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VOLUME 3 ISSUE 4 | JANUARY 23 - JANUARY 29 | 2019 ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, HEALTH, PERSONAL FINANCE, & MUSIC NEWSWEEKLY

Check out our New Weekly FeatureFOCUS ON THE STREAM

LOCAL George Laughery

LIVE Eric Johnson Returns

SPORTS College Basketball

FINANCE What Rising Rates Could Mean

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2019 23 - JANUARY 29 |

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| JANUARY NEWSWEEKLY VOLUME 3 ISSUE 4 NAL FINANCE, & MUSIC ENT, HEALTH, PERSO ARTS, ENTERTAINM

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College Basketball

George Laughery Eric Johnson Returns

FINANCE

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What Rising Rates Coul

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FAMILY EVENTS

Your Daily Guide

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Top Ten Events By Focus Omaha

12 THIS WEEKS FEATURE 14

LOCAL

George Laughery By Jesse D Stanek

SPORTS

LOCAL LIVE

FOCUS ON THIS WEEK!

THE SHOPS AT COUNTRYSIDE VILLAGE

LIVE

Eric Johnson Returns: Ah Via Musicom Featured in Entirety By Andy Roberts

FINANCE

What Rising Rates Could Mean for Your Money By Michael Herek Sponsored By Blue Capitol Wealth

REAL ESTATE

Long View for Real Estate as Shutdown Hits Record Stretch By Focus Omaha

HAPPY HOUR

We gathered up some of the best Happy Hour spots around the Omaha metro. Countryside Village Directory By Focus Omaha Focus is your FREE Arts, Entertainment, Health, Personal Finance, & Music Newsweekly.

FOCUS ON BENSON

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Health- According to the CDC, Working with Animals may be Hazardous to your Health! By Focus Omaha

SPORTS

College Basketball

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Focus 7914 W Dodge Rd. # 413 Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 208-6545 focusomaha@gmail.com www.focusomaha.com

The Feminine Palette

“Transcendence” provides a window into these very private stories about the choices we make to become our best, most authentic selves. Whether that means breaking free from unhealthy cycles, overcoming addictions or even resisting harmful yet Friday, February 1, 2019 - 6-9pm Artists Discussion Panel @ 7:30pm socially acceptable behaviors, all these stories paint a picture of what it means CityLight Arts Project presents pop-up to seek a better way of being in the art show curated by Melissa Musick world. Hours are:Tuesday-Friday, 3p to — The Feminine Palette: featuring 6p Saturday, 10a to 1p work by Courtney Kenny Porto, Evelyn -----------------------------------------------Render-Katz & JK Thorsen. Artist disDaily Through January 27 cussion panel with visitors encourages Emerging Artists’ Exhibition dialogue about engaging with your local Artists’ Cooperative Gallery artistic community, how to approach 405 S 11th St, Omaha, and appreciate art, and how gender The opening of our featured artist in shapes creative output. Also featurJanuary, George Garrett III. ing an interactive component where visitors gain insight into what it’s like to Exhibition will run through January curate an art show themselves. 26th. Please contact artist directly for inquiries about the show and artwork Friday, February 1, 2019, from 6-9pm. sales. George is best known for the Artists Discussion Panel at 7:30 pm Great Plains Black History Museum 5603 Radial Hwy, Omaha, NE 68104— logo in his home town of Omaha; Ne. on the event map forBFF George has done book cover illustrations for several authors. The Citylight Arts Project seeks to -----------------------------------------------grow the Benson renaissance through Through February 23 empowering the next generation of cre- I LET THEM IN. Conditional Hospitalatives. www.citylightartsproject.com ity and The Stranger Bemis Center for ------------------------------------------------ Contemporary Arts Through January 25 724 South 12th Street Bart Vargas: AMALGAMATIONS Omaha http://bemiscenter.org/iletFred Simon Gallery, 1004 Farnam St. themin Inspired by pop culture, Vargas’ works “I let them in. Conditional Hospitality stand out as playful and entertaining and The Stranger” is a two-person exhiceramic figures. Admission: free. bition featuring videos by Kader Attia 8a- 5p Monday thru Friday http://www. and Candice Breitz, curated by Taraneh artscouncil.nebraska.gov/opportuniFazeli, 2018 Bemis Curator-in-Resities/for-artists/fred-simon-gallery-ex- dence. Amidst the current “migration hibition.html crisis,” these artworks interrogate who ------------------------------------------------ is afforded the right to speak or the Through January 26 ability to be understood considering Transcendence The Little Gallery Ben- dominant representational narratives son, 5901 Maple and the political, socio-psychological The first exhibition of 2019, curated by and technological systems that shape Marie-Elena Schembri, is an invitation our understandings of self and the to delve into the unsung stories of communal. resolution, perseverance and liberation -----------------------------------------------that are most often shared quietly over UPCOMING at TICKETOMAHA: a cup of coffee, behind closed doors or Russian, French and American Tales: with a select few who share a common A Festival, January 11-19, 2019 purpose. Holland Performing Arts Center Featuring artwork by:

Courtney Kenny Porto Evelyn Render-Katz JK Thorsen

CityLight Arts Project - 5603 Radial Hwy, Omaha, NE 68104 On the event map for Benson First Fridays

Focus | - January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4

Windborne’s Music of Michael Jackson January 12, Holland Performing Arts -----------------------------------------------Disney’s ALADDIN January 16-27, Orpheum Theater -----------------------------------------------Living the Dream, January 21, 2019 Holland Performing Arts Center -----------------------------------------------Sidewalk Chalk, January 25, Scott Recital Hall -----------------------------------------------Dave Stryker, January 26, 2019, Scott Recital Hall -----------------------------------------------Omaha Symphony Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific in Concert January 26-27, 2019 Holland Performing Arts Center -----------------------------------------------AIR PLAY March 16 2019 Orpheum Theater Ride the wind and dream with AIR PLAY, a modern spectacle that brings to life the very air we breathe. Flying umbrellas, larger-than-life balloons, giant kites floating over the audience and the biggest snow globe you’ve ever seen will make you gasp in wonder and laugh until it hurts. -----------------------------------------------Upcoming Exhibits Durham Museum, 2200 Dodge St. January 19, Oliver Jeffers: 15 Years of Picturing Books, February 2, 30 Americans & Fred Tomaselli Holiday Lights Festival: The Capitol District Ice Rink January 14, 2019 to January 20, 2019 11th & Capitol Sts. Omaha, NE 68102 Mon-Thurs: 6-10pm/Fri: 6-11pm/Sat: Noon-11pm/Sun: Noon-9pm Admission: $10 (includes skate rental) Phone: (402) 345-5401 More Info: Visit The Capitol District Ice Rink presented by Energy Center Omaha to discover your winter tradition on ice. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Shine the Light on Hunger campaign, which supports Food Bank for the Heartland. ------------------------------------------------

