Focusv2i1 by Focus Omaha

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1 | JANUARY 3 - JANUARY 9 | 2018

YOUR FREE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, PERSONAL FINANCE, MUSIC & CLASSIFIEDS NEWSWEEKLY

LOCAL Rex Granite Band

FINANCE Protecting Yourself

EVENTS Top Ten

HEALTH Facts & Myths

EMPLOYMENT ARE YOU SELF-MOTIVATED?

DO YOU LIKE WORKING WITH OTHERS?

Then Focus just might be the job for you! We are Omaha’s arts and entertainment newsweekly and we’re currently looking to hire just in time for the Holidays! Make money and have lots of fun working with clients all over Omaha! E-mail your resume to focusomaha@gmail.com today!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARY 9 | 2018 | JANUARY 3 - JANU & CLASSIFIEDS NEWSWEEKLY VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1 FINANCE, MUSIC

TAINMENT, PERSONAL YOUR FREE ARTS, ENTER

LOCAL

Rex Granite Band

FINANCE

Protecting Yourself

FOCUS ON THIS WEEK! 4

THE ARTS

GETTING OUT

FAMILY

FINANCE

EVENTS

Foundation One Bank will be sharing financial information relating to the markets, investments, financial news and other information with regard to finance.

EVENTS

Top Ten

HEALTH

Facts & Myths

10 ON TEN

HAPPY HOUR

13 THIS WEEKS FEATURE

CLASSIFIEDS

To advertise email focusomaha@gmail.com or call today.

16 EARTHWEEK Diary of a Changing World By Steve Newman

18 SPORTS Basketball for the New Year By Focus Omaha

20 HEALTH The Omaha Science Cafe to Focus on Genetics By Howard Schwartz Myths About Health By Focus Omaha Sponsored by New Dawn Nutrition

LOCAL

Focus is your FREE Arts, Entertainment, Personal Finance, Music & Classifieds Newsweekly. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

Rex Granite Band - Representing the Heartland in Memphis By Andy Roberts

This event is free and open to the public. The B Side bar will be open with all proceeds going to support the Benson Theatre Project.

Wednesday, January 3 | 10a - 6p Stuart Bay in 3D Gallery 72, 1806 Vinton St., 68108 Stuart was an award winning professional artist working in collage, assemblage, sculpture, filmmaking, film photography, video, digital photography and digital collage photographs. This show focuses on the three dimensional assemblages and sculptures that Bay created from found objects over his lifetime. -----------------------------------------------Friday, January 5 | 6p - 8p Art by Bird Williams Opening Great Plains Black History Museum 2221 N 24 St, Omaha, 68110 Exhibit highlights paintings of famous African Americans as painted through the eyes of Aaaron Bird Williams. Exhition runs through Feb. 28 ------------------------------------------------

Friday, January 5 | 6p - 8p Dipped In Soul + BFF The B Side of Benson Theatre 6058 Maple Street, Omaha, 68104 Join us for an evening of art and live performance! 6pm-9pm: Art exhibition featuring new work by Maggie Heusinkvelt and Stephen Kavanaugh. 8pm-Midnight: Dipped in Soul hosted by Risa J. Faulkner ‘Dipped in Soul’ is an open mic featuring poets, spoken word artists, r&b, motivational hip hop, Christian hip hop, and more!

Family friendly 6pm-9pm. 18+ 9pm-Midnight. -----------------------------------------------Friday, January 5 | 6:30p - 9p Jerred Zegelis Gallery Opening (402) Arts Collective 6051 Maple St, Omaha, 68104 Opening Reception for Jerred Zegelis Free | Open to the public -----------------------------------------------Friday, January 5 | 7p - 9p April Taylor Opening Reception Star Deli 6114 Military Ave, Omaha, 68104 Join us for April Taylor’s opening reception on January 5th, from 7-9 pm, during Benson First Friday! April is a local artist and has shown at the gallery several times before. We love her work and we know that you will too. We are happy to have her back!

The exhibition will be up through Jan. 27th and is free and open to the public during regular business hours. The focus: provide a positive, laid back -----------------------------------------------space for creatives to show their talent Saturday, January 6 | 10a Steve Schneider Opening Reception through music, poetry, & the arts.

The Little Gallery & Benson Underground Film Forum 5901 Maple Street, Omaha, 68104 Steve Schneider worked in the Old Market during the 1980s. The works in this show are part of the Kenny Carter Collection at the little gallery. Each piece is roughly 30” x 22” and is priced at $75. The show runs through Jan. 27. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday from 3:00 to 6:00pm, Saturday from 10:00am to 1:00pm + by appointment. Questions? Call 402.681.1901. -----------------------------------------------Through January 7 Svenja Deininger Joslyn Art Museum Deininger likens installations of her paintings to written sentences. Like an individual word, each painting comes with its own meaning; however, it is within the context of an exhibition that new relationships emerge among her canvases. The exhibition runs through January 7 during museum hours. -----------------------------------------------Through January 27 April Taylor Star Deli April Taylor’s opening reception will be on January 5th, from 7-9 pm, during Benson First Friday!

