VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3 | JANUARY 11 - JANUARY 17 | 2017 YOUR FREE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, PERSONAL FINANCE, MUSIC & CLASSIFIEDS NEWSWEEKLY
LIVE AND LOCAL Bazille Mills
DINING
Ika Ramen and Izakaya
DARLENE LOVE
A Legend
FOCUS ON TEN
Omaha’s Top 10 Events
W.A.C. 25% down Standard APR of 17.75%
focus
CONTENT THE ARTS
4
FAMILY EVENTS
6 8
ON 10
10
NIGHTLIFE FASHION
11 12
THIS WEEKS FEATURE
14
FINANCE DINING HEALTH
18 20 22
LIVE & LOCAL
24
SPORTS HAPPY HOUR
26 27
NEWS OF THE WEIRD CLASSIFIEDS
28 30
Focus is the Metro’s First Arts, Entertainment, Music, Personal Finance & &lassiĆed 1eZsZeeNly We’ve brought all of these elements together for the Ćrst time, all in one ZeeNly format Our goal is to provide you, the customer, Zith the best possible publication to suit all of your needs
Focus 7914 W Dodge Rd. # 413 Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 208-6545 focusomaha@gmail.com www.focusomaha.com
the little gallery + benson underground Ćlm forum 5901 Maple St., 68104 Anderson Enterprises ---------------------------------------------15418 W Center Rd, Omaha, 68144 The Union for Contemporary Art ---------------------------------------------Anderson O’Brien Fine Art Old Market 2417 Burdette St., Omaha, 68111 ---------------------------------------------1108 Jackson St., Omaha, 68102 White Crane Gallery ---------------------------------------------1032 Howard St, Omaha, 68102 Artist Cooperative Gallery ---------------------------------------------405 S 11th St, Omaha, 68102 ---------------------------------------------THEATER Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts 724 S 12th St., Omaha, 68102 Holland Performing Arts Center ---------------------------------------------13th & Douglas St., Omaha, NE 68102 Blue Pomegranate Gallery Omaha Symphony: 17305 Davenport St, Omaha, 68118 Darlene Love Omaha ---------------------------------------------January 14 & 15 Cooper Brown Art ---------------------------------------------2215 Harney St., Omaha, 68102 Omaha Community Playhouse --------------------------------------------6915 Cass St., Omaha, NE 68132 Gallery 72 Around the World in 80 Days 1806 Vinton St., Omaha, 68108 January 20- February 12 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Gallery 1516 1516 Leavenworth St., Omaha, 68102 Orpheum Theater 409 S Sixteenth St., Omaha, NE 68102 ---------------------------------------------Carolyn Dorfman Dance Garden of the Zodiac January 19 1046 Howard St., Omaha, 68102 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Rose Theater Hot Shops 2001 Farnam St., Omaha, NE 68102 1301 Nicholas St, Omaha, 68102 Thumbelina ---------------------------------------------January 14 - February 5 Joslyn Art Museum 2200 Dodge St., Omaha, 68102 ---------------------------------------------MUSEUMS Lewis Art Gallery 8600 Cass St., Omaha, 68114 Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts ---------------------------------------------724 S 12th St., Omaha 68102 MANGELSEN Images of Nature ---------------------------------------------1115 Harney St., Omaha, 68102 Durham Museum ---------------------------------------------801 S 10th St., Omaha, 68108 Modern Arts Midtown ---------------------------------------------3615 Dodge St., Omaha, 68131 Great Plains Black History Museum ---------------------------------------------7400 Dodge St., Omaha 68114 Old Market Artists Gallery ---------------------------------------------1034 Howard St., Omaha, 68102 Joslyn Art Museum ---------------------------------------------2200 Dodge St., Omaha, 68102 Passageway Gallery ---------------------------------------------417 S 11th St, Omaha, 68102 Omaha Children’s Museum ---------------------------------------------500 S 20th St., Omaha, 68102 Petshop Gallery ---------------------------------------------2725 N 62nd St., Omaha, 68104 Strategic Air Command & Aerospace ---------------------------------------------Museum, 28210 W Park Hwy, 68003
GALLERIES
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EXHIBITS
American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition Through January 29, 2017 Step back in time to an era of ćappers and suffragists, bootleggers and temperance workers, and real-life legends like Al Capone and Carry Nation. Created by the National Constitution Center, American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition is the Ćrst comprehensive exhibition about America’s most colorful and complex constitutional hiccup. Spanning from the dawn of the temperance movement, through the Roaring ’20s, to the unprecedented repeal of a constitutional amendment,
the exhibition brings the whole story of Prohibition vividly to life. American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition will be on display until January 29th at The Durham Museum, 801 S 10th St., Omaha, 68108
“Operation ‘Omaha Ivy’ ” by E. Taylor Shoop Through February 20 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily For this exhibit, E. Taylor Shoop has focused his lens on “ivy”, as an architectural element, to create his unique, kaleidoscopic compositions. The duality of “ivy”, a plant which has been viewed as both an invasive weed and a revered religious symbol, generated a strong interest and driving curiosity in the artist.
This show is the culmination of several months of scouting and photographing the city’s collection of çivy’, Ćnding examples that encapsulate the aesthetic, practical, and mythical themes associated with this plant genre. The artist will be available at Lauritzen Gardens on January 15 and February 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. to discuss his work.
January 11-May 15 Nature Connects: Art with Lego® Bricks Sean Kenney’s third exhibit at Lauritzen Gardens features some fantastic NEW pieces, including a proud peacock, a giant dragonćy, and a not so itsy-bitsy spider, as well as a couple of old favorites. Compare your wing span to a beautiful monarch butterćy, 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-than-life sculptures that represent the web of incredible connections that sustain life on Earth. 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.
Through February 5 “From Here to There” Art Exhibit
Space Warps & Time Twists” exhibit beginning January 14 through June 4.
From here to there is a two-person exhibition of work that seeks to delineate the boundaries of the invented world and to examine ideas of cultural memory. Nancy Friedemann-Sánchez will be exhibiting her Leaning Chumbes sculptures. Chumbes are belts of the Guambiano indigenous community in Colombia. Friedemann-Sánchez recontextualizes the small textiles into substantial wooden planks resembling American Minimalist sculpture, thus providing stature to a cultural tradition oppressed by centuries of colonial relationships within her native Colombia. Leigh Tarentino will be exhibiting paintings of imaginary gardens from a new series, Estates of the Realm. Tarentino’s exteriors of gardens and landscapes are simpliĆed but complex in perspective and universal. from here to there is part of a series of collaborative and experimental projects facilitated by Darger HQ. Darger HQ connects Nebraska contemporary artists to the world by creating collaborative working opportunities between local artists and national and international artists with related practices, and develops partnerships that beneĆt artists by providing new means of support through combined private and non-proĆt sources. Darger HQ also educates, enriches and exposes the community to some of the most innovative contemporary art being produced today.
Black Holes: Space Warps & Time Twists immerses visitors in the modern search for black holes—the most mysterious and powerful objects in the universe — through a variety of interactive and multimedia experiences. Developed by the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, this 2,500 square-foot exhibition consists of 13 interactive components that captivate audiences and increase their understanding of core ideas in physical science, including gravity and light, the tools and techniques of astronomers, and the nature of theory and evidence in science. SAC Museum is located at 28210 West Park Highway, Ashland, NE 68003 More information can be found online at http://sacmuseum.org/blackholes/
Through January 27 Destination Mars
Petshop presents: “Destination Mars” An exhibition of contemporary photography from Serbia Curated by Katarina Radovic Petshop is located at 2725 N 62nd Street in Benson.
More information on the artists and their work can be found on their websites: http://www.nancyfriedemann.com/ http://leightarentino.com/ Darger HQ is located at 1804 Vinton Street, Omaha.
