VOLUME 1 ISSUE 14 | MARCH 29 - APRIL 4 | 2017
YOUR FREE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, PERSONAL FINANCE, MUSIC & CLASSIFIEDS NEWSWEEKLY
EVENTS Top Ten
LIVE & LOCAL Charm School Dropouts
BEAUTIFUL The Carole King Musical
DINING A Taste of Asia
TABLE OF CONTENTS
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 14
4 | 2017 | MARCH 29 - APRIL & CLASSIFIEDS NEWSWEEKLY
TAINMENT, PERSONAL YOUR FREE ARTS, ENTER
FINANCE, MUSIC
FOCUS ON THIS WEEK! 4
THE ARTS
24
LIVE & LOCAL
6
FAMILY
26
SPORTS
8
EVENTS 27
HAPPY HOUR
28
NEWS OF THE WEIRD
12 FASHION
30
CLASSIFIEDS
14 THIS WEEKS FEATURE
Focus is your FREE Arts, Entertainment, Personal Finance, Music & Classifieds Newsweekly. We’ve brought all of these elements together for the first time, all in one weekly format. Our goal is to provide you, the customer, with the best possible publication to suit all of your needs.
EVENTS Top Ten
BEAUTIFUL
The Carole King Musical
LIVE & LOCAL
Charm School Dropouts
DINING
A Taste of Asia
10 ON TEN 11 CINEMA By Teka Marie
It is about to be that time of the year when the temperature is consistently above 65 degrees and we can put “sweater weather” and winter layering officially behind us. Open Toe Shoes By Cass Butler
18 FINANCE
Herek Financial will be sharing financial information relating to the markets, investments, financial news and other information with regard to finance. By Mike Herek
20 DINING 22 HEALTH
Husker Baseball By Focus Staff
Weekly News of the Weird By Chuck Shepherd
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Focus 7914 W Dodge Rd. # 413 Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 208-6545 focusomaha@gmail.com www.focusomaha.com
---------------------------------------------Gallery 72 1806 Vinton St., Omaha, 68108 ---------------------------------------------Gallery 1516 1516 Leavenworth St., Omaha, 68102 ---------------------------------------------Garden of the Zodiac 1046 Howard St., Omaha, 68102 ---------------------------------------------Hot Shops 1301 Nicholas St, Omaha, 68102 EXHIBITS ---------------------------------------------Joslyn Art Museum 2200 Dodge St., Omaha, 68102 ---------------------------------------------Lewis Art Gallery 8600 Cass St., Omaha, 68114 ---------------------------------------------MANGELSEN Images of Nature 1115 Harney St., Omaha, 68102 Searching for the Seventies: The ---------------------------------------------DOCUMERICA Photography Project Modern Arts Midtown Durham Museum Through April 30 3615 Dodge St., Omaha, 68131 MARCH 31 ---------------------------------------------MARCH 29 PORTRAIT OF A PRESIDENT 6P Images of everyday life in 1970s Old Market Artists Gallery March Reader’s Circle: A Warrior of We Want You! To come see how 20 America evoke disco dancing and 1034 Howard St., Omaha, 68102 the People by Joe Starita 12pm Local Artists chose to depict one of inflation, protests and bell-bottoms, ---------------------------------------------Douglas County Historical Society Our Nations Presidents! Past, Present, gas shortages and suburban sprawl. Passageway Gallery - Nebraska, 5730 N 30th St, # 11B, Future? Anything goes in this Patriotic At a time when the Vietnam War and 417 S 11th St, Omaha, 68102 Omaha, Nebraska 68111 Pop Up! Also Live music by John J the Watergate scandal wore on the na- ---------------------------------------------Evans-h and Poetry readings by The tional psyche, a burgeoning movement Petshop Gallery March’s book will be A Warrior of the Clean Part Reading Series! Sure to be a to protect the natural environment 2725 N 62nd St., Omaha, 68104 People by Joe Starita. This book is an memorable night! Don’t Miss it! was gaining force. ---------------------------------------------official selection of the Nebraska 150 ONE NIGHT ONLY! FREE!! 6-10PM The Little Gallery & Underground Film Celebrations. AT PETSHOP IN BENSON! Searching for the Seventies: The Forum 5901 Maple St., 68104 Petshop, 2725 N 62nd St. DOCUMERICA Photography Project, ---------------------------------------------Reader’s Circle meets on the last takes a look at the ’70s using 90 The Union for Contemporary Art Wednesday of each month except for remarkable color photographs taken 2417 Burdette St., Omaha, 68111 December and selects books that are for a federal photography project ---------------------------------------------either from a Douglas County author called Project DOCUMERICA UNO Art Gallery or relate to Douglas County history. 6001 Dodge St., Omaha, 68182 However, in honor of the state’s ---------------------------------------------sesquicentennial celebrations the GALLERIES White Crane Gallery scope is being expanded to include 1032 Howard St, Omaha, 68102 selections on the Nebraska 150 official ---------------------------------------------reading list. Attendees to each meetAnderson Enterprises Zombie Art & Glass Gallery ing will be offered coffee along with 15418 W Center Rd, Omaha, 68144 6001 Maple St., Omaha, 68104 an assorted tray of treats provided by ---------------------------------------------local favorite, Dugger’s Café. Anderson O’Brien Fine Art Old Market MUSEUMS 1108 Jackson St., Omaha, 68102 If you are interested in participating in ---------------------------------------------Durham Museum the Reader’s Circle, please call Artist Cooperative Gallery 801 S 10th St., Omaha, 68108 402-455-9990 ext. 101 or email 405 S 11th St, Omaha, 68102 ---------------------------------------------Members@DouglasCoHistory.org. APRIL 7 ---------------------------------------------Great Plains Black History Museum Cost to participate is $5 for members Mike Loftus: The Art of Hearing Less Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts 7400 Dodge St., Omaha 68114 and $10 for non members. Opening Reception: April 7th, 7 - 9pm 724 S 12th St., Omaha, 68102 ---------------------------------------------at Star Deli in Benson during Benson Blue Pomegranate Gallery Joslyn Art Museum First Friday. 17305 Davenport St, Omaha, 68118 2200 Dodge St., Omaha, 68102 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Exhibition runs through April 30th and Cooper Brown Art Omaha Children’s Museum is open to the public during Star Deli 2215 Harney St., Omaha, 68102 500 S 20th St., Omaha, 68102 buisness hours. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dundee Gallery Strategic Air Command & Aerospace (Photo: “The Art of Hearing Less”, Oil 4916 Underwood Ave, Omaha, 68132 Museum, 28210 W Park Hwy, 68003 on Canvas, 20 x 16, March 2017.)
