Wes Kozee Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Rock N Horse Ozone Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Corey Smith, Hudson Moore Slowdown, 9p ----------------------------------------------Cosmic Smiths Experience with Gallivant & Shalva The Down Under Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------The Taodies, Local H The Waiting Room, 9p ----------------------------------------------House Vacations, Condor & Jaybird, Harakiri O’Leaver’s Pub, 10p ----------------------------------------------Play That Funky Beat The Blackstone Meatball, 10p ----------------------------------------------Comedy After Dark The Backline, 10p ----------------------------------------------Obvious Funk, The Wolfman, DJ Crybaby The Sydney, 10p
Rough Cut Ameristar, 7p ----------------------------------------------Shadow Ridge Band Hotel RL, 7p ----------------------------------------------Omaha Girls Rock Presents Madonna! Slowdown, 7p ----------------------------------------------Pineapple Karaoke American Legion Post 1, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Pears, Big Ups, Russian Girlfriends, Triple Deke, DSM-5, Lookout, 8p ----------------------------------------------Mercury Girl American Dream, 9p ----------------------------------------------Old Skool Underground Takeover Bar 415, 9p ----------------------------------------------Charlie Burton & Or What Barley Street, 9p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke with DJ Justin Blue Legends, 9p ----------------------------------------------Envy Chrome Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------The Badger Hounds Dr. Jack’s Drinkery, 9p ----------------------------------------------The David Diaz Project Forte Music Hall, 9p ----------------------------------------------Mace Hathaway Growler USA, 9p ----------------------------------------------DJ Wild Wes SATURDAY OCTOBER 7 Kozee Lounge, 9p Junkstock Fall Edition ----------------------------------------------Sycamore Farms, 9a The Confidentials ----------------------------------------------- Ozone Lounge, 9p 2nd Annual Wine Walk ----------------------------------------------Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard, 1p DJ Animale ----------------------------------------------- The Cove, 9p Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony ----------------------------------------------Joslyn Art Museum, 2p Pickelgrass ----------------------------------------------- The Down Under, 9p Super Still ----------------------------------------------Omaha Brewing Company, 3p Kizomba.. Sinner or Saint Party ----------------------------------------------- The Verdict, 9p B - The Underwater Bubble Show ----------------------------------------------Orpheum Theater, 3p Luke Pell ----------------------------------------------- The Waiting Room, 8p Big Al’s Free Music Festival Food Drive ----------------------------------------------O’Leaver’s, 5p DJ Shor-T ----------------------------------------------- Forte Music Hall, 10p Koo Koo Kanga Roo ----------------------------------------------Reverb Lounge, 5:45p House Vacations, Condor & Jaybird ----------------------------------------------- O’Leaver’s Pub, 10p Superfun Yeah Yeah Rocketship ----------------------------------------------Reverb Lounge, 6p Whose Backline Is It Anyway? ----------------------------------------------- The Backline, 10p
Focus | October 4 - October 10 | Volume 1 Issue 41 9
1
Wednesday October 4
Casey Donahew WAITING ROOM
6
Saturday October 7
Luke Pell WAITING ROOM
2
Thursday October 5
The Avett Brothers STIR COVE
7
Saturday October 7
Old Skool Underground Takeover BAR 415
3
Friday-Sunday October 6-8
Junkstock Fall Edition SYCAMORE FARMS
8
Sunday October 8
4
Friday October 6
Matchbox 20 STIR COVE
9
Tuesday October 10
Nebraska Vs Wisconsin Mike Gordon MEMORIAL STADIUM SLOWDOWN
10 Focus | October 4 - October 10 | Volume 1 Issue 41
5
Friday October 6
Corey Smith SLOWDOWN
10
Tuesday October 10
The Church with The Helio Sequence WAITING ROOM
SUNDAY OCTOBER 8 Susan G. Komen ~ Race for the Cure Baxter Arena, 8a ----------------------------------------------Japanese Ambiance Lauritzen Gardens, 9a ----------------------------------------------Junkstock Fall Edition Sycamore Farms, 10a ----------------------------------------------Oktoberfest 2017 Mt. Cresecent Ski Area, 12p ----------------------------------------------The 402 Sketch Walk (402) Arts Collective, 1p ----------------------------------------------Slutwalk Omaha Gene Leahy Mall, 1p ----------------------------------------------Omaha Crop Hunger Walk Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, 1p ----------------------------------------------Octoberfest featuring Red Raven Orchestra American Legion Post 1, 2p ----------------------------------------------Jessica Errett Soaring Wings Vineyard, 2p ----------------------------------------------Nebraska Blues Challenge Chrome Lounge, 4p ----------------------------------------------The Nightmare Before Christmas Drive-In Movie Night Falconwood Park, 5:45 ----------------------------------------------Bazile Mills Reverb Lounge, 5p ----------------------------------------------Tara Vaughan O’Leaver’s, 6p ----------------------------------------------Less than Jake with Red City Radio, Protagonist The Waiting Room, 7p ----------------------------------------------Jazz with Luigi Inc. Mr. Toad, 9p ----------------------------------------------Poker Night Therapy Bar & Grill, 8p