January 14-June 7 Black Holes: Space Warps & Time Twists The Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum will host “Black Holes:
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Alley V 3375 Oak View Dr., Omaha, 68144 ---------------------------------------------Backyard Playworld 14525 Industrial Rd., Omaha 68144 ---------------------------------------------Chuck E. Cheese 225 N. 76th St., Omaha 68114 ---------------------------------------------Co-Co Keys Water Resort 3321 S 72nd St., Omaha, 68124 ---------------------------------------------Dave and Buster 2502 S. 133rd Plz., Omaha, 68144 ---------------------------------------------Defy Gravity 10421 Portal Rd., La Vista, 68128 ---------------------------------------------Family Fun Center XL 10765 M St., Omaha, 68127 ----------------------------------------------
Maplewood Lanes 3030 N. 101st St., Omaha, 68134 ---------------------------------------------Motto McLean Ice Arena 5015 S. 45th St., Omaha, 68117 ---------------------------------------------Moylan Iceplex 12550 W. Maple Rd., Omaha, 68164 ---------------------------------------------Omaha Children’s Museum 500 S. 20th St., Omaha, 68102 ---------------------------------------------Pump It Up 960 S. 72nd St., Omaha, 68114 ---------------------------------------------Skate City Bellevue 1220 S. Fort Crook Rd., Bellevue ---------------------------------------------SkateDaze 3616 S. 132nd St., Omaha 68144 ---------------------------------------------Sky Zone 4215 S. 133rd St., Omaha, 68137 ---------------------------------------------The Amazing Pizza Machine 13955 S Plaza, Omaha, 68137 ---------------------------------------------The MARK 20902 Cumberland Dr., Elkhorn ---------------------------------------------West Lanes Bowl 151 N. 72nd St., Omaha, 68114 ---------------------------------------------The MARK 20902 Cumberland Drive Elkhorn, 68022 Center Hours: Monday-Thursday: 10am-10pm Friday-Saturday: 10am-12am Sunday: 10am-10pm Over 25 Big Screen TV’s, 4 Projectors, 360 Degree TV Viewing, Family Entertainment including XD Dark Ride, Laser Tag, & Arcade, Full Food & Drink Menu
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Alley V 3375 Oak View Dr. Omaha, Ne 68144 Hours of Operation: Sunday - Thursday: 11am - 11pm Friday - Saturday: 11am - 1am Bowling, Games and attractions including Clip N’ Climb, Mini Bowling, Atomic Rush and Laser Tag, Full Food & Drink Menu Happy Hour Monday through Thursday 4pm-7pm Half Priced Appetizers or To Share menu items and Half Priced Draft Beers! Monday Night Madness-4p to close: 3 Great Specials to choose from Only $10.95 each, plus tax Tuesday: UnbelievaBowl 8p to close Thursday: Ladies Night Every Thursday after 9p Appetizer and Drink Specials! Friday- Visit Website for updated specials! Saturday & Sunday- Funday Package Specials and Pricing are subject to change.
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FRIDAY JANUARY 13
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 11 BADD COMBINATION OZONE LOUNGE, 6:30P ----------------------------------------------STEVE LOVETT SHOWCASE THE 21ST SALOON, 7P ----------------------------------------------AMERICA’S PUB QUIZ NEBRASKA BREWING CO. PAPILLION, 7P ----------------------------------------------AMERICA’S PUB QUIZ VARSITY SPORTS CAFE & ROMAN COIN RALSTON, 7P ----------------------------------------------AMERICA’S PUB QUIZ TWO FINE IRISHMEN, 7:30P ----------------------------------------------AMERICA’S PUB QUIZ FARNAM HOUSE BREWING CO., 8P ----------------------------------------------CREIGHTON BLUEJAYS VS BUTLER BULLDOGS CENTURYLINK CENTER, 8P ----------------------------------------------BLACK EYE JAM BLACK EYE DIVE, 8P ----------------------------------------------CASEY DONAHEW WITH MATT WHIPKEY, THE WAITING ROOM, 8P ----------------------------------------------MUSIC CRUSH WEDNESDAY WITH P-LATOYE, NINA KALEENA, RISE GOLD, REEBO & DJ HOUSTON ALEXANDER, REVERB LOUNGE, 8P ----------------------------------------------BOOMBOX SLOWDOWN, 9P ----------------------------------------------HUMP DAY WEDNESDAYS CLUB VIBE, 10P
THURSDAY JANUARY 12 JOHN PRIMER THE 21ST SALOON, 6P ----------------------------------------------THE BEATLES TRIBUTE DUO “TWO OF US” VINO MAS, 6:30P -----------------------------------------------
PRAIRIE CATS OZONE LOUNGE, 6:30P ----------------------------------------------AMERICA’S PUB QUIZ VARSITY SPORTS CAFE & ROMAN COIN RALSTON, 7P ----------------------------------------------AMERICA’S PUB QUIZ FIREBARN SPORTS BAR PAPILLION, 7P ----------------------------------------------NEW YEAR FULL MOON RIDE OMAHA BICYCLE CO., 7P ----------------------------------------------AMERICA’S PUB QUIZ THE SOCIABLE INN, 7:30P ----------------------------------------------JOSH BLUE OMAHA FUNNY BONE, 7:30P ----------------------------------------------STRUCTURED CHAOS (IMPROV) THE BACKLINE, 8P ----------------------------------------------YEAR OF THE PHOENIX X11 THE WAITING ROOM, 8P ----------------------------------------------REVERB KARAOKE WITH DJ MAD MATZ REVERB LOUNGE, 8P ----------------------------------------------TONY ROBERTS RALSTON ARENA, 8:30P ----------------------------------------------DATE NIGHT THE BACKLINE, 9P ----------------------------------------------FORT DEFIANCE WITH MACE HATHAWAY & RAQUEL TELFER THE DOWN UNDER LOUNGE, 9P ----------------------------------------------HOOT N HOLLER DOLLAR NIGHT FEATURING RAGGED COMPANY BARLEY STREET TAVERN, 9P ----------------------------------------------KARAOKE WITH JIM MORRISON CLUB VIBE, 9P ----------------------------------------------CHRIS SHELTON DUBLINER PUB, 9:30P ----------------------------------------------DEUCES WILD JAM THE BACKLINE, 10P
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STEVE JOY: NEW ART + U.S. BOOK RELEASE, GALLERY 72, 10A ----------------------------------------------DOMINICAN PINT NIGHT INFUSION BREWING CO., 3P ----------------------------------------------KELLER NIGHT GERMAN-AMERICAN SOCIETY, 5P ----------------------------------------------MATHEW KLUBER & COLIN C. SMITH OPENING MODERN ARTS MIDTOWN, 6P ----------------------------------------------NICK J. CHIBURIS RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBIT OPENING ARTISTS COOP GALLERY, 6P ----------------------------------------------STAN GALLI, 7P AMERICAN LEGION POST #1 ----------------------------------------------FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES FEATURING MARY RUTH MCLEAY FLAGSHIP COMMONS, 7P ----------------------------------------------PRCA CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO MID-AMERICA CENTER, 7:30P ----------------------------------------------JOSH BLUE OMAHA FUNNY BONE, 7:30P ----------------------------------------------THIRD STRING PRODUCTIONS OMAHA SHOWCASE LOOKOUT LOUNGE, 8P ----------------------------------------------JASON EARL BAND BUSHWACKER’S SALOON, 8P ----------------------------------------------ABBY NICOLE & COUNTY ROAD WITH MASON MICHAELS REVERB LOUNGE, 9P ----------------------------------------------HOLES IN THE WALL (IMPROV) THE BACKLINE, 9P ----------------------------------------------THE NORMAN JACKSON BAND SHAMROCK’S PUB & GRILL, 9P ----------------------------------------------TOWNSHIP & RANGE, MACE HATHAWAY, REDLINE ROCKETS BARLEY STREET TAVERN, 9P ----------------------------------------------HOUSE JAM BAND W/ GRASS BANDIT THE DOWN UNDER LOUNGE, 9P ----------------------------------------------FLIPPIN WHISKEY ON THE Q ST BAR, 7:30P ----------------------------------------------GALLIVANT THE 21ST SALOON, 9P -----------------------------------------------
PROF WITH FINDING NOVYON, METASOTA & WILLIE WONKA THE WAITING ROOM, 9P ----------------------------------------------SECRET WEAPON OZONE LOUNGE, 9P ----------------------------------------------SIMPLICATED DR. JACK’S DRINKERY, 9P ----------------------------------------------DJ SAM EC PARLIAMENT PUB, 9P ----------------------------------------------THE MORBS, BONER KILLERZ, THOSE FAR OUT ARROWS BROTHER’S LOUNGE, 9P ----------------------------------------------CHAD LEE BAND TWO FINE IRISHMEN, 9P ----------------------------------------------JUST-US PRESENTS-A NIGHT WITH THE YOUTH MILK RUN, 9P ----------------------------------------------GRAVEYARD SMASH, DEAD ECHOES & WARBREATHER THE SYDNEY, 9P ----------------------------------------------RED CITIES, THE BROKE LOOSE, HALFWIT, O’LEAVER’S PUB, 9:30P ----------------------------------------------JOSH BLUE OMAHA FUNNY BONE, 9:45P ----------------------------------------------INTERROGATED/THE ARENA THE BACKLINE, 10P ----------------------------------------------COMEDY AND IMPROV WITH STEPHANIE HILLIER & MORE CLUB VIBE, 10P
