FocusV2I49

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 48 | DECEMBER 19 - JANUARY 1 | 2018

YOUR

FREE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, PERSONAL FINANCE, & MUSIC

NEWSWEEKLY

EVENTS

SPORTS

NYE Parties

College Basketball

LOCAL Evandale-Damn Good Rock

EXPERIENCE Country-Side Village

TABLE OF CONTENTS

YOUR

ARY 1 | 2018 | DECEMBER 19 - JANU LY & MUSIC NEWSWEEK VOLUME 2 ISSUE 48 PERSONAL FINANCE, ENT,

FREE ARTS, ENTERTAINM

4 SPORTS

EVENTS

College Basketball

Evandale-Damn Good

THE ARTS

6

FAMILY

8

EVENTS

EXPERIENCE

NYE Parties

LOCAL

FOCUS ON THIS WEEK!

Rock

Country-Side Village

Your Daily Guide

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ON TEN

Top Ten Events By Focus Omaha

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THIS WEEKS FEATURE

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SPORTS

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THE SHOPS AT COUNTRYSIDE VILLAGE

Nebraska Basketball By Focus Omaha

What Makes Country-Side Village Special? By Focus Omaha

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FOCUS ON BENSON

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HEALTH

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LIVE

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HAPPY HOUR

Focus is your FREE Arts, Entertainment, Health, Personal Finance, & Music 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

Evandale- Damn Good Rock! By Focus Omaha

REAL ESTATE

Majority Feel 2018 Fourth Quarter is Good Time to Buy Home, says Realtor(R) Survey By Focus Omaha

UNMC research shows derivative of common spice might help heart failure patients By Focus Omaha

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FINANCE

Year-End Charitable Giving By Michael Herek Sponsored By Blue Capitol Wealth

Cocktails and Candy Canes | A Custom Home & Art Showcase Friday, December 14th @ 4p – 9p Split Gallery, 2561 Leavenworth You are invited to come experience the collaboration between custom home builder Sierra Homes and their relationship with local artists Michelle Woitzel, Tyler Curnes and Lynne Hansen. View the process through live storyboards and the integration of high end creations. These three award wining artists bring many disciplines including acrylic, glass, metal and mixed media. Energize your palette with complimentary cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and visual delights!

-----------------------------------------------10th Anniversary: Yesterday and Today, through December 31, Omaha Community Playhouse Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away…is it in your head now? Wanna belt it out with a bunch of other people? Well, for the 10th year in a row, Billy McGuigan and his brothers are putting on their well-loved Beatles tribute show at the Omaha Community Playhouse. This interactive performance encourages audience participation, singing and dancing along to requested Beatles hits, and sharing your memories of this iconic band. No two performances are the same! There are also two special New Year’s Eve Performances on Sunday, December 31 at 7pm and 10pm.

The 32nd Annual Gingerbread Festival, Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters, through Dec 31 Gingerbread houses are a crucial element of any festive Christmas celebration. With over 150 gingerbread and candy displays, along with beautifully decorated trees, the Gingerbread Festival is a family-friendly event. Enjoy live music throughout the month, with performances from acts such as the Omaha Music Teachers Association, the Matthews Family Quartet, the Geddes Family Harp & Piano, and the Dickens in the Market Singers. For the full schedule, go here. This free event also includes a scavenger hunt for kids and runs from 9am to 9pm.

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A Christmas Carol, the Howard & Rhonda Hawks Mainstage Theatre, Omaha Community Playhouse, through December 31 What’s Christmas without the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol? Follow the story of the selfish Ebenezer Scrooge as he is led through alternative paths if he doesn’t change, accompanied by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. This heart-warming tale has charmed families for generations. The Omaha Community Playhouse presents A Christmas Carol with beautiful costumes, exquisite music, perfectly crafted sets, and exciting special effects. Get your tickets now!

-----------------------------------------------Forever Young Family & Children’s Series – Weekly Sunday, Thursday, Saturday, Film Streams at the Ruth Sokolof Theater, thru December 31 Film Streams is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to enhancing the cultural environment of the Omaha Council Bluffs area through the presentation and discussion of film as an art form. With two venues – the Ruth Sokolof Theater in North Downtown Omaha and the historic Dundee Theater, Omaha’s longest surviving neighborhood cinema – Film Streams is open seven days a week with a variety of diverse programming, from new American independent films to classic retrospectives and revivals.

This month, presented by Woodmen Life, Film Streams presents matinee screenings on Saturdays, Sundays, and Thursday – $2.50 a ticket for kids 12 and under! This family-friendly film series includes the holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), the touching film that reminds us how important we are to our loved ones. For more information visit Film Streams.

-----------------------------------------------Holiday Poinsettia Show Through January 6, 2019 | 9a-5p Daily Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. More than 5000 poinsettias in nearly 20 different varieties were grown for the 2018 display. See varieties of

Focus | - December 19 - January 1 | Volume 2 Issue 49

multi-hued, deep red, sparkling white and speckled poinsettias that vary in hue, texture, height and bloom time.

Varieties will be replaced as needed to provide an ever-changing display.

