VOLUME 1 ISSUE 45 | NOVEMBER 1 - NOVEMBER 7 | 2017
YOUR FREE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, PERSONAL FINANCE, MUSIC & CLASSIFIEDS NEWSWEEKLY
LOCAL Sarah Brandt
SPORTS Huskers Celebrate A Big Win
LIVE Bud Bronson
LAW Picking the Right Attorney
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 45
MBER 7 | 2017 | NOVEMBER 1 - NOVE & CLASSIFIEDS NEWSWEEKLY FINANCE, MUSIC
TAINMENT, PERSONAL YOUR FREE ARTS, ENTER
SPORTS
Huskers Celebrate A Big
FOCUS ON THIS WEEK! LAW
Win
LOCAL
Sarah Brandt
4
THE ARTS
24
6
FAMILY
Herek Financial will be sharing financial information relating to the markets, investments, financial news and other information with regard to finance. By Mike Herek
8
EVENTS
26
rney Picking the Right Atto
LIVE Bud Bronson
FINANCE
LAW
Finding the right attorney Sponsored By Jim Regan at The Benson Law Center
10 ON TEN 29
HAPPY HOUR
30
CLASSIFIEDS
13 THIS WEEKS FEATURE 16 EARTHWEEK
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Diary of a Changing World By Steve Newman
18 SPORTS Huskers By Focus Omaha
20 LIVE Bud Bronson & the Good Timers - Which One’s Bud By Andy Roberts
21 GETTING OUT 22
LOCAL
Sarah Brandt - Music for Her Mind, and Yours By Eddie Torrez
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
“I wish we could say something about ‘we flood the stage with water’ . . . that’s not true.” Las Vegas-based Flying By Foy is the company that provides the harnesses and rigging that allows Huey to appear to float and fly. Huey’s harness fits on her hips so she can fly and sing. “It’s all controlled by a computer,” she “Maintaining the schedule of the tour,” said, with a crew member backstage pushing the commands. “It’s really fun,” has been her biggest challenge, she she burst. “It’s kind of like zip-lining said, with eight to nine shows a week. The company travels on its off day, and across the stage. that means each week there’s a new “It’s a very similar thing . . . I highly city, a new set of allergies, and a new suggest it.” hotel room. Those familiar with the animated film “It’s very taxing,” she emphasized, can expect a few changes in the stage with a lot of effort put into trying to maintain her health. Huey said she has production. to eat well, drink a lot of water, and “It goes a lot deeper into the stories,” take her vitamins. she hinted. In the movie Ariel risks You probably know the story. everything to get the guy, but in the One recent tour stop was great play it is more about her not fitting in because her room came with: “A The Little Mermaid is the Disney microwave and a mini-fridge . . . it was and trying to resolve that issue. That movie based on the Hans Christian also is true of Prince Eric. like gold!” Andersen fairy tail of the same name. The rebellious 16-year-old mermaid, Huey described the stage version as: The tour also has come with so Aerial, is fascinated with life on land. “A journey of self discovery.” not-so- golden moments as racism During a visit to the surface, which is has raised its head at a few points as forbidden by King Triton, her father, In the stage version it also is much she falls for a human prince and makes some questioned why a Japanesemore pointed that Ursula and King American was cast in the role of Aerial. a deal with the sea witch Ursula to Triton are siblings and that the sea (Who knew mermaids had a specific become human for three days. witch is going after the young couple ethnicity?) to try to ruin the family. Well, the stage version is coming to “It’s been a really interesting year for Omaha’s Orpheum Theater for a sixAs for playing Ariel in this setting, me with all that,” Huey stated. “I’m so day run beginning November 7, and Huey said:“This is who I am and I’m humbled that it’s become such a big Diana Huey, who plays Aerial in the okay with this . . . and finding topic of conversation.” touring company, is looking forward my own way in the world.” to it. She had figured that with the success She is less sure about what of Hamilton and its multi-racial hip“I’m very excited,” Huey said. “One of comes next in her career, as hop cast of historical figures, such my best friends from middle school Omaha will be the final city. concerns would have become a thing was from Omaha.” of the past. Huey, who was raised north “I’m so heartbroken,” she of Seattle and attended Cornish sighed. College of the Arts in that Washington “Any show should be able to break those barriers, ” she emphasized. “It’s city, said she has lost track of the been very humbling,” especially as she So what comes next? individual so a reunion is unlikely now is described as a “Role model.” during the show’s run. “That’s the million dollar question I’m wondering,” Huey and the company have been on For her, performing in the iconic Huey admitted. Being on the the road since 2016, with rehearsals role, the tour has been an amazing road for a year, she hasn’t beginning more than a year ago and experience. some members of the company on the been able to attend any auditions. That process will “It’s been a lot of fun,” she said, “It’s like road for two years. begin when she gets off the my inner child’s dream come true . . . I road. The magic that unfolds during the grew up loving Disney.” show – presenting Ariel and friends “Hopefully it won’t be too long or too underway hasn’t come without a lot It hasn’t been easy, especially from a difficult,” she said. “You look for the of hard work, she said. physical standpoint.
The Little Mermaid Hits the Orpheum Stage - Aerial Talks to Focus
By Howard Schwartz
4 Focus | November 1 - November 7 | Volume 1 Issue 45
next gig and hope it comes.” It may be another musical, a play, a TV role, or a film, which is something she’d really like to try. “Whatever comes, I’m always open to whatever opportunity presents itself.” For now, Huey and the cast are looking forward to Omaha – in a big way, with much love shown to our city from cast members who have been here before. “Omaha has been their favorite town,” she gushed. “That’s actually the best city ever. “You should just know that Omaha is an actor-favorite hotspot on tour!” With that in mind, let’s make sure Aerial and the cast feel at home. For more on The Little Mermaid including ticket information: https://omahaperformingarts.org
photography exhibition featuring works by Joe Addison, Alex Jochim, Anthony Licari, Tony Lonergan, Zora Wednesday, November 1 Murff, Laura Simpson, & Rana Young. November (i)N o.NE Slam -----------------------------------------------SoCo Cafe, 7p Saturday, November 4 2401 lake st, Omaha, Nebraska 68111 Celebracion Dia De Los Muertos Cover @ Door: $5 Art Show Closing Reception, 4p - 7p Additional $2 to slam Apollon Art Space, 1801 Vinton St, -----------------------------------------------Omaha, Nebraska 68108 Thursday, November 2 through Final opportunity to see this amazing Sunday, November 5 art show! Omaha 2017 Autumn Festival -----------------------------------------------Ralston Arena Saturday, November 4 7300 Q St, Omaha, Nebraska 68127 AIGA SHOW | 5:30p - 10p Hundreds of the nation’s finest artists Kaneko, 1111 Jones St, Omaha and crafters display and sell their An exhibition and celebration of handcrafted works. Nebraska’s most outstanding design Show hours: Thursday 11am to 9pm; work. Show is a prestigious juried Friday 11am to 9pm; Saturday 9am to competition honoring and 7pm; Sunday 10am to 5pm. Admission showcasing the best work of the year prices: Adults $8, Seniors $7, Children from creatives all across Nebraska. Under 10 are Free. Visit our website It’s design’s biggest night of the year! for more information at www.hpifesti-----------------------------------------------vals.com Through November 4 -----------------------------------------------Beautiful But Dangerous: Thursday, November 2 Barbara Rogers Paintings African American Police & Gallery 72 Fire Fighters Exhibit, 1p 1806 Vinton St, Omaha, 68108 Great Plains Black History Museum This is a special show presented at 2221 N 24 St., Omaha, 68110 Gallery 72 by My Böes and -----------------------------------------------John Rogers featuring the works of Friday, November 3 internationally acclaimed Barbara One Year Later: Trumplings Rogers with additional works by Carrie The Little Gallery & Seid, both living in Tucson, Arizona, Benson Underground Film Forum, 6p and Jamison Hiner, son of My Boes, 5901 Maple Street, Omaha, 68104 Omaha, Nebraska. Exhibit runs through Nov. 30. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Through November 12 Friday, November 3 Stupid F@#%ing Bird Love is a Rippling Circle Omaha Community Playhouse Camille Hawbaker Gallery Opening 6915 Cass St, Omaha, 68132 Fred Simon Gallery, 5p Howard Drew Theatre 1004 Farnam St, Omaha, 68102 By Aaron Posner | A sort-of adaptation -----------------------------------------------from The Seagull by Anton Chekhov Friday, November 3 8 People by Watie White This “sort-of adaptation” of The Citylight Arts Project, 6p Seagull by Anton Chekhov tells a story 5603 NW Radial Hwy, Omaha, 68104 in which an aspiring young director -----------------------------------------------battles against the art created by his Friday, November 3 mother’s generation. A young actress Conrad Hinz - Opening Exhibition competes with an aging Hollywood Star Deli, 7p - 9p star for the affections of a renowned 6114 Military Ave, Omaha, 68104 novelist and everyone discovers just Join us this November First Friday for how complicated life, art and success the exhibition opening of Conrad Hinz, can be. This irreverent, modern and a local artist. His paintings will take very funny remix of a classic play will you to another world! incite you to consider how art, love Exhibition will run through November and revolution fuel your own pursuit 25th. of happiness. Disclaimer: Contains adult -----------------------------------------------language and sexuality. Friday, November 3 -----------------------------------------------Seven Lenses Opening Reception, 7p If you would like to see your event, Petshop, 2727 N 62nd St, Omaha email focusomaha@gmail.com Petshop invites you to the opening -----------------------------------------------reception for SEVEN LENSES - a group
EVENTS
Focus | November 1 - November 7 | Volume 1 Issue 45 5
Military Appreciation Humvee Home Depot, 9a - 12p 4545 North 72nd St., Omaha, 68134 ZOMBIE PERKS: Join our hands-on workshop where @ Burke’s Pub - Zombie make-up stations for donations to Siena/Francis you and your child can build a custom wooden humvee to honor all those House Homeless Shelter 4-6:30pm! @CAP (Citylight Arts Project) Building, that have served our country. -----------------------------------------------5603 Northwest Radial Highway Saturday, November 4 - Photo booth set up at 6pm - Free “body candy” while supplies last Omaha City: Gateway to the West exhibition @ Omaha Bicycle Co., 6115 Maple St. General Crook House Museum $1 8-ounce coffee until 7:00pm Friday, November 3 Wednesday, November 1 | 11:30a 5730 N. 30 Street, Omaha NE 68111 - Free candy for zombies who stop in Be Prepared! Dia De Los Muertos Celebration The exhibition located on the lower the gallery (while supplies last) University of Nebraska MBSC Atrium, Union Pacific Museum, 5p - 7p level of the General Crook House @ Petshop, 2727 N. 62nd St. 200 Pearl St., Council Bluffs, 51503 6001 Dodge St, Omaha, 68182 Museum explores the early period of Free candy for zombies who stop in ------------------------------------------------ The Union Pacific Museum Omaha from the town’s founding in celebrates “Be Prepared!” Nov. 3 from the gallery (while supplies last) Friday, November 3 1854 to becoming a more established https://www.facebook.com/ 5-7 p.m. Visitors will learn how the First Friday Family Date Night city by the mid-1870s. events/324549734686123/ railroad grapples with snow covered Superhero Night , 5p -----------------------------------------------tracks, and can meet the people and Omaha Children’s Museum The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 Saturday, November 4 equipment, helping clear snow from 500 S 20th St, Omaha, 68102 created the territories of Kansas and 2017 OESC Holiday Bazaar Council Bluffs streets. Families can enjoy superhero themed Nebraska. The initial purpose of the Bellevue West High School, 9a - 4p activities, open play throughout the Kansas-Nebraska Act was to open 1501 Thurston Ave, Bellevue, 68123 Admission is free to all family nights; museum, and of course, character us thousands of new farms and make Head on down to Bellevue West High however, donations are gladly appearances! feasible a Midwestern TranscontinenSchool North Gym on Saturday, from accepted. Costumes are encouraged. tal railroad. ----------------------------------------------- 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to get all your holiday shopping done in one place. Admission Friday, November 3 First Friday Family Date Night Settler migrations and the presence of and parking are free. 2017 Omaha Zombie Walk activities are included with regular the railroad were both very import-----------------------------------------------The walk begins at the Citylight Arts Museum admission, and are free for ant in establishing Omaha and the Project (CAP) Building at 6:30pm, then Saturday, November 4 member families. surrounding area as a regional hub. For WORKSHOP: ----------------------------------------------- continues down Maple Street and ends at 1912.
6 Focus | November 1 - November 7 | Volume 1 Issue 45
settlers, Omaha provided a stop along their journey west to resupply before heading to the Rocky Mountains. The construction of the railroad provided the community with Union Pacific’s headquarters and many came seeking jobs and opportunity. Come explore the stories, photographs, and artifacts to explore Omaha history during your visit to the General Crook House Museum. The museum is open seven days a week and hours of operation are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and weekends 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is a suggested donation of $6 for adults, $5 for students, and $4 for children. www.douglascohistory.org -----------------------------------------------Sunday, Novemmber 5 Brunch Party & Art Show, 11a MULA - Mexican Kitchen & Tequileria 3932 Farnam St, Omaha, 68131 MULA is excited to present the Day of Dead Art Show 17 featuring local artist Claire Morgan Caswell for this month’s brunch! ----------------------------------------------Sunday, Novemmber 5 Grand Opening and Charity Event, 1p Vibe Salon and Day Spa 319 N. 114th St, Omaha NE, 68154 You are invited to VIBE Salon and Day Spa’s Grand Opening Celebration! Meet and mingle with our amazing team. Learn about all of the ways we can pamper you! Join us for hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and TONS of prizes provided by local retail vendors, salon vendors, and generous sponsors!
Zoom Into Nano The Durham Museum 801 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68108 Advances in nanotechnology are likely to change the way we design and fabricate almost everything –from faster computers, to stain repellent clothes, to new medicines to treat diseases, and technologies that are beyond our imagination. Zoom Into Nano presents a variety of large-scale, immersive experiences in the world of nanotechnology. Zoom into tiny structures and devices to see the amazing beauty of natural and manmade objects at very high magnification. Immerse yourself in models of atoms and molecules that are enlarged to 100 million times their actual size. Check out the full body interactive, where you use your hands to grab and pull apart the ends of a virtual RNA molecule. When you let go, the molecule folds back up into its natural shape. Try dissolving a virtual salt crystal by using your body’s movement to generate heat. Molecules are too small to see, but not too small to smell! Are you up for the challenge? Explore the shapes and structures of things in our world–at the nanoscale!