SATURDAY JANUARY 14 BLACK HOLES: SPACE WARPS & TIME TWIST SAC MUSEUM, 9A ----------------------------------------------NATURE CONNECTS:ART LEGO BRICKS LAURITZEN GARDENS, 9A ----------------------------------------------THUMBELINA THE ROSE THEATER, 9:30A ----------------------------------------------KINDER NATURE: SNOW SCIENCE HITCHCOCK NATURE CENTER, 10A ----------------------------------------------INDOOR AIR SHOW SAC MUSEUM, 10A ----------------------------------------------CHEERLEADERS OF AMERICA CORNHUSKER CHAMPIONSHIP CENTURYLINK CENTER, 11A -----------------------------------------------
“FROM HERE TO THERE” ART EXHIBIT, DARGER HQ, 12P ----------------------------------------------MIXXED FIT BUSHWACKER’S SALOON, 5P ----------------------------------------------JOSH BLUE OMAHA FUNNY BONE, 7P ----------------------------------------------JOHN WORSHAM VINO MAS, 7P ----------------------------------------------“DESTINATION MARS” SERBIAN PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT PETSHOP GALLERY, 7P ----------------------------------------------OMAHA MAVERICKS HOCKEY BAXTER ARENA, 7:07P ----------------------------------------------PRCA CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO MID-AMERICA CENTER, 7:30P ----------------------------------------------GUNS 4 ROSES- A TRIBUTE TO GUNS N’ ROSES, SLOWDOWN, 8P ----------------------------------------------BENNIE AND THE GENTS THE WAITING ROOM, 8P ----------------------------------------------BIG CANVAS THE BACKLINE, 8P ----------------------------------------------AORTA PRESENTS NICK’S BIRTHDAY WITH THE BEAT SEEKERS LOOKOUT LOUNGE, 8P ----------------------------------------------GINA SICILIA THE 21ST SALOON, 8P ----------------------------------------------REGGIE SHAW HORSEMEN PARK, 8:30P ----------------------------------------------WEISENHEIMERS COMEDY PIZZA SHOP COLLECTIVE, 8:30P ----------------------------------------------JULIO’S TRIVIA NIGHT 2017 STYLE JULIO’S, 9P ----------------------------------------------SOUL DAWG OZONE LOUNGE, 9P ----------------------------------------------SE7EN WITH JUMP THE TIGER, DROOL, THICK DR. JACK’S DRINKERY, 8P ----------------------------------------------THE NORTH FORK WITH SLOW STOICS THE DOWN UNDER, 9P ----------------------------------------------EDGE OF ARBOR, ELIZABETH GHANDOUR, DILLON ADKISSON, TARA VAUGHAN BAND BARLEY STREET TAVEN, 9P ----------------------------------------------SIDECAR 69 TWO FINE IRISHMEN, 9P
----------------------------------------------BENSON SOUL SOCIETY REVERB LOUNGE, 9P ----------------------------------------------JOSH BLUE OMAHA FUNNY BONE, 9:30P ----------------------------------------------WORRIED MOTHERS, TOTAL VOLTAGE, CHALANT O’LEAVER’S PUB, 9:30P ----------------------------------------------CONNOR DOWLING DUBLINER PUB, 9:30P ----------------------------------------------BIG CANVAS THE BACKLINE, 10P ----------------------------------------------GET JIGGY DANCE PARTY CLUB VIBE, 10P
TUESDAY JANUARY 17
BLACK HOLES: SPACE WARPS & TIME TWIST, SAC MUSEUM, 9A ----------------------------------------------BLOCK PARTY EXHIBIT OMAHA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, 10A ----------------------------------------------PRIL’S JAM 21ST SALOON, 6P ----------------------------------------------OPERA BOOT CAMP: WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART LE BOUILLON, 6P ----------------------------------------------SCOTT EVANS AND FRIENDS OZONE LOUNGE, 6:30P ----------------------------------------------AMERICA’S PUB QUIZ VARSITY SPORTS CAFE & ROMAN SUNDAY JANUARY 15 COIN BELLEVUE, 7P ----------------------------------------------AMERICA’S PUB QUIZ LOCAL BEER, PATIO, KITCHEN, 7P SINGLES SUNDAY FACE TO FACE ----------------------------------------------THERAPY BAR & GRILL, 2P ----------------------------------------------- THE LUMINEERS CENTURYLINK CENTER, 7P JOHN NOVOSAD ----------------------------------------------OMAHA FUNNY BONE, 7P ----------------------------------------------- MARC RIZZO OF SOULFLY LOOKOUT LOUNGE, 7P AMERICA’S PUB QUIZ ----------------------------------------------TWO FINE IRISHMEN, 7P ----------------------------------------------LIVE JAZZ WITH LUIGI INC. MR. TOAD, 9P ----------------------------------------------COLD CAVE WITH DRAB MAJESTY & PLACK BLAGUE THE WAITING ROOM, 9P
AMERICA’S PUB QUIZ VARSITY SPORTS CAFE & ROMAN COIN MILLARD, 7:30P ----------------------------------------------MALONEY’S IRISH PUB VARSITY SPORTS CAFE & ROMAN COIN RALSTON, 8P ----------------------------------------------YOU HAD TO BE THERE W/ RYAN DE LA GARZA, REVERB LOUNGE, 7:30P ----------------------------------------------SINGER SONGWRITER NIGHT “IN THE ROUND”, BARLEY STREET, 9P -----------------------------------------------
MONDAY JANUARY 16 GOOCH & HIS LAS VEGAS BIG BAND OZONE LOUNGE, 6:30P ----------------------------------------------AMERICA’S PUB QUIZ LIQUID SUNSHINE TAPROOM LA VISTA, 7P ----------------------------------------------LONG TIME COMING MLK TRIBUTE THE DOWN UNDER LOUNGE, 7P ----------------------------------------------SIGNING OF THE 18TH AMENDMENT ANNIVERSARY PARTY THE DOWN UNDER LOUNGE, 7P ----------------------------------------------CINDY KAZA OMAHA FUNNY BONE, 7:30P ----------------------------------------------NEW MUSIC MONDAY WITH FROM THE ARC, VIRGIN MARY PISTOL GRIP & THE SUPERBYTES THE WAITING ROOM, 8P
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Wednesday January 11, 9p
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Thursday January 12, 8:30p
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Friday January 13, 9p
%oombo[ Zith Linear Symmetry at The SloZdoZn
Tony Roberts LIVE at Ralston Arena
Secret Weapon at Ozone Lounge
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Friday January 11, 10p
Friday & Saturday January 13 & 14, 7:30p
Comedy & Improv Z Stephanie +illier at PRCA Rodeo at the Mid-America Center Club Vibe
Saturday January 14, 9p
Se7en Z Jump the Tiger, Drool, & Thick Mistress at Dr Jackès
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Friday Wednesday January 13, 9p January 11, 9p 3ROF Zith Graveyard Smash, DeadEchoes, & Finding 1ovyon, Metasota, & Willie Wonka Warbreather at The Sydney at The Waiting Room
Sunday January 15, 9p Cold Cave Zith Drab Majesty & Plack Blague at The Waiting Room
Tuesday January 17, 7p
The Lumineers Cleopatra World Tour at The CenturyLink Center
a gampo tale.
TONY ROBERTS LIVE RALSTON ARENA THURSDAY, JANUARY 12 Internationally known HBO Comedian HD & BET Comic View Tony Roberts preforming LIVE at the Ralston Arena!
BOOMBOX W/ LINEAR SYMETRY SLOWDOWN WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11 Doors at 8pm , Show at 9pm $16 Advance/$18 Day of show All ages show. Check entry requirements at http://theslowdown. com/All-Ages
Plus Californian funny man Terrance DeLane, Omaha, Nebraska’s very ownJabber Gold, plus comedian Koo Bubba Ice! Hosted by the outrageous and always unpredictable funny man El’Stupo & your favorite DJ DJNext1 to top it off! Get your tickets now at http://www.ralstonarena.com/ Doors open at 7pm and show starts at 8:30pm. at The Ralston Arena.
Slowdown and HighLucyNation present.. BoomBox with Linear Symetry Friday the 13th at Slowdown! BoomBox, the electronic duo compromised of versatile producers, DJs, songwriter, and multiinstrumentalists Russ Randolph and Zion Rock Godchaux, recently released their Ćrst new studio album in 4 years, Filling In The Color, following 2010’s downriverelectric and 2006’s debut record Visions of Backbeat. Godchaux calls the new record “further evolved” from the bands’ signature sound, an electronic blend of soulful Rock and Blues based dance music incorporating Backbeat, Psychedelia and Funky House sounds.
SECRET WEAPON OZONE LOUNGE FRIDAY, JANUARY 13 Secret Weapon is known as one of the best cover bands in town and OEA winners for best cover band in 2009,10,12,14,15. Show begins at 9pm at Ozone Lounge!