This year’s show theme is The Year of the Bird, celebrating 100 years of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. To help families make more holiday memories, they can visit the NEW Family Chill Zone on the festival garden patio to participate in a variety of fun, family-friendly activities. www.lauritzengardens.org -----------------------------------------------Through December 29th Selma the March for Freedom 50 Years Later Great Plains Black History Museum 2221 N 24 St., Omaha

Friday, January 4 @ 7p-9p George Garrett III Star Deli, 6114 Military Ave The opening of our featured artist in January, George Garrett III. Exhibition will run through January 26th. Please contact artist directly for inquiries about the show and artwork sales.

George is best known for the Great Plains Black History Museum logo in his home town of Omaha; Ne. George has done book cover illustrations for several authors.

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Through December 23 Santa’s Magic Omaha Children’s Museum500 S 20th St, Omaha, NE recurring weekly on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, through December 23

December 26 @ 9a-10:30a Penguins and Pancakes Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, 3701 S 10th Street * No Tuesday performance at this time Join us for Penguins and Pancakes, no ** Meet Santa and characters but there formal wear required! Enjoy pancakes is no full-length show, from The Pancake Man, crafts and an The holiday tradition families love ------------------------------------------------ animal visit from an African penguin. returns for another enchanting season. Through December 24 Santa’s Magic is an interactive show Santa’s Wonderland @ Bass Pro Shops Member cost is $20 for adults and $15 with indoor snowfall and delightful 2901 Bass Pro Dr, Council Bluffs, IA for children (ages 3-11). Non-member characters like elves, the Snow Queen Santa’s Wonderland is the ultimate cost is $25 for adults and $20 for chiland Snow King, of course, Santa. At the free family Christmas event. The magic dren (ages 3-11). Children 2 and under end of each show, children will be able returns to Bass Pro Shops and debuts are free. Reservations are required. to talk one-on-one with Santa and get at Cabela’s in La Vista, 12703 WestTickets are non-refundable. Event their picture taken with him. Multiple port Pkwy, La Vista, Nebraska 68138 is rain or shine. All children must be shows will be held daily and are includ- Families are invited to enjoy this accompanied by a paid adult. ed with museum admission. enchanting Christmas village offering Show times: free 4x6 studio-quality photos with Ticket purchase includes a pancake Tuesday – Friday: 9:30, 10:30*, 11:30, Santa and free family holiday activities, breakfast, plush penguin toy and 1:30, 2:30, 3:30-4** including fun crafts and games. admission to the Zoo the day of the Saturday: 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, ---------------------------------------------- event.

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2:30, 3:30, 4:30-5** Sunday: 11:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30-5**

Focus | - December 19 - January 1 | Volume 2 Issue 49

Through December 31 32nd Annual Gingerbread Festival, 3215 State St. The Gingerbread House Display with viewing from 10a until 8p. each day.

EVENTS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 EckoPhonic, Amerisports Bar, 8:30p

---------------------------------------------SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 EckoPhonic, Amerisports Bar, 8:30p

---------------------------------------------Charm School Dropouts Whiskey Roadhouse, 8:30p FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28 The 402 & Mrs. Amanda Amerisports Bar, 8:30p

---------------------------------------------SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29 The 402 & Mrs. Amanda Amerisports Bar, 8:30p

---------------------------------------------Bad Influence Whiskey Roadhouse, 8:30p

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WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 19

THURSDAY DECEMBER 20

Ugly Christmas Sweater Flight Corkscrew Wine & Cheese, 11a ----------------------------------------------4th Happy Hour Christmas Potluck The Down Under, 3p ----------------------------------------------Music from Dr. Webb The Down Under, 4:20p ----------------------------------------------Holiday Harmony featuring Sherri Galovich, Lauritzen Gardens, 5p ----------------------------------------------Uncle Jim’s Holiday Party with Emmet Otter, Reverb Lounge, 6p ----------------------------------------------The Brits, Ozone Lounge, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Convictions, Set For The Fall, Sherry Drive + TBA, Lookout Lounge, 7p ----------------------------------------------Ray’s Piano Party, Mr. Toad’s, 7p ----------------------------------------------Acoustic Open Mic Night The New Frontier Bar, 7p ----------------------------------------------WTF- Music By Shawn Fredieu Therapy Bar & Grill, 7p ----------------------------------------------Greg Warren Omaha Funny Bone, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Rayford Jones Wednesdays The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Aly Peelers Open Mic Christmas Potluck The Down Under Lounge, 8p ----------------------------------------------Toys for Tunes w/ Vibe Tribe, Bar 415, 9p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke w/ Host Adam Flohr Brokedown Palace, 9p ----------------------------------------------Jared Gottberg, Harney Street, 9p ----------------------------------------------Come Drink & Be Jolly for Our Xmas Party, My Way Lounge, 9P ----------------------------------------------Twinsmith & Uh Oh, Reverb Lounge, 9p

Karaoke, The New Frontier Bar, 7p ----------------------------------------------Greg Warren, Funny Bone, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Trivia, The Sociable Inn, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Tvrtle Dove, Barley Street Tavern, 8p ----------------------------------------------Jon Wayne and the Pain Reverb Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Chris Shelton, Dubliner Pub, 9:30p ---------------------------------------------- Gunter Voelker w/Scott Severin The Down Under Lounge, 9:30p ---------------------------------------------- Superstar and Star, Chikadebia & Blake Deforest, The Sydney, 10p