Gooch & His Big Las Vegas Band Ozone Lounge, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Dope with (hed)pe Lookout Lounge, 7p ----------------------------------------------Worriers Milk Run, 7p ----------------------------------------------Ice Balloons, Benny Leather, Low Long Signal O’Leaver’s, 9p
TUESDAY OCTOBER 10 Scott Evans Ozone Lounge, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Hissy Fit Hotel RL, 7p ----------------------------------------------Terror, Bent Life, Left Behind, Contrast & Stronhold Lookout Lounge, 7p ----------------------------------------------Team Trivia with DJ Howie The Original Draught House, 7p ----------------------------------------------Open Mic Therapy Bar & Grill, 7p ----------------------------------------------Leggy’s O’Leaver’s Pub, 8p ----------------------------------------------The Church with The Helio Sequence The Waiting Room, 8p ----------------------------------------------Mike Gordon Slowdown, 8:30p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke with DJ Farley Forte Music Hall, 9p ----------------------------------------------If you would like your event listed please email getintofocus@gmail.com -----------------------------------------------
MONDAY OCTOBER 9 Open Acoustic Jam Forte Music Hall, 6p -----------------------------------------------
Focus | October 4 - October 10 | Volume 1 Issue 41 11
12 Focus | October 4 - October 10 | Volume 1 Issue 41
October is here and Halloween is near. If you like monsters, goblins, and ghost (not to mention zombies) this is the time when you hit the haunted houses and the scary hayrack rides. Here’s a list of all the haunted houses, trails, corn mazes, hayrides, and Halloween fun attractions in the Omaha area.
10 pm. Check their website for details on live bands playing at the attraction certain
haunted house and haunted caves, zombie jail as well as a frightening hayrack ride through the woods.
Open through Oct. 31st Hours: Sun-Thur- 7p-10p Fri & Sat- 7p-Midnight Admission- $25.00 (All ages) www.hauntedhollowomaha.com
Nighttime haunted activities not recommended for; children under 8 years old for the Haunted Hayride, children under 12 years old for the Haunted House, pregnant women, or people with heart or seizure health issues.
HAUNTED HOUSES
Camp Fear Party at RiverWest Park with their Nightmare Theater, Bloodrush Forest of Terror, and Z-Bunker Paintball shoot. Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Also camp out at Fright Overnight.
Haunted Hollow
Mystery Manor Tickets to Mystery Manor are $12. On Friday and Saturday, the hours are Dusk to 12 or 1:00 am. All other nights the attraction is open Dusk until 10 pm. This is a real house with a real murder history, hacked up body parts, and a shallow grave. Move through this haunt quickly to avoid the real frights. Check their web page for discount coupons.
Haunted Hollow is a full scary entertainment complex. You can enjoy the Carriage House Café, public bonfires, market, and souvenirs. Doors open at 7 pm. The haunted attractions are themed around a 3 story 130 year old real haunted house. Visit Mike Myers house, the cemetery, the mausoleum, the barn maze, Nebraska Chainsaw Massacre, the Heartbeat Ranch of Terror Suspended Bridge, and more. Any night is a good night to visit the Ranch of Terror - come join us for the Haunted Hollow is open nearly every most thrilling, spine-tingling horror day through October 31st. The hours experience in the Omaha area. We on Friday and Saturday are 7 pm to offer a twisted walk through our 12 am. All other nights they close at
We also offer a no scare Halloween night and daytime Halloween events such as face painting, zombie walking, vendors, pumpkin picking, hayrack rides, and show. Bring the kids for some kid-friendly Halloween fun and games. Haunted House and Haunted Hayrack Rides open thru Oct 29th Nighttime Hours: Friday and Saturday 7:30p- 11:30p Sunday - 7:30p - 10p RANCH OF TERROR PRICING: Thru October 29 Friday & Saturday 6p- 11:30p Sunday 6p - 10p $13.00 single scare event $22.00 combo for haunted house and Hayrack
Castle, Haunted Woods, or House on the Hill. In fact, why not try all three? Doors open at 7 pm. Scary Acres is open from 7 pm to 12:30 am on Friday and Saturday. All other nights they are open until 10:30 pm. Open rain or shine. Scary Acres has a full range of individual and combo pass ticket prices.
PUMPKIN PATCHES Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventures Nebraska City, NE A 260-acre farm with tree houses, trails, classrooms, and special events. Pick your own pumpkins and explore the discovery ride. The address is 2611 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE.