Dinosaur UpROAR January 17 - May 12 9a to 5p daily Don’t miss this life-sized adventure through the fauna and fearsome flora of Lauritzen Gardens that’s fun for the whole family. Dinosaur UpROAR offers a realistic glimpse into the prehistoric world, allowing visitors to experience what life was like millions of years ago when dinosaurs roamed the earth. The indoor exhibit will feature 20 life-sized installations positioned throughout the garden, where massive creations by Guy Darrough will appear right at home nestled among plants that have survived through the ages and jungle-like landscapes. The carefully crafted dinosaurs will range in size from a 14-inch Sordes to a massive 33-ft. Daspletosaur, and plant fossils of Nebraska and a collection of prehistoric plants will also be highlighted. With discovery stations and plenty of educational activities and special events scheduled throughout the exhibit, it is bound to be a RAWR-ing good time in the garden. Included with paid garden admission or membership ($10 adults, $5 children 6-12, free for children under 6).

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Friday, January 25 | 5:30p Kids Eat Free Princess Night! Chick-fil-A 76th & Dodge Kiddos ages 2-12 will each get a FREE Kid’s Meal including 4 breaded nuggets, small waffle fry, small drink(excluding lemonade) & a toy between 5:30-7:30p on Friday, January 25th! No purchase necessary. Dine in only. -----------------------------------------------Through February 23rd I LET THEM IN. Conditional Hospitality and The Stranger Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts 724 South 12th Street, Omaha “I let them in. Conditional Hospitality and The Stranger” is a two-person exhibition featuring videos by Kader Attia and Candice Breitz, curated by Taraneh Fazeli, 2018 Bemis Curator-in-Residence. Amidst the current “migration crisis,” these artworks interrogate who is afforded the right to speak or the ability

to be understood considering dominant representational narratives and the political, socio-psychological and technological systems that shape our understandings of self and the communal. www.bemiscenter.org -----------------------------------------------Monday, March 18 | 6p PJ Masks Live! Save The Day Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St, Omaha PJ MASKS LIVE: is back with an all new super-heroic, live musical show, featuring the heroic triofrom your favorite series: The PJ MASKS! Watch Catboy, Owlette and Gekko along with their new friend PJ Robot, as they try to save the day from the sneaky villains - Romeo, Night Ninja and Luna Girl! Fluttering Feathers! Leaping Lizards! What a CAT-tastrophe! www.ralstonarena.com Family events continued onto the bottom half of page 7.

Focus | - January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4

EVENTS THURSDAY, JANUARY 24 Winter Jam 2019 featuring Newsboys United, Danny Gokey, Mandisa, Rend Collective, Ledger, Newsong, Hollyn, Dan Bremnes, Ty Brasel, Manic Drive, Greg Stier, Zane Black, Adam Agee Mid-America Center, 7p FRIDAY, JANUARY 25 The 402 Amerisports Bar, 8:30p

---------------------------------------------Knockout Parties - DJ Jake - Every Friday Fri 7 PM · The Mile Away Hall & Tavern SATURDAY, JANUARY 26 The 402 Amerisports Bar, 8:30p

---------------------------------------------SUNDAY, JANUARY 27 Dany Reyes’s Art Exhibit And Sale CUBE Ultra Lounge, 6p

Family events continued from page 6. Through April 14 Super Sports: Building Strength, Sportsmanship, and Smarts Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th You’re the all-star in the special exhibit Super Sports: Building Strength, Sportsmanship and Smarts. Test your skills throwing footballs and baseballs. Take aim on the mini soccer, hockey and basketball courts. Each area in the exhibit is an interactive experience focusing on a different sport or profession related to sports. Children can develop team-building skills, and learn about nutrition and an athletic lifestyle, all through play. There’s even a separate toddler area for our youngest athletes-in-training. www.ocm.org -----------------------------------------------Through April 28th Oliver Jeffers: 15 Years of Picturing Books Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge This exhibition chronicles Oliver Jeffers’ development and success as a children’s book artist, including illustrations from The Day the Crayons Quit and The Day the Crayons Came Home, both The New York Times #1 Best Sellers. A Mind’s Eye Gallery exhibition.

WHAT’S YOUR FOCUS? Focus | January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4 7

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 23 Happy Hippie Hour with Carrie Jean The Down Under Lounge, 3p ----------------------------------------------Dr. Webb Music The Down Under Lounge, 4:20p ----------------------------------------------Beer, Bingo & Trivia Kros Strain Brewing Co., 6p ----------------------------------------------CD 105.9 Whiskey Wednesday Library Pub, 7p ----------------------------------------------Trivia, Stocks n Bonds, 7p ----------------------------------------------Acoustic Open Mic Night The New Frontier Bar, 7p ----------------------------------------------Colin Michael Roberts Therapy Bar & Grill, 7p ----------------------------------------------Rayford Jones The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Comedy Open Mic Barley Street Tavern, 8p ----------------------------------------------Thursday Night Trivia, Nifty Ba, 8p --------------------------------------------Aly Peelers Open Mic Night The Down Under Lounge, 8p --------------------------------------------The Werks & Slow Stoics The Waiting Room, 8p --------------------------------------------DJ Lay-C, Bar 415, 9p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke w/ Host Adam Flohr Brokedown Palace, 9p ----------------------------------------------The Brady Wells January Residency Harney Street Tavern, 9p ----------------------------------------------- Open Mic Night (Hosted by Stathi) The B. Bar, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------The Down Under Singer-Songwriter Night The Down Under Lounge, 9:30p --------------------------------------------Wednesday Night Karaoke with Brixz Brokedown Palace, 10p