5813 n 6oth st 402.572.8984
National Science FoundationZoom Into Nano was developed by Sciencenter of Ithaca, NY, through a partnership with Cornell University, with funding from the National Science Foundation. ----------------------------------------------Through April 15, 2018 Forever Forest Omaha Children’s Museum 500 S 20th St, Omaha, NE 68102 The national tour of Forever Forest begins right here in Omaha! Exploring All donations will go to Open Door the realities of forests through play, Mission® and proceeds to families will learn about sustainability, Make-A-Wish Nebraska®. selective harvesting, transportation Need not be present to win ----------------------------------------------- needs, and the every-day products we use that are made from trees. The Sunday, Novemmber 5 exhibit includes a tree top climber, a ACE Presents! Project: realistic mini replica of a Union Pacific Bless Our Mess, 5p - 6p engine, a kid-sized home under conPresbyterian Church of the Master struction for children to help build, and 10710 Corby Cir, Omaha, 68164 so much more! Once again it is time for our annual Puppet Extravaganza! As always, it is a Admission for Members if Free, Under 34 months- Free, Adults & Kids-$12 FREE fun for all ages show. and SEniors- $11 ----------------------------------------------This year we are featuring an ALL black light show with one performance If you would like to see your event listed, email focusomaha@gmail.com at 5pm. A few fan favorites as well ----------------------------------------------as plenty of new amazing numbers! Everything is more dazzling with the black light, and this year will not dissapoint! ----------------------------------------------Through January 7, 2018
Focus | November 1 - November 7 | Volume 1 Issue 45 7
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 1 Dia De Los Muertos Celebration University of Nebraska MBSC Atrium, 11:30a ----------------------------------------------Pink Kadillac Ozone Lounge, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Tyler Folkerts and the Double Barrel Band, Ameristar, 7p ----------------------------------------------The Voice - You will Love Jack Brady Hotel RL, 7p ----------------------------------------------Ray’s Piano Party Mr. Toad’s, 7p ----------------------------------------------November (i)N o.NE Slam SoCo Cafe, 7p ----------------------------------------------Swampboy Blues Band On the Q St Bar , 8p ----------------------------------------------The Wrecks, Vesperteen, The Technicolors, Reverb Lounge, 8p ----------------------------------------------Lucy Dacus Slowdown, 8p ----------------------------------------------Mark Nelson Jambo Cat, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke with DJ Shadow Forte Music Hall, 9p
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 2 Autumn Festival Ralston Arena, 11a ----------------------------------------------Joe McCarthy Solo Acoustic The B. Bar, 5p ----------------------------------------------Acoustic Thursdays Jams Midtown, 5:30p ----------------------------------------------Dustin Arbuckle and the Damnations Chrome Lounge, 6p ----------------------------------------------The Kevin Kelley Band Ozone Lounge, 6:30p
----------------------------------------------Belly Dance & Drum Circle Sozo Coffeehouse, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Craig Carsley Vino Mas, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Day of Dead Show Forte Music Hall, 7p ----------------------------------------------Christine Coulson: Kick’n Country Hoe-Down, Hotel RL, 7p ----------------------------------------------The Devil Wears Prada with Veil of Maya, Thousand Below, Slowdown, 7p ----------------------------------------------DJ Wild Wes Kozee Lounge, 8p ----------------------------------------------Salt Creek, Household, Hourma, Bed Rest, Jacob James Wilton Reverb Lounge, 8p ----------------------------------------------Breaking Benjamin - Unplugged Sokol Auditorium, 8p ----------------------------------------------PWP Live Presents: WrestleRama The Waiting Room, 8p ----------------------------------------------Matt Whipkey Barley Street, 9p ----------------------------------------------The Yawpers O’Leaver’s Pub, 9p ----------------------------------------------Chris Shelton Dubliner Pub, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------The Solo Cup (Improv ) The Backline, 10p
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 3 Autumn Festival Ralston Arena, 11a ----------------------------------------------Bringing to Life the Day of the Dead First Central Congregational Church, 6p ----------------------------------------------Lutheran Family Services Rally for Kids, Hilton Omaha Downtown, 6p -----------------------------------------------
8 Focus | November 1 - November 7 | Volume 1 Issue 45
Wheeels & Friends Hotel RL, 6p ----------------------------------------------Swampboy Blues Trio Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 6p ----------------------------------------------Still Life Drawing hosted by Liz Thrash Petshop, 6p ----------------------------------------------One Year Later: Trumplings Opening Reception, The Little Gallery & Benson Underground, 6p ----------------------------------------------Kelsey Janda Gallery Opening (402) Arts Collective, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Omaha Zombie Walk 2017 Benson, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Fork in the Road Ameristar, 7p
----------------------------------------------On The Fritz Bogies West, 7p ----------------------------------------------Michael Fitzsimmons Dietz Memorial United Memorial Methodist Church, 7p ----------------------------------------------Bailey Audrey Flagship Commons, 7p ----------------------------------------------The Dead Leaves Autumn Breeze Tour featuring Your Last Chance and Goodbye Old Friend Lookout Lounge, 7p ----------------------------------------------American Folk Orpheum Theater, 7p ----------------------------------------------Seven Lenses Opening Reception Petshop, 7p
----------------------------------------------(Jazz)digal Dinner Fundraiser West Omaha Masonic Center, 7p ----------------------------------------------The Jazzy Truth Club Turf, 8p ----------------------------------------------Hector Anchondo Band Dog House Saloon, 8p ----------------------------------------------Music Vs Comedy with Low D, Stately Wayne Manor & Bill Queen Dr. Jack’s Drinkery, 8p ----------------------------------------------Chris Shelton Therapy Bar, 8p ----------------------------------------------The Nerd Roast (Standup) The Backline, 8p ----------------------------------------------The Good Girls The Sydney, 8:30p ----------------------------------------------The Toppings, Kingfisher, Spirit Fox Barley Street, 9p ----------------------------------------------Hunter Hutchinson Buck’s Bar & Grill, 9p ----------------------------------------------Hi-Fi Hangover Chrome Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Cover Me Badd Forte Music Hall, 9p ----------------------------------------------SkreTTa eTc Growler USA, 9p ----------------------------------------------Taxi Driver Ozone Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Elevate Dance Party #16 Reverb Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------eNVy Saints Pub Roanoke, 9p ----------------------------------------------Rock and Roll Suicide Slowdown, 9p ----------------------------------------------The Rebels: Tattoos, Skinny Pants, & Vans Tour, Tequila Garage Bar, 9p ----------------------------------------------Funk Trek, Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal The Waiting Room, 9p ----------------------------------------------Connor Dowling Dubliner Pub, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------Jerry Pranksters! Jason Figueroa’s B-Day Party, The Down Under, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------Tim Zach & Whiskey Bent Two Fine Irishmen, 9:30p -----------------------------------------------
Domestic Blend, Smoove, Bach Mai O’Leaver’s Pub, 10p ----------------------------------------------Universe Contest Album Release with Lodgings, Pets With Human Names The Sydney, 10p