1019 Howard St. Omaha, NE 68102 402-342-1737

Custom Jewelry  Pearls  Local Artists  Loose Gemstones  Watch Batteries  Jewelry Repair www.goldsmithsilversmith.com 4

Focus | January 3 - January 9 | Volume 2 Issue 1

The exhibition will be up through January 27th and is free and open to the public during regular business hours. Please contact artist directly for inquires about artwork or for sales. -----------------------------------------------Through February 19 The Art of the Brick and Nathan Sawaya The Capitol District The Art of the Brick is a global touring exhibition rated by CNN as one of the world’s “Must See Exhibitions.” These are the first art exhibitions to focus exclusively on the use of LEGO® bricks as an art medium and artist Nathan Sawaya has taken it to new heights. This award-winning artist has multiple unique exhibitions created solely from standard LEGO bricks often with several new sculptures created specifically for each exhibition. Each show has countless colorful LEGO pieces which Sawaya has transformed into whimsical and awe-inspiring creations.

meaningful, his devotion to spatial perfection and the way he conceptualizes action, enables him to elevate what almost every child has played with into the status of contemporary art. Hours: Sunday - Thursday 10a - 7p Friday and Saturday 10a - 9p Tickets: $17.50 to $20, available at www.artofthebrickomaha.com -----------------------------------------------Through April 15, 2018 Forever Forest Omaha Childrens Museum The national tour of Forever Forest begins right here in Omaha! Exploring the realities of forests through play, families will learn about sustainability, selective harvesting, transportation needs, and the every-day products we use that are made from trees. The exhibit includes a tree top climber, a realistic mini replica of a Union Pacific engine, a kid-sized home under construction for children to help build, and so much more! ------------------------------------------------

Sawaya’s ability to transform this common toy into something

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Friday, January 5 | 5p - 7p Pajama Night at the UP Museum Union Pacific Railroad Museum 200 Pearl Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503 Relax and enjoy after the busy Holiday season! Come explore the museum while wearing your pajamas! Learn about traveling in a sleeper car and enjoy activities from both Pottawattamie County Conservation and the Council Bluffs Library. There will be a pajama parade at 6! www.facebook.com/ events/457731297955596/ ----------------------------------------------Saturday, January 6 | 7p Fireworks Spectacular (Rescheduled) Gene Leahy Mall, 14th & Farnam Enjoy a brief ceremony and countdown by Mayor Jean Stothert. Spectators are encouraged to tune into STAR 104.5, to hear the soundtrack as you watch the dazzling show. For more info visit www.holidaylightsfestival.org ----------------------------------------------Through January 7, 2018 Holidays at the General Crook House General Crook House Museum Historic Fort Omaha, 30th and Fort Streets Make a visit to the General Crook House at Fort Omaha special during the holidays. From crocheted potholders and hot pads in the kitchen to vintage ornaments on the parlor tree and war memorabilia in the generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s study, each room of the historic military officerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home holds a special attraction. 10a to 4p Mondays through Fridays; 1p to 4p Saturdays & Sundays More info: DouglasCoHistory.org ----------------------------------------------Through January 7, 2018 Zoom Into Nano The Durham Museum 801 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68108 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. Are you up for the challenge? Explore the shapes and structures of things in our world--at the nanoscale! ZOOM 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 Forever Forest Omaha Childrens Museum 500 S 20th St., Omaha, NE 68102 The national tour of Forever Forest begins right here in Omaha! Exploring the realities of forests through play, families will learn about sustainability, selective harvesting, transportation needs, and the every-day products we use that are made from trees. The exhibit includes a tree top climber, a realistic mini replica of a Union Pacific engine, a kid-sized home under construction for children to help build, and so much more! Special programming held in the Camp Cottonwood area includes Nature Explorers, Timber Trivia, The Great Forest Trek, and Tree-rrific Treasures. Included with museum admission, which is $12 for ages 2 and older, 11 for seniors, and free for children under 24 months and members. More information online at www.ocm.org -----------------------------------------------

Focus | January 3 - January 9 | Volume 2 Issue 1

Lemon Fresh Day Amerisports, 8:30p ----------------------------------------------The Shineys The Barrell, 9p ----------------------------------------------MoSynth Whiskey Roadhouse, 9p

EVENTS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3 Fernson Brewery TapTakeover Barley’s Bar, 11a ----------------------------------------------Wine Club Wednesdays Cellar 19 Wine & Deli, 1p ----------------------------------------------Tami Hall Amerisports, 8:30p THURSDAY, JANUARY 4 Fernson Brewery TapTakeover Barley’s Bar, 11a FRIDAY, JANUARY 5 Pajama Night Union Pacific Museum, 5p - 7p Relax and enjoy after the busy holiday season! Come explore the museum

Learn about traveling in a sleeper car, and enjoy activities from both Pottawattamie County Conservation and the Council Bluffs Library. There will be a pajama parade at 6PM!

SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 The Great Train Show Mid-AMerica Center, 10a ----------------------------------------------Wedding Essentials Bridal University Mid-AMerica Center, 10a ----------------------------------------------Fernson Brewery TapTakeover Barley’s Bar, 11a

More Information: (712) 329-8307 https://www.facebook.com/ events/457731297955596/ ----------------------------------------------Lemon Fresh Day Amerisports, 8:30p

MONDAY, JANUARY 8 Fernson Brewery TapTakeover Barley’s Bar, 11a ----------------------------------------------Hawkeye Sport Trivia Bertha’s Bar & Grill, 7p

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6 The Great Train Show Mid-AMerica Center, 10a ----------------------------------------------Black Top Road Cellar 19 Wine & Deli, 6p -----------------------------------------------

TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 90’s Music Trivia 3rd Base Bar & Grill, 7p

while wearing your pajamas!