4 Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14
1019 Howard St. Omaha, NE 68102 402-342-1737
Custom Jewelry Pearls Local Artists Loose Gemstones Watch Batteries Jewelry Repair www.goldsmithsilversmith.com PERFORMING ARTS Blue Barn Theatre 1106 S. 10th St., Omaha, NE 68108 --Silent Sky, March 23 – April 15 ---------------------------------------------Holland Performing Arts Center 13th & Douglas St., Omaha, NE 68102 --Ratatouille, April 1 --Band Day at the Holland, April 2 --2017/2018 Season Reveal, April 3 --Choir Day at the Holland, April 10 --Chasing Rivers, April 18 ---------------------------------------------Omaha Community Playhouse 6915 Cass St., Omaha, NE 68132 --Rock of Ages, March 3 - April 2 --The Weisenheimers, April 1 --Leading Ladies, April 14 - May 7 ---------------------------------------------Orpheum Theater 409 S Sixteenth St., Omaha, NE 68102 --Beautiful- April 4 - April 9 --Flight, April 21-23 --Gay Men’s Chorus of LA: April 28 --Momix, May 4 ----------------------------------------------
Shelterbelt Theatre 3225 California St, Omaha, NE 68131 --CATHERLAND, April 21 - May 14 ---------------------------------------------The Rose Theater 2001 Farnam St., Omaha, NE 68102 --Harold & The Purple Crayon March 29 - April 9 --Stellaluna and Other Tales Apr 21 - May 7 --Peter Pan June 2-18
Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14 5
Nature Connects: Art with Lego® Bricks Lauritzen Gardens Thru May 15 Sean Kenney’s third exhibit at Lauritzen Gardens features some fantastic NEW pieces, including a proud peacock, a giant dragonfly, and a not so itsy-bitsy spider, as well as a couple of old favorites. Compare your wing span to a beautiful monarch butterfly, stand tall with a majestic buck and his en”deer”ing family, smell a giant pansy, go nose-to-nose with a titanic tortoise and make a splash with a friendly band of birds. Inspired by nature and built from more than 450,000 LEGO® pieces, this indoor exhibit features 13 displays with larger-thanlife sculptures that represent the web of incredible connections that sustain life on Earth.
Thru April 15 Omaha Children’s Museum Omaha Children’s Museum is bringing back fan favorites from the past 40 years! Remember the dentist chair from the 1970s and the news desk from the 1980s? They’re coming back (with a little bit of modern updating). Plus, revisit some of the more recent popular items from exhibits like Itty Bitty City, Once Upon a Farm, and Construction Zone: Return of the Bulldozer. Get your imagination ready for: Obstacle Course, Giant Operation Game, Dentist Office, Building Blocks. TV News Desk and more! Winters hours are now in effect until Memorial Day Weekend 2017 Sunday - 11am to 5pm Monday - CLOSED Tuesday - Friday - 10am to 4 pm Saturday - 9am to 5pm
Don’t miss the “Play and Let it Stay station,” where visitors of all ages can create, take apart, tinker, build and grow together. This blockbuster exhibit is included with admission, $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and free for garden members and children under six.
Black Holes: Space Warps & Time Twists Sac Museum Thru June 4 Black Holes: Space Warps & Time Twists immerses visitors in the modern search for black holes—the most mysterious and powerful objects in the universe — thru a variety of interactive Block Party and multimedia experiences. DevelThru April 9 oped by the Harvard-Smithsonian Omaha Children’s Museum Center for Astrophysics, this 2,500 Build, stack, and create cities in this square-foot exhibition consists of 13 new special exhibit. Did you know interactive components that captivate block play is more than just fun for audiences and increase their underkids? Building and self-directed play helps children work on math skills, crit- standing of core ideas in physical ical thinking and problem solving skills. science, including gravity and light, the tools and techniques of astronomers, Talk about play with purpose! and the nature of theory and evidence in science. More information can be Imagination: found online at http://sacmuseum.org/ Celebrating 40 Years of Play black-holes/
6 Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14
Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14 7
WEDNESDAY MARCH 29 GENERATIONS OZONE LOUNGE, 6:30P ----------------------------------------------2017 FEI WORLD CUP FINALS CENTURYLINK CENTER, 7P ----------------------------------------------MOTHERSHIP, BLACK PUSSY, RIFFLORD, BLACK VELVET DR. JACK’S DRINKERY, 7P ----------------------------------------------SO THIS IS SUFFERING, SIGNS OF THE SWARM LOOKOUT LOUNGE, 7P ----------------------------------------------RAY’S PIANO PARTY MR. TOAD, 7P ----------------------------------------------MCCP FUNDRAISER INFUSION BENSON, 7:30P ----------------------------------------------SWAMPBOY ACOUSTIC BAND ON THE Q STREET BAR, 7:30P ----------------------------------------------RABBIT WILDE W/ ANDREA VON KAMPEN SLOWDOWN, 8P ----------------------------------------------BYOV W/ ZACK FRIEDMAN HARNEY STREET TAVERN, 9P ----------------------------------------------ANDY SHAUF W/ DAVID NANCE REVERB LOUNGE, 9P ----------------------------------------------MUSIC CRUSH WEDNESDAY THE WAITING ROOM, 9P
----------------------------------------------ANVIL, NIGHT DEMON, GRAVESHADOW, THE CLINCHER, BLACK SACRAMENT LOOKOUT LOUNGE, 8P ----------------------------------------------KARAOKE W/ DJ MAD MATZ REVERB LOUNGE, 8P ----------------------------------------------JONATHAN RICHMAN FEATURING TOMMY LARKINS THE WAITING ROOM, 8P ----------------------------------------------HOOT N HOLLER FOR A DOLLAR! OJAI BARLEY STREET TAVERN, 9P ----------------------------------------------MAGIC K ACOUSTIC HARNEY STREET TAVERN, 9P ----------------------------------------------THOSE FAR OUT ARROWS, ARC FLASH, CONDOR & JAYBIRD O’LEAVER’S PUB, 9P ----------------------------------------------CHRIS SHELTON DUBLINER PUB, 9:30P
FRIDAY MARCH 31
OLD MARKET FISH FRY O’CONNOR’S IRISH PUB, 4P ----------------------------------------------PORTRAIT OF A PRESIDENT PETSHOP, 6P ----------------------------------------------CRUISE INTO BOWLING ALLEY V, 6:30P ----------------------------------------------TRACI SCHACHT THURSDAY MARCH 30 HOTEL RL, 7P ----------------------------------------------DUELING PIANOS FALLIBLE, ALPHA 5, BEFORE I OZONE LOUNGE, 6:30P BURM, MINDFLIGHT ----------------------------------------------- LOOKOUT LOUNGE, 8P COLIN ROBERTS ----------------------------------------------VINO MAS, 6:30P JEREMY MCCOMB W/ DAN OLSEN ----------------------------------------------- REVERB LOUNGE, 8P BIG TIME GRAIN COMPNANY ----------------------------------------------AMERISPORTS BAR, 7P HIT THE APVEMENT TOUR ----------------------------------------------- SHAMROCK’S PUB, 8P MAHA MUSIC FESTIVAL 2017 ----------------------------------------------LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT PARTY JAY WILCHER’S JAZZ, R&B AND REVERB LOUNGE, 7P FUNK 5
8 Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14