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Jitterbugs’ Night Out Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 38, 8p ----------------------------------------------Jazz Harpist, Anita Clarke Jaynes, featuring Mark Benson Jambo Cat, 8p ----------------------------------------------Skuddur’s, Growler USA, 8p ----------------------------------------------PetRock’s Guardians of the ‘70s Holiday, Slowdown, 8:30p ----------------------------------------------Hookt , American Dream, 9p ----------------------------------------------Taylor Bratches + Jessica Smolinski Bar 415, 9p ----------------------------------------------Montee Men, Living Conditions & Leafblower, brothers lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------2 of Us, Burrito Envy, 9p ----------------------------------------------Live Music at The Moon with Conrad & Nellor, Cresent Moon Alehouse, 9p ----------------------------------------------Simplicated , Dr. Jacks Drinkery, 9p -----------------------------------------------

The Filter Kings & Mat D and the Profane Saints, The Sydney, 10p

SATURDAY DECEMBER 22

Zach’s Open Vinyl Afternoon The Down Under Lounge, 4p ----------------------------------------------Naughty or Nice KoZee Christmas KoZee Lounge, 6p ----------------------------------------------Magnum pro Wrestling The Side Room @ Ralston Arena, 6p ----------------------------------------------Frostival 2018, Reverb Lounge, 6p ----------------------------------------------Frostival 2018 w/ Blue Martian Tribe, Linear Symmetry, Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal, Funk Trek, The Midland Band, Dr. Webb Music, Rock and Roll Suicide, Mr. E & the Stringless Kite, FRIDAY DECEMBER 21 Jerry Pranksters, Peach Truck, Omaha Beat Brigade, & Picklegrass Holiday Party, Jerzes Sports Bar, 4p --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Naught or Nice Christmas Party Music mash up with Tim Budig The Party After, Harney Street Tavern, 9p KoZee Lounge, 6p The B. Bar, 5p ----------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trivia Night, Julio’s, 9p Music By Twisted Whiskey Mace Hathaway, The Cove Lounge, 5p ----------------------------------------------- Therapy Bar & Grill, 7p ----------------------------------------------- Starbound Christmas Throwdown ----------------------------------------------Daddy Mac & The Flak, Bogie’s West, 6:30p On The Q St. Bar, 9p Masquerade Ball ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- The B Side of Benson Theatre, 8p A Night of Holiday Classics with Tim eNVy, Ozone Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Clark and Friends , Champions Run, 7p ----------------------------------------------- Holiday/Ugly Sweater/Best of O Party ----------------------------------------------- Delreece #Experiments Listening Forte Music Hall, 9p Friday Night Karaoke Party, Reverb Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Millard VFW Post 8334, 7p ----------------------------------------------- Stan & the Chain Gang,Growler USA, 9p ----------------------------------------------- Brandon Liberty, Skyybox, 9p ----------------------------------------------Down and Desperate Rocks Therapy ----------------------------------------------- Trivia Night, Julio’s, 9p Therapy Bar & Grill, 7p Mariah Careyoke, The B. Bar, 9p --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- Hi-Fi Hangover, Ozone Lounge, 9p The Kings Company & Phantom Killer Emo Nite, The Waiting Room, 9p ----------------------------------------------The Well, 7p ----------------------------------------------- Satchel Grande w/ A Ferocious Jungle ----------------------------------------------- Dicey Riley, Dubliner Pub, 9:30p Cat, Slowdown, 9p Hayseed Cowboys, Fraternal Order of ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------Eagles Aerie 38, 7:30p Ragged Company w/Ultra Violet Fever ASOG’s Xmas Miracle featuring Sup----------------------------------------------- The Down Under Lounge, 9:30p per + Scoots Mac, The B. Bar, 9p Tucker Hill Citizens Brigade ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------Firewater Grille, 7:30pGreg Warren Not U Two - Acoustic Duo Irish You A Merry Christmas w/ Dicey Omaha Funny Bone, 7:30p/9:45p The Warehouse in Bennington, 9:30p Riley, Dubliner Pub, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------2nd Annual Golden Hits Christmas Lupines, Lodgings & Sean Pratt Christmas with Jocelyn Show!, The Pella at Blackstone, 7:30p O’Leaver’s Pub, 10p The Down Under Lounge, 9:30p Apollon Art Space, 8p -----------------------------------------------

Focus | - December 19 - January 1 | Volume 2 Issue 49

SUNDAY DECEMBER 23 Fear In Truth, The HYPE, Sekoyah, Blandford Forte Music Hall, 5p --------------------------------------------Nerds Years Eve Gaming Guild The Down Under Lounge, 5p --------------------------------------------Arthrighteous Brothers The Grand Reserve At Elkhorn, 6:30p --------------------------------------------Jake Bellows w/ McCarthy Trenching Slowdown, 8p

----------------------------------------------FREE Booze Bingo!