THURSDAY JANUARY 24 Midlands International Auto Show CHI Health Center Omaha, 12p ----------------------------------------------Wine, Chocolate and Cheese Please Vino Mas, 5p ----------------------------------------------- The Bel Airs Chrome Lounge, 6p ----------------------------------------------Beer, Wine and Spirits Tasting Dillon Brothers Omaha, 6p

UNO Concert FACULTY SHOWCASE Strauss Performing Arts Center, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Smooth Jazz with Chad Stoner Band Ozone Lounge, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Speakeasy Series: Classic Cocktails Joslyn Castle, 6:45p ----------------------------------------------Acoustic Open Mic Night The New Frontier Bar, 7p ----------------------------------------------Tony LaMar Celebrating the Life of Mark PelanVino Mas, 7p ----------------------------------------------Clash of the Comics Omaha Funny Bone, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Trivia, The Sociable Inn, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------- John Finocchiaro, Growler USA, 8p ----------------------------------------------MelancholyLookout Lounge, 8p ----------------------------------------------Thursday Night Trivia Nifty Bar, 8p ----------------------------------------------Jeremy McComb with Sack of Lions Reverb Lounge, 8p ----------------------------------------------Noname - Room 25 with Elton The Waiting Room, 8p ----------------------------------------------R&B Night featuring Sherri McPherson The Omaha Lounge, 8:30p ----------------------------------------------Nalani & Sarina w/ Tara Vaughan Barley Street Tavern, 9p ----------------------------------------------Ladies Night Copacabana Cocktail Lounge, 9p --------------------------------------------Thirsty Thursday Karaoke Forte Music Hall, 9p ----------------------------------------------Nick Rucker Harney Street Tavern, 9p ----------------------------------------------KoZee Karaoke KoZee Lounge. 9p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke | Salsa Lessons Rehab Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Magick K Acoustic Brokedown Palace, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------Chris Shelton Dubliner Pub, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------The Down Under Singer-Songwriter Night The Down Under Lounge, 9:30p

Focus | - January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4

FRIDAY JANUARY 25 Midlands International Auto Show CHI Health Center Omaha, 10a ----------------------------------------------UNMC Skate-A-Thon for Parkinson’s UNMC, 2p ----------------------------------------------Rockhopper Bock Party w/ a Zookeeper Zipline Brewing Co. , 2p ----------------------------------------------Open Mic Crane Coffee Coffeehouse and Bakery, 5p ----------------------------------------------Mace Hathaway The Cove Lounge, 5p ----------------------------------------------The Coyote Bill Boogie Band The B. Bar, 5:30p ----------------------------------------------Stan Galli American Legion Post #1, 7p ----------------------------------------------Simplicated, Bogie’s West, 7p ----------------------------------------------Human Condition Public Tours KANEKO, 7p ----------------------------------------------Super Smash Bros: Ultimate Tournament Lookout Lounge, 7p ----------------------------------------------90’s Country Night: Sips & Dips Omaha Ballroom, 7p ----------------------------------------------34th Annual Cathedral Flower Festival Saint Cecilia Cathedral, 7p --------------------------------------------Down & Desperate Therapy Bar & Grill, 7p ----------------------------------------------Return to Niobrara, The Rose Theater, 7p ----------------------------------------------Creighton Basketball, CHI Center, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Sidewalk Chalk, Holland Center, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------David Koechner Omaha Funny Bone, 7:30p/9:45p ----------------------------------------------Aladdin, Orpheum Theatre, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Frequency, Bar 415, 8p ----------------------------------------------ASQ + Emily Bass, Jambo Cat, 8p ----------------------------------------------NugZ / TKO Birthday Concert Fr!day / Altura / Rey Stylez / DJ Madix The Waiting Room, 8p --------------------------------------------Bad Habit American Dream, 9p ----------------------------------------------Friday Night Word Fights Barley Street, 9p ----------------------------------------------John D Hale Band w/ Chris Stewart Buck’s Bar and Grill · Venice, 9p

--------------------------------------------Double Treble Burrito Envy, 9p ----------------------------------------------Diary of Ozz and Molten Chrome Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Chad Lee Copacabana Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Smokin’ Shepherd, Unforsaken Allies & JAMES and the HAT Dr. Jack’s Drinkery, 9p ----------------------------------------------The 9’s Growler USA, 9p ----------------------------------------------Cover Me Badd Harney Street Tavern, 9p ----------------------------------------------Trivia Night, Julio’s, 9p ----------------------------------------------The Fishheads Ozone Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Party Life Nigh-clubside, Latin Night-lounge Rehab Nightclub, 9p ----------------------------------------------Ladies of Hip Hop Reverb Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Stathi + And How The B. Bar, 9p ----------------------------------------------Mr. E & the Stringless Kite The Down Under Lounge, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------Dicey Riley. Dubliner Pub, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------Over The River w/ Dead on Dust and Mace Hathaway, O’Leaver’s Pub, 10p ----------------------------------------------Sore Lips! The Sydney, 10p ----------------------------------------------Unexpected Rap Battle League Presents: A New Day Wired Pub, 10p

SATURDAY JANUARY 26 Last Saturdays with Vince Swaney Brokedown Palacwe, 4p ----------------------------------------------Onesie Bar Crawl Omaha, 4p --------------------------------------------- Justin Moore & Cody Jackson Baxter Arena, 7:30p --------------------------------------------David Koechner Omaha Funny Bone, 7:30p ---------------------------------------------

Jambo Cat, 8p --------------------------------------------Karaoke & Music Smitty’s Garage, 8p --------------------------------------------Trivia & Karaoke Night Stumble Inn, 8p --------------------------------------------- Skretta Etc Therapy Bar & Grill, 8p --------------------------------------------Frequency Bar 415, 8p --------------------------------------------Dr. Webb Infusion Brewing Company, 8p --------------------------------------------The Matt Amandus Jazz Trio Jambo Cat, 8p --------------------------------------------- Skretta Etc Therapy Bar & Grill, 8p --------------------------------------------8th Annual Burns Nicht Barley Street Tavern, 9p --------------------------------------------No Shelter And Icky Thump Chrome Lounge, 9p --------------------------------------------Sailing in Soup Growler USA, 9p --------------------------------------------- Haymakers Harney Street Tavern, 9p --------------------------------------------Julio’s Trivia Night Julio’s, 9p ---------------------------------------------eNVy Ozone Lounge, 9p --------------------------------------------CJ Mills, Mesonjixx / Kethro Reverb Lounge, 9p --------------------------------------------Bennie Does Bowie IV Bennie and the Gents / And She Was The Waiting Room, 9p --------------------------------------------The Broadways Go Down Under The Down Under Lounge, 9:30p --------------------------------------------Dicey Riley. Dubliner Pub, 9:30p