SOKOL AUDITORIUM & UNDERGROUND, 8P ----------------------------------------------THE NADAS THE WAITING ROOM, 8P ----------------------------------------------HI-FI HANGOVER AMERISPORTS BAR, 8:30P ----------------------------------------------FALLEN REIGN W/ D.N.D. AND SHIVER DR. JACK’S DRINKERY, 8:30P ----------------------------------------------SMITH’S CLOUD, MICHAEL WUNDER, MOLLY GAUGHAN BARLEY STREET, 9P ----------------------------------------------WICKED FUN FIREBARN SPORTS BAR PAPILION, 9P ----------------------------------------------RIPTIDE REFUGEES FIREWATER GRILLE, 9P ----------------------------------------------MATT WHIPKEY BAND GROWLER USA, 9P ----------------------------------------------STEVE LOVETT BLUES BAND HARNEY STREET TAVERN, 9P ----------------------------------------------ATLAS, DHX, MINT WAD WILLY, JACK MCLAUGHLIN
MILK RUN, 9P ----------------------------------------------THE CONFIDENTIALS OZONE LOUNGE, 9P ----------------------------------------------HIT THE PAVEMENT TOUR: MEDIA SOLUTION, DAYS OF HEAVEN, THE UNIT SHAMROCK’S PUB & GRILL, 9P ----------------------------------------------JUMP THE TIGER, MONTEE MEN, JOCKO SLOWDOWN, 9P ----------------------------------------------ALEX & MATT SKYYBOX, 9P ----------------------------------------------DJ SHIF-D THE COVE, 9P ----------------------------------------------CHAD LEE BAND TWO FINE IRISHMEN, 9P ----------------------------------------------ELECTRICRADBOLT EP RELEASE THE DOWN UNDER, 9P ----------------------------------------------GRUNGE POP CHROME LOUNGE, 9:30P ----------------------------------------------REGGIE SHAW DUBLINER PUB, 9:30P -----------------------------------------------
SALSA DANCING GUSTO CUBAN, 9:30P ----------------------------------------------SAM ADAM MARTIN, THICK PAINT, THOR DICKEY O’LEAVER’S PUB, 9:30P ----------------------------------------------SECRET WEAPON PARLIAMENT PUB DWNTWN, 9:30P
SATURDAY APRIL 1 JAZZ CONCERT SERIES FEATURING SIDEWALK CHALK LOVE’S JAZZ & ART CENTER, 7P ----------------------------------------------VOODOO GLOW SKULLS, THE SHIDIOTS, HEATWAVE, GRAVEYARD SMASH, NOIZEWAVE LOOKOUT LOUNGE, 7P ----------------------------------------------BEVERLY TODD HOTEL RL, 7P ----------------------------------------------SKRETTA ETC VINO MAS, 7P ----------------------------------------------JEREMY MCCOMB W/ DAN OLSEN REVERB LOUNGE, 8P ----------------------------------------------HIGHLY SUSPECT AND THE KIDS SLOWDOWN, 8P ----------------------------------------------VANEASSA CARLTON THE WAITING ROOM, 8P ----------------------------------------------HI-FI HANGOVER AMERISPORTS BAR, 8:30P ----------------------------------------------“THE ED ARCHIBALD TRIO” THE OMAHA LOUNGE, 8:30P ----------------------------------------------LET IT GLOW FEATURING THESURGEON BAR 415, 9P ----------------------------------------------ROSE GARDEN FUNERAL, RIGHT TO FAIL, OUTERCASE SMILE BARLEY STREET TAVERN, 9P ----------------------------------------------PINHEADS DR. JACK’S DRINKERY, 9P ----------------------------------------------THE FOOLS FIREBARN SPORTS BAR PAPILLION, 9P ----------------------------------------------RED DELICIOUS OZONE LOUNGE, 9P ----------------------------------------------THE RAGABONDS, THE COSMIC SMITHS SHARK CLUB, 9P -----------------------------------------------
THE JERRY PRANKSTERS THE DOWN UNDER, 9P ----------------------------------------------ECKOPHONIC TWO FINE IRISHMEN, 9P ----------------------------------------------DICEY RILEY DUBLINER PUB, 9:30P ----------------------------------------------BIEN FANG, SIAMESE, IDLEFOX O’LEAVER’S PUB, 9:30P ----------------------------------------------SECRET WEAPON PARLIAMENT PUB DWNTWN, 9:30P
BROADWAY WITH JIM BOGGESS & FRIENDS JAMBO CAT, 7P ----------------------------------------------PAWS, DUDE YORK, UH OH SLOWDOWN, 8P ----------------------------------------------BLUE MONDAY BLUES JAM THE DOWN UNDER, 8:30P
MEDIUM REBECCA ROSEN THE ROSE THEATER, 7P ----------------------------------------------BEAUTIFUL THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL ORPHEUM THEATER, 7:30P ----------------------------------------------KYLE DUNNIGAN W/ JOHN BUSCH SLOWDOWN, 8P ----------------------------------------------THE COURTNEYS, DAVE NANCE TUESDAY APRIL 4 BAND, VEGETABLE DELUXE 7 NATHAN MA & THE ROSETTES HAUS ALPENZ TASTING WITH LEE MILK RUN, 9P EDWARDS ----------------------------------------------HERBE SAINTE, 4P SPAFFORD W/ MUNGION SUNDAY APRIL 2 ----------------------------------------------- REVERB LOUNGE, 9P THE I-80 EXCHANGE OPEN MIC ----------------------------------------------BABY LOVE OMAHA’S ONLY BABY HOSTED BY CJ GRECO POUYA & FAT NICK W/ FAIR HOTEL RL, 6P GHOASTMANE, WYBMF, BAXTER ARENA, 10A ----------------------------------------------- FLEXATELLI & THA FUT ----------------------------------------------- BILLY TROY THE WAITNG ROOM, 9P BAND DAY OZONE LOUNGE, 6:30P HOLLAND CENTER, 2P --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COGNAC & ARMAGNAC NIGHT! LUKE JOHNSON SPIRIT WORLD, 6:30P SOARING WINGS VINEYARD, 2P --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SILENTS IN CONCERT: THE PASSION INTERNATIONAL DOODLE DOG OF JOAN OF ARC DAY FILM STREAMS, 7P MIDTOWN CROSSING AT TURNER ----------------------------------------------PARK, 3P ----------------------------------------------2ND ANNUAL WINING IN THE DARK NOSH LOUNGE, 4P ----------------------------------------------HECTOR ANCHONDO BAND REVERB LOUNGE, 5P ----------------------------------------------COURAGE MY LOVE, SILENCE IS MADNESS, SALT CREEK, SKYLOFT, THE DYING COLOR LOOKOUT LOUNGE, 7P ----------------------------------------------THE REUNION BEATLES FANTASY TRIBUTE SCOTTISH RITE, 7:30P ----------------------------------------------HIGHLY SUSPECT AND THE KIDS SLOWDOWN, 8P ----------------------------------------------JAZZ WITH LUIGI INC. MR. TOAD, 9P
MONDAY APRIL 3 LAKA LONO HAUS PARTY LAKA LONO RUM CLUB, 6P ----------------------------------------------GOOCH AND HIS LAS VEGAS BIG BAND OZONE LOUNGE, 6:30P -----------------------------------------------
Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14 9
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Wednesday March 29 April 2
2017 FEI World Cup Finals Centurylink Center
6
Saturday/Sunday April 1 & 2
Highly Suspect And The Kids Slowdown
2
Thurs. - Sat. March 29-April 1
Equus Film Festival Marcus Midtown
7
Saturday April 1
Vanessa Carlton The Waiting Room
10 Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14
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Thursday March 30 Maha Music Festival 2017 Lineup Announcement Party Reverb Lounge
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Saturday April 1
Let It Glow Bar 415
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Friday/Saturday March 31/April 1
Bert Kreischer Omaha Funny Bone
9
Sunday April 2
Baby Love Omaha’s Only Baby Fair Baxter Arena
5
Friday/Saturday March 31/April 1
Jeremy McComb Reverb Lounge
10
Tuesday April 4
CJ Greco I-80 Exhange Open Mic Night Hotel RL
Power Rangers By Teka Marie This is the story of a group of high school outcasts who together discover power coins that lead them to an alien ship that has been buried for 65 million years. They meet Zordon (voiced by Bryan Cranston) and (robot) Alpha 5 (voiced by Bill Hader) who inform the five “teenagers with attitude” they are the new Rangers and the fate of the world depends on them defeating former Ranger turned villain Rita Repulsa (Elizabeth Banks). Training immediately begins and these five misfits become the superheroes they were meant to become.