Bellevue Berry Farm Take a hayrack ride through the forest to the pumpkin field, explore the Old West ghost town or get frightened at the Ranch of Terror haunted house. Fun for all ages! THE GREAT PUMPKIN ROUNDUP PUMPKIN PATCH PRICING: Thru October 31 Play Areas & Hayrack Ride: Monday thru Friday 9a - 8:30p-- $7.00 Saturday & Sunday 10a - 6p. -- $10.00
Scary Acres
Bloom Where You’re Planted Farm
Scary Acres opened in 2002 and is a 20-acre property. Enjoy the bonfire and concessions as you enter Master
Enjoy the Pumpkin Festival at this Cass County pumpkin patch and educational farm on Fridays, Saturdays
Focus | October 4 - October 10 | Volume 1 Issue 41 13
and Sundays until October 31st. They have u-pick pumpkins, hayrides, pumpkin painting, rubber duck races, farm animals, and more.
68122. It is just 6 miles north of downtown Omaha.
EVENTS Omaha’s Great Pumpkin October 28 | 10a Village Pointe Shopping Center Join us for a full day of Halloween festivities in partnership with Susan G. Komen!
Camp Fontanelle Enjoy time together in the fall at Camp Fontanelle’s Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze which opens the 3rd Sunday in September during our Annual Fall Festival & BBQ and runs through the Sunday after Halloween (or Halloween if Sunday is Halloween). Become part of the Camp Fontanelle family supporting summer camp and enjoy a 9 acre maze, pumpkins for donations, concessions, laser tag, jumping pillow, bounce houses, petting barn, hayrack rides, 350 foot zip lines, pony rides, free camp fires, modern restroom facilities and more. Maze and activities are open to the public on weekends during maze season. Groups can make reservations outside of regular hours.
Kimmel Orchard and Vineyard A u-pick farm with pumpkins that’s open seven days a week in the fall. They have festivals, apple cider processing, hayrack rides, cherry processing, and more. The address is 5995 G Road, Nebraska City, NE 68410. It is about 42 miles south of Omaha.
three-acre corn maze, petting area, lots of farm games, shows, and themed attractions like the haunted farmhouse 10a - 2p | Pumpkin Carving Carve a pumpkin for fun or in and haunted paintball shootout. Fun recognition of Breast Cancer for all ages. Awareness Month. 3 - 5p | 14th Annual Halloween Fun The location is at 12102 South 180th Street, Gretna, NE 68028. It is 16 miles Trick-or-treating, special characters, and games in the CHI Health southwest of Omaha. Amphitheater with Millard South Deca. General Admission on Fridays, 5 - 7p | Concert by eNVy - Omaha Saturdays & Sundays in October: 7p | Pumpkin Tree Lighting $18.95 per person + tax Online Tickets for Friday, Saturday & Sunday in October: $17.95 per person Join us in Center Court for a Flash Mob performance by The Basement + tax Hip Hop Dance Studio and the lighting Discount Admission, Mondays of our giant pumpkin tree. Thursdays, all season: $11.50 per person + tax Vala’s Adventure Pass (Includes 1 admission, 1 train ticket, 30 shots of paintball, $2.50 off a pumpkin): $23.95 + tax Season Passes: $42.99 + tax, PER PERSON Online Season Passes: $38.99 + tax, PER PERSON Ages 2 and under are FREE through Tuesday, October 31st, 2017
DAILY HOURS Open 9am to 9pm Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch & Thursday Jeff and Maria Bledsoe will welcome Open 9am to 10pm you for pumpkin picking and the tenFriday, & Saturday acre cornfield maze this fall. Take a hayrack ride, try the mad cow train, get http://www.valaspumpkinpatch.com/ your face painted and walk through the petting zoo. It is open every day through October 31st. The address is 3935 Hwy 133, Blair, NE 68008. It is located 16 miles north of Omaha.
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch The Vala family welcomes you to their 212-acre farm this fall. You can pick your own pumpkins from the patch, of course. They grow 40 different varieties of pumpkins and gourds across 55 acres. Also enjoy the
Wenninghoff Pumpkin Patch A family-owned farm since 1956, you can pick out a pumpkin, go on a hayrack ride, get lost in the corn maze, paint a pumpkin or play on the playground. They are open every day in October. The location is at 6707 Wenninghoff Road, Omaha, Nebraska
14 Focus | October 4 - October 10 | Volume 1 Issue 41
Baseballoween Friday, October 27 | 5p - 8p Werner Park Featuring movie on the field followed by fireworks. Know Before You Go: - The event is free with no admission charge. There are no tickets. All are welcome to dress up for Halloween. - Fireworks will follow the Movie Screening at approximately 8 pm. No lawn chairs are permitted. - The event is dog-friendly. Though dog-owners should proceed with caution because there will be fireworks. - Concessions stand will be open and Alcohol will be served. Along with Halloween Fireworks set to the music of Mannheim Steamroller, Baseballoween will feature “Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet the Wolfman” on the Werner Park Videoboard.