SUNDAY JANUARY 27 Aladdin Orpheum Theater, 1p --------------------------------------------Throttle Up Live! South Omaha Eagles Club #154, 1p ----------------------------------------------Masters and Music UNO Weber Fine Arts Building, 5p --------------------------------------------The 7O’s Band On The Q St. Bar, 5p --------------------------------------------The DU Gaming Guild The Down Under Lounge, 5p --------------------------------------------13th Annual Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards, Slowdown, 6p --------------------------------------------Brothers East - Brothers West The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p --------------------------------------------

FREE Booze Bingo! The Down Under Lounge, 8p --------------------------------------------Bazile Mills, Minne Lussa Reverb Lounge, 5p --------------------------------------------Trance Sunday w/ Alexsed Bar 415, 10p --------------------------------------------Eric in Outerspace ~ DROSS ~ Cloud Feeder, O’Leaver’s, 10p ---------------------------------------------Come Together, Right Now, Karaoke The Down Under Lounge, 10p

MONDAY JANUARY 28 Happy Hour! The Down Under Lounge, 3p --------------------------------------------Aly Peeler and Andrew Bailie Monarch Prime & Bar, 6:30p --------------------------------------------Ozone Big Band Ozone Lounge, 6:30p --------------------------------------------Paul Nelson Chrome Lounge, 7p --------------------------------Early Karaoke Forte Music Hall, 7p --------------------------------------------BINGO at Southwest Infusion Brewing Company, 7p --------------------------------------------Kill, Kalfou, 64 Hit Combo & Violent Death Equipment, Lookout Lounge, 7p --------------------------------------------Poker Night Therapy Bar & Grill, 7p --------------------------------------------Mafia Trivia Vis Major Brewing, 7p --------------------------------------------Michelle Eva Bleu w/ B. Baldwin The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p --------------------------------------------Pub Quiz w/ Rob & Sara! The Sydney, 8p --------------------------------------------NMM: Kramos, Radiant Bones, Jake Hobbs, The Waiting Room, 8p --------------------------------------------Open Mic Barley Street Tavern, 9p --------------------------------------------DJ Howie’s Karaoke Grant St. Bar, 9p --------------------------------------------Open Mic and Molly’s Molly’s Pub, 9p --------------------------------------------Poker Night Therapy Bar & Grill, 7p --------------------------------------------Open Jam With Jason Figueroa The Down Under, 9p

TUESDAY JANUARY 29 Opera in Conversation: The Elixir of Love, Le Bouillon, 6p --------------------------------------------Open Jam w/ Tony Romero Therapy Bar & Grill, 6p ---------------------------------------------

continued on page 11

Focus | January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4 9

Thursday JANUARY 24

Jeremy McComb with Sack of Lions REVERB LOUNGE

SATURDAY JANUARY 26

FRIDAY JANUARY 25-27 #

David Koechner FUNNY BONE

SATURDAY JANUARY 26

Cody Johnson & Justin Moore Dave Stryker SCOTT RECITAL HALL BAXTER ARENA

Focus | - January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4

34th Annual Cathedral Flower Festival SAINT CECILIA

FRIDAY JANUARY 25-27 #

SATURDAY JANUARY 26

Pretzelfest

FARNAM HOUSE

FRIDAY JANUARY 25

Sidewalk Chalk HOLLAND CENTER

SATURDAY JANUARY 26

Masters and Music UNO FINE ARTS

SATURDAY JANUARY 26

Bennie Does Bowie IV WAITING ROOM

TUESDAY JANUARY 29

Eric Johnson SLOWDOWN

Events continued from page 9 Scott Evans & Friends Ozone Lounge, 6:30p --------------------------------------------Open Jam hosted by Scott Moyer Barley Street Tavern, 7p --------------------------------------------Trivia, Goldeez, 7p --------------------------------------------Hector Anchondo The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p --------------------------------------------Open Mic Jam Brokedown Palace, 8p --------------------------------------------The FLOcase: A Comedy Show Reverb Lounge, 8p --------------------------------------------Eric Johnson with Ah Via Musicom Slowdown, 8p --------------------------------------------Spencer’s Trivia Dojo- Videogame The Down Under, 8p --------------------------------------------Treehouse of Simpsons Trivia The Waiting Room, 8p --------------------------------------------Turbo Tuesdays w/ Vic Nasty, Bar 415, 9p --------------------------------------------Karaoke, Forte Music Hall, 9p --------------------------------- Benson Burger War 1912 vs Benson Brewery Benson Brewery, 10p --------------------------------Charla’s Karaoke Reign The Down Under Lounge, 10p

Focus | January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4 11

Getting to Know The Headhunter: Herbie Hancock

By Jesse D. Stanek

Herbie Hancock personifies innovation, reinvention. He thinks outside the box and as a result he often plays outside the listener’s comfort zone. His music asks a little more of you but the payoff is some of the best music ever recorded. Last month Hancock was honored with The Benjamin Franklin Medal from the Royal Society for the Arts. The purpose of the award is to honor people who “transcend their vocation to generally benefit mankind. He is the first musician to ever receive the medal. First and foremost, Hancock is a jazz guy. We’ll start there. He’s also a worldrenown pianist, keyboardist, producer and musical mind. Many old school jazz purists will cite his early work, both as band leader and sideman for players like Miles Davis, Bobby Hutcherson and Donald Byrd as his best. It’s definitely his most straight-ahead jazz work. From 1963 to 1968 Hancock worked as part of the Miles Davis Quintet, the formation also featured drummer Tony Williams, bassist Ron Carter and saxophonist, all of whom he would continue to play with. There’s no doubt working with Davis shaped Hancock’s approach to creating music; always stretching, taking sharp lefts when right seems the obvious way to go, playing with both the music and the listener, shifting the musical interplay constantly. My favorite record from the period is