imagery) was typical and certainly not impressive on a Marvel-level by any means, however, it was entertaining. How often will you see a giant transformer looking robot kick the crap out of a giant gold monster in front of a Krispy Kreme?
Power Rangers does bring some refreshing new faces to the big screen along with a few established actors providing a decent supporting cast. Each character stands out in their own unique way and it helps set the tone for the film. Billy (RJ Cyler) is a particular standout with his quirky personality [on the autism spectrum] that equips the film with sizable amusement making it easy for Blue Ranger to grow on everyone. There is also an implication that Trini (Becky G.) is not straight which contributes to her mystery, but you can tell that Lionsgate still wanted to reach the films’ target demographic without completely missing the mark.
The film does allude to a sequel and the introduction of Tommy Oliver... it will be interesting to see where the Hopefully, the second installment story goes in the next installment. If will provide enough time to work out the plot continues to cling to source all the flaws because the fate of the material, there might not be much of a franchise kind of depends on it. The filmmakers (on this project) set the bar franchise. (3½ out of 5 Stars) low enough that Ranger fans aren’t completely disappointed and there are Coming Soon: plenty of mixed feelings about the film. 3/31 - Boss Baby 4/14 - The Fate of the Furious My advice for the sequel; go big or go home. Probably not very often.
There is enough backstory for the younger generation(s) who weren’t alive to enjoy the 90s in all its glory, Power Rangers definitely seems like an but it becomes too much after the first half of the film. By the third act you’re attempt to resurrect the popular 90s franchise and this film was a lot better ready for the action, instead you’re on an emotional rollercoaster. Yes, there than expected. But, adhering to the are a few scenes that will pull on your source material may have prevented heart-strings. Certainly not something the film from reaching its full potential. Additionally, this film should have I expected to happen while watching an action movie. There were several been in 3D...the fact that it was not is movie-goers sitting near me saying; “is slightly disappointing. that it?!” So, it’s safe to say there was a fair level of disappointment. The use of CGI (computer-generated
Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14 11
Open Toe Shoes in the Workplace
of employees who are adamantly opposed to seeing any peek of a toe in the workplace grows, and guidelines are constantly being reviewed and modified for people who might be pushing the boundaries of ‘use your discretion.’
Times have changed so much, especially in the last five years, and thank goodness they have. Modern companies tout business casual environments as an employee benefit partly with the realization clothing and shoes are an extension of our personalities. While I fully understand the workplace is not necessarily the environment to fully “be who you are” I am encouraged women are not as restricted as they had been in recent years. That is not to say there are not open-toed shoes at work that give me pause when I see them. I do not believe flip flops are appropriate any day of the week including casual Friday. They are too exposing, far too informal and It is about to be that time of the year that freaking flipping and flopping is when the temperature is consistently too distracting. I realize this style of above 65 degrees and we can put “shoe” has become hugely popular “sweater weather” and winter layering in tech or tech-like companies and officially behind us. Iced coffees will be creative environments but I would ushered in as will perfectly, pedicured not personally wear them even if the toes to celebrate the season. If not dress code allowed it. They are strictly pedicured, more women start paying beachwear or streetwear. attention to the care of their feet when the weather gets warmer. It’s also the I also believe the height of an opentime when many Human Resource toed shoe in an office environment, professionals or their delegates are should be modest, like the 3″ inch challenged with the continuum of range. I will admit that is a struggle for open toe shoes in the workplace. me. The higher the heel the better (in Nowadays so many environments my personal life) but I realize I must are business casual workplaces with be careful with that in the office. If vague guidelines. As the contingent you are wearing slacks you can quite
By Cass Butler
12 Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14
possibly get away with a heel that may be a little higher. Depending on the length of your pants they may distract from the height of your open-toed heels and blend seamlessly. If you’re rocking a skirt or dress however, keep the height of the heel on the modest side. No matter how casual the office environment, your shoes should be a complement to your look, not a distraction. A peep toe is always a safe bet in business casual workplaces if the shoe is comfortable. Personally, I love them and have invested in a couple of stylish pairs. In the past, after a couple of hours, my toes were killing me. It used to be the only thing I detested about this style of shoe. Style tip that it took me a while to learn; wrap a couple of your toes together in the toe tape dancers use. It is an awesome cushion for the toes.
I realize there are some industries where open-toed shoes at work are still completely off limits, like government, law and corporate offices. Everyone still looks polished and buttoned-up but these are industries that have not relaxed when it comes to footwear. Slingbacks are generally acceptable, but the more covered up the foot the better. I know there are some people who feel no matter what the dress code policy says, open-toed shoes do not belong in the workplace. To each their own, I suppose. I also say, “don’t look down.” You should walk with your head up anyway. To connect throughout the week catch me on Instagram @luxestyles or online at www.theluxestyle.com.
Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14 13
Heath Mello –
A Middle Class Mayor for Omaha By Andy Roberts Omaha-born mayoral candidate Heath Mello graduated from Gretna High School, but these days he and his wife Catherine live with their two children in South Omaha’s Robin Hill neighborhood. A proud graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Mello is looking to be the city’s first middle class mayor in a generation. The family attends St. Thomas More Parish. Yes, Heath Mello shovels his own sidewalks and mows his own lawn. Maybe you know Mello from his time in the Nebraska Legislature where he represented South Omaha’s District 5. A Democrat in the officially nonpartisan legislature, he served as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee until he reached his term limits in 2016. During that time he learned how to “work across the aisle,” build a consensus, and get things done. Mello has been active with neighborhood, small business, and community betterment organizations. His decision to run for mayor came, he said, after he spent time talking to neighborhood, community, and business leaders.