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 4 Diabetes Awareness Event Diabetes Education Center of the Midlands, 8a ----------------------------------------------Millard West Craft Fair Millard West High School, 9a ----------------------------------------------Autumn Festival Ralston Arena, 9a ----------------------------------------------Grand Opening Artifact, 10a ----------------------------------------------Huskers Vs Northwestern Memorial Stadium Lincoln, 11a ----------------------------------------------Zumbathon Fundraiser Omaha South High School, 1p ----------------------------------------------Dia De Los Muertos Art Show Closing Reception, Apollon Art Space, 4p ----------------------------------------------Safe Haven Fundraiser: Comedy, Music, Food, Sozo Coffeehouse, 5p ----------------------------------------------AIGA Show Kaneko, 5:30p ----------------------------------------------NOW This is Magnum Sokol Auditorium, 6p ----------------------------------------------Fork in the Road Ameristar, 7p ----------------------------------------------Not U2 Cellar 19 Wine & Deli, 7p ----------------------------------------------Pineapple Karaoke American Legion Post 1, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Swingin’ Utters, Western Settings, Darius Koski, Joystick Lookout Lounge, 8p ----------------------------------------------Kimberly Dunn Reverb Lounge, 8p ----------------------------------------------New Stuff with Brad Stewart The Backline, 8p ----------------------------------------------The Urge with Clever & Mandown The Waiting Room, 8p ----------------------------------------------Welcome Home Murk Wired Pub, 8p
Focus | November 1 - November 7 | Volume 1 Issue 45 9
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RuebenFest 2017 CRESCENT MOON
----------------------------------------------Music Cousins, When Particles Collide, Robo Dojo, Barley Street, 9p ----------------------------------------------Skyfall, Those Guys, Cynge Dr. Jack’s Drinkery, 9p ----------------------------------------------Imaginary Friends Forte Music Hall, 9p ----------------------------------------------Chad Lee Growler USA, 9p ----------------------------------------------Joystick Ozone Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Kimberly Dunn, Sack of Lions (acoustic), Reverb Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Busman’s Holiday, Kait Berreckman Slowdown, 9p ----------------------------------------------Bones EP Release with Jack Hotel, Jeff Krause and The Shineys The Down Under, 9p ----------------------------------------------Mr. Sinister Chrome Lounge, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------Connor Dowling Dubliner Pub, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke O’Leaver’s Pub, 10p ----------------------------------------------Comedy After Dark (Standup) The Backline, 10p
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 5 Best Of Omaha Festival Baxter Arena, 1p ----------------------------------------------Magick K Acoustic Soaring Wings Vineyard, 2p ----------------------------------------------The River City Pineapple Company American Legion Post 1, 3p ----------------------------------------------Skyburial, Filth Lookout Lounge, 7p ----------------------------------------------Jazz with Luigi Inc. Mr. Toad, 9p ----------------------------------------------Poker Night Therapy Bar & Grill, 8p ----------------------------------------------Montana of 300 , Roach, Fondue, Replenish the Vocalist, King Killah The Waiting Room, 8p
MONDAY NOVEMBER 6 Cuban Cuisine Cocktail & Cigar Tasting Havana Garage, 5p ----------------------------------------------ReubenFest 2017 The Crescent Moon Alehouse, 5p ----------------------------------------------Open Acoustic Jam Forte Music Hall, 6p ----------------------------------------------Gooch & His Big Las Vegas Big Band Ozone Lounge, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------BoDeans The Waiting Room, 8p ----------------------------------------------Blue Monday Blues Jam The Down Under, 9p
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 7 Billy Troy Ozone Lounge, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Sweet Tea Music The Corner Kick, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------The Social Animals Reverb Lounge, 7p ----------------------------------------------Open Mic & Jam Therapy Bar & Grill, 7p ----------------------------------------------The Drums with Methyl Ethel The Waiting Room, 8p ----------------------------------------------Night Shapes, FiFi NoNo Brothers Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Turbo Tuesdays featuring DJ Vic Nasty Bar 415, 9p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke with DJ Farley Forte Music Hall, 9p ----------------------------------------------Carnage The Executioner, Articulate, Third Eye Merchants O’Leaver’s Pub, 9p
Focus | November 1 - November 7 | Volume 1 Issue 45 11
12 Focus | November 1 - November 7 | Volume 1 Issue 45
Male HPV – An Emerging Concern But Curable
is on an annual basis. “Almost everybody has had an HPV infection at some point.” A study recently published in the journal The Annals of Internal Medicine said that nationwide, rates for oral HPV infection are 11.5 percent for men and 3.2 percent of women from the years 2011 through 2014. That translates to 11 million men and 3 million women. The headlines have started to come on The number will vary from study to the national level. Concerns about hu- study and with the source. According man papillomavirus (HPV) are growing to CNN, an average of nearly 39,000 because of an increased incidence in cases of HPV were reported from men that can lead to oral cancers. 2008 through 2012, with 59 percent of them in women and 41 percent in HPV has long been a concern in wom- men. That is all types of HPV-related en, who generally get cervical cancers cancers, but in that time the head and and also can get oral cancers, but in neck cancers were much more likely to the U.S. right now, the simple volume strike men: 12,638 cases for 3,100 in of male oral cancers could be more of a women. problem in terms of sheer numbers. The incidence of those head and neck That’s the word from Dr. Zafar Sayed cancers among men (7.8 per 100,000 at the University of Nebraska Medical population) now tops the incidence Center and the Buffet Cancer Center. of cervical cancer in women (7.4 per 100,000). “I think some of the recent data that has come out of the CDC has shown There are around 120 strains of HPV, that . . . one in nine men has an active Sayed pointed out, but only around 40 HPV infection,” Sayed said, adding that that are clinically relevant. Most have
By Andy Roberts
no symptoms and are gone within two years without medical intervention. “The few that are symptomatic, the typical presentation is genital warts,” Sayed stated. Those can be on the penis, anus, vulva, or the back of the throat. Often they cause no serious issues. “There are high risk types,” he emphasized. Those would HPV strain 16 and 18 which are the most common of those high-risk strains, with HPV 16 leading to oropharynx (throat) cancer. “It can be a problem,” Sayed stressed. “The reason this is such a big deal (is) because historically, cancers in the throat . . . used to be related to tobacco and alcohol use.” Those were more difficult to treat, he pointed out, but it is now around 70 percent of those cancers that are related to virus. That makes for a better prognosis because many of those individuals are younger and often affluent. “These patients tend to do well because they are not very sick and they are young,” he said, often only in their 30s or 40s.
“Radiation therapy works very well,” he said. “There is a big national push to see if we can reduce radiation doses.” If that happens, it would reduce the likelihood of serious side effects. Clinical trials are in place to develop procedures that would spare the healthy tissues around the tumor. An asymptomatic neck mass is often common presenting symptom, Dr. Sayed pointed out. “Sometimes the tumors are so small,” he said. “We can’t even see where the tumor is coming from in the throat.” The biggest risk factor, he said, is multiple sex partners.
Focus | November 1 - November 7 | Volume 1 Issue 45 13
“Especially when you get over six oral sex partners,” Sayed explained. The CDC also pointed out a large percentage of the cases are showing up among men having sex with men. There is a progression of five years after an infection, Sayed stated. HPV generates proteins that shut down tumor protectors that allow the cancer to grow. If you are wondering why doctors aren’t regularly testing for this, Sayed had a simple answer, “There’s no FDA
approved screening or surveillance tool,” he stated. “We don’t have a good screening tool and there’s really no CDC recommendation. “What we are recommending, as a preventive measure, is to start vaccinating young boys and young girls.” There are cures. “We typically talk about treatment as being tri-modality,” Sayed emphasized. It can be done, via robotic throat surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
14 Focus | November 1 - November 7 | Volume 1 Issue 45
He suggested that individuals who are most at risk should be on the watch for symptoms. Those include a change in voice quality, especially a muffled quality to the voice, asymmetric fullness in the tonsil. Or an asymptomatic neck mass. And don’t think just because you may have had your tonsils out as a child that you no longer have to worry about HPV. “If you had your tonsils out as a child . . . you can still be at risk for developing
Photo Courtesy Of CDC.gov
HPV cancer,” he warned. “There is still tonsillar tissue in the back of the tongue that can develop cancer.” Stay tuned to Focus for more updates on this and other health related issues.