Focus | - January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4

1968’s Miles Davis “Miles In The Sky.” The music is street-smart-smooth, the cooler-than-you-Jack vibe works, never over the top, just laid back groove the whole way. “Sky” is a great precursor to Davis’ more experimental later work. “Components” by Bobby Hutcherson is another record from this period that stands out. The grooves are simple and soft, Hutcherson and Hancock are joined by Freddie Hubbard, Carter on bass, James Spaulding and Joe Chambers on the sticks. More than forcefully pushing the listener, this record gives a gentle nudge, a cute little bunny in the woods asking if you want to play. The sparseness, the feel of Hancock’s playing on this record, not afraid to be quiet, not afraid to take lead and be dynamic is pure bliss, like sunshine popping right out of the speakers and spanking you on the whoo-hoo. Hancock’s records as a band leader from this time shouldn’t be dismissed either, both 1964’s “Empyrean Isles” and 1965’s “Maiden Voyage” are classic jazz albums, revered as part of an exclusive canon. “Voyage” was recorded when Hancock was only 24 years old and is a concept album aimed at inventing an oceanic atmosphere. Heady stuff for a young man. My favorite go to when it comes to Hancock is his period between 19731977, will call this the funk years. “Headhunters” is bombastic with the F-word, talkin’ bout that funk y’all. This is by far his deepest funk record, the grooves get stuck in your brain the first time through and by the second listen they sound like old friends come back to get down. “Headhunters” definitely signaled the end of his straight-ahead jazz work and began the funk years. The

song

“Chameleon” has become a fusion standard, but never handled as deftly as when in the hands of Hancock and his musical hooligans. The record is definitely giving a nod to Sly Stone (there’s a song called “Sly”), an artist both Hancock and Davis found impressive. Since its release “Headhunters” has gone beyond the confines of jazz, finding a home in the collection of casual music fans as well. While not near as well known, 1977’s “Secrets” is aptly named and one Hancock’s under-the-radar masterpieces. It’s a powerhouse punch of players: Wah Wah Watson, Bennie Maupin and Ray Parker all make notable contributions. The record is very much of the late 1970s, it would be just as well-received by the soul music lovers and funk fiends as it would be by the jazz aficionados. The overall feel is grooveheavy but never overwhelming, Herbie and the boys lay on just the right amount of funk to make the easy jazz dance floor accessible. “Man Child” is another often overlooked Hancock masterpiece from the 1970s. In 1983 Hancock had his only “hit” with the electronic, synthed-out “Rockit.” If you’ve ever seen an 80s break-dancing movie or know what parachute pants are, you’ve heard this tune. The synths are instantly recognizable. I don’t know if the song was actually featured in any of the “Breakin’” movies but it sure as shit should have been because it’s chock-full of electric bugaboo. The catchy tune came to embody the cardboard culture of inner-city break-

dancing, bandana around the leg for flash and you’re off. Tabletop baby. The worm. You know what I’m talking about. Hancock’s publicity team and record label thought it would be wise to distance the artists from his jazz past, afraid that history would scare off prospective fans. They referred to him as a “pop pianist.” Records to Stream/Download: Miles Davis “Miles In The Sky” Bobby Hutcherson “Components” Herbie Hancock “Headhunters” Herbie Hancock “Secrets” Herbie Hancock “Man Child” Focus On The Stream/Getting to Know is a weekly column by contributing writer Jesse Stanek. Each week the column will introduce (or in the case of many artists reintroduce) the reader to a different band or artists and tell you why they’re worth checking out. The column will recommend albums by the artist/band to stream or download. WHAT’S YOUR FOCUSOMAHA?

Focus | January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4 13

Countryside Village By Focus Omaha Countryside Village is located at 87th and Pacific Streets, smack in the heart of one of Omaha’s most beautiful residential neighborhoods. DIRECTORY 1 Coming Soon House of R 2 Leasing Opportunity 3 Omaha Power Yoga 4 Travel Faire 5 Leasing Opportunity 6 PuFFi’s 7 Crash %ang %oom 8 Village NeedleZorNs 9 Leased 10 Leasing Opportunity 11 merci 12 Vanessa %arrett Interiors 13 Cedar 14 Village Alterations 15 Countryside Village Management 16 RSVP 17 The Casual Pint 18 Nails Spa Village 19 Leasing Opportunity 20 Amnesty Home 21 The MIx 22 Leasing Opportunity 23 Le Quartier Baking Company 24 Stephanie Moss Salon 25 The Loft at Remlo Studios 26 The Casual Pint 27 Paper Kite Omaha

28 The Linen Gallery 29 Ren-Mo Boutique 30 Leasing Opportunity 31 Camille’s Bakery 32 Chill Body 33 Gramercy 34 Timber Wood Fire Bistro 35 Starbucks Coffee 36 Robert Max Opticians 37 Max I. Walker 38 The Fold 39 Village Pomegranate 40 Made In Omaha 41 Coming Soon House of R 42 Swartz’s Delicatessen 43 Inkwell 44 Dennison Dahlman - Spirited Barbers 45 The Simple Man 46 Village Grinder 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. Omaha’s Original Small Town in the City Stop by, stay a spell, let Countryside cast its magic. Above all, relax and enjoy.

WHATS YOUR FOCUS OMAHA?

Focus | - January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4

Focus | January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4 15

Focus | - January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4

Focus | January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4 17

According to the CDC, Working with Animals may be Hazardous to your Health! By Focus Omaha Veterinarians in the U.S. are at an increased risk of suicide, a trend that has spanned more than three decades, according to a new CDC study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA)External. The study is the first to show increased suicide mortality among female veterinarians. Female veterinarians were 3.5 times as likely, and male veterinarians were 2.1 times as likely, to die from suicide as the general population. Seventy-five percent of the veterinarians who died by suicide worked in a small animal practice. Since 2000, the proportion of female veterinarians who died by suicide has remained stable at 10 percent; however, the number of deaths has increased steadily. An earlier study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found female veterinarians have a higher prevalence of risk factors for suicide including experiencing depression and suicide

ideation and attempts. Today, more than 60 percent of U.S. veterinarians are women. In 2017, of the 110,531 veterinarians in the U.S, 66,731 were female and 43,662 were male.

veterinarians using information from obituaries submitted to JAVMA and from life insurance policies. These sources provided age, sex, race, clinical positions, and species specialization.