Focus | October 4 - October 10 | Volume 1 Issue 41 15
Diary of a Changing World
By Steve Newman UK Smog Alert
A combination of polluted air blowing in from continental Europe and toxic air around London has created unhealthful levels of air pollution around the British capital. London’s mayor ordered an emergency air quality alert due to the hazardous smog. “The shocking and illegal state of London’s filthy air means once again I am triggering a high air pollution alert today under my new comprehensive alert system,” said Sadiq Khan. The government has come under increased pressure to improve the United Kingdom’s air quality.
Earthquakes
Mexico was rocked by another powerful temblor that sparked terror in a region already reeling from a quake catastrophe just a few days earlier. The new magnitude 6.2 quake in Oaxaca state killed five people. • Earth movements were also felt in northwestern California, southern Utah, Indonesia’s province of Papua and northeastern Morocco.
A ‘Criminal’ Killing
Conservation groups in Germany expressed outrage when the first wild bison to be seen in the country for more than two centuries was killed after a local official ordered hunters to shoot it.
Maria
5.7 Pilar
Lee
3.0 +48° Mecca, Saudi Arabia
6.2
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) says it will file charges against the official, calling the killing of the animal by the river Oder near the eastern town of Lebus a criminal offense. “After more than 250 years a wild bison had been spotted again in Germany, and all the authorities could think to do is shoot it,” said WWF board member Chris Heinrich. It’s believed the bison wandered into Germany from a national park in neighbouring Poland.
for winter produce sold across North America.
Disfiguring Outbreak
Cases of a flesh-eating bacterium that causes leprosy-like symptoms are spreading in southeastern Australia, prompting calls for more government funding to combat the outbreak. The Buruli ulcer is typically found in parts of Africa and was named after
5.3
the Ugandan village where many cases emerged in the 1960s. It was first identified in patients of Australia’s Victoria state during the 1930s.
-72°
Vostok, Antarctica
Paul Johnson of Melbourne’s Austin Hospital told AFP that the recent outbreak appears to have emerged in possums on the Bellarine Peninsula south of Melbourne. He says humans are contracting it through direct
Tropical Cyclones
After causing catastrophic damage and misery to Puerto Rico and other islands of the eastern Caribbean, Hurricane Maria was relatively harmless as it passed off the southeastern coast of the United States. • Hurricane Lee regenerated in the mid-Atlantic two weeks after gaining hurricane force for only a few hours near the Cape Verde Islands. • Tropical Storm Pilar drenched western Mexico’s Sinaloa and Nayarit states, which are key growing areas
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Hurricane Maria spun off North Carolina while Lee churned the Atlantic. Image: NOAA
contact with the native marsupials or through biting insects.
Wale Hunt Ends
Japan’s whaling fleet ended its disputed scientific whaling season in the North Pacific after killing a total of 177 of the marine mammals. Three ships that sailed in June returned with 43 minke whales and 134 sei whales. Japan’s Fisheries Ministry says it is trying to prove the whale population has recovered enough to allow commercial hunting.
Eruption
Vanuatu’s government declared a state of emergency after a volcanic eruption pelted nearby homes with ash and incandescent rocks, destroying crops and forcing thousands to flee. Manaro Voui volcano, on the island of Ambae, roared back to life after weeks of increased rumbling. Officials have ordered the evacuation of Ambae Island’s entire population, which is about 11,000.
Thousands were evacuated when Vanuatu’s Manaro Voui volcano suddenly erupted. Photo: Mich McConell-Wilson
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Is there an upset in the air?