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WEDNESDAY JANUARY 3 Fan Appreciation Day Celebrating 20 Years Horsemen’s Park, 10:30a ----------------------------------------------Webbsday Happy Hour with Brandon Webber The Down Under, 5p ----------------------------------------------The Persuaders Ozone Lounge, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Ray’s Piano Party Mr. Toad’s, 7p ----------------------------------------------Swampboy Blues Band On The Q St Bar, 7p ----------------------------------------------Wine Wednesday The B. Bar, 7p ----------------------------------------------Carolyn Harrell & Michael Adams The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------New Humans Jambo Cat, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Open Mic with Host Aly Peeler The Down Under, 8p ----------------------------------------------Comedy Open Mic with Dusty Stehl Barley Street, 8:30p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke Forte Music Hall, 9p ----------------------------------------------Nappy Roots The Night Owl, 9p

THURSDAY JANUARY 4 The Rex Granite Nand featuring Sarah Benck Chrome Lounge, 6p ----------------------------------------------The Pete Fucinaro Group Ozone Lounge, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Colin Roberts Vino Mas, 6:30p -----------------------------------------------

Pkew Pkew Pkew, Waking The Neighbors and Hosting Monsters Lookout Lounge, 7p ----------------------------------------------The Jazzy Truth Love’s Jazz & Art Center, 7p ----------------------------------------------Darling Cole Therapy Bar & Grill, 7p ----------------------------------------------Scott Keys The Well, 7p ----------------------------------------------Lancers V Waterloo Ralston Arena, 7:05p ----------------------------------------------Jim Florentine Omaha Funny Bone, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Jitterbugs’ Night Out Fraternal Order of Eagles, 8p Year of the Pheonix XIII The Waiting Room, 8p ----------------------------------------------Lemon Fresh Day Amerisports Bar, 8:30p ----------------------------------------------Gary Powers 4 with The Karma Police Slowdown, 8:30p ----------------------------------------------FRIDAY JANUARY 5 Tyi Hakeem, Ed Archibald & Michael Adams, The Omaha Lounge, 8:30p ----------------------------------------------Bob Adler Subzero Growler USA, 5p ----------------------------------------------- Bar 415, 9p ----------------------------------------------Tailgate Party Daniel and the Deliverance, The The Side Room at Ralston Arena, 5p ----------------------------------------------- Bedrock, Ragged Company and BFF with Laughing Falcon, The Show Is Michael Trenhaile Barley Street, 9p The Rainbow and Hussies ----------------------------------------------The Sydney, 5p ----------------------------------------------- Grindstone Remedy, Pauzed and Superman’s Hero Dipped In Soul Dr. Jack’s Drinkery, 9p B Side of Benson Theater, 6p ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------Starbound Swampboy Blues Trio Forte Music Hall, 9p Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 6p ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------Sailing In Soup Joe McCarthy Acoustic Happy Hour Growler USA, 9p Marylebone Tavern, 6p ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------The DiBaise Brothers High Country On The Q St Bar, 9p American Legion Post #1, 7p ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------Local Artists “Unplugged” Forte Music Hall, 7p ----------------------------------------------Sutphin, Histrionic and TBA The Down Under Lounge, 7p ----------------------------------------------Acoustic Sensations with Ken Block and Drew Copeland with special guest Matt Whipkey The Side Room, 7p ----------------------------------------------Jim Florentine Omaha Funny Bone, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Tyi Hakeem, Ed Archibald & Michael Adams The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke with DJ Mad Matz Reverb Lounge, 8p ----------------------------------------------Slow Stoics Barley Street, 9p ----------------------------------------------Chris Shelton Dubliner Pub, 9:30p

Focus | January 3 - January 9 | Volume 2 Issue 1

Joystick Ozone, 9p ----------------------------------------------Elevate Dance Party #18 Reverb Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Gary Powers 4, The Karma Police Slowdown, 9p ----------------------------------------------DJ Animale The Cove, 9p ----------------------------------------------Stellar (Improv) The Backline, 9p ----------------------------------------------The Wood Notes with Pancho and the Contraband The Down Under Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------PWP Presents: Year of the Phoenix XIII The Waiting Room, 9p ----------------------------------------------Dicey Riley Dubliner Pub, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------DJ Nilla Wafer Firewater Grille, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------Sean Paul, stathi, Michelle Eva Becker and Charlie Ames O’Leaver’s Pub, 10p ----------------------------------------------Interrogated The Backline, 10p ----------------------------------------------The Arena (Improv) The Backline, 11p

SATURDAY JANUARY 6 2018 Winter Nationals Battle for the Belt Ralston Arena, 10a ----------------------------------------------Swampboy Blues Trio Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 6p ----------------------------------------------The Blues Concert featuring Wendell ‘B’ Sounds & Sir Charles Jones MCC Fort Omaha, 6p -----------------------------------------------