Forged from a history of hardship and partying, Prof’s music and career rećect the dichotomy that his life has been. His music chronicles everything he has experienced; from adversities as a child, like his father setting Ćre to their home or sleeping on a bean bag growing up, to his adult diversions, like his love affair with whiskey and women (in that order). Much the same, his career has also seen this duality. After grinding on the Minneapolis hip-hop scene for over ten years with little to show besides a ravenous fan base, Prof has recently begun to make serious national traction on the back of his unique recordings, video content and must see live shows. Frequently billed with rap mainstays like Atmosphere, Yelawolf, Tech N9ne, POS, Brother Ali, Doomtree and Killer Mike, Prof has shown his talent can hang with the best. This talent has been well documented by his critically acclaimed Kaiser Von Powderhorn mixtape series, three full length albums, recordings with Brother Ali, Slug and Yelawolf, and a guest appearance on the Atmosphere track “Minnesota Nice”. Prof’s most 2011 LP King Gampo is proof that he’s only getting better. Thanks to help from friends like Brother Ali, Ant of Atmosphere, and MTV Riff Raff (SODMG), King Gampo expands upon Prof’s previous works detailing his worst memories and best parties, making sure the listener bobs their head and shakes their ass the entire time. PROFwith Finding Novyon, Metasota, & Willie Wonka Friday, January 13th at The Waiting Room. More information online at http:// waitingroomlounge.com/
More information at http:// theslowdown.com/
PROF WITH FINDING NOVYON, METASOTA, & WILLIE WONKA THE WAITING ROOM FRIDAY, JANUARY 13
PRCA CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO MID-AMERICA CENTER JANUARY 13 & 14 The world’s most dangerous sport is
coming to the Mid-America Center Friday, January 13th and Saturday, January 14th, 7:30PM each night! Witness the original extreme sport as top professional contestants from across the nation compete against the rankest head slammin’, bone jammin’ bronc’s and bulls on the roughest playing Ćeld in America. Get your tickets at www.ticketmaster.com THE LUMINEERS CLEOPATRA
WORLD TOUR CENTURYLINK CENTER TUESDAY, JANUARY 17 “We want to focus on the core, not the illusion.” – Wesley Schultz, The Lumineers. The Lumineers are one of the unlikeliest success stories of the past few years. A scruffy independent Americana trio out of Denver, their irresistible anthem “Ho Hey” took the world by storm in 2012, followed by a second #1 single “Stubborn Love” and their third charting single “Submarines”, all carrying them on a journey from the Grammys to the presidential iPod, from the top of the charts to the Hunger Games. Their self-titled debut album became a multi-million seller as they stormed stages around the world and legions of new fans fell in love with the wide emotional and philosophical range of their rich, lyrical songwriting. Now, at long last, they are back with their second album, Cleopatra, a collection of such depth and texture it afĆrms The Lumineers as a band in for the long haul, with a growing canon of songs that stand comparison with the best America has to offer. Tickets available at http://centurylink. centeromaha.com/
Focus | January 11 - January 17 | Volume 1 Issue 3 11
Layering By Cass Butler
Raise a virtual hand, nod or shake your head and give me an “Amen!” – some sort of acknowledgement – if, like me, you are blessed with erratic, winter weather. One day you are faced with an arctic chill and wouldn’t dare leave your house without a hooded parka. The next day you are considering layering clothes because the temperature is somewhere between 40 and 50 degrees. We can’t even blame the weather forecasters for this one. You’ve just got to love it, right? If this isn’t your Ćrst time reading one
of my work, you know I’m a fan of the 45 degrees plus days. I’m all about layering clothes (but high preference is the need to not layer at all LOL. No jackets required). Layering is not only functional and uber cozy, when done right it looks effortlessly stylish. I like to play with textures when layering clothes and as much as possible keep colors in a similar palette. Picture a knit sweater with a denim jacket or a velvet blazer casually draped over the shoulders. It’s a very interesting style trick which makes your look appear fancier than it really is. My favorite layering tip is to cinch my jacket around my waist, which is a bit more light and casual but equally cool. When the temperature demands I add the layer to my body – easy adjustment to make while maintaining the overall style. for you. I keep colors in shades from a similar palette to create uniformity. The silhouette helps to diminish the appearance of any bulkiness that may potentially occur when adding layers. This does not mean you can go adding heavy layers of your favorite shade of blue: tank, button-up, sweater and bomber jacket without some sacriĆce. Wearing short sleeves over a longsleeved top is another style tip that limits the frumpiness and weight in creating effortless layered looks. Keep on rocking your favorite, satin tank maxi from the summer over a lightweight sweater or a turtleneck. Again, the key here is to play with textures and create a style that works
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Accessories are the missing piece, the Ćnal key, to creating effortless layered looks. Blanket scarfs, capes and dusters are all the rage right now. I love that they are ontrend yet they all have staying power. As long as the colors aren’t too extreme, you will have traction on oversized scarves, capes and dusters for a while. So go ahead and Ćll your closet economically while you get your layering on!
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The Evolution of SpokenWord By Focus Staff Loud and proud and in your face! That is one way to describe spoken word performances. It is a movement, an art form, with roots in West Africa and into the Mediterranean and elsewhere. It may be a poetry slam, rap, or something else, but it’s exciting, dynamic and growing in popularity, both as an art form and an entertainment option.
Troxclair and WithLoveFelicia, her frequent collaborator and partner in promoting spoken word events, and Matt Mason, are among the leaders in the movement locally. The three agree that spoken word performances started to show up regularly in Omaha in the late 1990s. A few poetry slams came to town and slowly events then became more regular, according to Mason. Borders Books hosted the Ćrst poetry slam under the direction of Erich Christiansen in April of 1999, Mason recalled, and that kept running for a couple years. Nat Derickson started one not long after at The Dubliner.
An exceptional period of spoken word activity begins on Sunday in Omaha, and is detailed at the end of this story. But Ćrst, let’s take a look at the history. Felicia – a spoken word artist who does much more in the Omaha arts In Omaha, much of the spoken word community - recalled staging her Ćrst activity is happening in the African such event in 1998 at Dazy Maze, a American community. According to vegetarian restaurant, on 13th and Michelle Troxclair, deputy director Jackson Streets. of the Nebraska Writer’s Collective, a radio host and spoken word artist, “I brought Michelle (Troxclair) along spoken word is a vital part of the oral . . . I asked her to share there,” Felicia tradition that has for centuries allowed recalled. “That was one of the Ćrst an oppressed people to pass down places she actually shared poetry.” their stories. Prior to that Troxclair’s poetic artistry had primarily been on the written page.
and PaciĆc across from Grooves (now Flixx) and that became Poetic Fusion. Along the way WithLoveFelicia and Troxclair founded The Wordsmiths. Felicia is no longer part of that group, but it continues to perform. “I’ve been writing poetry for much longer than that,” Troxclair said of her 1998 introduction to spoken word performance. She was working with Felicia in an after-school program when Felicia introduced her to the form. “I kind of got bit by the bug from there.”
Michelle Troxclair
14 Focus | January 11 - January 17 | Volume 1 Issue 3
Troxclair, who said she comes from a family of story tellers, would agree. “It’s part of the culture and you’re kind of around it from Day One,” she said. Her father used to do “The Signifying Monkey” and “Shine,” a pair of West African poems, around the dinner table. “Spoken word is part of the African American oral tradition.” As spoken word activity was developing in the downtown area, Felicia moved to the East Coast for a time and Troxclair took over. WithLoveFelicia moved back to Omaha during the summer of 2007. She found Troxclair working at Love’s Jazz Center where she was doing a regular Poetry in Motion, and Felicia helped her. When Troxclair left Love’s, there was a lapse in spoken word until House of Loom’s owners approached the duo about doing an event.
Spoken word is one form of poetry, which of course still can be published, but it also can include poetry slams and hip-hop.
Network – a spoken word group – sponsored that event. Having just moved back to Omaha from the East “The format for poetry slam just Coast, WithLove Felicia had decided to kind of goes back to the mid-80s in bring something back. Chicago,” Mason said, with that format involving choosing judges out of the “A lot of great turnouts,” she recalled. audience. Out of that grew InFoRtHyMz at Dazy Maze. Break dancers and live music were added to the artistic mix as some of the activity moved to 10th
thing goes back much further, and the African American oral tradition is the real roots.
The slam tradition goes back to the beat poets- African American traditions and “all over the place.” He acknowledges the whole spoken word
That became the monthly event that is VerbalGumbo/ “It was truly a blessing because of the idea of us starting from the ground up . . . it was a wonderful birthing,” Felicia said. “We were midwives watching the birth of VerbalGumbo.” Mason, who has worked on poetry slams around the country, is excited about the talent in Omaha. The simplicity has its appeal, as well, he pointed out. All you need is a writer, an audience, and if the crowd gets too big,
a microphone. “The talent here is, and always has been, always fantastic,� he said. “I’ve always come home really pleased with what we have here.
Troxclair said. “It’s a cleansing device for the spirit and the demons of the soul.�
“There is something going on here in Omaha.�
To aid in that Ćght, despite the closing of House of Loom at the end of 2016, Verbal Gumbo has moved and on Thursday the 19th begins a run in its new home,
Mason said there is a need for the many formats of spoken word.
The Omaha Rockets Kanteen off 24th and Lake.
With published poetry, spoken word, slams, and hip-hop all competing for attention - and publishing challenged for survival - Troxclair knows there is work to be done. “There’s going to have to be a shift toward more auditory or visual manifestations of poetry,� Troxclair said. She is starting a nonproĆt called Verse to focus on the visual aspect of poetry and that effort may exist on many platforms. She feels it is especially important for cultures that have depended on oral traditions to tell their stories, such as African American and Native American, that spoken word art survives. “It’s one of the best ways to give the voiceless a voice,�
cities across the country, on Jan.15th, writers will read works of poetry focused on Civil Rights heroes and raise money for the Anti-Defamation League and Nebraska Appleseed. 5:00-7:00pm Omaha Rockets Kanteen 24th & Lake Sts.