Stanley Morgan Jr. led the receiving corps with 96 yards and Pierson-El was right behind him with 94. The receiving corps is noticeably younger behind them, but is going to have to find a way to create separation and make plays. Lee can’t continue to rely almost solely on these two targets. Morgan commented in his postgame comments that after missing the last game, “I was just fighting, just from Does it smell like there’s an upset in a team, getting out there after not the making this week? The Huskers have continued to improve every week practicing. I just dug through, dug through the pain,” which is a testimony and after beating the Fighting Illini in to his toughness, but the NU junior convincing (for this year) fashion, the receivers need to find a way to give Huskers might be ready to shake off him some help. their early turnover woes and put up a real fight this week against the very While the Huskers still lost one fumble beatable looking Wisconsin Badgers. Much could be forgotten if this team is and made some mistakes, they weren’t game changers this week and the able to pull off the upset. defense seems to continue to minimize the damage. The Huskers are going to Once again, last week the Husker defense was able to hold a team to less have to win the turnover battle in the upcoming weeks if they want to have a than 200 (they held Illinois to 199) chance to pull off some upsets. yards of offense. Even though it was a struggling Illinois team, that’s still As I’ve said before, this coaching staff quite an accomplishment on the road has the experience, and this young in Champagne. An even better stat is team seemed far more motivated last the Blackshirts have allowed just two week. Look for the Huskers to raise offensive touchdowns in their last 14 some eyebrows as they continue quarters of football. to improve at home this week and hopefully begin to seek revenge The offense looked far more Huskeragainst a team that’s offered us some like, racking up 4.3 yards per carry embarrassing moments in the past. and rushing for a total of 189 yards. Tanner Lee, while he may have thrown It may be worth mentioning that the combined margin for victory in their a couple of errant passes that he was last two meeting in Lincoln has been a lucky weren’t picked off, continued to improve. He finished with 246 passing total of five points. yards and averaged 14.5 yards per Badgers 24 Huskers 27 completion while throwing zero, yes zero, interceptions.
By Focus Omaha
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A Side of Phish By Jesse Stanek
so things got really experimental. Not just noodling though. Those are always my favorite kinds of moments, the one’s you’re not expecting.”
Although he has no idea, Phish bassist Mike Gordon and I go way back.
While anything Gordon does is obviously going to have a taste of the Phish feel, his latest solo effort Ogogo deftly Way back to the mid-1990s when goes beyond the trademark Phish damn near every ounce of my being playfulness with strong composition, was poured into figuring the easiest interesting twists and turns, and a fullway to embark on the cross-country er more coherent and discovered feel circus known as a Phish tour. From than any of his previous solo outings. selling veggie wraps and soda to Produced by it-boy Shawn Everett helping the band with small errands, (Alabama Shakes, War On Drugs, I dutifully traveled and the music was Grizzly Bear), the record fits more something special. On some nights it easily among recent indie releases as was a religious experience, on others it opposed to the jam band set. Any way was a sonic train wreck. That’s just the you slice it, Ogogo offers a little insight price of doing business when it comes into the career sideman’s unique musito nightly improvisation. cal vision. Somewhere along the line, the hustle became a hassle and the crowds got more and more unruly and even downright seedy. The experience slowly changed for me and now I sit here having not seen the band in more than 15 years. While not traveling to the shows any longer, I’ve always kept a curious eye on what the band has going on, their travels and travails, their home runs and misfires. Shortly after Phish completed a historic and record breaking 13 nights at Madison Square Garden (The Baker’s Dozen) and on the morning of the first day of a threeday sold-out run in Colorado, I had an opportunity to catch up with Gordon.
“In a way,” Gordon said, “working on the solo stuff is kind of the opposite of the Phish stuff. In the band, most of the songs, the material, the decision making is done by other people. And it’s fun to brainstorm together and make each other laugh and all that. Really though, the trickier answer is that as a songwriter I’m doing a lot more writing this decade than any other decade. I like to experiment, it’s fascinating to get at that, whether it be a chord progression or something else but you really need to do a lot to make that happen. It’s all about the quantity of output. So for me, this record was fleshed from hundreds of ideas and different influences. It’s me changing “The Baker’s Dozen was really a special rudders, changing directions.” experience,” Gordon said after his publicist patched him through more than a While Gordon cites the pop music he half hour behind schedule. “It’s nice to listens to in the car with his daughter say we didn’t repeat a single song. The on the way to school as an influence structure of it - there was a different (along with St. Vincent), two minutes flavor of donut each night - allowed us into the new record it’s clearly apto really jam further away then maybe parent this is not a pop record. While we normally do. We knew the fans not full on Phish-jammy either, Ogogo there were okay with a lot of jamming, struts a curious line between more