Bad Aqple Dr. Jack’s Drinkery, 7p ----------------------------------------------Selah with Daniel Christian Kroc Center, 7p ----------------------------------------------CB Skatefest 2018 Benefit Show featuring Blindheart, Eponymous, DSM-5 and The Scabby Ghouls Lookout Lounge, 7p ----------------------------------------------Jim Florentine Omaha Funny Bone, 7p ----------------------------------------------The Chicago Street Experiment with Nathaniel H. and Jack McLaughlin The Well, 7p ----------------------------------------------Janet Staley Duo Vino Mas, 7p ----------------------------------------------Pineapple Karaoke American Legion Post 1, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------New Stuff with Brad Stewart The Backline, 8p ----------------------------------------------Lemon Fresh Day Amerisports Bar, 8:30p ----------------------------------------------“The Jet Squad” Terry Parker, Ed Archibald and Joel Ortiz The Omaha Lounge, 8:30p ----------------------------------------------Sissy Brown, Virginia Kathryn and Tragic Martha Barley Street, 9p ----------------------------------------------Big Daddy Caleb Growler USA, 9p ----------------------------------------------Grunge Pop On The Q St Bar, 9p ----------------------------------------------The Confidentials Ozone Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------The Midland Band with Dr. Webb Reverb Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------The Prince Experience Slowdown, 9p ----------------------------------------------Singer-Songwriter NIght The Down Under Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------ReCaptured (A Tribute to Journey) The Session Room, 9p ----------------------------------------------Bennie Does Bowie III The Waiting Room, 9p ----------------------------------------------Dicey Riley Dubliner Pub, 9:30p -----------------------------------------------

Bled Notes, Relax, It’s Science and Bled Notes O’Leaver’s Pub, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------eNVy Two Fine Irishmen, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------Comedy After Dark The Backline, 10p

SUNDAY JANUARY 7 2018 Winter Nationals Battle for the Belt Ralston Arena, 10a ----------------------------------------------Schumann’s Third Joslyn Art Museum, 2p ----------------------------------------------Family Friendly Karaoke The Down Under Lounge, 3p ----------------------------------------------The Redwoods Two Fine Irishmen, 5p ----------------------------------------------Venereal Crush with Jim Schroeder Quintet, Project Project, 8p

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Wednesday January 3

Nappy Roots NIGHT OWL

Saturday January 6

Thursday January 4

Acoustic Sensations w/ Matt Whipkey THE SIDE ROOM

Saturday January 6

2018 Winter Nationals Battle for the Belt Bennie Does Bowie III RALSTON ARENA WAITING ROOM

Focus | January 3 - January 9 | Volume 2 Issue 1

Friday Friday January 5 January 5 # The Wood Notes, Faded & Pancho & The Contraband Darling Cole THE DOWN UNDER THERAPY BAR

Saturday January 6

Tuesday January 9

Flobots with eNVy Tropidelic TWO FINE IRISHMEN WAITING ROOM

Saturday January 6

The Prince Experience SLOWDOWN

Tuesday January 9

Spectrum Dance Theater: A Rap on Race ORHEUM THEATER

MONDAY JANUARY 8 Gooch and His Las Vegas Big Band Ozone Lounge, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Michelle Eva Becker The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Happy Blue Year - Blues Jam The Down Under, 8:30p

TUESDAY JANUARY 9 Johnny Gomez & Johnny Jr. Ozone Lounge, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Science Cafe Slowdown, 7p ----------------------------------------------Open Mic & Jam Therapy Bar & Grill, 7p ----------------------------------------------Spectrum Dance Theater: A Rap on Race Orpheum Theater, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Damorah Alexander & MichaelAdams The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Tropidelic with Flobots The Waiting Room, 8p

----------------------------------------------Turbo Tuesdays featuring DJ Vic Nasty Bar 415, 9p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke with DJ Farley Forte Music Hall, 9p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke with DynamicAir DJs Stoliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke Night The B. Bar, 9p ----------------------------------------------Open Mic The Backline, 9p

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Focus | January 3 - January 9 | Volume 2 Issue 1

Broken Hearted Savior: The Return of Big Head Todd and The Monsters By Jesse D Stanek

The drive between Laramie, Wy. and Ft. Collins, Co., is just shy of two hours of otherworldly outer-space landscapes, isolation and recklessly endearing beauty. It was on this quiet and wind-burned stretch of frontier highway I first heard Big Head Todd and The Monsters (BHT&M). A wellworn and traveled copy of the band’s second record Midnight Radio had made my acquaintance and the music

fit the drive like a pair of old work jeans bought fresh from the secondhand store: somehow both instantly nostalgic yet also all together new. It was full of intrigue and mystery and sounded like somebody’s forgotten lazy Sundays. The guitar playing is bare bones, electric and distantly hazy. Singer-songwriter-frontman-guitarist Todd Park Mohr’s voice always aches with a tender timelessness; the overall feeling of the band’s early work has a lovesick puppy. A down-but-not-beaten vibe that may leave the listener a little rougher around the edges for the travel but happier for the effort. There’s a distinct space and loneliness in that stretch of two-lane, aching with a pain as timeless as The Rocky Mountains. Boulder’s BHT&M provide the perfectly reflective soundtrack. Built around core members Mohr, Rob Quires on bass and Brian Nevin on drums, BHT&M have been a Colorado favorite since its inception in 1986. Heavily influenced by the obvious blues masters (Stevie Ray Vaughan, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, John Lee

Hooker), the band also incorporated a penchant for improvisational discovery and the inspiration inherent from a breathtaking landscape. “Looking back, I’m really proud of the fact w e have been able to be a band so long and still have a viable career,” Mohr said by phone last week as the band prepared for yet another leg of the what has been an off-on tour for 30-plus years. “I mean, wow, the longevity itself is pretty incredible and I’m also proud of all the work we’ve done, the music we’ve put out there.”

share the stage with those same people. It was a no-brainer. In that regard we’ve been fortunate to have support from the industry and the fans and we’ve been able to sit on a bus playing the instruments we want to play.”