Focus | November 1 - November 7 | Volume 1 Issue 45 15
Diary of a Changing World
By Steve Newman Pollution Fatalities
Pollution is responsible for illnesses that kill one in every six people around the world each year, according to a new landmark report. The Lancet, the world’s leading peer-reviewed journal on health, commissioned a study that found toxic air, water, soil and workplace environments kill at least 9 million people annually. Study authors warn that the crisis “threatens the continuing survival of human societies.” Philip Landrigan, from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, said the scale of deaths from pollution surprised the researchers, as did the rate at which the fatalities were rising.
Earthquakes
New Zealand’s Canterbury region was jolted by a magnitude 5.4 temblor that triggered landslides near the coastal city of Kaikoura. • Earth movements were also felt in islands of Indonesia’s Flores Sea, northwestern Sumatra, coastal Southern California and western North Carolina.
Yellow Fever
The discovery of one dead monkey infected with yellow fever on the north side of Brazil’s largest city has prompted São Paulo health
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+112° Hermosillo, Mexico
4.3 6.7
5.4 authorities to launch a massive vaccination campaign. The virus responsible for the disease has been blamed for at least 261 Brazilian deaths since December, almost entirely in the southeast of the country.
Despite the overall pause in the magpie birds that have growth of the world’s most pervasive resulted in an alarming -72° greenhouse gas pollution, emissions of number of eye injuries. Vostok, methane and nitrous oxide continued Antarctica to increase. “In the last week, we saw five in the one day, Methane can trap 30 times more heat including a penetrating eye injury that in the atmosphere than CO2, while needed to go to theatre (surgery),” nitrous oxide traps 300 times more. said Dr. Carmel Crock of the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.
The mosquito-borne disease originated in Africa and was Magpie Menace discovered to be back in Brazil after hundreds of dead monkeys were found Residents of Melbourne, infected in the country’s Atlantic Australia, have been warned rainforest late last year. of increased attacks by swooping
A special online map has been prepared to show where the highest numbers of attacks have occurred. Officials say that since the birds may
Yellow fever is one of the world’s most deadly tropical diseases, causing symptoms such as muscle aches and fever, progressing to liver damage and kidney failure.
Carbon Pause
The world’s carbon dioxide emissions remain stalled for a third consecutive year, with both the United States and Russia decreasing their output by 2 percent in 2016. Japan cut its CO2 emissions by 1 percent, while those produced by Europe and China held steady. India’s emissions increased by 5 percent.
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Signs warn of magpie attacks on bicyclists and pedestrians around Melbourne. Photos: Victoria State Government Environment, Land, Water and Planning Dept.
be less likely to swoop if they think people are watching them, people are advised to draw a pair of “eyes” on the backs of their hats and helmets.
Villagers say subsequent heavy rain washed the fallen ash into wells and water tanks, threatening their drinking water supplies.
Tropical Cyclones
Typhoon Lan left seven people dead in Japan after passing directly over Tokyo on election day. Heavy rains from the Category-1 storm caused rivers to burst their banks and fishing boats to be washed ashore. • Typhoon Saola formed south of Guam and was predicted to remain over the open Pacific waters to the east of Japan.
Solomon Eruption
Tinakula volcano, on a remote South Pacific island, roared to life in Temotu province of the eastern Solomon Islands.
Scientists are monitoring the erupting Tinakula volcano. Photo: Luke Lapoe/Solomon Islands Meteorological Services
Officials said heavy ash was reported falling in villages on nearby islands for the first time in memory.
Focus | November 1 - November 7 | Volume 1 Issue 45 17
Huskers
concussion protocol. Michael Decker is out indefinitely, probably for the season. Tanner Farmer is out for an extended period of time with a highankle sprain. Jaylin Bradley actually also sprained his ankle. We hope that The Huskers got a big “W” against comes along so he can play this week. the Purdue Boilermakers over the weekend in what seemed like, at times, Zack Darlington was sick and missed the game. Hopefully he will be getting painful fashion. In a game that was better this week. Tyrin Ferguson is marred by penalties on both sides out for an extended period of time. So of the ball in the first half, and more injuries for the Huskers, it might seem that’s kind of our list from there. Riley went on to talk about his team’s like the gambles that Mike Riley took play: “It was obviously great for our mostly paid off. He might, just might, team to win. It was all hard. I think the get a break. thing that we’ve been in and talked about so many times this year is, But not so my friends! Listening to games are won late and you just have the post-game show a person would to keep playing, so I appreciated the need a Kleenex just to wipe up the poise and the perseverance and the tears from the eyes of our vaunted performance almost in all areas in the fan base as they proceeded to try to last 10 minutes in particular to win the carve Riley’s coaching into an early game. Thanksgiving feast.
By Focus Omaha
“Defensively we gave up six explosive plays. A lot of those were due to missed tackles. We were good in the area of third down; they were 3-for13 on third down. On the missed tackle deal, we gave up 45 yards after contact, which resulted in some of those big plays. I was especially proud of guys that were kind of the next man in. We had all the safeties back and all of a sudden it seemed like they were out and Marquel Dismuke went in and did a nice job for our team. Jacob Much of the penalty situation can be Weinmaster went in for a bit and made attributed to the lack of consistent some plays, that was neat to see. Collin line play due largely to a plethora Miller went in and made some plays, of injuries. Riley addressed the that was good to see. I think when you injury situation in his weekly press talk about guys defensively that played conference: “As you know, Luke well, Chris Weber had one of his best Gifford didn’t play the other night. games. Mick Stoltenberg had one of He has a hip problem that I would his very best games. Lamar Jackson say the best way to describe it right played really, really well in the game now is still questionable. We’ll know and Marcus Newby did a great a job. more as the week goes on. Antonio Reed re-injured his knee. We hope he “Offensively, when you talk about the players that played well, you start is going to be OK, but I guess there’s with Tanner (Lee). I thought he had still a question mark there. Aaron an outstanding day. Tyler Hoppes, Williams re-injured his neck. It’s all that’s what I’ve been waiting to see soft tissue. We hope that he comes there at that position. JD (Spielman), back and can play, but I’m not sure right now. Eric Lee is going through the Stanley (Morgan Jr.) and De’Mornay Sure, there were a lot of unnecessary penalties along with dropped passes and stalled drives plus all the other things that we’ve come to expect from our young Huskers. But at the end of the day a thing of beauty happened. The Huskers ran an NFL-like twominute drill and finished with a much-needed win that was essential if they had any hope for a bowl game this year.
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(Pierson-El) all made some nice plays and then Jaylin Bradley went in and gave us a spark. We had 10 explosive plays offensively. We were OK on third down, not quite 50 percent but pretty good. Tanner’s numbers were good with no interceptions and Jaylin Bradley, like I said, he made some good runs and did a good job.” Riley said special teams performed well and punter Caleb Lightbourn put his punts where there were no return yards. “Luke McNitt had a nice day on special teams. Collin Miller made a big play on the kickoff. Eli Sullivan got in the stat books for a tackle that was neat to see. Jeremiah Stovall continues to do real well on special teams. He’s a factor in there. Drew Brown was outstanding,
and I don’t know if you noticed it as the game was taking place but we had a new holder in there because Zack was sick. Isaac Armstrong went in and that was kind of seamless which is not that easy to do when you are used to your holder after such a long period of time. “And then I thought De’Mornay did a great job catching short punts. I think their net was somewhere 34-ish, something like that. So, we won the field position battle on special teams.” No excuses. That’s what I like about Riley, along with his supreme confidence in the ability for his players to come through in crunch time. If anyone was wondering about his awareness of the situation he’s facing, when asked if the Purdue game recharged him Riley said,
“Oh, I’ve been charged. I don’t need any recharging. These games are all exciting to me, game by game. Obviously, we all know the situation. As far as the team and getting ready to play, it’s all a vacuum for me, week to week, and the games are all really, really important and really exciting, so I’m fired up for the next one.”
this one early because neither team can expect to win in the fashion they did last week.