ets are $25 in advance and $28 day of aggressive electronic sounds and the folky style that characterizes Gordon’s show. To purchase tickets or for more earlier work with guitar aficionado Leo info visit www.theslowdown.com. Kottke. While this is in all respects a solo record, Gordon has cultivated a top-shelf band of musicians in order to bring his vision to life. I decided nine years or so ago to put something together that wasn’t just a one-time project, something more long-term,” Gordon reflected. “At the time Phish was broken up so I didn’t have a band. Even after 34 years with Phish, I feel like 99% of my time is spent on my solo career. This doesn’t make as much money, but in terms of a creative outlet, and don’t get me wrong, Phish is a great creative outlet as well, with the solo stuff I’m able to kind of ride it. The experiences are very deep and part of that comes with working with the same band for a while, not being the one making all the decisions. It’s nice to not be hung up on making setlists, designing the stage, all that stuff. I need both, the decision making and just being along for the ride.” Mike Gordon plays The Slowdown,729 N 14th St, on Tuesday 10/10/17 at 8:30 pm. The show is all ages and tick-
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Mercury Girl – Wanting to be Different By Andy Roberts What’s so wrong about wanting to be different? In the world of music and bands, nothing! That’s to be expected. Omaha’s Mercury Girl has been around for about two and a half years and features the husband and wife team of Dave Robbins on drums and Celeste Robbins on vocals. With the additions of Chris Schrom on lead
guitar and Mike Zimmerman on bass, these veterans of Hidden Agenda, Charm School Dropouts, Monkey Puzzle, and Grand Theft Auto feel they have something special. Mercury Girl is carving out a niche as Omaha’s modern rock/pop cover band, featuring Celeste and her four-octave soprano voice out front. When Dave Robbins was playing in Hidden Agenda, Celeste used to join the band for three songs. “She was getting her own following . . . people started showing up to see her,” he said. When Hidden Agenda broke up, the two Robbins started a band and went through a few iterations before settling on the current lineup. “We just finally hit our stride in June
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here with our current band mates,” Dave Robbins said. Exiting their old bands and taking a new identity means targeting a new audience, Dave Robbins explained. “We’re going at it a little different,” he said, “We played (in previous bands), pretty much, what everyone else played.” With Celeste most of their cover songs are post 2000. There will be a few older songs. “We really want to do modern stuff,” Robbins said. He thinks much of the under-35 audience likes DJs because the older bands play older music. “We wanted to change it up a bit. See if we can get the young kids out there,” he stressed. Singing the likes of Paramore, Demi Lovato, Rihanna and The Pretty Reckless is easy for Celeste. They also perform edgy versions of dance tunes that everyone knows and loves.
The band wants to present a youthful spirit. Dave Robbins said the reason they picked their current style is simple. “Nobody was playing that music,” he said. “We started out playing a lot of rock . . . We didn’t just want to play the harder venues:” So, for Mercury Girl to get into clubs like Two Fine Irishmen and Parliament Pub, they decided to become a little more pop. Robbins is extremely high on the talents of his band mates. “With Chris Schrom, he’s got to be one of the top . . . I’d say the top two or three guitarists in Omaha . . . he can play pretty much anything you put in front of him,” Robbins emphasized. Schrom is in demand, and also plays with Eckophonic. As for Zimmerman: “I think he’s top ten. He’s got multiple basses . . . he can pretty much listen to a song and be
playing it. “They’re very quick learners.”
“We have a lot of music,” he said, adding they can play a full night of rock or dance music. “This year we’re also starting to look at the festivals around Speaking of himself and his wife, Rob- Iowa and Nebraska,” he said. bins added: “We add a lot of energy on stage as well.” For now Mercury Girls is focused on its cover material, but originals are not He has what he refers to as a big “80s” ruled out for the future. drum set and everything is clicked with a metronome. “We’d definitely like to. Just got to find the time,” Robbins said. “We try to put on a show as well as getting people to dance,” he said. “And Mercury Girls is starting to build a then we have that awesome logo.” following and Dave Robbins hopes that continues. Mercury Girl has been playing the Par- liament Pub, the casinos, the Chrome “It’s just our passion, Celeste and I. We Lounge, the Fire Barn in Papillion, both have full-time jobs,” he said. The outdoors at American Dream, and On band’s goal is to become like an Eckthe Q. ophonic, Taxi Driver, or Lemon Fresh “I don’t know if we have a best venue. Day, he said. We like a younger crowd,” Robbins said. “We play the Chrome where we “Get out there and have some fun.” pull out the rock sound. The female rock sound.” For more about Mercury Girl: Website: mercurygirl.com He would love to get into the Waiting Facebook: facebook.com/mercurygirRoom in Benson. lomaha
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for event schedule visit RalstonArena.com Focus | October 4 - October 10 | Volume 1 Issue 41 23
Brick-andMortar: The Precarious Fate of Traditional Retail
Structural Shakeout