Big Head Todd and the Monsters had some modest radio success outside of The Rockies in the early 90s with tunes like “Broken Hearted Savior,” “Circle” and “Sister Sweetly,” but those recordings, with their slick production and airbrushed vocals don’t really It may have been due to the band’s emphasize what makes BHT a great musical virtuosity, it’s long-haired band. They may hint at the high-altitwirling fans or just the fact they were tude blues swagger these guys bring, all friends, but The HORDE tour of but when firing on all cylinders there the early 90s was a great home for is nothing airbrushed, polished or slick BHT&M and provided a platform for about BHT&M. It’s pure unadulterated the band to continue to push tradiballs-to-the-wall fire, reload and tional blues boundaries, settle into a repeat, leaning on the great delta solid groove and have fun with the fans cannon but adding a twist by way of in the process. “HORDE was a great single track Rocky Mountain guitar home for the band early on,” Mohr said. boogie. In recent years the band has “I mean you had Blues Traveler, G Love had ample opportunity to pay its reand The Special Sauce, Widespread spects to the blues greats, including a Panic, The Allman Brothers, Neil 2011 record under the name Big Young. We got to see some amazing Head Blues Club - 100 Years of Robert music every night and then get up Johnson. The album featured

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collaborations with idols and legends like B.B. King, RL Burnside, Charlie Musselwhite and Ruthie Foster. For Mohr, the project was not only a chance to play with his heroes but also to reflect on his band’s musical journey. “Working with all these players was actually my manager’s idea,” Mohr offered. “Honestly I wasn’t really all that excited with the idea at first. Blues is a tough genre and I wasn’t sure I wanted to step out with all these legends, what could I possibly add. But, it ended up being a great opportunity to learn about both Robert Johnson

and Willie Dixon - you know the backbone of American music. I guess it was what they refer to as a ‘real flesh and blood opportunity.’” Big Head Todd & The Monsters play The Slowdown, 729 N 14th St, on Thursday, January 11. The show is all ages and SOLD OUT. Doors at 6:30 and show at 7:30 pm.

Focus | January 3 - January 9 | Volume 2 Issue 1

Focus | January 3 - January 9 | Volume 2 Issue 1 15

Diary of a Changing World

By Steve Newman

Ophelia +53° Death Valley, California

Harvey Irma

7.1

Earthquakes

The year’s deadliest temblor, centered along the Iran-Iraq border, killed at least 530 people in Iran and 10 others in Iraq on Nov. 12. • Two people were killed and hundreds injured on the Greek island of Kos and the Turkish resort of Bodrum by a powerful quake on July 21.

6.6

7.3

buildings into the sea.

before dissipating over Ireland.

before its annual shrinking.

Tropical Cyclones

Deadly storms also lashed Central America, the South Pacific, eastern and southern Asia, and the Indian Ocean.

Carbon Spike

It was a very active year for deadly tropical cyclones around the world. The Atlantic basin underwent its most active period since records began, with hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria causing catastrophic damage from Texas and Florida to Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Windward Islands.

Ozone Hole

The hole in Earth’s protective stratospheric ozone layer above Antarctica was the smallest since 1988 at the time of year it typically reaches its greatest expanse.

Hurricane Ophelia came closer to • Mexico was ravaged by two quake Europe than any other storm in history The hole was at its peak on Sept. 11, disasters. At least 98 people were covering about 19.7 million square km killed in Chiapas state on Sept. 7 by the country’s second-strongest temblor on record. On Sept. 19, areas around Mexico City were devastated by a magnitude 7.1 quake that killed 370 people and injured 6,000 others. • A magnitude 7.0 temblor on Aug. 8 in a scenic corner of China’s Sichuan province killed 25 people.

Arctic Tsunami

A huge landslide near the western Greenland settlement of Nuugaatsiaq spawned a tsunami on June 17 that killed four people and washed 11

7.0

8.2

Warming Mismatch

The seasonal clock that guides migratory songbirds across North America is being disrupted by climate change, leaving some species unable to reach their summer homes by the key dates necessary for breeding success. They are now arriving out of sync with some of their food sources.

Maria

The ozone hole was at its largest on Sept. 11. Image: NASA / Ozone Hole Watch

Focus | January 3 - January 9 | Volume 2 Issue 1

A three-year pause in the rise of worldwide carbon dioxide emissions ended in 2017, mainly due to greater coal use in China brought on by that country’s booming economy. Man-made production of the greenhouse gas had been rising about 3 percent each year so far this century before leveling off between 2014 and 2016.

But the Global Carbon Project, a group of 76 scientists in 15 countries, predicted carbon emissions would rise about 2 percent in 2017, reaching a new record high of about 37 billion metric tons. Climate scientists have warned that a peak in CO2 emissions must occur before 2020 to avoid catastrophic global warming.

A Warmer World

The official United Nations weather agency predicted that 2017 would be among the top three hottest years on average worldwide.

atmosphere, they create bursts of other subatomic particles that can interact with circuits, sometimes altering bits of stored data.

Penguin Starvation

A sharp accumulation of ice around an Antarctic island caused all but two of 18,000 Adélie penguin chicks there to starve. The extensive sea ice had forced the adults to venture 60 miles farther than usual to find food for their young.