On to Northwestern. The Huskers and Wildcats are tied for second place in the Big Ten West, so this will be another big one (as they all are at this point), but at least it’s at home. Nebraska tied a school record for the largest fourth-quarter comeback (12 points) in school history with the win and let’s hope that they take charge of
Hopefully Nebraska can find a running game as they get back to the drawing board and try to find a way to keep Tanner Lee from having to throw over 50 times. It that happens, Riley and the Huskers will continue to surprise.
The Wildcats are on a three-game win streak after defeating No. 16 Michigan State last week in triple overtime. The road team has won five of six meetings since Nebraska joined the conference.
Nebraska 27¸ Northwestern 21
Focus | November 1 - November 7 | Volume 1 Issue 45 19
best to accomplish that. “We just have to find a label that is ready to launch it into the stratosphere,” Beer said.
Bud Bronson & the Good Timers Which One’s Bud
tosh, from Golden, Colorado, as things became more serious. Gottlieb came aboard while the others were living in Durango. They have been described as a bar band that plays arena rock. “We have a big rock sound. We play loud. There’s nothing halfway about our sound or the way we play,” Beer emphasized. “It’s kind of unapologetic rock & roll, thus the arena rock moniker. Bud Bronson & the Good Timers “There’s certainly indulgence, but return to Omaha on November 11th, there’s more self-awareness.” and just as many have asked of Pink Floyd, “Which one’s Pink?” Focus had Beer said all “that 70s and 80s rock to ask bandleader Brian Beer, “Which and roll stuff” has been an inspiration one’s Bud?” for the band. Well, there really isn’t one. “It is about fun and only fun,” he stressed. “You don’t need to say party “I made it up. . . . I thought is sounded rock . . . It’s supposed to be fun.” cool,” Beer said, adding he makes up fictional names and characters in his The Hold Steady, Diarrhea Planet, and head all the time. Titus Andronicus are among current bands that influence Bud Bronson “It kind of says it all right there,” he & the Good Timers. Beer added that pointed out, “No pretense, no irony.” guitar-wise he loves Weezer’s fusion of classic rock, but especially the way in These are four guys from the place which that band makes it their own. they call Denver Rock City who just love playing rock ‘n’ roll and having fun. “He’s a nerdy guy with glasses,” he said of Rivers Cuomo. “He’s like the fanboy While there is no Bud Bronson, the . . . who lives vicariously through the band members are Beer on guitar and lead vocals, Luke Gottlieb on lead rock gods.” guitar and what Beer called “musical Beer hopes his band embodies that pyrotechnics,” Austin Grafa on bass in some ways –normal guys in many who is the “keep-it-loose dude,” and ways living out their fantasies. “Our Forrest Barrosh, the drummer and live shows are fun,” he said. “I think we “possessor of essential man skills.” are immediate and accessible without being shallow.” Beer said: “I do all the singing for the most part.” The others do add some Beer also thinks listeners can take backing vocals. their original music home and dig into it more. They release Fantasy Machine The band formed in late 2011 while on Greater Than Collective Records the New Jersey-born Beer and Texas in 2015 which followed some DIY renative Grafa were attending the University of Colorado in Boulder. The leases. A second album, – Between the original drummer was replaced by Bar- Outfield and Outer Space is ready for release when the band settles on how
By Andy Roberts
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The upcoming Omaha visit, at O’Leaver’s on the 11th, is part of a ten-day road trip for the band. This will be their third time at O’Leaver’s, with the first show “Very good” on a Saturday night during a comedy fest after the Huskers won a football game. A midweek show was: “A bit of a tougher draw but still a good one,” he said. Plan on having a good time at the show. “People can expect some sick riffs, certainly,” Beer said. “And a dynamic, crowd pleasing, adrenaline-pumping, fist-pumping stage show. “We’re loud.” And they’re fun, which remains the major concern. Beer knows a rock ‘n’ roll career is not easy to come by. “The reality of becoming a professional musician, right now, seems more tenuous than ever,” he said. “The goal is to keep on working hard and really taking pride in the craft of this while making sure that it’s fun.” Trying to control how people will perceive it or any end goals is beyond their control, he stressed. “We just want to try to keep making music.” For more info on Bud Bronson & the Good Timers: Bud Bronson & the Good Timers on Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/bbgtband/ Link to their music: https://budbronsonandthegoodtimers.bandcamp.com
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But that’s not really the way her creative process works. “I probably write, maybe three or four songs a year,” she said. “I never intentionally write a song.” Why not? “That kind of bogs down the process,” Brandt offered. She simply waits for things to come. “My inspiration just comes from diving into things that interest me,” she explained. “Whether it’s my spiritual studies as a yoga teacher . . . I feel that’s contributed a lot.”
Sarah BrandtMusic for Her Mind, and Yours By Eddie Torrez
Sarah Brandt has plenty of time to think about the songs she wants to write as she drives from Tekamah to Omaha and back on her daily work commute.
Other times it is a phrase or a melody that comes to mind. “I don’t have a formula,” she pointed out “I leave it totally open.” Such is the creative process for an aspiring musician. Brandt, a 2005 Burke High graduate, was born in Omaha, however she has traveled extensively and lived in other places due to past military connections. “But this is home and I’m here to stay.” Brandt attended “quite a few” colleges because of her military-related travels, and graduated from the University of Phoenix with a degree in education. She isn’t using it.
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“I just want to play with them,” she said speaking of children. “I wasn’t a very good authoritarian . . . I’m a softie.” Brandt often performs at Growler USA and The Down Under Lounge in Omaha, as well as a couple places in Tekamah: Pheasant Bonanza, a kennel and hunt club, and Way North. By day she is an admin at the Kiewit Corporation in the communications department. It’s a good job, but, “My passion is . . . . I’m playing music, as you know, and I want to start my own yoga business.” She hopes to do that in Tekamah. Brandt said music has been a constant part of her life.
“My father was a musician,” she recalled. “Growing up we always had music playing . . . I always thought everybody sang. Just a family thing.” She realized early that she had some ability, and these days plays acoustic guitar while generally performing solo. James Taylor was a favorite when she was younger and John Mayer is a huge influence these days, she stated, suggesting those two wrap up her style. “A little soft and sweet but then bluesy, too,” she offered. Brandt suggested her humility is an artistic strength. “I don’t buy into the hype when I get
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In fact, she occasionally plays with Brent Malnack and Mars Booth of Growler USA plus their son, Alex Malnack. She described it as a “wait and see” situation depending on the time available. While calling music her passion, her future plans are still forming. “People always ask me . . . are you trying to get well known,” she said. “I just share it (music) for the sake of sharing it. “I don’t create music with the intention of giving it to other people,” Brandt emphasized. “It’s just the thing I do for now.”
ER
compliments. It keeps me grounded as an artist. It keeps me authentic,” she emphasized. “I love when you hear a song and know exactly what the artist was feeling; when they say something in a way you’ve felt but haven’t been able to express. “When I write music, my intention is to be as honest and intentional with my words as possible; so that when people hear it, they feel it too.” While performing solo these days, Brandt did not dismiss the possibility of playing with a band at some point. “I like the idea of it,” she said. “I’m just so busy.”