Brick-and-mortar retailers are losing market share to e-commerce sites such as Amazon. Average monthly sales at department stores were $7.3 billion less in 2016 than they were in 2000, while non-store retail sales increased by $35 billion.3 The Internet also makes it easier for shoppers to research products and compare prices, reducing foot traffic in stores more difficult to turn a profit and fund and limiting pricing power. Here are several more trends that have created investments needed to compete in the e-commerce arena. Overall, the challenges for the nation’s retailers. amount of retail debt rated by Moody’s By Mike Herek has surged 65% since 2007.6 Profit pressure. The rise of e-commerce has been a Even though many traditional retail Reluctant shoppers. disruptive force in the retail sector. chains have invested in e-commerce Many Americans (and especially young In fact, 5,300 store closings were channels, online sales require higher announced in the first half of 2017 — technology, customer acquisition, and consumers) now prefer to spend their money on special experiences with about three times as many as during marketing costs than in-store sales, friends and family (such as travel and the same period in 2016. At this pace, which reduces their profit margins. the 2017 total should easily exceed the E-commerce sales increased to 15.5% restaurant meals) rather than material goods such as clothing and jewelry. 6,163 store closings in 2008, the worst of total sales in 2016, up from 10.5% For example, spending in restaurants year on record. Retail bankruptcies in 2012, while retail margins fell from and bars has grown twice as fast as all have also been on the rise, with 345 10.5% to 9%, on average.4 other retail spending since 2005. And companies filing by mid-year.1 2016 was the first year ever that U.S. Mall bubble. A painful recession was to blame for The shift to e-commerce was preceded consumers spent more money eating out than they spent on groceries.7 thousands of retail store casualties in by several decades of overbuilding. 2008, but for the most part the U.S. Between 1970 and 2015, the number economy has been humming along of U.S. malls grew twice as fast as the Coping Strategies in 2017. The unemployment rate population, leaving the United States Retailers that specialize in goods dropped to 4.3% in June, and gross with five times more shopping space that are difficult to buy online (such domestic product grew at a 2.6% per person than the United Kingdom, as home improvement supplies) annual rate in the second quarter, and 10 times more than Germany.5 and stores that appeal to “bargain driven by a 2.8% increase in consumer hunters” may fare better than spending.2 So why is 2017 turning out Debt burden. pricier department stores and mall to be such a tough year for retailers? Some companies are also struggling chains that mostly sell apparel and under heavy debt loads, making it accessories, an e-commerce category
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that is growing quickly.8 Inside or outside of bankruptcy, many retailers are working to improve their future prospects by renegotiating more affordable leases and reducing their real estate “footprint,” which often involves closing underperforming stores and/or moving into smaller spaces. Other common strategies include elevating the in-store shopping experience, focusing on exclusive brands, and using loyalty programs to reward and retain customers.9 Retailers are also working to integrate online and in-store sales channels, which makes it easier for customers to locate the items they want and finalize their purchases. To help generate online and in-store sales, many companies are using technology that tracks customer behavior and uses the data to create targeted marketing strategies and promotions. Even so, as many as one-fourth of the nation’s 1,200 malls could close by 2022, primarily aging properties in less prosperous communities. A
number of malls with advantageous locations are being redeveloped into lifestyle destinations with activities and entertainment (such as athletic facilities and concert venues) designed to attract foot traffic to the remaining stores and restaurants. Mall tenants are likely to become more diverse, with a wider range of service providers and fewer clothing stores.10
Economic Effects Nearly 16 million people work in retail, many as cashiers or salespeople. From January to June, the U.S. economy shed about 71,000 retail jobs, and job losses could continue as long as the sector continues to struggle.11 E-commerce employment is expanding considerably, but most of these new jobs are in or near metropolitan areas. If large-scale dislocation of retail jobs continues, the economic effects could be worse for rural areas than for larger cities.12
increased just 1.4% in June over the previous year.13 Consumers have largely benefited from lower prices resulting from intense competition among retailers, some of which now offer to match online prices. More household names could cease to exist in the coming months, and some of their competitors might even benefit from industry consolidation. In the end, a retail company’s long-term survival may depend on its ability to adapt quickly to an ever-changing market environment. 1) CNNMoney, June 23, 2017 2, 13) The Wall Street Journal, August 1, 2017 3) The Wall Street Journal, May 11, 2017 4, 8) The Wall Street Journal, April 21, 2017 5, 7) The Atlantic, April 10, 2017 6) The Wall Street Journal, July 17, 2017 9) The Wall Street Journal, February 28, 2017 10)The Los Angeles Times, June 1, 2017 11) The Wall Street Journal, July 19, 2017 12) The New York Times, June 25, 2017
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The growth in e-commerce may also be holding down inflation. According to the PCE price index, inflation
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How to Identify the Best Real Estate Investment
By Lindsay Listanski Investing in real estate can be a great way to create wealth for you and your family, but to succeed it’s important to adopt a different mindset than when you bought your family home. As a property investor you will be looking at homes for their profit potential rather than their aesthetics alone.
How Do I Make Money? A common saying among real estate professionals is that you should “profit when you buy”. This is because you can control what you pay for a property, but you can’t control what the market will do to that property’s value. As an example, let’s say you bought a property for $150,000 in need of about $25,000 in repairs that you intend to resell. It’s located in an area where comparable properties sold
between $140,000 and $170,000 dollars. Would this be a good deal? No, you paid more than you could get for it if you were to sell. Over a good deal of time you may earn a profit, but it’s smarter to make your money going into the deal than count on time and/or luck to increase your property’s value.