It would also be the warmest year on record that was not influenced by the El Niño ocean warming.

Cosmic Crashes

New research finds that subatomic particles striking Earth from deep space sometimes wreak havoc on smartphones, computers and other electronic devices. Researcher Bharat Bhuva of Vanderbilt University says when cosmic rays strike the Earth’s

EMPLOYMENT ARE YOU SELF-MOTIVATED?

DO YOU LIKE WORKING WITH OTHERS?

Focus | January 3 - January 9 | Volume 2 Issue 1 17

Basketball for the New Year By Focus Staff Nebraska Cornhuskers

The Huskers (10-5 1-1 Big Ten) played their last two non-conference games this past week and, while they managed to stave off any unforeseen losses, were a mixed bag when it came to production. Nebraska beat Delaware State 85-68 in the pre-Christmas game, and afterwards junior forward Tanner Borchardt received a spring scholarship. Coach Tim Miles commented about Borchardt’s development, “When Tanner joined us last year and was with us this summer, I think this summer finally I saw him ‘turning the corners’ so to speak, in terms of feeling more comfortable and confident. He and I talked about this, his goal was to get a scholarship for the second semester and it was open. He more than earned it. As I watched and developed him, I have great confidence in him and still think that for any game, I’m ready to put him in.” The team showed its youth in the late week game against Stetson as they struggled to find the bucket. The Huskers were tied with Stetson at the half with an abysmal 24 points, but managed to pull off the win 71-62 as

the newly granted scholarship that was given to Tanner Borchardt payed off and he was named player of the game.

New Year’s Eve (and dollar beer day). The team used a combined 33 points from seniors Marcus Foster and Toby Hegner to clinch the win. Husker Facts The Jays were much tougher and more .883 - Nebraska is 91-12 in its last patient down the stretch than in their 101 home non-conference games previous game, a six-point loss at #23 dating back to the start of the 2006-07 Seton Hall. Creighton’s team-first campaign. The Huskers are 28-7 (.800) approach showed with 18 assists on since moving into Pinnacle Bank Arena 27 baskets, which should keep them in 2013-14. in the top-five in the nation in assists. Five Bluejays scored in double figures. 1 - Anton Gill is the only player in the Big Ten averaging double figures (10.2 Creighton returns to action on ppg) who has not started a game this Wednesday night at the CenturyLink season. Gill also leads the Huskers Center against St. John’s. with 24 3-pointers. 11 - Nebraska’s 11 3-pointers against UTSA marked the third time this season NU hit 10-or-more 3-pointers in a game. 40 - Nebraska’s 104-point effort vs. UTSA was the 40th 100-point game in school history and first since 2005. NU is now 36-4 all-time when scoring 100 or more points. 50 - Nebraska’s 50 free throws and 37 attempts were highs in the Tim Miles era. NU also had 37 free throws against Penn State on Feb. 20, 2014, while the Huskers’ 50 attempts eclipsed the previous high of 48 set in that same game.

Creighton Bluejays

The #25 Creighton Bluejays (11-3, 1-1 Big East) moved in 2018 with a solid 83-64 win over Providence College in the conference home opener on

Focus | January 3 - January 9 | Volume 2 Issue 1

Omaha Mavericks

The Mavericks (4-12, 0-1 Summit League) could not put the brakes on

a hot Oral Roberts offense and fell 93-74 Saturday to the Golden Eagles in Tulsa. Daniel Norl paced UNO with 23 points to top three Mavericks in double figures. After a lengthy road trip to open the season, the Mavericks are looking to right the ship in conference play, and having more home games should help. That resumes Tuesday at Baxter Arena against Doane University and a Saturday matchup with South Dakota State. The Jackrabbits made the NCAA Tournament last year after beating UNO in the Summit League Tournament final.

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Myths About Health By Focus Omaha

For many of us, the new year comes with fitness goals and expectations. When you’re trying to do things differently, one must be mindful that there are so many opinions about weight loss on the internet and elsewhere that it may leave you feeling like you should just throw up your hands and head to the buffet. But never fear, Focus and Brandon from New Dawn Nutrition are here to provide you with some clarity on myths that are associated with leading a healthy lifestyle.

3. Skipping Meals is a good way to lose weight. Fact: Studies show that people that skip breakfast and eat fewer times during the day are heavier than those that eat breakfast and four to five healthy meals daily. Those who skip meals tend to make up for it by eating heavier meals all at once. Eating smaller continuous meals helps to control appetite. 4. Vegetarians are healthier than meat eaters. Fact: Studies do show that a vegan diet can help you to lose excess weight, however, only eating vegetables causes your body to lack in certain nutrients like Vitamin B-12, Omega-3 ,fatty acids, and folate. So make sure that if you have a vegan diet, that you’re taking the proper supplements.

For more facts and fitness tips call or stop in to No Name Nutrition today. Until next week, “Stay Healthy Omaha!”