THU DEC 07 EVAN BARTELS THU DEC 21 HECTOR ANCHONDO THU JAN 04 MATT WHIPKEY THU JAN 18 THE KERWINS
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November 1 Begins Open Enrollment for Health Insurance Marketplaces Beginning on November 1, 2017, individuals (including their families) may apply for new health insurance or switch to a different health-care plan through a Health Insurance Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The open enrollment period for 2018 health coverage ends on December 15, 2017.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) extended the open enrollment period to December 31, 2017 for victims of Hurricanes Irma and Harvey who resided in one of the counties that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared eligible for individual or public assistance.
Changes to open enrollment
New HHS regulations included changes to the open enrollment period and requirements for individuals looking to purchase health insurance through Health Insurance Marketplaces. Here is a summary of the changes, effective for 2018: •
Individuals can use Health Insurance • Marketplaces to compare health plans for benefits and price and to select a plan that fits their needs. Individuals have until December 15, 2017, to enroll in or change plans for new coverage to start January 1, 2018. For those who fail to meet the December 15 deadline, the only way to enroll in a Marketplace health • plan is by qualifying for a special enrollment period, which is the 60-day period following certain life events that involve a change in family status (for example, marriage or birth of a child) or loss of other health coverage. Job-based plans must provide a special enrollment period of 30 days. The
Colorado (1/12/2018); District of Columbia (1/31/2018); Massachusetts (1/23/2018); Minnesota (1/14/2018); New York (1/31/2018); Rhode Island (12/31/2017); and Washington (1/15/2018).
The open enrollment period for 2018 is cut in half and runs from November 1 through December 15, 2017. Open enrollment during prior years extended from November 1 to January 31. Individuals attempting to enroll during special enrollment periods must provide verification through documentation of a qualifying event. Previously, individuals merely had to attest to changing circumstances that made them eligible to apply during special enrollment periods. Some states have elected to extend open enrollment in light of the regulation. In these states, which run their own insurance marketplaces, open enrollment begins on November 1 and extends beyond December 15 as follows: California (1/31/2018);
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Other changes to the ACA
•
Some of the significant changes made to the ACA by the Trump administration include the following: •
•
Insurers are now permitted, but not required, to collect unpaid premiums for prior health insurance coverage before enrolling an applicant in a new health plan. Under the ACA, health plans are identified as bronze, silver, gold, and platinum based on the amount of coverage offered and the plan cost. For example, a silver plan was designed to cover
•
at least 70% of a typical person’s medical expenses, while a gold plan would cover 80%. Plans could vary by 2%. The new regulation expands the coverage variation, such that a silver plan can cover between 66% and 72% of an individual’s medical costs. Employers are exempt from the mandate requiring birth control coverage in health insurance plans based on the employer’s sincerely held religious beliefs or on moral convictions. Employers that do not provide coverage only need to notify their employees of their decision. The President has indicated that the federal government will cease making cost-sharing reduction payments to insurers to reimburse them for discounts they give policyholders with incomes under 250% of the federal poverty level. However, attempts to extend
funding by congressional action are being considered.
More changes to come?
The situation regarding health care, particularly the ACA, is very fluid and changing. Attempts to repeal and replace the ACA have failed to date. The President, via executive order, has outlined plans to allow access to association health plans, where small businesses and individuals can group together to buy plans across state lines; expand short-term limited duration health insurance not subject to ACA benefit requirements; and expand the use of health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs)
by employers to provide workers with tax-free funds to pay for healthcare costs, primarily deductibles and copays. Whether and how these proposals come to fruition remains to be seen. Registered Representative of and Securities products offered through Capital Synergy Partners, Member FINRA/SIPC. 4400 MacArthur Blvd #850, Newport Beach, CA 92660 (888) 277-1974 Herek Financial and Capital Synergy Partners are Unaffiliated Entities
Focus | November 1 - November 7 | Volume 1 Issue 45 25
How To Pick The Right Lawyer Whether you are drafting a will or a trust, buying or selling real estate or getting a divorce, it is important to select the best attorney possible. Read on to find out what tips you can use to make sure that you are picking the right lawyer for you. Retain an Honest Lawyer Many attorneys offer an initial consultation free of charge. Take advantage of this. Use the meeting to determine whether the attorney is honest and forthcoming. Instinctively, some people have the ability to determine an individual’s character within a few minutes of interacting with the person; however, there are a few personality traits that can also tip you off. For example, is the lawyer looking you in the eye when speaking with you, or is he or she looking at the ground? Remember, people who don’t maintain eye contact usually have a problem with the truth. Also, ask what kind of cases he or she has litigated in the past. If the majority of the attorney’s work has been defending the dregs of society, the attorney (while perhaps a great litigator) may be used to bending
the rules to get things done. Also, ask the attorney about your case’s chance of success or failure. If the lawyer sounds unusually optimistic and doesn’t tell you any of the risks or downplays the costs associated with the case, he or she is probably not being honest. Remember, there are downsides and risks to almost every case! Prior to entering into any official relationship it is important to feel secure in the knowledge that your lawyer is an honest individual. After all, there’s nothing worse then being in an extended court battle and not having an honest person on your side - particularly one who is willing and able to communicate your chances of prevailing. It would be equally disturbing to find out that the attorney representing you is hurting your case because of his or her questionable reputation. Thorough and Responsive The initial meeting or conversation with the attorney can also help you to determine whether he or she is detail oriented and will be responsive to your needs. Again, your instincts should serve as your guide. Be sure to ask the attorney if it’s OK to call them throughout the case to discuss any concerns you may have. If he or she balks at the idea, it may indicate that you’ll have trouble relaying your thoughts and obtaining answers to
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your questions once the case is up and running. Other questions that should be asked include: Will I be given periodic updates on the status of the case in writing or by phone? Will the attorney be the main point of contact, or will communications be delegated to a paralegal? There is nothing worse then having an attorney who won’t respond to your inquiries, or hear your concerns. To that end, be sure to retain an attorney who is communicative. In Your PriceRange Finding the right attorney for you means finding one whose services you can afford. With that in mind, all individuals should inquire about costs at the outset of the initial meeting. After all, it would be horrifying to find out (after the fact) that the attorney is charging you per letter, per hearing, or in some other manner that only encourages him or her to drag the case out and to rack up fees. Also, try to obtain an estimate of what the case will cost to litigate in writing. Then, again in writing, try to secure a contract that will spell out the maximum costs associated with trying your case. This will prevent any unwanted surprises. What is a “fair” price? That depends
upon your individual case. Residential real estate closings, for example, typically range from $700 to $1,200, while complex matters can easily cost much more. Simple commercial transactions, such as buying a local business, often range from $2,000 to $4,000, but if the process takes longer than expected, this will also increase the price. The same is true in a divorce proceeding: if your soon-to-be “ex” doesn’t contest, the matter could be solved for a few thousand dollars, but if a drawn out fight ensues, it could run in the tens of thousands of dollars. Most attorneys looking to avoid disagreements with their clients will insist that a contract be signed by both parties at the outset. If your attorney does not offer a contract, make sure that you obtain something in writing, preferably on letterhead stating likely and maximum charges. Seek Those With Experience While it is important to have an attorney that you can trust, it is equally important that he or she has extensive experience in the area of law for which you require their services. For example, you should you use an attorney with estate planning experience to draft your will, a divorce attorney to draft divorce papers and a trial lawyer to defend you in a criminal case. General practitioners are good for basic real estate transactions, or other non-complex matter, but their lack of detailed knowledge and
experience in a given field can hurt your case. Consider the Size of the Firm You’d Be Dealing With There are advantages to hiring a lawyer from a small firm. In most cases, you receive personalized, prompt attention. In addition, the lawyer representing you will probably have a fairly large amount of time to dedicate to your case. This may not be the situation at large firms, where attorneys must often juggle numerous cases and may have many responsibilities to the firm and its partners that could draw their attention away from your needs. However, large firms also have advantages. After all, many judges and opposing attorneys respect and/ or fear large reputable firms for the cases they’ve won, and their ability to influence judgments. Large firms also typically have greater resources in terms of money and manpower to research your case and to craft strategy.
