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L A S V E G A S W E E K LY
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FIRST SHIPMENT OF VACCINE ARRIVES IN LAS VEGAS
‘ABSINTHE’ GOES ON TEMPORARY HIATUS Absinthe at Caesars Palace was one of few Las Vegas Strip shows to continue with live performances after Gov. Steve Sisolak announced tighter restrictions for entertainment events in November. But after December 13’s update that the “statewide pause” will continue, limiting audience capacities to just 50 people through at least mid-January, the show’s production company, Spiegelworld, announced that Absinthe would go on temporary hiatus. Company founder Ross Mollison said in a statement that Absinthe won’t be able to resume performances until it’s allowed to do so with audiences of at least 25% capacity, the same as is currently permitted for resorts, casinos, gyms, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and other businesses on and off the Strip. “Since reopening on October 28, Absinthe has operated under strict conditions with the health and safety of our artists, crew and guests being the No. 1 priority,” Mollison said. “Through regular and extensive testing of our staff, we know that testing and tracing works, and that mask requirements, temperature checks and the hundreds of other protocols we put in place helped make us one of safest places to be, especially inside of a theater designed to seat 660.” The show had been playing twice nightly Wednesdays through Sundays, and Spiegelworld had been making plans to reopen another show, Atomic Saloon Show, at Palazzo in January. That reopening is now on hold. –Brock Radke
COURT RULES AGAINST STATE ON COVID-19 CHURCH ATTENDANCE CAP
People leave flowers at a Ghost Bike memorial during a December 12 vigil at Las Vegas Cyclery, honoring five cyclists who were killed in a December 10 accident on U.S. 95 near Searchlight. (Steve Marcus/Staff)
FATOR’S COMEBACK, OTHER MGM RESORTS SHOWS CANCELED THROUGH JANUARY 15
Gov. Steve Sisolak said December 15 that he would abide by a federal court order striking down a 50-person cap placed on houses of worship because of the pandemic. They will now be able to operate at 25% of their building capacity, like casinos and other businesses. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of two Nevada churches that argued the hard cap violated their First Amendment rights. “We respect and will comply with this order,” Sisolak said in a statement. “I continue to encourage Nevadans to practice their religious faiths in a manner that is safe for them and their families, particularly with the upcoming holidays.” The limits treat “numerous secular activities and entities significantly better than religious worship services,” the court said in a four-page opinion reversing a lower court ruling. –John Sadler
Gov. Steve Sisolak’s extension of the initial three-week statewide pause into mid-January did not come as a surprise, given Nevada’s rising COVID numbers. But there were Strip entertainment events on the schedule stuck in a holding pattern, waiting to see if they might be able to proceed under less-restrictive rules. Last month, ventriloquist Terry Fator announced a special holiday season engagement at the New YorkNew York Theater, initially scheduled to begin during Thanksgiving weekend. On December 14, MGM Resorts confirmed that the show has been canceled, as are the company’s other shows that reopened in early November and had been selling tickets for return performances. The company relaunched seven shows at MGM Grand, Luxor and Excalibur on November 6, when restrictions allowed gatherings of 250 people. The pause initiated three weeks ago cut maximum capacities in theaters and showrooms down to just 50 people, and the MGM shows went on hiatus while other smaller shows pushed on with live performances. Fator’s shows would have been his first performances since shuttering his 11-year headlining residency at the Mirage in the spring. –Brock Radke
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THINGS THAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK
BARR RESIGNS Attorney General William Barr, one of President Donald Trump’s staunchest allies, on December 14 submitted his letter of resignation amid lingering tension with Trump over the president’s baseless claims of election fraud and the investigation into President-elect Joe Biden’s son.