He found: “Omaha really lacked a unified vision for the city.” Not just for the next four years, but for the next 20 years, he said. Concerns included the city’s transportation and public infrastructure, creating the jobs and economy of tomorrow, concerns about how City Hall has not been proactive in engaging the public, and worries about crime in every zip code “We’re going to have to look at the
14 Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14
root causes of crime in some way,” Mello stressed. Mello is quick to articulate his vision for Omaha, and he has a lot to say. “My vision for Omaha is to build a more welcoming, more innovative and more connected Omaha,” he said. That includes public-private partnerships to create a more modern city, creating neighborhood engagement, and a new approach to crime fighting as well “It’s not just looking to build more capacity in our police department.” His concerns include a lack of behavioral health care, the need for more living wage jobs, reliable transportation, and quality affordable housing. “The economic development really comes from reinventing City Hall,” Mello said. With that, he stressed, would come new approaches to infrastructure improvement and other civic needs. What Mello wants to see is: “A vibrant
entrepreneurial city.” His time in the Unicameral helped him learn how to build consensus over complicated issues and create a process to make sure people are heard. “It really taught me, as much as anything else, that you have to be willing . . . you have to develop a longterm agenda,” he said. Many issues, he emphasized, cannot be solved as quickly as one would hope. “You’re not able to solve all your problems immediately,” he said. That experience reinforced Mello’s views that relationships matter when solving problems. If relationships matter, Mello said, you are constantly going to find a way to get to “yes” despite disagreements. Here’s an area of disagreement in Omaha. Health, can you get rid of the “Restaurant Tax?” “I don’t make promises I can’t keep,” he
said. What Mello said he will do is cap the growth of the restaurant tax and work to reduce the tax. So, why should people vote for you? “Because Omaha needs new leadership right now to solve some very big challenges,” he said. Streets have crumbled, major employers have left the city, while violent and property crimes have grown. “While Omaha may be doing okay, okay is not good enough for me,” he
said. “We need to start building the Omaha of the future.’ For more information on Health Mello: https://www.heathmello.com/
Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14 15
Jean Stothert
Going Back for Seconds By Focus Staff
years,” she has been quoted as saying. “I want to continue, and expand, our focus on making Omaha a place they Jean Stothert is nearly four years into want to be.” her first term as the City of Omaha’s mayor. She is the first female to serve Stothert told attendees during that as the city’s chief executive. meeting at The Mastercraft Building that a recent report named Omaha On her campaign website she says: “I as the sixth best city for millennials love my job! It is an honor to work with among the 50 largest metropolitan citizens in every corner of our city to areas. improve public safety, employment opportunities, neighborhoods, and During her term, Stothert has recreational opportunities.” renegotiated all city union contracts with what she promotes as better That same website makes the case for terms for taxpayers and improved her re-election. the stability of the city employee’s retirement fund. City savings In promoting her record, the accounts, the campaign says, have incumbent points to Omaha adding been managed to their highest levels 27,000 citizens through annexation in history while also managing the expansion of their city services. That, her website Public safety has been her top claims, resulted in a lower property tax priority. Two years ago Omaha saw rate for nearly all the new residents 50 homicides. Last year that number compared to their previous rates. was cut in half. Law enforcement, according to the campaign, has been She has touted her vision for an strengthened by the addition of 56 Omaha that is still to come during a new police officers as the city moves meeting in December. toward a total of 860 this year. “The future of our city will be in the Stothert also successfully hands of millennials in not too many implemented two property tax rate
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cuts and was able to continue funding essential government functions as the city grew. The campaign also touts nearly doubling the street resurfacing budget since she first took office, and work has been done to modernize services and operations to enhance the taxpayer experience when dealing with the city. On the other hand, there are those who would say ConAgra left under her watch, although it can be argued many other factors were at play on that one. This Tuesday
her campaign announced she has raised a record $1.7 million for her re-election bid. Everyone should be able to agree, she is a formidable candidate. Website: http://www.jeanstothert. com/
Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14 17
Possibility
By Mike Herek
A few generations ago, people worked until they were 65, got their gold watches and lived a pretty quiet — and fairly short — retirement. Consequently, they didn’t have to do a lot of planning for their retirement years. But that was then and this is now. Today, a woman reaching age 65 can expect to live 19.8 years, while a 65-year old man can anticipate 16.8 more years, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. And those figures are just averages, which means half of us can expect to live longer than those time spans. So it’s quite possible that you’re going to spend two or even three decades in retirement — and if that’s the case, you’d better have a good plan for all those years.
Many people don’t realize, however, that a key factor in ultimately achieving a financially comfortable retirement is the connection between their value system and their investment habits. In other words, when you plan for the future — and when you save and invest for that future — you’ll need to factor in the values you hold regarding your family, health, home, lifestyle, work, legacy, mind and spirit. Let’s take a look at some of the key financial questions associated with each of these values:
a small business or doing some consulting upon your retirement? If you are planning to work in some Are you planning on moving to capacity, how will that affect your different homes during different phases of your retirement? Alternately, savings and investment strategies? have you considered the financial costs that you — or even your adult children Legacy — might incur if you are forced to leave Have you translated your priorities — your home for an extended nursing such as leaving assets to your family home stay? and to charitable organizations — into concrete estate plans? Lifestyle Home
Family Have you thought about how you may want to help your family in the future, such as providing financial assistance for your grandchildren to attend college? Health Have you thought about the protection strategies you’ll need to employ to maintain your standard of living if you or a family member undergoes a health change?
18 Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14
Have you put a “price tag” on the type of retirement lifestyle you’re envisioning? Are you following the saving and investment strategies necessary to accumulate the resources you’ll need for that lifestyle? Work or Business Have you thought about opening
Mind and Spirit Have you thought how, as a retiree, you could use your time to attain some of the educational goals you’ve “put on hold” for much of your life? If these goals involve travel and exploration, are you building the financial resources necessary to provide you with these opportunities? We can work with you
to make sure you are following the investment and protection strategies that are compatible with all your key values. Of course, you can’t be sure that every move you make will turn out the way you anticipated — but if all your financial decisions are driven by your values, you can be confident that you won’t drift too far from the course you have in mind. For more information about how Your Future by Design can help you achieve your goals, contact Herek Financial.
Capital Synergy Partners, Member FINRA/SIPC. 4400 MacArthur Blvd #850. Newport Beach, CA 92660. (888) 277-1974. Herek Financial and Capital Synergy Partners are Unaffiliated Entities
Sponsored By
Registered Representative of and Securities products offered through
Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14 19
A Taste of Asia By Focus Staff
Tucked into the quaint stripmall between Cass and Dodge on 78th Street is a gem of an Asian restaurant. It’s called Taste of Asia and has a little bit of everything that a person could want from Chinese, Thai, and even Vietnamese cuisine. The best part about it is that, unlike, many places that make the claim, they do all of these things well! AppetizerWings- Chilis, green onions, garlic, and the house blend combine to make a truly unique wing experience. If you like wings and are out to try something different, don’t miss out on these. They are great and I would put them up with the best around!
of heat makes this delectable dish a must try. We topped off the evening with some Taro bubble tea- which if you haven’t had a chance to try- is a great finisher for an evening of good food in a pleasant atmosphere. If you happen to be lucky enough to come in when the owner, Youa, is in and you like authentic cuisine- she’s more than happy to let you try a few dishes they always have simmering in the back. Don’t miss out on a chance to have some great food, and tell them Focus sent you! Taste of Asia 333 N 78th Street
Main CourseBeef Pho- Beef shanks and knuckles make this one of the tastiest and more tender dishes I’ve experienced. Flavorful, and, again, did I mention tender? Pork Hot PotPork, peppers, carrots, onions, and house sauce- yum! Just the right amount
20 Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14
Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14 21
Weight Loss Supplements: ineffective and unsafe.