The Down Under Lounge, 8p --------------------------------------------Karaoke The Down Under Lounge, 10p

MONDAY DECEMBER 24 Christmas Spectacular at The Ralston Arena, 9:30a --------------------------------------------A Nightmare Before Christmas Techno Party., O’Leaver’sPub, 9p --------------------------------------------Mulberry Lane A Cappella Concert St. Mary Magdalene Church, 11p

TUESDAY DECEMBER 25 Christmas Karaoke O’Leaver’s Pub, 9:30p

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 26 Music from Dr. Webb The Down Under, 4:20p ----------------------------------------------Heartland Boogie Band Ozone Lounge, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke Is Back, Marylebone, 7p ----------------------------------------------Ray’s Piano Party, Mr. Toad’s, 7p ----------------------------------------------Acoustic Open Mic Night The New Frontier Bar, 7p ----------------------------------------------Charlie Alley, Therapy Bar & Grill, 7p ----------------------------------------------Holiday Hangover! Waiting Room, 7p ----------------------------------------------Rayford Jones Wednesdays The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Aly Peelers Open Mic The Down Under Lounge, 8p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke w/ Host Adam Flohr Brokedown Palace, 9p ----------------------------------------------Jared Gottberg, Harney Street, 9p ----------------------------------------------Twinsmith & Uh Oh Reverb Lounge, 9p

THURSDAY DECEMBER 27 Karaoke, The New Frontier Bar, 7p ----------------------------------------------Rob Little, Omaha Funny Bone, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Trivia, The Sociable Inn, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Chris Shelton, Dubliner Pub, 9:30p ---------------------------------------------- Maya Duis & Brixz Gonzaba The Down Under Lounge, 9:30p

FRIDAY DECEMBER 28 On The Fritrz, Bogie’s West, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Gottberg, Therapy Bar & Grill, 7p ----------------------------------------------Jazz Harpist, Anita Clarke Jaynes, featuring Mark Benson Jambo Cat, 8p ----------------------------------------------Jaguar James, Barley Street Tavern, 9p ----------------------------------------------Mercury Girl, Chrome Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------TetraFuze, Happy Hazard, The Beryllium Takeover, Dr. Jacks Drinkery, 9p ----------------------------------------------A Late Fall, Growler USA, 9p ----------------------------------------------The New Jan Bradys Harney Street Tavern, 9p ----------------------------------------------A. Symbiont Reunion Show Lookout Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------See Through Dresses with No Thanks Reverb Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------The Guhmball, The Waiting Room, 9p ----------------------------------------------Flannigans Right Hook Dubliner Pub, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------Earthbound & Down The Down Under Lounge, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------David Nance Band ~ Sucettes ~ CMB O’Leaver’s Pub, 10p ----------------------------------------------Sore Lips!, The Sydney, 10p

SATURDAY DECEMBER 29 Fear In Truth, The HYPE, Sekoyah, Blandford Forte Music Hall, 5p --------------------------------------------Nerds Years Eve Gaming Guild The Down Under Lounge, 5p

----------------------------------------------AfroExcellenceGala2018, Scando Hall , 6p

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Saturday December 22

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas HOLLAND CENTER

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Friday December 28

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Saturday December 22 Magnum Pro: Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animals!

THE SIDE ROOM

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Saturday December 29

33rd Annual UNO Hockey Gingerbread Festival ORPHEUM THEATRE BAXTER ARENA

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Friday December 22

Satchel Grande w/ A Ferocious Jungle Cat SLOWDOWN

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Monday December 31

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Friday December 22

Frostival 2018 REVERB LOUNGE WAITING ROOM

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Monday December 31

NYE Party w/ NYE Holiday Lights Wrekafekt Fireworks Spectacular FARNAM ON THE MALL SLOWDOWN

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Friday December 28

Jim Brickman: A Joyful Christmas HOLLAND CENTER

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Monday December 31 1990’s NYE w/ Radio Static and Daniel & the 9 Day DOWN UNDER

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Bombs Blast, TSMC, Mad Dog & the 20/20’s, Lookout Lounge, 7p

----------------------------------------------Dustin Prinz Live, Patriarch Distillers, 7p

----------------------------------------------Three Day Weekend, The Well, 7p ----------------------------------------------GhettoBlaster, Bourbon Saloon, 8p ----------------------------------------------Cadillac Jack, Therapy Bar & Grill, 8p ----------------------------------------------Taxi Driver, Amerisports Bar, 8:30p ----------------------------------------------PRE NYE w/ Fallen Reign, Brave the Fall, , Stately Wayne Manor & Molten Dr. Jack’s Drinkery, 9p ----------------------------------------------Joystick, Ozone Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Benson Soul Society, Reverb Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------The Other Side of Now The Barley Street Tavern, 9p ----------------------------------------------Criteria with Little Brazil & Bokr Tov ----------------------------------------------GrungePop, Chrome Lounge, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------Singer-Songwriter NIght The Down Under Lounge, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------And How, Sean Pratt & The Sweats & Stathi, O’Leaver’s, 10p ----------------------------------------------eNVy, T. Henery’s10:30p

SUNDAY DECEMBER 30

We Salute You w/ Come Together Band, DJ’s Dugout, 8:30p ----------------------------------------------NYE w/ Tag Ryan & The Openers The B Side of Benson Theatre, 8:30p ----------------------------------------------Rock the Eve w/ Down to Here & Wicked Fun, DoubleTree by Hilton Omaha, 9p