Followed by, A Tribute to MLK featuring The Wordsmiths Original poetry written and “The only difference is it will be an theatrically performed by the region’s opportunity to be in the heart of North only professional Spoken Word troop. Omaha,� WithLoveFelicia said. The Jan. 15th event also will support a local business 7:30-8:30pm owner and allow people to sample Omaha Rockets Kanteen some new foods. 24th & Lake Sts. “We look forward to everybody having a different experience,� Felicia said. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the performances still start a little after 8 “As we always do.� As spoken word always will.
Upcoming Spoken Word Events Writers Resist Omaha Sponsored by Nebraska Writers Collective In over 50
MLK Showcase FAYD Program students from North High School “Why We March� a verse play featured as the Ćnale following their annual talent show. Special Guest: Studio Twelve: 34 (all the way from Atlanta) Jan. 16th The Kaneko - 1111 Jones St. 5:00-7:00pm College of St. Mary Mary’ss Annual MLK Tribute featuring The Wordsmiths Jan. 24th 7:00-8:00pm Midwest Poetry Vibe will present four shows in February at Love’s Jazz and Arts Center. Those will be run by Reginald Clark.
Spoken Word Origins )RU WKRVH ZKR PD\ QRW EH IDPLOLDU ZLWK WKH SRHWLF IRUP ZHèUH QRW UHIHUULQJ WR 7+( VSRNHQ ZRUG 6SRNHQ :RUG FDQ EH GHÄ&#x2020;QHG DV DQ oral art that focuses on the aesthetics of Zord play intonation and voice inÄ&#x2021;ection While it may be popular in African American culture, spoke Zordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roots stem all the Zay back to ancient *reece, Zhere *reek lyric, Zhich is similar to spoken-Zord poetry, Zas included in the 2lympic *ames The poetry and political music group â&#x20AC;&#x153;The /ast 3oets,â&#x20AC;? Zhich Zas formed in the 60â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and born out of the Civil 5ights movement, Zas given credit for populari]ing spoken Zord Zithin African American culture There also Zere notable speeches such as 0artin /uther .ingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;I +ave a 'ream,â&#x20AC;? 6ojourner Truthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t I a Woman?â&#x20AC;? and %ooker T Washingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cast 'oZn <our %uckets â&#x20AC;? All of those incorporated elements of oration that inÄ&#x2021;uenced the spoken Zord movement Zithin the African American community It then continued in the 0â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Zith the poem and song by *il 6cott-+eron called â&#x20AC;&#x153;The 5evolution Zill not be Televisedâ&#x20AC;? Zhich Zas revisited in the 0â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in a poetic song by Wu-Tang Clan called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wu-5evolutionâ&#x20AC;? In the 80â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, competitive spoken Zord competitions emerged, labeled â&#x20AC;&#x153;poetry slamsâ&#x20AC;? Zhich Zere credited to American poet 0arc 6mith 6poken Zord Ä&#x2020;nally reached a Zider audience in the 0â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s folloZing the airing of 5ussell 6immonsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;'ef 3oetryâ&#x20AC;? on +%2 betZeen 00 and 00 Today, the 1ational 3oetry 6lam is the largest competition in the Zorld and held in different cities across the 8nited 6tates
Focus | January 11 - January 17 | Volume 1 Issue 3 15
Darlene Love – The Voice Joins the Omaha Symphony By Andy Roberts Talk about being alive at 75! Darlene Love, a legend and one of Rolling Stones’ 100 Greatest Singers of All Time, will make her Omaha debut this weekend in a pair of pops concerts with the Omaha Symphony
on the music scene, Love’s career had another boost with the September 2015 release of Introducing Darlene Love. The stellar effort was helmed by Steve Van Zandt and featured songs by Van Zandt, Elvis Costello, and Van Zandt’s usual boss, The Boss, Bruce Springsteen. “Our relationship has always been a lot of fun,” Love said of Van Zandt, whom she met in her native California about 30 years ago. “Steve is the reason I live in New York.” Love also played the wife of Danny She promised the show will include the Glover’s character in the Lethal oldies, of course, but the new songs Weapon movie franchise. also will be heard. “He (Van Zandt) took a lot of pain and effort to put it together.” The new songs have been going over well, she said, and it helped to get support from writers who were familiar with her work.
She landed the spot after Letterman visited The Bottom Line in NYC and saw her perform in a show that was put together by his Late Night band leader, Paul Shaffer.
“I’m a movie fan, too,” she stated. “Very exciting and very unexpected.” Shortly after that Letterman on air told Shaffer: “We need to get her on the She said her key to success is simple. show.” “The biggest thing, you have to believe in yourself.” Things work out, she said, if you are true to yourself, adding all of her experiences helped make her what she is today.
And so a 29-year Late Night tradition was born. “It kept my career out there,” Love admits. At 75 she is still planning the future, getting in the gym regularly to stay in shape and planning two more albums with Van Zandt, who also is quite busy. The end of her performing is not in
She will be in town Friday and her band will rehearse with the symphony for the show. on Saturday and Sunday. Love has done it all and you can hear much of it this weekend. Led by Principal Pops Conductor Ernest Richardson, the concert will feature Love singing hits that made rock ‘n’ roll history, such as “He’s a Rebel,” “The Boy I’m Going to Marry,” “Da Doo Ron Ron,” and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).” The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer told Focus she is looking forward to the show. “I’ve had a lot of fun with orchestras lately,” Love said by phone from New York City. While she has long been a presence
During her 50-plus year career there have been ups and downs, Love admitted, but “A lot of the ups have been fantastic.” She was part of Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound, and among the other highlights were a decade working as a backing vocalist with Dionne Warwick, singing with Frank Sinatra and Tom Jones, and performing with Elvis Presley on his 1968 Comeback Special. There was the time Bruce Springsteen invited her to the 25th Anniversary of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – a time the preceded her entry into the Hall and her work with soul music legend Sam Cooke. “Working with Sam Cooke. I didn’t think it gets any better than that.”
16 Focus | January 11 - January 17 | Volume 1 Issue 3
“Everybody I ever worked for was a lesson,” Love said. “To actually be there working with these people was more than I ever asked for.” There are a couple artists she’d like to add to her resume. One is Barbra Streisand, long a dream of hers, while the other is Kelly Clarkson. “I love country and western singers anyway.” Love said it always makes her happy when people say her annual appearance on the David Letterman Christmas Show, where she sang Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” was a holiday highlight for them.
sight. “I have no idea who much longer I’m going to be able to do this, but as long as I can, I’m going to be doing it,” she emphasized. Tickets to Darlene Love start at $19 and can be purchased by visiting www. omahasymphony.org or by calling Ticket Omaha at 402.345.0606.
mic starts at 7 followed by the slam. Hosted by Zedeka Poindexter. $5, $3 for students. (2nd Saturday of every month)
JANUARY SPOKEN WORD CALENDAR OF EVENTS www.poetrymenu.com 1/11, W-- 5:30-9pm, Nebraska Writers Workshop at the Ralston Baright Public Library Meeting Room (5555 S 77th St, Ralston).Free! 5:30pm Teens ONLY, 6pm Poetry, 6:30pm Scripting (Stage & Film), 7pm Fiction & Readings for feedback. Facilitated by Sally J. Walker. See full details at: www.nebraskawritersworkshop.info. (every Wednesday) 1/11, W-- 8pm-1:30am, Aly Peeler Open Mic at the Down Under (3530 Leavenworth St, Omaha). Open to poets, musicians, and more. Free!
1/15, Su-- 5-7pm, Writers Resist: Omaha at the Omaha Rockets Kanteen 1/12, Th-- 9pm-2am, Lyricists’ Open (2401 Lake St, Omaha). Writers Resist Mic Hosted by Ian Nauslar at Lookevents are happening around the out Lounge (320 S 72nd St, Omaha). country today out of concern for our Calling all lyricists, writers, poets country and human rights in Americomedians, singers and song writers. ca. Held on Martin Luther King, Jr.s Ten minute slots are available for you birthday, writers and others present to share your craft. See more at the their own work and works of others Facebook Event page. focused on Civil Rights heroes and actions. Presenters include Otis XII, 1/14, Sa-- 1-3pm, Omaha Writers Todd Robinson, Olivia Johnson, Bart Group at Petshop Gallery (2725 N Vargas, Colleen O’Doherty, Fernando 62nd St, Omaha). A weekly writing Montejano, Kabin Thomas, and more. workshop open to the public. Bring The Omaha event is free but is asking your work and bring your friends. Evfor donations supporting the Anery week, Gen provides coffee, snacks, ti-Defamation League and Nebraska and writing exercises. (every Saturday) Appleseed. See more at the Facebook Event page. https://www.facebook. 1/14, Sa-- 1:30-3:30pm, Teen Poetry com/events/937310963068235/ Workshop at the Abrahams branch Omaha Library (5111 North 90th 1/15, Su-- 7-8:30pm, The Wordsmiths’ Street, Omaha). This month’s workcelebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. shop is led by nationally-known tourDay at the Omaha Rockets Kanteen ing poet Sierra DeMulder. Sponsored (2401 Lake St, Omaha). Come out for by the Omaha Public Library, join a spectacular evening of spoken word Nebraska Writers Collective’s Louder celebrating an American hero. Than a Bomb coaches and visiting artists to learn from the experts. Free, 1/16, M-- 7pm, Open Mic at the Moon, aimed at teens but open to all. at Crescent Moon Coffee (140 N 8th St #10 Lower Level, Lincoln). For more 1/14, Sa-- 7pm, the Omaha Poetry information, contact crescentmoon@ Slam and open mic at the UNO Cominebraska.comand check www.cresmunity Engagement Center (room centmooncoffee.com/. (every Monday) TBA soon) and tonight features the very talented Sierra DeMulder. It’s 1/17, Tu-- 7pm, Imaginary Gardens the longest-running slam in Omaha, Reading at Mr. Toad (1002 Howard St, often featuring some of the best Omaha) featuring poet Lisa Fay Coutperformance poets in the nation. Open ley and nonĆction author John Price.