“Our findings suggest mortality from suicide among veterinarians has been high for some time — spanning the entire 36-year period we studied,” said CDC Director Robert R. Redfield, M.D. “This study shines a light on a complex issue in this profession. Using this knowledge, we can work together to reduce the number of suicides among veterinarians.”

The National Center for Health Statistics maintains the National Death Index, which provided the underlying cause of death information for the deceased veterinarians. Using specialized software, researchers calculated proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) to compare suicide deaths among veterinarians with the proportionate mortality in the broader U.S. population. The PMRs indicated that suicide accounted for a greater proportion of deaths in veterinarians.

As in the general population, firearms were the most commonly used method of suicide among veterinarians. However, 37 percent of suicide deaths among veterinarians were caused by pharmaceutical poisoning, which is 2.5 times higher than pharmaceutical poisoning among the general U.S. population. Sixty-four percent of deaths among women and 32 percent of suicide deaths among men in the veterinary profession were from this type of poisoning. For this study, NIOSH researchers looked at records from 11,620 veterinarians who died during the years 1979-2015. Data for the study came from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics. The AVMA maintains a data set of deaths of all known U.S.

Focus | - January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4

PREVENTING SUICIDE AMONG VETERINARIANS According to a 2016 report by CDC, nearly 45,000 Americans, ages 10 or older, died by suicide. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., and is 1 of 3 leading causes that are on the rise. Suicide is seldom caused by a single factor. Some factors specific to the veterinary profession may include: Demands of practice such as long work hours, work overload, and practice management responsibilities. Ever-increasing educational debt-toincome ratio. Poor work-life balance. Access to euthanasia solution used for animals and the training to calculate a dose that could also be lethal in people.

NIOSH’s hierarchy of controls—a framework used to make recommendations on methods of controlling occupational hazards to help prevent occupational illnesses and injuries—could be used to help guide suicide prevention measures in the veterinary profession. This could include strategies to change the way people work such as scheduling shorter work shifts and restricting access to euthanasia solution. “Collaboration among multiple stakeholders in the profession such as professional associations, veterinary schools, and suicide prevention experts could help contribute to an effective and comprehensive suicide prevention strategy within the profession,” said NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D. In 2017, CDC released Preventing Suicide: A Technical Package of Policy, Programs, and PracticesCdc-pdf, a collection of strategies and approaches based on the best available evidence, including teaching coping and problemsolving skills and identifying and supporting people at risk. This resource can also help inform veterinary stakeholders as they make decisions about prevention activities and priorities in the veterinary profession.

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Focus | January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4 19

Omaha Mavericks

Nebraska Huskers

Creighton Bluejays

By Focus Omaha

Omaha led nearly the entire game on Thursday to pick up its third win in a row. This one was on the road at Western Illinois, which now has lost to all three local Division One teams. The Mavericks were topped by Zack Jackson with 22 points and KJ Robinson added 18.

After two abysmal outings, the Huskers will return on Saturday to face Ohio State in Lincoln. The game will be aired on FS1 at 11am.

A first-half lead disappeared in a Red Storm run and Creighton fell to St. John’s 81-66 last Wednesday in New York City. The loss was CU’s fourth straight in the BIG EAST and ended a six-game winning streak against Chris Mullin’s team.

A Sunday night game with South Dakota made it four in a row for UNO (11-8, 5-1 Summit League). Jackson’s 21 led all scorers and Matt Pile added a double-double on 12 points and a career-best 14 rebounds. Mitch Hahn and JT Gibson added 15 points each. Omaha heads to Purdue Fort Wayne on Thursday, then at South Dakota State for a Saturday shootout before returning home and a stretch that will see four of five games player at Baxter Arena.

It’s essential that Nebraska gets back to the basics and starts playing team basketball. These guys have been together for far too long to be having the kinds of issues that they’re currently displaying.

Freshman Marcus Zegarowski dropped in 17 for the Bluejays, who that day learned sophomore forward Damien Jefferson would be out for at least a When was the last time the best college month following ankle surgery. That basketball team in the state had a made him the second frontcourt player chance to be UNO? lost for the Jays as a young team with Huskers at Rutgers Notes: a thin margin for error became even -James Palmer Jr. finished with 22 thinner on the front line as Jefferson points, his 10th 20-point effort of the season and 18th of his career. -Nebraska reached double figures in steals for the fifth time this year and finished with 11 steals. The Huskers came into the game leading the Big Ten with 8.3 steals per game. -Nebraska went 10-18 from the foul line, its lowest performance from the foul line this year. NU entered the game shooting 73 percent from the line overall and 75 percent in Big Ten play. -James Palmer Jr. finished in double figures for the 18th time in 19 games this season finishing with 16 points and eight rebounds. -Rutgers’ 15-0 in the first half run marked only the third double-figure run against Nebraska this season.

Focus | - January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4

joined fellow soph Jacob Epperson on the sidelines. Monday’s trip to Georgetown may have turned around a season that looked like it could be slipping away. The Jays rallied from a slow start to pull within one of the Hoyas at the half. Sophomore Ty-Shon Alexander – the club’s leading scorer who had struggled on the road – dropped in 26 to lead five Bluejays (11-8, 2-4) in double figures. Coach Greg McDermott also made some coaching moves with CU stepping out of its man-to-man into a 2-3 zone on occasion and changing things up on offense by deploying two big men at a time. Hard work seems to have paid off and after a brutal start to the league schedule – the Jays return home for Friday night’s annual Pink-Out game with Butler on the schedule.

“Guitar” George Heads Southwest

Laughery will no doubt be seen on an Omaha stage again, but that has been a less frequent occurrence in recent years as the music scene has changed. There are a lot of venues now, but it By Howard Schwartz seems club owners have a different He is known to many as “Guitar” George approach. and it does seem like he knows all the Benson often seemingly serves chords. as a learning ground and school Ace Omaha guitarist George Laughery for musicians – some occasional exceptions, for sure – but Omaha has has headed off into the sunset – or at become tough for a top player to make least the Southwest. He will be heard a living. A North High grad, Laughery from again. knows there is a business side to the music business. You may have heard him play with The Mighty Jailbreakers, The Confidentials, “It’s always about who can put the butts or Knucklehead. Laughery worked with in the seats,” he said. Murali Coryell, toured with Jason D. Williams and spent several years with That forces many of the best players to Mulberry Lane. Recently he’s often be in multiple bands, which in turn does played with The Emmett Bower Band. impact when and where they work. He was in the orchestra at the Omaha Community Playhouse for at least 25 shows, starting with Hair. “After that I’ve done tons of different shows,” he recalled. In short, a musician’s musician, a pro, and one of the go-to guys around these parts.