----------------------------------------------NYE Karaoke, Goldeez, 9p ----------------------------------------------The Walking Wounded and Park Street Molly’s Pub, 9p ----------------------------------------------NYE w/ Sweet Nothings, Nifty Bar, 9p ----------------------------------------------To the NYnes: All Inclusive NYE Experience 2019, Omaha Design Center, 9p ----------------------------------------------Teacherz Petz, On The Q St Bar, 9p ----------------------------------------------NYE Eckophonic, Ozone Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------NYE feat. DevonDupree Parliament Pub West, 9p ----------------------------------------------An Elevated New Year’s Eve! Reverb Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------NYE w/ DJ Just-Us , The HideAway, 9p ----------------------------------------------Wrekafekt, Twinsmith, getEJIKEwithit, and Mind & Soul DJs., Slowdown,9p ----------------------------------------------1990’s NYE PARTY w/ Radio Static

and Daniel & the 9 Days The Down Under Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------NYE Bash w/ Secret Weapon The Waiting Room, 9p

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Bad Habit, Live at Starsky’s New Year’s Eve Bash, Starsky’s Bar, 9:30p

----------------------------------------------NYE w/ Uh Oh, Hussies & Light Speed Highway, O’Leaver’s Pub, 10p

----------------------------------------------NYE Bash w/ The Sound Foundation Scriptown Brewing Company, 10p

----------------------------------------------New Queer’s Eve, The Sydney,10p

TUESDAY DECEMBER 25 Hector Anchondo The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p

----------------------------------------------Spencer’s Trivia Dojo

The Down Under Lounge, 8p ----------------------------------------------DJ Kat 2019 Kickoff Karaoke!

Stoli’s Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Singin’ In the New Year Karaoke

The Down Under Lounge, 10p

Fear In Truth, The HYPE, Sekoyah, Blandford , Forte Music Hall, 5p --------------------------------------------Nerds Years Eve Gaming Guild The Down Under Lounge, 5p -----------------------------------------Jake Bellows w/ McCarthy Trenching Slowdown, 8p ----------------------------------------------Starbound, American Dream, 9p -----------------------------------------Vince Swaney, Brokedown Palace, 9p

MONDAY DECEMBER 31 Barry Boyce Polka Band & DJ Lucas Krance, Barchen Beer Garden, 6p ----------------------------------------------R-Style Band, Ramada Plaza, 6p ----------------------------------------------NYE, Jambo Cat, 7p ----------------------------------------------NYE, American Legion Post #1, 2p --------------------------------------------Return to Earth NYE Party w/ Sailing in Soup & BSO, Chrome Lounge, 3p ----------------------------------------------NYE,, The Barley Street Tavern, 7p ----------------------------------------------Howard & Fine New Years Eve Masquerade, Moe & Curly’s Pub, 8p ----------------------------------------------New Years Bash - Nepali Style OutrSpaces, 8p

Focus | December 19 - January 1 | Volume 2 Issue 49 11

issue for 2018, “What did you learn in School Today?” A fitting tribute to a song from the past that was also a foreshadowing of the future. Thanks go to the late singer Pete Seeger and songwriter Tom Paxton for giving us this lyrical gem that we can still learn from today.

Speaking of misleading and misinformed news, one of the top performers of 2018 was a piece that in February of 2018 was posted on the photo-sharing website LoveThisPic. com and also popped up on Facebook, which stated that smoking in cars with children present was illegal as of January 30, 2018.

What did you learn in school today?

2018 is the year of misinformation

By Focus Omaha

A lot has happened in 2018 and there’s been more misinformation than ever. So much in fact, that the dictionary.com Word for the Year is misinformation.

Defined as “false information that is spread, regardless of whether there is intent to mislead,” the word describes a phenomenon that has emerged given the large role technology plays in the spread of information, misinformation, and disinformation alike. In an era of division about identity, environmental, health, political and economic concerns, the rise of misinformation has been profound.

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“The recent explosion of misinformation and the growing vocabulary we use to understand it have come up again and again in the work of our lexicographers,” said Jane Solomon, Linguist-in-Residence at Dictionary.com. “Over the last couple of years, Dictionary.com has been defining words and updating terms related to the evolving understanding of misinformation including disinformation, echo chamber, confirmation bias, filter bubble, conspiracy theory, fake news, postfact, post-truth, homophily, influencer, and gatekeeper.”

“The word misinformation is particularly interesting as its meaning is widely conflated with disinformation,” Solomon continued.

“The intent behind the two words is important to note – with misinformation, the intent is generally not to mislead; with disinformation, the intent is always to mislead.”

That’s what lead us to title our final

Focus | - December 19 - January 1 | Volume 2 Issue 49

While some states including Alabama are exploring the idea (and it may not be a bad one at that) other than violating a series of privacy issues, it hasn’t been passed into law.

Facebook is still dealing with the fallout from the Cambridge Analytica scandal earlier this year that sought to change voters’ opinions by sending out fake news and propaganda. This included doctored photos including ones of Immigration and Custom Enforcement agents arresting voters at the polls among many others.

Several companies also banned or suspended Alex Jones and his company Infowars including Apple, Facebook, Spotify, Twitter, and YouTube after repeated postings of violent and hateful content.