According to Consumer Reports, 1 in 4 Americans have used weightloss supplements with half of the consumers experiencing at least one side effect (e.g., faster heart rate, digestive issues or dry mouth). The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) conducted a study of weight loss adverts [across several different media platforms] that resulted in nearly 40 percent of advertisements making at By Teka Marie least one false claim, and 15 percent making claims that are likely false but There is no secret that Americans have lack proof. an issue with weight. In fact, more than 50 percent of adults are considered These supplements often claim they overweight. Moreover, there are will trim fat in targeted areas, shed billions of dollars spent annually on unwanted weight and/or build muscle products and programs in an effort to mass without having to make any melt away excess weight. adjustments to a consumer’s normal
routine. Supplements (in any form) are normally designed to enhance your efforts in combination with taking other actions. In this case, diet and exercise. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also recalled many of these weight-loss supplements for not listing all of the ingredients. Stimulants like dimethylbutylamine (DMBA) have never been tested in humans and has been detected in many weight-loss supplements. The FDA has banned this stimulant because it can lead to cardiovascular problems.
least 30 [or higher], or 27 along with a weight-related health condition. A few examples are osteoarthritis, gallbladder disease, and gout. Another option is setting up a consultation with a licensed nutritionist. Nutritionists can be available free of charge to provide dietary advice. You can usually find nutritionist at grocery stores and drug stores with a large pharmacy.
Currently, Alli (orlistat 60mg) is the only FDA-approved weightloss supplement available without a prescription. Orlistat blocks the Consumer Reports does not enzyme that allows your body to recommend weight-loss supplements digest and absorb fat. Alli claims to because they are unregulated, harmful prevent your body from absorbing 25 and simply don’t work. They are also a percent of the fat you eat and it comes waste time and money. with the FDA stamp of approval. Alli also states that this supplement works If you feel like you need a pill to assist with a reduced-calorie and low-fat you in your weight-loss journey, diet. In other words, it works as long consider talking to your doctor. as you put in the work that is required, Your doctor can help make the best which is exactly what a supplement is decisions based on health and specific designed to do. This is no magic pill, concerns. Your doctor will also know and it doesn’t claim to be. If you are more about your medical history, willing to make make a few lifestyle which can be extremely helpful. changes and remain committed, you There are FDA approved, weightmight see the magic happen. loss medications available. However, they require a body mass index of at
22 Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14
Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14 23
Charm School Dropouts – Charming You to the Dance Floor
Moore, Brian Chandler and Dave Westerholt on guitar and vocals with Chandler handling lead guitar. Sawyer Martin covers the bass duties while adding vocals and By Andy Roberts Jerry Kuhn joins him on Let’s make it very clear. drums to These guys never really went to charm complete the rhythm section. school so they never dropped out. But Charm School Dropouts are drop- Moore, who spoke to Focus for this ping into clubs around the Omaha area story, was uncertain of the origin of the band’s name. and helping everyone who sees them have a partying good time. “They had it before I joined them,” said Moore, a six-year member. Before he Charm Schools Dropouts are Jeff
24 Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14
joined the band was called Element. The modern rock cover band has been playing in the Omaha area for close to a decade, and does more than country these days. The impressive range of artists they cover includes Bon Jovi, Duran Duran, Eddie Money, Eve 6, Florida
Georgia Line, Green Day, Guns N Roses, Journey, Justin Timberlake, Maroon 5, Kings of Leon, Luke Bryan, Michael Jackson, Prince, and Weezer. That’s just a start. “Dance music,” Moore quickly responded when asked for the band’s strength. “It’s all geared toward
making sure people stay on the dance floor and have a good time. “It’s a band joke - if it doesn’t dance, we don’t play it.” Charm School Dropouts is Moore’s first cover band. He previously worked on mostly original material in Sonic Diversions. That doesn’t mean the band can’t do original material, but that’s not the purpose of Charm School Dropouts. “We all have our own little things we do on the side,” Moore said. “It’s not a focal point for this band.” The focal point of Charm School Dropouts is to have a good time while helping others do the same. For them, club shows and street parties are equally inviting as gigs. “We really, really enjoy the outdoor gigs, the street dance stuff,” Moore said. “Anywhere someone wants to have a good time.” That said, and with each having their own side projects, Charm School Dropouts will keep its focus on making and delivering a good time.
Carole King By Focus Omaha Carol Klein attended James Madison High School where she made demo records with her then-friend Paul Simon of Simon and Garfunkel, eventually changing her name to Carol King. While attending Queens College she met her song-writer partner Gerry Goffin and together they recorded hits that included: • “Take Good Care of My Baby” for Bobby Vee • “Chains,” covered by The Beatles
“It’s just a fun thing we do on the weekends,” he said. “It’s just something we enjoy doing, so we go do it.” The camaraderie is the best part of the band experience, according to Moore. “We’ve got a good group of guys,” he said. “Finding the right group of people is key to having fun.” So with that, look for Charm School Dropouts near you in the not-toodistant future. Upcoming gigs include April 1st at Parliament Pub in downtown Omaha, The Fire Barn in Papillion on April 28th, and May 12th at The Ozone. “I think we provide a good time and we like to go out and have fun with people,” Moore said. For more on Charm School Dropouts: www.charmschooldropouts.com
• “Pleasant Valley Sunday” for the Monkees • “The Loco-Motion” for Little Eva • “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” for Aretha Franklin She also recorded “It Might As Well Rain Until September” herself and collaborated with James Taylor on “You’ve Got a Friend.”
In 1971, she released Tapestry. The album was #1 on the Billboard Charts for 15 weeks and remained on the list for more than six years. Throughout her career she collaborated with other music legends such as Joni Mitchell, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Branford Marsalis, and Celine Dion. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see this production that brings her life and music to the stage and about which Boston Globe writer Don Aucoin wrote, “’Beautiful, The Carole King Musical,’ now at the Boston Opera House, has a soul. Under the direction of Marc Bruni, Beautiful sets out to showcase pop-music craftsmanship of the 1960s and 1970s, and at that it succeeds, well, beautifully.” April 4, 5, and 6th, 7:30pm April 8 2:00pm & 8:00pm April 9, 1:30pm & 7:00pm
Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14 25
Nebraska Baseball By Focus Staff After a rough start to a tough early season schedule, the Huskers have gone 7-2 in their last nine games. There’s a lot of promise for this team as they get ready to start the B1G Ten schedule. They seem to be getting stronger as the season goes on and as long as they can keep out of situations where they have to extensively go to their shaky bullpen, they should be in good shape this year to make a run at the B1G Ten title. Yes, you heard it here first.
ERA and going 4-1 to lead the team on the mound. These Huskers will continue to improve and look for them to make another exciting run towards a regional this year.