In short, weigh the pros and cons of having a small or a large firm to try your case before signing a contract. Where to Look for a Lawyer In addition to the phone book and/ or a friend that might recommend a lawyer, there are several other sources for finding a qualified attorney to represent you. Some unions offer representation as does the AARP (sometimes at a discount to its members). In addition, members of the military are often entitled to certain representation, as are certain individuals covered by umbrella and home insurance policies. Finally, the American Bar Association can also help you find a suitable attorney that is licensed in your state. The Bottom Line Selecting the right attorney can make your case, while selecting the wrong one can doom it, so do your homework. The Regan Law Office can provide you with a free initial consultation to help you decide what to do. Call The Regan Law Office at (402) 341-2020.
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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!
JULIO’S 123rd & Center M-F 3P – 6P & FRI & SAT AFTER 9M $1 off all Tap Beer, $3 House Margaritas, $5 Pitchers of Bud Light & Miller Light
PARLIAMENT OLD MARKET 1212 Harney St. MANIC MONDAYS with D.J. Travis $2 draws, $3.50 wells, $4.50 calls THURSDAY-LADIES NIGHT $2 Domestic Drafts, $4 Calls & $5 Specialty Drinks
KOZEE LOUNGE 5813 N 60th St. Daily Drink Specials!
PARLIAMENT WEST 16939 Wright Plz TIGER TOM’S EVERYDAY 3P - 7P 1/2 Price Martini’s, $2 Domestic Pints, 7103 Military Ave M-F 5P-7P $1 Off Other Drinks $12 Domestic Buckets PERRY’S PLACE UNDERWOOD BAR 9652 Mockingbird Dr. 4918 Underwood Ave Monday – Friday 4P – 7P M-F 4:30-6P $2.50 Domestic Pints, $6.50 Pitchers $2.75 Domestic Bottles & $3.50 Wells $2 Bud and Bud Light
LEAVENWORTH BAR 4556 Leavenworth St. M-F 12P-7P LOOKOUT LOUNGE 320 S 72nd St. EVERY DAY 4-7, MIDNIGHT - 2 AM $2 PBR, $2.50 Domestic Bottles , $3 Wells, $3 Fireball MARYLEBONE TAVERN 3710 Leavenworth St. M-F 4:30-6:30P MEATLOAF MONDAY- 6-9P 50¢ Wings WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY Prime Rib Special THURSDAY-New York Strip, Fajita, and Taco Night NOSH WINE LOUNGE 1006 Dodge St. Everyday 4P- 6P Reverse HH 10P -12A $3 domestic beers and wells, $2 off Glasses of Wine, $4 House Wine MALONEY’S IRISH PUB 1830 N 72nd St. M-F 3P-7P $1.00 off any beer O’CONNORS IRISH PUB 1217 Howard St. M-TH- 4P-6P & FRI 2P-7P $1.00 off all Draft, Premium, and Domestic Wells PADDY’S McGOWN’S PUB & GRILL 4503 Center St. Happy Hour Specials from 3-6pm
THERAPY BAR & GRILL 5059 S 108th St Monday-Friday 3-6pm $.50 cents off Bottles, Drafts, & Wells THE SOCIABLE INN 4917 S 136TH ST M-F 2P-7P $2.50 Pints, $2.50 Domestic Bottles
PITCH PIZZERIA 5021 Underwood Ave./ 17808 Burke M-F 3P-6P $5 off any appetizer $5 off any pizza PLANK SEAFOOD & PROVISIONS 1205 Howard St. Monday-Saturday 3-6:30 pm & Sunday Noon-8 pm OMAHA TAP HOUSE 1401 Farnam St. & 579 N 155th Plz M-F 3P - 6P & ALL DAY SUNDAY $1 Off All TapBeers $4 Svedka, $4 Windsor, $4 Sauza Silver, $4 Cruzan Rum RAILCAR MODERN AMERICAN KITCHEN 1814 N 144th St. M-F 3:30-6:30P $4 Well Drinks $3 Off Signature Cocktails SCRIPTOWN 3922 Farnam M-F 4P - 6P $1 Off Beers & $1 Off Well Drinks SMITTY’S GARAGE 3309 Oak View Drive EVERYDAY 3p-6p $2 Domestic Longnecks
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Tickets can be purchased at the Tangier Shrine office during normal business hours, Monday-Friday or from any Keystone Kop. The event is open to Tangier Shrine members and their families as well as the public.
AUCTIONS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3 | 6P Shine * An Evening with Friends Live Entertainment Silent Auction Live Auctions Raffle Dinner St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church 11802 Pacific St, Omaha, Nebraska 68154 -----------------------------------------------SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4 Keystone Kops 17th Annual Auction & Steak Dinner Tangier Shrine Center, 2823 S 84th St Omaha, NE 68124 , 402-392-0404 Join the Keystone Kops for the 17th Annual Auction and Steak Dinner at the Tangier Shrine Center.
5:30 p.m. -- Cocktails 6 p.m. -- Dinner 7 p.m. -- Auction Dinner includes a sirloin steak, baked potato, salad, vegetable, roll and butter. Cash bar. Previous auction items have included: •Bourbon tasting for 12 • Black leather football chair with built-in cooler • Evan Williams guitar • Numerous gift baskets • Rare wines • Box of Steaks from Just Good Meats • Tools • Tents • Steamer trunk • Homemade cheesecake Tickets are $15 per person or twofor-$25 if purchased in advance.
Questions? Have something to donate? Contact Travis Drews at 402-657-7690. Proceeds benefit Keystone Kops unit activities. Payments are not deductible as charitable contributions. https://tangiershrine.wildapricot.org/ event-2668783 -----------------------------------------------SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5 Hallmark Stores Inventory Liquidation Timed Auction Online Bidding Only Bidding Open Now, First Lot Closes Sunday November 5th at 1pm The Auction Mill, 1p http://www.theauctionmill.com/ -----------------------------------------------SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5 Omaha Public Schools Foundation Wine and Auction Fundraiser, 2p 440 Regency Parkway Drive, Suite 137, Omaha, NE 68114 Join us for Wine and Cheese at our November 5th Fundraiser. Mingle with friends and family of the Omaha Public Schools Foundation as you peruse our silent auction items including a vast selection of premium wines. In the inviting atmosphere of the Regency Parkway Art Gallery you will have an opportunity to learn about the Omaha Public Schools Foundation and their amazing programs and scholarship offerings for the students of the Omaha Public Schools. This will be an afternoon you don’t want to pass up. Sip on a pleasant wine, enjoy enticing snacks and be serenaded by the wonderful tunes of Master Guitarist, Ron Cooley. Proceeds from the event will benefit classroom grants for the OPS teachers’ innovative curriculum projects. Mark Gudgel is a North High teacher and blogger extraordinaire who has been instrumental in acquiring a large selection of premium wines for our silent auction. ------------------------------------------------
30 Focus | November 1 - November 7 | Volume 1 Issue 45
tickets available at www.ralstonarena.com
Focus | November 1 - November 7 | Volume 1 Issue 45 31