What Is Positive Cash Flow? A positive cash flow property is a property that earns more income than it costs you to own it.So for example, if you had an investment property that brought in a monthly rental income of $1,000 per month and it cost you $800 per month to own it, then it would be considered a positive cash flow property. And as you can guess, a negative cash flow property is one that costs you to own.
What Is Capital Growth? Capital growth means an increase in the value of your property. So for example, if you purchased a property at $100,000 and in a year’s time, it grew in value to $102,000 then the property market has delivered 2% growth. While you need positive cash flow to fund your property purchases and maintenance, you need capital growth to grow your assets and achieve true wealth.
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What Is an Investing Strategy? To reach any goal in life, you’ve got to have a plan. Your investing strategy will be the plan you use to reach the goals you have set for yourself. So for example, if you need to buy an investment property that will pay for itself (positive cash flow) you’ll be looking for: A property that you can buy for less than the market might pay (known as below value or a discount). A property that is in a location with higher priced properties that you can do simple renovations to in order to increase its value and charge more in rent (ask your agent if the market will take an increase in rent).
Where Do I Find a Good Investment Opportunity? There are certain market drivers that
we look for when finding a potential investment. These drivers will impact both what you pay for a property and the rate at which it grows (or doesn’t grow) in value. Population growth. Put simply, an area that is growing. You want to look for areas which have been predicted to grow. Supply and demand. Look for an area with a lot of listing inventory. You want to find an area with more renters than properties available to achieve the best rental returns possible. Economics. There should be employers expanding and/or hiring, retail stores moving into the area, roads being built and/or expanded and other signs of strong economic growth. Work with an agent with deep local
knowledge who can advise you on locations that have these drivers.
the best results.
5.
Determine the cash on cash return. This calculation tells you how much return your investment is giving you. If you Use the following calculations to find were to pay all cash, then this figure possible investment properties. would be the same as the cap rate. If you’re financing, this calculation is Determine how much gross a more accurate way to determine income the property will deliver. how profitable your investment is. To calculate, divide the net annual Figure out your monthly income by the total cash invested. The expenses such as insurance, difference between these last two property taxes, property calculations is that the cap rate tells management fees, financing costs, you how good of a deal you’re getting HOA (if applicable), repairs, and on the purchase price, whereas the vacancy costs. cash on cash return tells you how good of a return your money is getting. Subtract your monthly expenses from the monthly rent. This Investing in a property can be exciting, amount is your net income (your but it can also be a stressful one if cash flow). you don’t do your homework. Be sure to work with a trustworthy agent to Calculate the cap rate and determine if you should invest in a the cash on cash return. Cap rental property in a particular location. rate compares the return on investment(ROI) to the purchase price. To get the cap rate, divide the net annual income by the purchase price. Aim for a rate of 8% or higher to get
How Do I Determine If an Investment Is Profitable?
1. 2.
3.
4.
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BARRETT’S BARLEYCORN 4322 Leavenworth St. M-F 4P-6P $2.25 Domestic Bottles $3.00 Well Drinks BUSHWOOD LOUNGE 711 N 14th St. $1 Off Everything 3p-7p REverse Happy Hour Monday-Thursday 8p-2a CADDYSHACK 2076 N 117th Ave & 7007 S 181st St M-F 2P-6P $1 Off Beer, Wine & Wells TUES- HAPPY HOUR All Day DANNY’S BAR & GRILL 2007 N 72nd St. M-F 3P - 6P $3.00 16 oz. Tall Boys & 1/2 Price Appetizers Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials CHARLESTON’S 13851 FNB Pkwy & 7540 Dodge St. M-F 3P-6P 1/2 price apps, $5 Wine and Margs, $1 off all drinks JAIPUR BREWING CO. 10922 Elm St., Omaha, NE 68144 THURS, FRI, SAT 4P - 6P $3.45 16oz Hand Crafted Beers, Jalapeno Ale, Wheat, IPA, Raspberry Wheat. $5.95 House Wines by the Glass. $23 Bottle House Wines. $4.95 House Liquors. $5.95 Cocktails. Happy Hour Appetizers and Breads from $1.25 – $4.75 JAZZ, A LOUISIANA KITCHEN 1421 Farnam St $2.99 - $10.99 select appetizers $1.50 domestic drinks; $2 well drinks; $3.75 rum drinks, margaritas JERRY’S BAR 6301 Military Ave Happy Hour Prices ALL Day! JERZES 501 Olson Dr, Papillion, NE 68046 Daily Specials!
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Focus | October 4 - October 10 | Volume 1 Issue 41 29
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