Creighton Baseball By Eddie Torrez
As the weather warms Creighton fans hope their baseball team will do the same. It has been a tough start for the Bluejays, who narrowly missed the NCAA Baseball Tournament last year. The offense, while not overpowering, In baseball, the Big East will likely be seems to be able to use the whole field, a one-bid league most of the time. and there are a few Huskers that still Creighton will need to win the league seem to be waiting to break out of their tournament most years to get in, and shell. Junior OF Scott Schreiber is once at this point of the season, that is the again a terror on offense with a .337 BA assumption that needs to be made. and 19 RBI’s, and Sophomore IF Angelo Altavilla is leading the team with a .358 Creighton rode senior pitcher Jeff BA. One letdown for the Huskers is Albrecht’s seven innings of one-run ball Senior Ben Miller, who was third-team on six hits to even an early week series All-Big Ten last year, but is only currently with Cal-Davis and improve to 6-12 on batting .155 in the ninth spot. He’s also the year with a 2-1 win. The teams were a finalist for the Senior National CLASS to play again Tuesday as Focus Omaha Award, which honors the player who went to press. has notable achievements in four areas of: excellence, community, classroom, Air Force is slated to play the Jays at and character and competition. Junior TD Ameritrade Park on Wednesday Jake Meyers is always exciting to watch before a weekend series in Omaha on both sides of the ball as well, batting with Winthrop and an April 4th trip to .288 on offense while carrying a 2.01 Lincoln to meet the Cornhuskers.
26 Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14
ALLEY V 3375 Oak View Dr. W- All Night 1/2 Price Appetizers Draft Beers $4 Well Cocktails & House Wines BARRETT’S BARLEYCORN 4322 Leavenworth St. M-F 4P-6P $2.25 Domestic Bottles $3.00 Well Drinks CADDYSHACK 2076 N 117th Ave & 7007 S 181st St M-F 2P-6P $1 Off Beer, Wine & Wells TUES- HAPPY HOUR All Day CHARLESTON’S 13851 FNB Pkwy & 7540 Dodge St. M-F 3P-6P 1/2 price apps, $5 Wine and Margs, $1 off all drinks JAZZ, A LOUISIANA KITCHEN 1421 Farnam St $2.99 - $10.99 select appetizers $1.50 domestic drinks; $2 well drinks; $3.75 rum drinks, margaritas JERRY’S BAR 6301 Military Ave 25¢ Off All Drinks JULIO’S 123rd & Center M-F 3P – 6P & FRI & SAT AFTER 9M $1 off all Tap Beer, $3 House Margaritas, $5 Pitchers of Bud Light & Miller Light LEAVENWORTH BAR 4556 Leavenworth St. M-F 12P-7P $2.25 Domestic Draft Beers $2.25 Well Drinks LOOKOUT LOUNGE 320 S 72nd St. EVERY DAY 4-7, MIDNIGHT - 2 AM $2 PBR, $2.50 Domestic Bottles , $3 Wells, $3 Fireball
MARLEYBONE TAVERN 3710 Leavenworth St. M-F 4:30-6:30P MEATLOAF MONDAY- 6-9P 50¢ Wings WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY Prime Rib Special THURSDAY-New York Strip, Fajita, and Taco Night NOSH WINE LOUNGE 1006 Dodge St. Everyday 4P- 6P Reverse HH 10p -12a $3 domestic beers and wells, $2 off Glasses of Wine, $4 House Wine OMAHA TAP HOUSE 1830 N 72nd St. M-F 3-6P & ALL DAY SUNDAY All Tap Beers $1.00 Off, $4.00 Glasses of Wine, $4.00 Captain Morgan $4.00 Windsor, $4.00 Smirnoff O’CONNORS IRISH PUB 1217 Howard St. M-TH- 4P-6P & FRI 2P-7P $1.00 off all Draft, Premium, and Domestic Wells PERRY’S PLACE 9652 Mockingbird Dr. Monday – Friday 4P – 7P $2.50 Domestic Pints, $6.50 Pitchers $2.75 Domestic Bottles & $3.50 Wells PARLIAMENT OLD MARKET 1212 Harney St. MONDAY-MANIC MONDAYS with D.J. Travis $2 draws, $3.50 wells, $4.50 calls THURSDAY-LADIES NIGHT $2 Domestic Drafts, $4 Calls & $5 Specialty Drinks PARLIAMENT WEST 16939 Wright Plz EVERYDAY 3P - 7P 1/2 Price Martini’s, $2 Domestic Pints, $1 Off Other Drinks PITCH PIZZERIA 5021 Underwood Ave. 17808 Burke St.
M-F 3P-6P $5 off any appetizer $5 off any pizza RAILCAR MODERN AMERICAN KITCHEN 1814 N 144th St. M-F 3:30-6:30P $4 Well Drinks, $3 Off Signature Cocktails RUSTY NAIL PUB 14210 Pierce Plz TIL 7PM MON - SAT & ALL DAY SUN $1.00 off all Alcholic Drinks SAINTS PUB MIDTOWN & ROANOKE M-F 2P-6P REVERSE: 10P to Close (drinks only) AND ALL Day Sunday SCRIPTOWN 3922 Farnam M-F 4P - 6P $1 Off Beers & $1 Off Well Drinks
WED THURS FRI 3P–7P SUNDAY FUNDAY 3P–2A $2 Domestic Tallboys $3 Wells, $1.75 Rolling Rock Draws, $6 Bloody Marys and Marias w/ Infused Liquor THERAPY BAR & GRILL 5059 S 108th St Monday-Friday 3-6pm $.50 cents off Bottles, Drafts, & Wells TIGER TOM’S 7103 Military Ave M-F 5P-7P $12 Domestic Buckets UNDERWOOD BAR 4918 Underwood Ave M-F 4:30-6P $2 Bud and Bud Light
SHARK CLUB 2808 S 72ND ST. M-F 4P - 7P 1/2 off appetizers $2 well drinks; $1.75 domestic bottled beers; $2.75 glasses of wine THE SOCIABLE INN 4917 S 136TH ST M-F 2P-7P $2.50 Pints, $7.00 Pitchers, $2.50 Domestic Bottles,$2.50 Busch Lt Tall Boys & $3.25 Wells THE HOMY INN 1510 N Saddle Creek Rd. M-F 4P-7P 50¢ off Wells, $1.00 off all pitchers and Domestic Bottles SMITTY’S GARAGE 3309 Oak View Drive EVERYDAY 3P-6P $2 Domestic Longnecks THE DOWN UNDER 3530 Leavenworth St. MON TUES 4P-7P
Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14 27
recommending condoms.) [Forbes, 2-28-2017]
By Chuck Shepherd
LEAD STORY -Location, Location, Location A highlight of the recent upmarket surge in Brooklyn, N.Y., as a residential and retail favorite, was the asking price for an ordinary parking space in the garage at 845 Union Street in the Park Slope neighborhood: $300,000 (also carrying a $240-a-month condominium fee and $50 monthly taxes). That’s similar to the price of actual one-bedroom apartments in less ritzy Brooklyn neighborhoods like Gravesend (a few miles away). [DNAInfo, 3-6-2017] Compelling Explanations Saginaw, Michigan, defense lawyer Ed Czuprynski had beaten a felony DUI arrest in December, but was sentenced to probation on a lesser charge in the incident, and among his restrictions was a prohibition on drinking alcohol -- which Czuprynski acknowledged in March that he has since violated at least twice. However, at that hearing (which could have meant jail time for the violations), Czuprynski used the opportunity to beg the judge to remove