This monthly series by Michael Skau features talented local writers. See more at the Facebook Event page.
at the Facebook Event page. The 7DP is a program of the nonproĆt Nebraska Writers Collective.
1/18, W-- 5:30-9pm, Nebraska Writers Workshop at the Ralston Baright Public Library Meeting Room (5555 S 77th St, Ralston).Free! 5:30pm Teens ONLY, 6pm Poetry, 6:30pm Scripting (Stage & Film), 7pm Fiction & Readings for feedback. Facilitated by Sally J. Walker. See full details at: www.nebraskawritersworkshop.info. (every Wednesday)
1/25, W-- 5:30-9pm, Nebraska Writers Workshop at the Ralston Baright Public Library Meeting Room (5555 S 77th St, Ralston).Free! 5:30pm Teens ONLY, 6pm Poetry, 6:30pm Scripting (Stage & Film), 7pm Fiction & Readings for feedback. Facilitated by Sally J. Walker. See full details at: www.nebraskawritersworkshop.info. (every Wednesday)
1/19, Th-- 7pm, feedback reading at KANEKO (1111 Jones St, Omaha). This session brings featured writers BeauĆeld Berry and P. Ivan Young. Feedback is a one-of-a-kind reading where writers share works in progress and receive questions and feedback from members of the audience in a discussion on creative writing. To See more on this reading and the January 21 writing workshop, go to TheKaneko.org.
1/25, W-- 7-8:30pm, The Backwaters Press Reading at Gallery 1516 (1516 Leavenworth St, Omaha) featuring Kwame Dawes, Lisa Fay Coutley, and Michael Skau. For full information, see the Facebook Event Page. 1/25, W-- 8pm-1:30am, Aly Peeler Open Mic at the Down Under (3530 Leavenworth St, Omaha). Open to poets, musicians, and more. Free!
1/18, W-- 8pm-1:30am, Aly Peeler Open Mic at the Down Under (3530 Leavenworth St, Omaha). Open to poets, musicians, and more. Free!
Be sure to check out the website for updated events and information at www.poetrymenu.com
1/18, W-- 8pm-12am, Acoustic Open Mic for musicians and poets at Meadowlark Coffee & Espresso (1624 South St, Lincoln). Hosted by Spencer. For more information call 402-477-2007. (every Wednesday) 1/21, Th-- 7pm, feedback writing workshop at KANEKO (1111 Jones St, Omaha). This session brings featured writers BeauĆeld Berry and P. Ivan Young leading a writing workshop based on elements from the January 19 discussion. To register for this workshop as well as to see more on it and the January 19 reading, go to TheKaneko.org. 1/21, Sa-- 1-3pm, Omaha Writers Group at Petshop Gallery (2725 N 62nd St, Omaha). A weekly writing workshop open to the public. Bring your work and bring your friends. Every week, Gen provides coffee, snacks, and writing exercises. (every Saturday) 1/23, M-- 7-9pm, Seven Doctors Project XIV with music from Ripley’s Not Dead at Slowdown (729 N 14th St, Omaha). Catch work by the latest class of 7DP participants at a fantastic evening event. Free, donations (tax deductible!) accepted. See more details
POETRY CONTEST The BlackBerry Peach Awards are a new, beginning in 2017, major NFSPS competition that challenges poets to present their original poetry in print and spoken word for substantial cash prizes and the opportunity to speak and be heard at the national level.. The BBP Award guidelines can be found at http://www.nfsps.com/BBP3Guidelines.html For additional information, contact Joseph Cavanaugh, BBP3 Chair, at jcavanaugh1@gmail.com
Focus | January 11 - January 17 | Volume 1 Issue 3 17
In-Home %RR]H %UHZHU By Focus Staff Keurig and Anheuser-Busch are teaming up to build an in-home booze brewer.
the technology from its now-defunct cold beverage maker, the Keurig Kold, which was supposed to compete with SodaStream (SODA). SodaStream beat Keurig to the punch with making in-home beer brewers. The company began selling the SodaStream
The companies said Friday that they’re launching a joint venture. The plan is to create an appliance that can churn out “beer, spirits, cocktails and mixers” at home, according to a press release. The companies are still researching the product, so there isn’t even a prototype yet, much less any other details. But an Anheuser-Busch partnership may mean that it can create home-brewed versions of beers such as Budweiser and Corona. Keurig is best known for its single-cup coffee maker. But the new appliance will use
Beer Bar in a couple of European markets last May, and it’s introducing the product to more countries throughout 2017.
18 Focus | January 11 - January 17 | Volume 1 Issue 3
Focus | January 11 - January 17 | Volume 1 Issue 3 19
Tuna TatakiSucculent white tuna marinated in rice wine vinegar. If you like tuna, this is a must. Donburi Ika Don- Marinated squid, rice noodles, yuzu. I’m a big fan of squid and this is cooked perfectly. Few places can boast that they get the squid cooked right every time. This is one of them. Not too chewy and it has just the right consistency. This is my personal favorite and I’ve never had it made better anywhere else. There’s just enough different about this dish to make it truly amazing!
Ika Ramen and Izakaya By Focus Staff
What started off as a weekends-only offering at Taita, has become a fullscale operation of its own. IKA Ramen and Izakaya is a treat- and yes I said a treat- that you don’t want to miss. It’s located at 6324 Maple Street, so go slow. If you don’t heed that advice, you might blink and miss out on a chance to experience some amazing ćavors from what I consider to be one of the top culinarians, Jose Dionico, in Omaha.
cost far more in other markets and yet here you can experience Big City ćavors without paying the Big City prices. It’s hard to Ćnd a menu that has this kind of fare with nothing over $12.
Order from Ika Ramen and Izakaya, in Omaha, for pickup anywhere or delivery within the 68104 area.
Tonkotsu- Rich Pork Broth
Pork Belly Steam Buns-
The thing I like most about Jose’s dishes is that they’re unique and hard to Ćnd anywhere else locally, and then there’s the price. For instance, the Tuna Tataki and others dishes would
Buns are steamed to perfection. Sweet pork belly w/ a touch of heat. A perfect paring.
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The ćavors here are constantly evolving and you can get your saki on or settle in with a cold one as well since they do serve alcohol. The next time you’re heading to Benson, don’t miss out on a great opportunity to have a dining experience that you won’t soon forget!
For more information and the menu visit http://www. ikaramenandizakaya.com/
RAMEN
SMALL PLATES
belly. This is their second-best selling dish currently and I’m sure will soon take the #1 spot. At least on my list.
Just like the name says. Rich and full of ćavor. Not too salty. The egg is marinated in soy sauce and ginger which tops off a perfect compliment of onion and mushrooms which blend in perfectly with the pork broth. Miso- Dashi Broth Ajitama, Roasted Corn, Negi, Avocado, and Spicy Shoga. The ginger and chilis are a perfect marriage of spicy meets sweet. This one will leave a pleasant after taste in your mouth. Topped with pork
Hours Tue-Thu: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Fri-Sat: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. Sun: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
GLOSSARY:
AJITAMA-- Soft Boiled Egg &+AR S8-- 3oUN Bell\ 1EGI-- GUeeQ OQioQV O1SE1 TAMAGO-- 3oDFKed Egg S+OGA--GiQgeU
Focus | January 11 - January 17 | Volume 1 Issue 3 21
Anti-Aging By Focus Staff Unless you’ve managed to Ćnd the Holy Grail and the key to immortality, aging is a concern that all of us eventually have to face. Who cares, right? Well, the anti-aging market is poised to surge from $140.3 billion annually in 2015, to more than $216 billion globally by 2021 according to Zion Market Research.
Also available in powder form, the powder is designed to enhance the body’s natural production of hormones that may improve physical performance and well-being. It also supports a broad range of health beneĆts.