These are common concerns among local musicians. Just check out the lineups some night. “That’s why I have spent my entire life living in Omaha but playing on the road,” Laughery observed. “If you don’t pay your musicians, you’ll eventually end up having amateurs (on stage).” Laughery will be back to work on existing projects and other gigs as well. He knows there is talent here and lots more work to be done. But before that, he’s riding off into the sunny Southwest and a different environment. “First thing I’m going to do is join the musician’s union.

“I’ve never seen a town with so many bands and so few musicians,” he offered. “You have to play in five bands to stay busy.” Where there used to be multi-night bookings, many clubs now have oneand-done nights for most of their acts. Many of the top players – in an admittedly lively music scene – may also be in Lincoln bands or travel to Kansas City for more work.

Focus | January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4 21

Eric Johnson Returns: Ah Via Musicom Featured in Entirety By Andy Roberts Grammy winning guitarist Eric Johnson is on the road back to Omaha for a performance that will feature his celebrated album Ah Via Musicom from start to finish.

If you’re wondering why he’s one the road in the middle of America in the middle of winter, there is an explanation.

Focus | - January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4

“We rescheduled some dates from November of last year. I had a family emergency and had to go home,” Johnson said. Those dates were rescheduled and a few more added to a tour that will bring him to Slowdown on January 29. After that it’s south to his home state of Texas for a few more shows before the next tour. Ah Via Musicom went platinum and yielded the single “Cliffs of Dover” which won the Grammy Award for best rock instrumental performance. That signature 1990 achievement remains his best-known work and, while he has touched on many styles, there are special elements to this tour relating to that album. “We have the original members, Tommy Taylor and Kyle Brock,” he said. “We do a set of newer stuff then we come back and play Ah Via Musicom from start to finish.” Johnson has followed Ah Via Musicom – which loosely translates as “communicating through music” – numerous albums and tours. Explaining its lasting appeal is not easy even for Johnson. “You know, I don’t know because even when we finished the record instrumental music wasn’t going to be a widespread thing,” he recalled. “Cliffs of Dover” managed to get exposure and it just kept growing during an era when the music business was much different than today. “People liked the vibe,” he stated. “It’s a way different deal now, that’s for sure.” His relationship with the guitar began during his youth in the 1950s. “I think when I was like three years old a friend of my family’s came over and played guitar . . . I was just mesmerized by it,” he offered. “I’d hear guitar and just go ‘What a cool sound!”

Johnson’s first musical training came when he learned piano, but he moved to guitar at 11. During the ensuing years he has become impossible to pigeonhole. Along the way he has recorded with Christopher Cross, Carol King, Chet Atkins and was a member of Alien Ant Farm. “I grew up listening to so many different types of music I guess I’ve learned to like a lot of types of music . . . I never quarantined myself in any one style.” He compared it to exploring different cultures. “Sometimes you take a second look or a second glance and go ‘oh now I get it,’” he said. “There’s so much synchronicity.” Johnson’s career allows him to continue exploring as he does three or four tours a year and around 100 shows annually. Everyone who makes a living on the road has a different reason, he figures, but for him the best part is giving joy to others. “That’s my favorite part of the whole deal, really.” The January 29 show will not be his first appearance in Omaha, and he’s looking forward to the return. “We’ve had some good shows there,” he said. “It’s a pretty town . . . I enjoyed being there.” The future offers a return to the road and the studio. Johnson acknowledged he will be busy. “I have a new record I’m about threefourths finished now,” he offered. “We’ll see if people like it . . . it’s a lot of acoustic and piano.” In March there is The Hendrix Experience tour where he expects to be on the road with Dave Mustaine, Joe

Satriani, Buddy Guy, Dweezil Zappa, and Johnny Lang. Of course they play the music of Jimi Hendrix. “It’s like 30 of us. Everybody comes out and plays a couple songs,” Johnson stated. “It’s been going on every year for about ten or 12 years.” And when that’s over? “Just trying to keep exploring music.”

Eric Johnson Online: www.facebook.com/ OfficialEricJohnson www.twitter.com/EJUpClose www.ericjohnson.com

Focus | January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4 23

What Rising Rates Could Mean for Your Money By Michael Herek After years of keeping the benchmark federal funds rate at historic lows, the Federal Reserve has been raising it gradually. Near-zero rates were an emergency measure, and gradual increases reflect greater confidence in the U.S. economy. However, rising rates can affect you as a consumer and investor.

remained low, the rate remained at this historic low until December 2015, when the FOMC raised the target range by 0.25%. The next 0.25% increase came in December 2016. As the economy has strengthened, the pace has picked up, with three increases in 2017 and four increases in 2018.