The Omaha Science Cafe to Focus on Genetics

By Howard Schwartz

The featured speaker on this stimulating topic of the Ethics of 1. Don’t Eat After 8pm. Genetics will be Dr. Karoly Mirnics, Myth: director of the Munroe-Meyer If you eat food earlier in the day it will Institute of the University of Nebraska 5. Coffee is unhealthy and should be burn the calories more effectively. Medical Center. avoided. Fact: The January Science Café, set for 7 Fact: Calories can’t tell time. The fact is that p.m. on Jan. 9 at the Slowdown, is in your body burns calories the same way Coffee has been shown to have partnership with the Bemis Center for powerful health benefits. Coffee is the morning, noon, and night. Contemporary Arts and its current biggest source of antioxidants in the exhibition, “Monarchs: Brown and Western diet, outranking both fruits 2. To lose weight, you need to reduce Native Contemporary Artists in the and vegetables. your caloric intake dramatically. Path of the Butterfly.” As usual, pizza Fact: will be provided for the first 50 people Eating less does not necessarily equate Coffee drinkers also have a much who attend. Mirnics will speak on the lower risk of depression, Type 2 to weighing less. If you subsist on ethics of genetics. diabetes, and Alzheimer’s, according 1,200 calories or less, you can lose to studies by JAMA. Some studies have weight, but not for long. A native of Serbia, Mirnics, who has even shown that coffee drinkers live his M.D. and Ph.D., earned his medical longer than their counterparts who Your body is a machine, and you have degree at the University of Novi don’t. to feed it to burn it. Sad School of Medicine in his native land in 1986 and his doctorate from

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Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary. His postdoctoral fellowship was completed at the University of Pittsburgh. He is the Hattie B. Munroe Professor of Psychiatry, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at UNMC. According to the online site, thetech. org, the ethics of gentics is an area of increasing discussion. The new possibilities within the field have brought with them new questions about what is right, and what is not. Here’s one example: genetic testing is, for now, optional. But many medical tests that start out as optional become less and less optional as time goes by. Who should decide when genetic tests are done? Should insurance companies or employers have access to the results?

Will people with certain genetic traits, diseases, or even predispositions suffer increased discrimination as pregetics tests become more common? Are â&#x20AC;&#x153;designer babiesâ&#x20AC;? going to become the norm? Dr. Mirnics is well qualified for lead this discussion. He established his own laboratory in 2000 at the University of Pittsburgh, then moved his laboratory to Vanderbilt University. He was named the James G. Blakemore Professor of Psychiatry in 2010 and served as the departmental vice chair for research and associate director of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. Mirnics has a broad background in molecular neurobiology of brain diseases and more than 20 years of experience in various molecular biology techniques. He has pioneered multiple molecular biology tools and methods in neurosciences and has collaborated with scientists around the world. Currently, his research group is actively pursuing projects that include transcriptome changes (which involved DNA messenger molecues) across human brain diseases, animal models of neurodevelopmental

and psychiatric disorders, effects of maternal immune activation and environment on gene expression, and neuroprotection by activity. The Science Cafe is open to everyone 21 and older. Dr. Mirnics will give a brief presentation followed by a Q-and-A period. For more information about Science Cafes, go to www.unmc.edu/ sciencecafe.

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Rex Granite Band Representing the Heartland in Memphis By Andy Roberts Like many bands, the roots of the Rex Granite Band lead back to a Sunday night TV showing during the 1960s. For guitarist Rex Granite, it was The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. For singer Sarah Benck, much of it comes from the great soul music artists of the 1960s. The reward comes now in the form of representing the Blues Society of Omaha at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis on Jan. 16-20. For Benck, even after receiving an OEA award for best blues band, the reward is something upon which she cannot put a price.

“The true highlight for me has been the opportunity to create and share music with some of my oldest friends,” she said. “Aspiring to a musical connection internally and externally on a deeper spiritual level.” The Rex Granite Band originally formed in 2002 with blues guitarist Rex Granite and bassist James Carrig. The band released its first full-length album “Rollin’ and Tumblin’” before Benck went on to local success with her band, Sarah Benck and The Robbers. That group wrote and produced albums and opened for many national acts. Granite toured the Southwest for many years, from concert stages to churches to Texas biker bars. For Granite, The Beatles were just the start. “The Stones and The Moody Blues oddly had the biggest influence,” he recalled in the band’s bio. “The Stones because they immediately were identifiable by style over chops. ..they recorded the band instead of made records. The Moodies because of their lyrical integrity and conceptual themes.” In addition to Benck, Carrig, and Granite, the band includes drummer Anton

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Divis. The continue to promote their album “Spirit/Matter/Truth/Lies.” Granite recalled it took three years to record the album, which was just how it worked out, not the plan. “We tried to maintain the concept of recording a band instead of making a record,” he recalled. “So most of the tracks were live takes with little or no overdubs.” Sounds like that Rolling Stones influence had a lasting impact. The band had guests on horns, harmonica and piano, but most of it was done with the core four who play live. Most of the album was produced by Clete Baker and engineered by Patrick Musilek at Omaha’s Studio B. Three tracks were recorded at Castle Ratzburg Studios and engineered by Anu Ratzburg.

Granite has acknowledged there is a tremendous difference between the new album and “Rollin’ and Tumblin’” as Benck was then 18 and much has changed in the interim. They new are booked as The Rex Granite Band featuring Sarah Benck. She has her own story, but make no mistake, she likes this band and this lineup. “We are able to encourage each other’s growth musically,” Benck stated. “As friends, we are able to walk through that journey with the catharsis of music.” Benck has her own ideas on what makes a great song, beginning with it is easy to follow. “It has a direct and clear path,” she said.”Is somewhat predictable, and is accessible the first time you hear it.