Here are just a few remedies that Jane suggests could help you turn back the clock.
UltraMAX GOLDAgeless Foundation Laboratories UltraMax Gold Capsules are supposed to be designed to enhance the body’s natural production of hormones that may improve physical performance and well-being, and supports a broad range of health beneĆts.
fall into one or more of these categories, Collagen can help. Collagen dressings also attract new skin to the affected area.
signiĆcantly at the age of 30. In an article that appeared in the 1990 New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. Daniel Rudman and his colleagues at The University of Wisconsin released the results of their Note: Stay away from lotions as treatment of 12 men aged 61 to 80 with Collagen molecules are too large and are intramuscular growth hormone. After unlikely to be absorbed through the skin. six months, these 12 men had lost 14% of their body fat and gained an average of 8.8% muscle mass. Their bone density increased and their skin became thicker Collagenand Ćrmer. Wrinkles disappeared and The most abundantly produced protein sexual performance was improved in in the human body also is the substance several. Dr. Rudman concluded that, that holds you together! Increasingly “The overall deterioration of the body used for medical and cosmetic purposes, that comes with growing old is not including to help with healing and the inevitable. These injections appear able repair of the body’s tissues. Your skin is HGHto reverse 10 years of aging with one crying if you get too much sun, smoke, Is a natural substance in you body that is year of treatment.” or have high sugar consumption. Its produced by your pituitary gland. Your production also declines with age. If you body begins to decrease production BeneĆts can be:
SunćoZer 3roteinSunćower protein is said to improve digestion, brain power, and the functioning of the cardiovascular system. These seeds also are a good source of vitamin B6, thiamin, magnesium, copper, phosphorous, manganese, and selenium, as well as being rich in vitamin E.
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• Decrease in fatigue • Decreased wrinkles • Better memory • Improvement of mood • Increase in lean muscle mass -Studies have shown that HGH increases body mass and decreases fat. • Increased libido • Increase Muscle Mass and decreased body fat • Resistance to Injury – HGH builds connective tissue within your muscles, which can promote resistance to injury and faster repair after an injury. The Mitchell Report (Dec. 2007) stated that Major League Baseball players believed HGH helped them with recovery from injury as well as fatigue.
It can be taken by injection or through a supplement. There are some known side effects, however, so make sure that if you’re taking injections in particular, that it’s done under the watchful eye of a physician. Men can Ćnd out more about anti-aging by visiting Limitless Male men’s clinic, or, for supplements you can stop by Jane’s Health Food Store. Sources: Medical News Today, NE Journal of Medicine, Jane’s Health Food Store Note: Focus doesn’t endorse or claim to have a professional opinion on any of these products. This story is meant to be for informational purposes only.
• A slowing down of many aging signs
Focus | January 11 - January 17 | Volume 1 Issue 3 23
Brodin. Brodin also worked on the newest recording to be unveiled Jan. 21 at Reverb in Benson. Expect a couple special guests at that party.
Bazile Mills – +RPH *URZQ Americana or Something Like That By Eddie Torrez
“We’ve just had a nice little roll,” Mainelli said. Widmest Productions gave them a record deal and the band did a four-song EP, Where We Are. Hear Nebraska just released the song “Where We Are” as a “I’d just been through the town,” Mainelli single on its website. said. He was on his way back to Omaha from points northwest of the city. That “It turned out great,” Mainelli said. An was around 2014 when he had been offer to do a collectible vinyl piece also doing some singer-songwriter work at is out there. The Library Pub following his recovery from a serious illness. So, back to the question of: “What kind The opportunity to put together some gigs with a band was presented to him, so Mainelli gathered the best players he could Ćnd and tossed around a few names. Bazile Milles caught the ears of the players: “So we went with it.” Bazile Mills is Mainelli on vocals, guitar, piano, and accordion; Sam Vetter on vocals and rhythm guitar; Laura Long on uke and keys; Dan Stein on bass and lap steel guitar; Rob Clemans on drums; lead guitarist Tim Rozmazjl; joined on occasion by Erin Pille on violin.
of band is this?”
Americana was deĆnitely the sound on the Ćrst record, Mainelli said. Now Vedder and Long have contributed songs as well, and Mainelli says, “We have a pretty good variety of songs. “Musically we’re kind of like the Stones, kind of all over the board,” he suggested, adding Wilco and Ryan Adams’ also work from a similar stylistic base. REM and The Replacements were among his favorites growing up.
creativity into the mix, but still in a way that allows some cohesiveness. “There’s a strain that runs through it,” Mainelli admitted, still emphasizing there is a range of elements within that sound that keeps things fresh. “What really clicked with people was the mix of Tim’s guitar with the three vocals,” Mainelli said. Fame and fortune are not the goal, at least for now, and after that near fatal bout with illness a few years ago, Mainelli said his focus is on creating something of lasting artistic value. “Just want to put out really good songs with really good lyrics . . . I just want to add to the conversation.” Some of that conversation has found its way to Internet radio, which he admits is exciting. Right now the band performs about once every six weeks, which also helps maintain a demand for the shows.
Most are established veterans of the local music scene, with Rozmazjl hailed by Mainelli as the “secret weapon” due to his relative lack of exposure – but not a lack of talent.
When asked about his band’s sound, Dave Mainelli may pause and even stutter for a second.
“I wish we could play more,” he admitted.
Some of the best things in life don’t Ćt in a shoebox. So, at least in the beginning, Bazile Mills was a roots, Americana, indie, rock ‘n’ roll band . . . or something like that. Named after a Knox County, Nebraska, village (some might call it a ghost town) that was home to fewer than 30 people during the 2010 census, Bazile Mills is preparing to grab a little more of your ear time.
Any more thoughts, or would you care to take another stab at describing the sound of Bazile Mills?
As Mainelli recalls, Bazile Mills was being asked to play more and more often during 2014 and 2015 and ended up on some recent year-end lists of bands to watch. A Ćrst gig August 21 of 2014 was followed not long after by the Ćrst EP Burnt Red Sun with help from Sam
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“Each song has its own life. You don’t get that feeling of every song running into the other one,” Mainelli said. “Every song is different from the other. We’re kind of proud of that.” The talented ensemble allows the players to bring their
“Rock ‘n’ roll? I don’t know.” You will know it when you hear it, and you should try to hear it soon.
Bazile Mills performs Jan. 21 for its release party at Reverb in Benson. For more information on Bazile Mills, go to: ww.bazilemillsmusic.com
Focus | January 11 - January 17 | Volume 1 Issue 3 25
College Basketball By Andy Roberts & Focus Staff CREIGHTON BLUEJAYS
Personally, I am waiting for a break-out point explosion from Foster and looking to see how the bench develops. After sweeping this East Coast swing, beating St. John’s 85-72 and Providence 78-64, the ceiling remains high for this squad. One thing to focus on in practice – rebound, rebound, rebound. Clean that up, and a deep March run is likely, maybe expected. Next: Butler in Omaha on Wednesday at 8 p.m. a Ćnal nonconference game with Truman State on Saturday at noon.
NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS South Dakota on Dec. 3.
Creighton Bluejays (15-1, 3-1 Big East) A 10-point loss to then-top-ranked Villanova failed to diminish the spirits of the Creighton Bluejays, who remained in the AP Top 25 at No. 10 following the loss to the defending national champions. No one was expecting the Jays to go undefeated, something that hasn’t happened since Indiana pulled off the feat in 1976, back when Bobby Knight was simply annoying. The reward for starting the season 13-1 was a trip to the East Coast and meetings with a surging St. Johns and a game at Providence College where Creighton had yet to win since joining the Big East. Creighton went 2-0 with contributions from multiple players, as has been the norm. Maurice Watson once again was the ćoor general while Justin Patton continued to develop his game and make CU fans nervous about just how short his stay here may be. Marcus Foster and Khyri Thomas play major rolls, with solid minutes from Cole Huff.
All isn’t bad in Huskerland. After a start that none of the prognosticators would or could have expected, the Huskers fell short in their bid to go 4-0 in B1G Ten play. After Ćnally settling into a starting lineup for the last Ćve games, Nebraska just didn’t seem to have the defensive intensity they’ve had the last three games and could never Ćnd a rhythm on offense.
Speaking of Nebraska’s offense Coach Tim Miles said, “I didn’t feel like I ever liked a shot. I just thought our offensive execution was poor all night. It seems like we made shots even though we didn’t run our offense, even early when we got up 12-2. The only time we got in transition was when we went 1-3-1. We had three transition turnovers, untimely turnovers it felt like. At the end of the day I think they had defensive edge and we didn’t, quick frankly. They won more 50-50 balls. They got timely second shots.”