$10.55 an hour. (3) An Australian state administrative tribunal awarded a $90,000 settlement after a cold-calling -- Scientists at Columbia University telemarketer sold a farm couple 2,000 and the New York Genome Center ink cartridges (for their one printer) by announced that they have digitally repeated pitches. [Fox News, 3-8-2017] stored (and retrieved) a movie, an entire [Leicester Mercury, 2-23-2017] [The computer operating system and a $50 Age (Melbourne), 3-9-2017] gift card on a single drop of DNA. In theory, wrote the researchers in the Perspective journal Science, they might store, on American chef Dan Barber staged a temporary “pop-up” restaurant in the restriction altogether, arguing that one gram of DNA, 215 “petabytes” London in March at which he and other he can’t be “effective” as a lawyer unless (i.e., 215 million gigabytes -- enough to run, say, 10 million HD movies) and renowned chefs prepared the fanciest he is able to have a drink now and could reduce all the data housed in the meals they could imagine using only then. (At press time, the judge was still Library of Congress to a small cube of food scraps donated from local eateries. undecided.) [MLive.com, 3-10-2017] crystals. [Wall Street Journal, 3-3-2017] A primary purpose was to chastise First World eaters (especially Americans) Fine Points of the Law -- An office in the New York City for wasting food, not only in the Residents in southern Humboldt kitchen and on the plate, but to satisfy County, California, will vote in May on a government, suspicious of a $5,000 our craving for meat (for example, proposed property tax increase to fund payment to two men in the 2008 City Council election of Staten Island’s requiring diversion of 80 percent of a community hospital in Garberville to the world’s corn and soy just to feed serve a web of small towns in the scenic, Debi Rose, opened an investigation, which at $300 an hour for the “special edible animals). Among Barber’s March sparsely populated region, and thanks prosecutor,” has now cost the city “WastED” dishes were a char-grilled to a county judge’s March ruling, the meatless beetburger and pork braised issue will be explained more colorfully. $520,000, with his final bill still to in leftover fruit solids. [TreeHugger. Opponent Scotty McClure was initially come. Despite scant “evidence” and multiple opportunities to back off, the com, 3-3-2017] rebuffed by the registrar when he prosecutor relentlessly conducted tried to distribute, as taxpayer-funded months-long grand jury proceedings, Undignified Deaths “special elections material,” contempt fought several court appeals, had (1) Smoking Kills: A 78-year-old man in for “Measure W” by including the one 23-count indictment almost Easton, Pennsylvania, died in February phrase “(insert fart smell here)” in the immediately crushed by judges, and from injuries caused when he lit his description. The registrar decried the enticed state and federal investigators cigarette but accidentally set afire his damage to election “integrity” by such to (fruitlessly) take on the Staten Island hooded sweatshirt. (2) Pornography “vulgarity,” but Judge Timothy Cissna case. In March, the city’s Office of Kills: A Mexico City man fell to his said state law gives him jurisdiction Court Administration finally shrugged death recently in the city’s San Antonio only over “false” or “misleading” and closed the case. [New York Times, neighborhood when he climbed up electioneering language. [North Coast 3-8-2017] to turn off a highway video sign on Journal (Eureka, Calif.), 3-7-2017] the Periferico Sur highway that was Ironies showing a pornographic clip apparently Can’t Possibly Be True A chain reaction of fireworks in placed by a hacker. [NJ.com, 2-28-2017] -- News of the Weird has written Tultepec, Mexico, in December had [Metro News (London), 3-6-2017] several times (as technology made the San Pablito pyro marketplace progressed) about Matt McMullen’s Least Competent Criminals “RealDoll” franchise -- the San Marcos, a scorched ruin, with more than three dozen dead and scores injured, leaving Oops! An officer in Harrington, California, engineer’s richly detailed the town to grieve and, in March, to Delaware, approaching an illegally flexible silicone mannequins that solemnly honor the victims -- with even parked driver at Liberty Plaza Shopping currently sell for $5,500 and up (more more fireworks. Tultepec is the center Center in March, had suspicions with premium custom features). Even of Mexico’s fireworks industry, with aroused when she gave him a name before the recent success of the very 30,000 people dependent on explosives other than “Keyonna Waters” (which humanish, artificially intelligent (AI) for a living. Wrote The Guardian, was the name on the employee name android “hosts” on TV’s “Westworld,” “Gunpowder” is in “their blood.” [The tag she was wearing). Properly ID’ed, McMullen revealed that his first AI Guardian (London), 3-10-2017] she was arrested for driving with doll, “Harmony,” will soon be available a suspended license. [WMDT-TV with a choice of 12 “personalities,” Miscellaneous Economic Indicators (Salisbury, Md.), 3-6-2017] including “intellectualism” and “wit,” (1) “Bentley” the cat went missing in to mimic an emotional bond to add Marina Del Rey, California, on Feb. The Passing Parade to the sexual. A recent University of 26 and as of press time had not been (1) In his third try of the year in January, London conference previewed a near located -- despite a posted reward of Li Longlong of China surpassed his own future when fake women routinely $20,000. (A “wanted” photo is online, Guinness Book record by climbing 36 provide uncomplicated relationships stairs while headstanding (beating his for lonely (or disturbed) men. (Recently, if you’re interested.) (2) British snack food manufacturer Walkers advertised previous 34). (Among the Guinness in Barcelona, Spain, a brothel opened in February for a part-time professional regulations: no touching walls and no offering four “realdolls” “disinfected chip taster, at the equivalent of pausing more than five seconds per after each customer” -- though still
28 Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14
step.) (2) The online live-stream of the extremely pregnant giraffe “April” (at New York’s Animal Adventure Park) has created such a frenzy, and exposed the tiny attention spans of viewers, that, as of March 3, they had spent a cumulative 1,036 years just watching. (Erin Dietrich of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 39 weeks pregnant herself, mocked the lunacy by livestreaming her own belly while wearing a giraffe mask.) (By press time, Erin had delivered; April, not.) [Huffington Post, 3-10-2017] [BBC News, 3-3-2017] A News of the Weird Classic (June 2013) Maryland state troopers stopped when they caught sight of a drummer working out all alone on the side of traffic-packed Interstate 695 near Windsor Mill Road in Baltimore on May 21 (2013), at about 10:30 a.m. As the troopers later reported, the man had run out of gas and, rather than just sit around in his car, had set up his full drum kit on the shoulder and practiced while he awaited assistance. After a utility truck arrived, with gasoline, the drummer packed up and went on his way. [Baltimore Sun, 5-21-2013]
Thanks This Week to Kevin Corwin and Alyssa Grosso, and to the News of the Weird Senior Advisors (Jenny T. Beatty, Paul Di Filippo, Ginger Katz, Joe Littrell, Matt Mirapaul, Paul Music, Karl Olson, and Jim Sweeney) and Board of Editorial Advisors (Tom Barker, Paul Blumstein, Harry Farkas, Sam Gaines, Herb Jue, Emory Kimbrough, Scott Langill, Bob McCabe, Steve Miller, Christopher Nalty, Mark Neunder, Sandy Pearlman, Bob Pert, Larry Ellis Reed, Peter Smagorinsky, Rob Snyder, Stephen Taylor, Bruce Townley, and Jerry Whittle). COPYRIGHT 2017 CHUCK SHEPHERD
Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14 29
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30 Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14
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Focus | March 29 - April 4 | Volume 1 Issue 14 31