From the issues that possibly could lead to health crises like telling people not to use vaccines and that they’re dangerous (otherwise known as the anti-vaxxer movement) to the ridiculous re-emergence of the flatearthers. The rise of technology and social media which were originally meant to give us instant access to

knowledge (thanks Al Gore) are the very things that are stupefying people in mass numbers.

One of my hopes for 2019 is that it becomes the year that we return to the libraries, where at least we took the time to cross-reference and validate information. Maybe if we’re really lucky text messaging will suffer a major meltdown and we’ll be forced to actually have to communicate again.

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What Makes Coutryside Village Special?

By Focus Omaha Thinking big locally. Knowing price as well as value. Pairing innovation and ingenuity with convenience and practicality. Liking trees and digging greenery while cultivating satisfaction and smiles. For over sixty years and counting, this is who we are.

Countryside Village Shopping Center holds in so many hearts. And we are wildly passionate about Countryside’s future. We are also committed to our community, to excellence, to beauty, and with the addition of new superlative shops and services, a broadening of purpose and place in your everyday lives.

Stop by, stay a spell, let Countryside cast its magic.

Above all, relax and enjoy.

Countryside Village: Omaha’s Original Small Town in the City.

We revere and celebrate this rich history. We love and honor the place

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University of Nebraska Medical Center researchers recently published an article in the Journal of Applied Physiology that suggests that curcumin improves exercise capacity in mouse models experiencing heart failure by improving skeletal muscle strength and endurance. Researchers hope the study can ultimately be translated into clinical practice to benefit patients with chronic heart failure.

Curcumin is found in turmeric, a member of the ginger family. Ginger is widely used as a spice and in folk medicine.

UNMC research shows derivative of common spice might help heart failure patients

By Focus Omaha Study suggests derivative of ginger family improves strength, endurance Heart failure patients suffer from a reduced ability to participate in dayto-day activities and exercise, which contributes to poor quality of life.

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The project is part of a five-year grant awarded in 2015 to the lab of Irving Zucker, Ph.D., designed to determine the role of antioxidant enzyme expression in heart failure.

Researchers hypothesized that increasing antioxidant capacity in muscle in the heart failure state would improve exercise endurance.

“This study showed an important proof of principle,” said Lie Gao, Ph.D., University of Nebraska Medical Center assistant professor of cellular and integrative physiology and corresponding author of the paper.

“Some foods and spices, such as broccoli and turmeric, contain a rich supply of antioxidant compounds.

Focus | - December 19 - January 1 | Volume 2 Issue 49

“Consumption of these foods or spices may improve skeletal muscle health. For patients with stable heart failure that have limited ability to exercise, compounds like these may be beneficial.”

Heart failure causes weakening of the heart and affects the heart’s ability to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. It’s estimated nearly 6 million people in the U.S. live with heart failure.

Previous scientific studies suggested that targeting skeletal muscle with antioxidants might be beneficial in heart failure. Studying heart failure as well as peripheral vascular and autonomic functions have been long-term research objectives in Dr. Zucker’s lab.

Dr. Gao said though it’s not possible to use curcumin in humans due to the high doses of curcumin needed, other antioxidants such as dimethyl fumarate, which has similar effects Though the disease is chronic, as curcumin, could be used. The progressive and incurable, medications drug is currently being used to treat and lifestyle change can help people multiple sclerosis and will be tested in live longer, more active lives. Regular cardiovascular diseases. exercise helps patients tolerate more activity while reducing fatigue and improving their mood.

SATURDAY MARCH 9TH, 2019 8PM TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

ALL SESSIONS & CHAMPIONSHIP TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

HOMEPRIDETIX.COM Focus | December 19 - January 1 | Volume 2 Issue 49 19

Nebraska Basketball

By Focus Omaha

Palmer Jr. has five while Isaac Copeland Jr. (two) and Glynn Watson Jr. (one) also have accomplished the feat.

14 - The Huskers have had 14 runs of at least 10-0 in 2018-19, including a 22-0 run against Southeastern Louisiana and a 19-0 run against Western Illinois. The Huskers have allowed three double-figure runs this season.

Once again bereft of the long scoring droughts that tend to plague the Huskers, they handled the Oklahoma State 59.3 - Nebraska is 13th nationally in scoring defense, holding teams to 59.3 Cowboys in convincing fashion 79-56 points per game. NU has held five of its in Sioux Falls, S.D. last Sunday.

11 opponents to their lowest total of Nebraska returns home on Saturday the season. to face Cal State Fullerton after two weeks on the road. The 3-8 Titans 2010-11 - Nebraska bids for a 10-2 had high hopes after returning four start for the first time since the 2010starters from last year’s 20-win team 11 season on Saturday vs. Cal State that made the NCAA tournament for Fullerton. the first time in a decade. They’ve hung The Huskers will play Saturday at in there with the best teams they’ve 1:03 p.m. and the game will be faced including a double overtime televised on BTN. loss at Arizona State. The Huskers will have to watch out for first-team All-Big West selection Kyle Allman Jr., who has had a pair of 30 point games already, including a 35-point effort against the Sun Devils.

Worth Noting: 1 - Wins that Tim Miles needs to move past Moe Iba for sole possession of third on Nebraska’s career wins list.

Both Miles and Iba have 106 wins in their Husker coaching tenures. .835 - Nebraska is shooting 83.5 percent from the foul line over the last five games, raising the Huskers season total to 74.1 percent.