The Huskers will go back to the drawing board on Saturday, Jan. 14 when they One thing’s for sure. They need to Ćnd a way to stop teams from going nuts on face an 11-5 Michigan Wolverines team them on the perimeter. The Wildcats hit at Ann Arbor that just lost to Maryland 11 3-pointers, matching two other times at home 77-70. this has happened during the season, most recently at Maryland on Jan. 1 in a UNO MAVERICKS game NU still won. One highpoint of the afternoon was the play of Michael Jacobson who posted his second double-double of the season and his career with 12 points and 10 rebounds. The other one came against
26 Focus | January 11 - January 17 | Volume 1 Issue 3
Omaha Mavericks (8-9, 1-3 Summit League) An ambitious nonconference schedule was thought to have prepped the Mavs for league play. Turns out their Summit League opponents had other ideas, but Marcus Tyus dropped 34 on South Dakota State this past Saturday to get the Ćrst league win. Tyus hit eight 3-pointers – half of the team’s showing – in his latest impressive performance. Omaha goes on the road again Wednesday to play IUPUI at Indianapolis on Wednesday. (Why do they have four of the team’s Ćrst Ćve league games on the road?) before a home game Saturday against Western Illinois. This team plays hard, is fun to watch, and will only get better. Next: IUPUI at Indianapolis on Wednesday; home against Western Illinois on Saturday at 7 p.m.
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 MC FLY’S 4305 Center St 11:00am - 6:00pm: $1.75 pints, $2.00 domestic longnecks 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 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
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 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
SCRIPTOWN 3922 Farnam M-F 4P - 6P $1 Off Beers & $1 Off Well Drinks 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 DOWN UNDER 3530 Leavenworth St. MON TUES 4P-7P 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
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that China has at least one other such restroom, in Guilin province, viewing distant mountains.) [CNN, 10-4-2016]
By Chuck Shepherd
behaviors they allow, including “Ćghting,” “murder,” “rape,” “smoking.”) [Siberian Times (Novosibirsk), 12-152016] Roundup From the World’s Press -- With car-camel collisions increasing in Iran’s two southern provinces, an Iranian government ministry is in the process of issuing identiĆcation cards to each camel, supposedly leading to outerwear license “plates” on each of the animals. Authorities told the Islamic Republic News Agency the registration numbers are needed if an accident victim needs to report the camel or to help trace smugglers. (No actual U.S.-style license plates on camels have yet made the world’s news photographs.) [Daily Mail (London), 12-7-2016]
-- Oops! Organizers of the Christmas Day caroling program at the Nelum Pokuna theater in Colombo, Sri Lanka, drawing thousands of devout celebrants, were apparently confused by one song title and innocently included it in the book for the carolers. (No, it wasn’t “Inna Gadda Da Vida” from a famous “Simpsons” episode.) It was “Hail Mary” by the late rapper Tupac Shakur -- likely resulting in the very Ćrst appearance of certain words in any Christmas service publication anywhere. [The Independent (London), 12-25-2016]
-- OfĆcials of the Ulm Minster in Ulm, Germany, the world’s tallest church (530 feet high), said in October that they fear it might eventually be brought down -- by visitors who make the long trek up with a full bladder and no place to relieve themselves except in dark alcoves, thus eroding the structure’s sandstone. A building preservation representative also cited vomit in the alcoves, perhaps as a result of the dizzying height of the view from the top. (News of the Weird has reported on erosion damage to -- Martin Shkreli became the Wall a bridge, from spitting, in Mumbai, Street bad boy in 2015 when his India, and at the Taj Mahal, from bug company Turing Pharmaceuticals droppings.) [Washington Post, 10-25bought the right to market the lifesaving drug Daraprim and promptly 2016] raised its typical price of $18 a pill LEAD STORY --- The Dubai-based Gulf News to $750, but in November, high Too-Much-Reality TV reported in November that 900 schoolers in the chemistry lab at Kuwaiti government workers had Sydney Grammar in Australia created Russian producers are planning their pay frozen during the current a molecular knockoff of Daraprim the so-far-ultimate survivors’ show investigation into no-shows, including for about $2 a tablet. Their sample -- in the Siberian wilderness for one man on the payroll (unidentiĆed) of “pyrimethamine” (Daraprim’s nine months (temperatures as low who reportedly had not actually chemical name) was judged authentic as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit), worked in 10 years. Another, who had by a University of Sydney chemistry with 30 contestants selected after been living abroad for 18 months while professor. Daraprim, among other signing liability waivers that protect drawing his Kuwaiti pay, was reduced uses, Ćghts deadly attacks on immune the show even if someone is raped or to half-pay, but insisted he had asked systems, such as for HIV patients. murdered. (Police may come arrest several times for assignments but [Washington Post, 12-1-2017] the perpetrators, but the producers was told nothing was available. (Gulf are not responsible for intervening.) News reported that the 10-year man -Gazing Upon Nature as Nature Calls: The show (“Game2: Winter”) will is appealing the freeze!) [Daily Mail To serve restroom users in a public be telecast live, around the clock, (London), 11-10-2016] beginning July 2017 via 2,000 cameras park in China’s Hunan Province’s picturesque Shiyan Lake area, placed in a large area full of bears architects gave users in toilet cubicles -- Prosecutors in Darlington, England, and treacherous forest. Producers obviously take child “cruelty” seriously a view of the forest through ceilingtold Siberian Times in December that because Gary McKenzie, 22, was to-ćoor windows. To discourage 60 prospects had already signed up hauled into court in October on four sightseers who believe the better view for the last-person-standing prize: charges against a boy (whose name is not from the cubicles but into them, the equivalent of $1.6 million (only and age were not published), including the bottom portion, up to the level requirements: be 18 and “sane”). passing gas in the boy’s face. The of the toilet, is frosted -though that (Bonus: The production company’s charge was described as “in a manner stratagem probably blurs only a pair of advertising lists the “dangerous” legs, seated. (CNN reported in October likely to cause him unnecessary
28 Focus | January 11 - January 17 | Volume 1 Issue 3
suffering or injury to health.” He was on trial for two other slightly harsher acts -- and another gas-passing, against a different boy -- but the judgment has not been reported. [The Northern Echo (Darlington), 10-20-2016] -- World-class chess players are famous for intense powers of concentration, but a chess journal reported in October that top-ćight female players have actually been disqualiĆed from matches for showing too much cleavage as they play, thus distracting their opponent (according to Ms. Sava Stoisavljevic, head of the European Chess Union). In fact, the Women’s World Chess Championship, scheduled for February, has decreed that, since the matches will be held in Tehran, all contestants must wear hijabs (leading a U.S. women’s champion to announce she is boycotting). [Metro News (London), 10-31-2016] [New York Times, 10-82016] -- News You Can Use: German Horst Wenzel, “Mr. Flirt,” fancies himself a smoothtalking maestro, teaching mostly wealthy but tongue-tied German men lessons (at about $1,500 a day!) in how to approach women -- but this year has decided to “give back” to the community by offering his expertise pro-bono to lonely Syrian and Iraqi refugees who have ćooded the country. At one class in Dortmund in November, observed by an Associated Press reporter, most “students” were hesitant, apparently divided between the embarrassed (when Wenzel informed them it’s “normal” to have sex on the Ćrst or second date) and the awkwardly conĆdent (opening line: “I love you. Can I sleep over at your place?”). But, advised Wenzel, “Don’t tell (a German woman) that you love (her) at least for the Ćrst three months (because) German women don’t like clinginess.” [Associated Press, 11-282016] -- UndigniĆed Deaths: (1) A 24-yearold woman who worked at a confectionary factory in Fedortsovo, Russia, was killed in December when she fell into a vat of chocolate. (Some
witnesses said she was pouring ćour when she fell; others say she fell while trying to retrieve her dropped cellphone.) (2) A 24-year-old man was decapitated in London in August when he leaned too far out the window of one train and struck an extension on a passing train. Next to the window he leaned from was a sign warning people not to stick their heads out. [The Independent (London), 12-16-2016] [Daily Mail, 9-1-2016] The Passing Parade (1) A poll revealed in December (sponsored by University of Graz and Austria Press Agency) that Austria’s “word of the year” for 2016 was a 52-letter word beginning “bundespraesident” and referring to the postponement of the runoff election for president in 2016. (2) The Wall Street Journal reported in December a longstanding feud on the tiny Mediterranean island of Gozo, Malta, which has only 37,000 residents but two opera houses because of the owners’ mutual antipathy. [Associated Press via Yahoo News, 12-9-2016] [Wall Street Journal, 12-6-2016] A News of the Weird Classic (February 2013) In November (2012), Tokyo’s Kenichi Ito, 29, bested his own Guinness World Record by a full second (down to 17.47 seconds) in the 100-meter dash -- “running” on all fours. Ito runs like a Patas monkey, which he has long admired and which (along with his self-described monkeylike face) inspired him nine years ago to take up “four- legged” running. He reported trouble only once, when he went to the mountains to train and was shot at by a hunter who mistook him for a boar. [The Guardian (London), 1116-2012; Reuters, 4-18-2012] Thanks This Week to Peter Swank and Alexander Campbell, and to the News of the Weird Board of Editorial Advisors. COPYRIGHT 2017 CHUCK SHEPHERD
Focus | January 11 - January 17 | Volume 1 Issue 3 29
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30 Focus | January 11 - January 17 | Volume 1 Issue 3
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