For more information on The Rex Granite Band featuring Sarah Benck: https://www.facebook.com/The-RexGranite-Band-featuring-Sarah-Benck989397434413732/?ref=bookmarks

T SE RIES R CE EP N O TH UBLIC FR

THU JAN 18 THE KERWIN DUO 7PM THU FEB 8 ALYSSA SIEBKEN 6:30PM THU FEB 22 KAYLYN SAHS 7PM THU MAR 01 LINDA SLOCUM 7PM THU MAR 15 BELLES & WHISTLES 7PM THU APR 12 GRECO DUO 7PM

identify that it’s him playing that note, it will simultaneously break your heart and bring you to your knees.” That is about as good as you will get when looking for a definition of the blues. The Rex Granite Band featuring Sarah Benck is one local source for that. You can catch them Thursday at Chrome Lounge in Ralston, one of their final shows before heading to Memphis to represent Nebraska in the International Blues Challenge.

OUSTIC C AC O

“Musically it has a strong melody that is simple to hear yet challenging to sing, and a guitar hook that could be described as the same.” Lyrically, she added, the lyrics should be through provoking but able to be interpreted in different and meaningful ways depending on what a person needs to hear. As a member of a blues band, that seems right on target. Her musical influences will not shock you, in a list that includes Chris Stapleton, Gladys Knight, and Marvin Gaye. “To me, a great voice is like a great guitar player or instrumentalist of any sort,” she stated. “Think of B.B. King and how he can (could) play one note, just ONE NOTE, and not only can you

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Focus | January 3 - January 9 | Volume 2 Issue 1

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Protecting Yourself from Online Fraud By Focus Omaha

Fraud can happen to anyone, anywhere and anytime. Chances are you have received a few fraudulent emails, ambiguous phone calls, encountered fake online ads, or questionable posts on social networking sites? Avoid becoming a victim! According to the Nebraska Bankers Association, here are some ways that you can protect yourself from online fraud: Keep your computers and mobile devices up-to-date. Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system is the best defense against viruses, malware, and other online threats. Turn on automatic updates so you

receive the newest fixes as they become available. Create complicated passwords. A strong password is at least eight characters in length and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Follow these guidelines when creating new passwords for better protection. Watch out for phishing scams. Phishing scams use fraudulent emails and websites to trick users into disclosing private account or login information. Do not click on links or open any attachments or pop-up screens from sources you are not familiar with. Forward phishing emails to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at spam@uce. gov – as well as to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the email. Keep personal information personal. Hackers can use social media profiles to figure out your passwords and answer those security questions in password reset tools. Lock down your privacy settings and avoid posting things like birthdays, addresses, your mother’s maiden name, etc. Be wary of requests to connect from people you do not know. Secure your internet connection. Always protect your home wireless network with a password. When connecting to public wi-fi networks, be cautious about what information you are sending over it.

Read the site’s privacy policies. Though long and complex, privacy policies tell you how the site protects the personal information it collects. If you don’t see or understand a site’s privacy policy, consider doing business elsewhere.

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More information on and additional tips on monitoring your personal information on the web are available from Stay Safe Online at https:// staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online Shop safely. Before shopping online, make sure the website uses secure technology. When you are at the checkout screen, verify that the web address begins with https. Also, check to see if a tiny locked padlock symbol appears on the page.

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Focus | January 3 - January 9 | Volume 2 Issue 1

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

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

KOZEE LOUNGE 5813 N 60th St. Daily Drink Specials!

PARLIAMENT WEST 16939 Wright Plz EVERYDAY 3P - 7P 1/2 Price Martini’s, $2 Domestic Pints, $1 Off Other Drinks

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

JERRY’S BAR 6301 Military Ave Happy Hour Prices ALL Day!

O’CONNORS IRISH PUB 1217 Howard St. M-TH- 4P-6P & FRI 2P-7P $1.00 off all Draft, Premium, and Domestic Wells

JERZES 501 Olson Dr, Papillion, NE 68046 Daily Specials!

PADDY’S McGOWN’S PUB & GRILL 4503 Center St. Happy Hour Specials from 3-6pm

PERRY’S PLACE 9652 Mockingbird Dr. Monday – Friday 4P – 7P $2.50 Domestic Pints, $6.50 Pitchers $2.75 Domestic Bottles & $3.50 Wells

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 TIGER TOM’S 7103 Military Ave M-F 5P-7P $12 Domestic Buckets UNDERWOOD BAR 4918 Underwood Ave M-F 4:30-6P $2 Bud and Bud Light

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 THE DOWN UNDER 3530 Leavenworth St. MON-TUES 4P-7P WED-FRI 3P-7P SUNDAY-ALLDAY

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EMPLOYMENT COCKTAIL WAITRESS, SHOT SERVERS, BEER TROFT, BARTENDERS Bourbon Saloon in downtown omaha is currently seeking new staff. Cocktail waitress, shot servers, beer troft & bartender positions are all available. Must have weekend availability and be 19+ to apply. We are a high volume concert venue/night club so there is plenty of opportunities to see some awesome shows, have some fun and make good money. Please call, text or email to set up a time to apply. 402-813-6944 Lyndseyd15@gmail.com Bourbon Saloon 1419 Farnam St. ------------------------------------------------

PART-TIME EXPERIENCED EVENING BARTENDER / WAITRESS Dannys Bar & Grill 72nd & Blondo ------------------------------------------------

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