8 - Number of 20-point games for Husker players this season. James

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Focus | - December 19 - January 1 | Volume 2 Issue 49

Focus | December 19 - January 1 | Volume 2 Issue 49 21

Evandale-

Damn Good Rock

By Focus Omaha

Evandale consists of members E.J. Petry (vocals), Chad Riche (guitar/ vocals), Eric Whitney (guitar/vocals), Cody Du (bass/vocals), and Ryan Lang (drums).

About a month after Ryan and Riche had played their last gig with More It’s amazing how much you can learn Than a Memory, Riche was watching about a band while sitting in with them UTube and ran across lead vocalist E.J. at practice. It’s also a great opportunity Petry who was the former lead singer to hear some damn good rock from a for local cover band Ruckus. Petry told group of guys that are far from alien to Focus that many considered Ruckus the Omaha music scene. the best cover band in Omaha but he had decided, “It was time for me to put a stamp on something and make it mine.”

felt the hunger to get back in the mix again.

Bass player Du, who is still the lead singer of Forever Endeavor, and Lang have known each other since they were 16. Lang had been wanting to play with him for some time, and this opportunity finally solidified the deal.

You can check out the video we shot at their practice on the Focus Facebook page and don’t miss out on: Evandale CD Release Party also w/ The Impulsive, Forever Endeavor, and Suspicious Fifth January 12, 7 pm at Forte Music Hall 4727 S 96thSt.

The first time I’d ever heard of them was when I was sent a link to their song “Manipulator.” I must admit I haven’t heard a band since GTO that immediately seized my attention with their catchy rhythm.

I’d never heard Petry sing either and With Petry being the Jr. member of the for those who haven’t, he’s the real group Riche threw in jokingly, “I guess deal. He can immediately shift from a throaty edge to a heartfelt wail in we felt like we rescued someone.”

2.3 seconds. When asked about the All joking aside, when Riche heard lyrics behind “Manipulator” Petry said, Petry, he immediately called drummer “It’s all about being yourself. Don’t let Ryan Lang. Riche and Lang had been anyone tell you how to dress, what to considering hanging it up, but we all wear, etc.” know it’s not that easy when it comes to the life of a musician or any artist for There were even a few songs that I felt that matter. like if Lynyrd Skynyrd had decided to go hardcore, they would have sounded Whitney, (guitar/vocals) formerly with a bit like Evandale. That’s the best part Arson City had left the band (Arson about them. They’ve managed to take City) to be there for his new baby, but that good old southern rock sound and after a year and a half of not playing he give it a solid edge.

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Focus | - December 19 - January 1 | Volume 2 Issue 49

Photo Credit: Eric Lang

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Year-End Charitable Giving

However, keep in mind that the amount of your deduction may be limited to certain percentages of your adjusted gross income (AGI). For example, your deduction for gifts of

By Mike Herek cash to public charities is generally limited to 60% of your AGI for the With the holiday season upon us and year, and other gifts to charity are the end of the year approaching, we typically limited to 30% or 20% of pause to give thanks for our blessings your AGI. Charitable deductions that and the people in our lives. It is also exceed the AGI limits may generally a time when charitable giving often be carried over and deducted over the comes to mind. The tax benefits associated with charitable giving could next five years, subject to the income potentially enhance your ability to give percentage limits in those years. and should be considered as part of Make sure you retain proper your year-end tax planning. substantiation of your charitable contribution. In order to claim Tax deduction for charitable a charitable deduction for any gifts contribution of cash, a check, or other If you itemize deductions on your monetary gift, you must maintain a federal income tax return, you can generally deduct your gifts to qualified record of such contributions through a bank record (such as a cancelled check, charities. This may also help you a bank or credit union statement, or potentially increase your gift. a credit card statement) or a written communication (such as a receipt or Assume you are considering making letter) from the charity showing the a charitable gift of $1,000. One way name of the charity, the date of the to potentially enhance the gift might contribution, and the amount of the be if you increase it by the amount of contribution. If you claim a charitable any income taxes you save with the charitable deduction for the gift. With deduction for any contribution of $250 or more, you must substantiate the a 24% tax rate, you might be able to contribution with a contemporaneous give $1,316 to charity [$1,000 ÷ (1 written acknowledgment of the 24%) = $1,316; $1,316 x 24% = $316 taxes saved]. On the other hand, with a contribution from the charity. If you 32% tax rate, you might be able to give make any noncash contributions, there are additional requirements. $1,471 to charity [$1,000 ÷ (1 - 32%) = $1,471; $1,471 x 32% = $471 taxes saved].

Year-end tax planning

When making charitable gifts at the end of a year, you should consider them as part of your year-end tax planning. Typically, you have a certain amount of control over the timing of income and expenses. You generally want to time your recognition of income so that it will be taxed at the lowest rate possible, and time your deductible expenses so they can be claimed in years when you are in a higher tax bracket.

For example, if you expect that you will be in a higher tax bracket next year, it may make sense to wait and make the charitable contribution in January so that you can take the deduction next year when the deduction results in a greater tax benefit. Or you might shift the charitable contribution, along with other deductions, into a year when your itemized deductions would be greater than the standard deduction amount. And if the income percentage limits above are a concern in one year, you might consider ways to shift income into that year or shift deductions out of that year, so that a larger charitable deduction is available for that year. A tax professional can help you evaluate your individual tax situation.