Although rising interest rates make it more expensive for consumers and businesses to borrow, retirees and others who seek income could eventualWhat is the federal funds rate? The FOMC raises the federal funds ly benefit from higher yields on savings The federal funds rate is the interest rate in an effort to slow the economy accounts and CDs. However, banks have rate at which banks lend funds to each and hold back inflation, which can rise been faster to raise rates charged on other overnight to maintain legally rapidly when an economy grows too loans than to raise rates paid on deposrequired reserves. It applies only to quickly. The Fed has set a 2% annual its. This may change as rates continue funds that stay on deposit within the inflation goal as consistent with healthy to rise and the economy continues to Federal Reserve System. The Federal economic growth. improve. Theoretically, the “tipping Open Market Committee (FOMC) sets a point” for savers will come when banks target range for the funds rate, usually a The FOMC began to raise the funds have to compete for deposits in order to 0.25% spread, and then sets two specific rate while inflation was still under 2% because it believed that the employment meet higher demand for loans. rates that act as a floor and a ceiling situation was strong enough to begin to push the funds rate into that target What about investors? the transition from emergency mearange. The rate may vary slightly from Interest rate changes can have broad sures toward a more “normal” interest day to day, but it generally stays within effects on investments, but the impact rate environment. Since then, inflation the target range. tends to be more pronounced in the has moved closer to the Fed’s target, and short term as markets adjust to the new Although the federal funds rate is an raising the federal funds rate helps to internal rate within the Federal Reserve guard against inflation rising too quickly level. System, it serves as a benchmark for in the future. When interest rates rise, the value many short-term rates set by banks and of existing bonds typically falls. Put How will consumer interest rates can influence longer-term rates as well. simply, investors would prefer a newer be affected? bond paying a higher interest rate than The prime rate, which commercial banks Why does the Fed adjust the an existing bond paying a lower rate. charge their best customers, is typically federal funds rate? Longer-term bonds tend to fluctuate tied directly to the federal funds rate. The Federal Reserve and the FOMC opmore than those with shorter maturities Though actual rates can vary widely, erate under a dual mandate to conduct because investors may be reluctant small-business loans, adjustable rate monetary policies that foster maximum to tie up their money for an extended employment and price stability. Adjust- mortgages, home equity lines of credit, period if they anticipate higher yields in auto loans, credit cards, and other forms ing the federal funds rate is one way the the future. of consumer credit are often linked to central bank can influence economic the prime rate, so the rates on these Bonds redeemed prior to maturity may growth and inflation. types of loans typically increase with the be worth more or less than their original In December 2008, the heart of the refederal funds rate. Fed rate hikes might value, but when a bond is held to matucession, the FOMC dropped the federal also put upward pressure on interest rity, the bond owner would receive the funds rate to a 0.00% to 0.25% range in rates for new fixed-rate home mortgag- face value and interest, unless the issuer an effort to stimulate the economy and es, but these rates are not tied directly defaults. Thus, rising interest rates generate job growth. Because the ecoto the federal funds rate or the prime should not affect the return on a bond nomic recovery was slow and inflation rate. you hold to maturity, but may affect

Focus | - January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4

the price of a bond you want to sell on the secondary market before it reaches maturity. Bond funds are subject to the same inflation, interest rate, and credit risks associated with their underlying bonds. Thus, falling bond prices due to rising rates can adversely affect a bond fund’s performance. However, as underlying bonds mature and are replaced by higher-yielding bonds within a rising interest rate environment, the fund’s yield and/ or share value could potentially increase over the long term. Equities may also be affected by rising rates, though not as directly as bonds. Stock prices are closely tied to earnings growth, so many corporations stand to benefit from a more robust economy. On the other hand, companies that rely on heavy borrowing will likely face higher costs going forward, which could affect their bottom lines. The broader market may react when the Fed announces a decision to raise rates or not to raise rates, but any reaction is typically temporary. Fundamentally, what matters is how the economy performs as interest rates adjust. As always, it’s important to maintain a long-term perspective and make sound investment decisions based on your own financial goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance.

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BLUECAPITALWEALTH.COM | 402-502-9322 3814 FARNAM ST. STE 202 Focus | January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4 25

Long View for Real Estate as Shutdown Hits Record Stretch By Focus Omaha

While many federal agencies crucial to the business are operating normally, a prolonged partial government closure threatens to disrupt mortgage applications, increase delinquencies, and put a dent in your business. Most housing markets across the country aren’t yet feeling the effects of the partial federal government shutdown, with 75 percent of REALTORS® reporting no impact to their business, according to a National Association of REALTORS® survey conducted Jan. 7. But that tune may change if the shutdown—now the longest in U.S. history—continues and markets absorb the spillover effect of delayed mortgage application processing, increased mortgage and rental payment delinquencies, and reduced spending in the broader economy. “The government shutdown is an unambiguous negative for the real estate market,” says NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “It is delaying activity that would otherwise occur.”

the government’s outstanding funding commitments collapsed in early January over border security. As of mid-January, most home purchase transactions were not interrupted because conventional mortgage loans backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac— which comprise the bulk of home purchase finance transactions—were being processed without delay. The same was true for transactions backed by the Federal Housing Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs, both of which use a delegated lender process in which pre-approved private lenders can originate loans without agency approval as long as the loans are underwritten in accordance with agency guidelines. The one agency directly involved with home mortgages that has been caught in the shutdown is the Department of Agriculture, which backs loans through the Rural Housing Service. The agency has authority to operate a delegated lender program like FHA’s, but it has not yet implemented the program, and many of its employees are furloughed. “As of right now, all loans must go through RHS for processing, so these loans are not getting approved,” says Megan Booth, NAR’s director of housing policy.

Still, there are more bright spots for real estate. One is the IRS, which verifies borrowers’ income for certain types of mortgage loans, including those for self-employed buyers. After furloughs Twenty-two percent of REALTORS® caused a brief period of delays to report some kind of impact to current or potential clients, most often involving income verification requests, the IRS has straightened out issues over its authorbuyers who see the shutdown, which ity to operate and is continuing to work began at midnight on Dec. 22, as a sign of economic uncertainty and are choos- through the shutdown. And for purchasing to delay a purchase, according to the es needing federal flood insurance, the National Flood Insurance Program is NAR survey. back in operation after a short period of The shutdown doesn’t affect the uncertainty when the shutdown began. whole government. Congress has “NAR worked vigorously to make sure already passed numerous fiscal 2019 that that program continues to be up bills appropriating money to federal and running, so buyers shouldn’t have agencies, which President Donald problems getting flood insurance with Trump has signed. But several bills, their loans,” Booth says. including one to fund operations of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Longer-term, though, a continued shutdown will have consequential effects on Development, have not been passed, and a broad-based budget deal to meet home sales and the broader economy.

Focus | - January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4

“This is fundamentally an issue of confidence,” Yun says. “People are concerned about the direction of the economy and the perception of a chaotic environment in Washington. What we’re going through is not helping people make a firm decision for a major expenditure like a home purchase.”

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Focus | January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4 27

Focus | - January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4

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! JULIO’S 123rd & Center M-F 3P – 6P & FRI & SAT AFTER 9M $1 off all Tap Beer, $3 House Margaritas, $8 Pitchers of Bud Light & Miller Light, $2 Tacos & $8 Nachos KOZEE LOUNGE 5813 N 60th St. Daily Drink Specials! 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 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

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Focus | January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4 29

Focus | - January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4

Focus | January 23 - 29 | Volume 3 Issue 4 31