A word of caution

Be sure to deal with recognized charities and be wary of charities with similar-sounding names. It is common

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Focus | - December 19 - January 1 | Volume 2 Issue 49

for scam artists to impersonate charities using bogus websites and through contact involving email, phone, social media, and in-person solicitations. Check out the charity on the IRS website, irs.gov, using the Tax Exempt Organization Search tool. And don’t send cash; contribute by check or credit card.

Our first priority is to help you achieve your financial objectives. Our disciplined approach is designed to identify strategies to accumulate, protect, convert and transfer your wealth based on your financial goals.

HELPING YOU TO AND THROUGH RETIREMENT. CONTACT US TODAY!

BLUECAPITALWEALTH.COM | 402-502-9322 3814 FARNAM ST. STE 202 Focus | December 19 - January 1 | Volume 2 Issue 49 25

Majority Feel 2018 Fourth Quarter is Good Time to Buy Home, says Realtor(R) Survey

By Focus Omaha New findings from a National Association of Realtors® survey show that despite a favorable view on the economy and the direction of home prices, the sentiment on home buying continued to diminish at the close of 2018 – though a majority still think it is a good time to buy. Consumer sentiment about home buying weakened in the fourth quarter with

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only 34 percent strongly indicating it is now a good time to buy, down from 39 percent in the third quarter and 43 percent one year ago. The percentage of those who believe that is not a good time to buy was unchanged in the fourth quarter, remaining at 37 percent, though up from 28 percent one year ago.

NAR’s chief economist Lawrence Yun says rapid price increases have affected the marketplace.

“Consistently fast-rising home prices well in excess of income growth over recent years have left buyers frustrated while slowly enticing wouldbe sellers to consider listing.”

within their communities have remained the same.

Americans living in the West, those with annual incomes of over $100,000 and those 45 to 54 years of age are most likely to report that prices have increased in their neighborhoods.

Additionally, 67 percent of From 2012 to 2018, median home homeowners, 56 percent of renters NAR’s fourth quarter Housing prices rose 44 percent, while average and 50 percent of those living with Opportunities and Market Experience hourly wage earnings increased by just someone else also felt home prices in (HOME) survey also found that a 16 percent. NAR’s most recent survey their communities increased. Forty majority of those polled, 59 percent, asked about home prices over the percent of those earning less than believe that the economy is improving. last 12 months. Sixty-three percent $50,000 reported that home prices Optimism is the greatest among those of respondents feel that prices have had stayed the same. The national who earn $50,000 or more. Fifty-three increased in their communities over median home price as of October was percent of those in urban areas said the last 12 months, down from the $255,400, compared to $382,900 in the economy is improving, compared third when 70 percent of respondents the West. to 71 percent of respondents in rural believed that prices had increased. areas.

Thirty percent feel housing prices

Focus | - December 19 - January 1 | Volume 2 Issue 49

Respondents were also asked for their views on home prices in the next six months. Forty-one percent predict home prices in their communities will stay the same, unchanged from last quarter but up slightly from 40 percent in 2018’s second quarter.

difficult to qualify for a mortgage and 30 percent believe that it would be somewhat difficult given their current financial situation (compared to 28 and 31 percent last quarter).

Yun says some of the fourth quarter findings imply that the softening home those who said the economy is buying sentiment is less a result of advancing, 59 percent live in the West, potential buyers holding off purchases which Yun found interesting. “The in anticipation of lower home prices, West region has a strong job-creating but more related to concerns over economy, yet it is the West region qualifying for a higher mortgage and showing the weakest buyer sentiment the lack of access to affordable home because the West region is the least listings. “Perhaps some communities affordable,” said Yun. designated as Opportunity Zones can draw real estate developers using tax Among those who do not presently incentives to build affordable housing,” own a home, 29 percent of those Yun said. polled said that it would be very

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Focus | - December 19 - January 1 | Volume 2 Issue 49

BARRETT’S BARLEYCORN 4322 Leavenworth St. M-F 4P-6P $2.25 Domestic Bottles $3.00 Well Drinks BROKEDOWN PALACE 8805 Maple St. Happy Hour 12P-6P $4 28 oz Domestic Frozen Mugs $5 28 oz Nebraska Brewing Cardinal Pale Ale Frozen Mug CADDYSHACK 2076 N 117th Ave & 7007 S 181st St M-F 2P-6P $1 Off Beer, Wine & Wells TUES- HAPPY HOUR All Day JERRY’S BAR 6301 Military Ave Happy Hour Prices ALL Day! JERZES 501 Olson Dr, Papillion, NE 68046 Daily Specials!

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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 7610 Dodge St. Everyday 3P - 6P & 9P - CLOSE $2.50 Domestics THURSDAYS $1 OFF Local Beer Draws THE BULL & THE BEAR LOUNGE 11341 Davenport St M, T, W 2P - 6P SUN 12P - 2A THE CASUAL PINT 8718 Countryside Plaza M, W, TH 4P-6P TUES All Day $1 Off All Draft Beers.

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