The Southern Nevada Health District on December 14 received the state’s first 12,675 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, prompting Gov. Steve Sisolak to declare that “hope is on the horizon.” The initial shipments are being delivered to hospitals to be administered to doctors, nurses and other health care workers, officials said. Employees at University Medical Center were the first in Southern Nevada to get the vaccine. Some 105 doses were delivered under police escort, and the first injections were administered at about noon. With the delivery of the vaccine, workers at UMC, who have been on the front line of the COVID-19 response, were upbeat, said JoAnn Rupiper, the Health District’s director of clinical services. “They can see the devastation, so they are very happy to get the vaccine to protect themselves,” she said. The Health District is receiving the vaccine in phases, and a tiered distribution plan has been developed to ensure it gets to critical populations first. –Hillary Davis
2 OTZELBERGER TESTS POSITIVE UNLV on December 15 announced that basketball coach T.J. Otzelberger tested positive for COVID-19 and that it was canceling its next two games against Wyoming. The scrubbed games were set to be played December 20 and 22.
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IN THIS ISSUE
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Cover story: Add these recipes to your holiday repertoire Home: How to look your best for video chats 5-Minute Expert: Ever wondered where movie theaters came from? Noise: Meet Las Vegas ‘Discogoth’ artist Hogtrucker Food & Drink: Saginaw Deli, Shàng Miàn’s noodles and more
WEEK IN REVIEW WEEK AHEAD EV E N TS T O F O L L OW A N D N EWS YO U M I SS E D
Sports: Bet on the fast-starting NBA season like a pro Vegas Inc: Herbally Grounded offers healthy alternatives
NAME CHANGES The board of trustees at Dixie State University in Utah unanimously recommended December 14 that the school drop the word Dixie from its name—an example of the nation’s reexamination of the remnants of Confederacy and slavery. A study showed some employers in other states expressed concern about the Dixie name on graduates’ résumés. It also said nearly twothirds of people in the college’s recruiting region associate the name Dixie with the Confederacy. The decision was announced a day after news broke that the Cleveland Indians baseball team would change its name after the 2021 season.
3 MCCONNELL CONGRATULATES BIDEN Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ended weeks of silence over President Donald Trump’s election defeat December 15 when he said the Electoral College “has spoken” and offered congratulations to President-elect Joe Biden.
4 CLEAN ENERGY PROJECT TerraScale, a company specializing in clean energy design, has unveiled plans to build a carbon-neutral industrial park in Northern Nevada that it says would be the largest in the nation powered by locally generated renewable energy. The first phase will begin early next year.
5 HOME COVID-19 TEST A home test for COVID-19 that doesn’t require a prescription will soon be on U.S. store shelves. Regulators on December 15 authorized the test. Results from a nasal swab can take as little as 20 minutes, said Stephen Hahn, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration.
Artist Victor Ving poses in front of his “Greetings From Las Vegas” mural December 9 on Colorado Avenue at Main Street. The work is the 44th piece in a national tour series by Ving and photographer Lisa Beggs. (Steve Marcus/Staff)
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LV W H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S
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Adaptogens 101 Not sure which adaptogenic mushroom is right for you? Keep reading to determine which you should put in your morning potion. ■ Chaga. This immune-boosting mushroom is packed with antioxidants and is believed to fight inflammation.
VITAMIN ALTERNATIVE Adaptogens offer a new way of boosting the immune system BY LESLIE VENTURA
S
upplements, vitamins and other botanicals have been a part of the health and wellness industry for years, and public interest shows no signs of slowing. According to a market research report by Fortune Business Insights, the immune health supplements market is expected to grow $13 billion over the next seven years. And while health stores have always sold various capsules, powders and tinctures, there’s another wave of immune-boosting remedies called adaptogens that are becoming increasingly popular. Heather Harmon and Jimmy Aston founded local apothecary the Shasta Shop, which opened last year and exists both online and in pop-up form at the Downtown Summerlin Farmers Market every Saturday, as a way to offer the community affordable access to herbs and adaptogens. “Shasta really came out of a love of health and wellness—mental health, physical health,” Harmon says. “To be healthy and to be thoughtful doesn’t necessarily have to be that
expensive.” Harmon had suffered a stress-related injury and was taking more than 20 pills and capsules to keep herself feeling healthy. But the price of those supplements started to add up. “I have always lived a really highstress lifestyle,” Harmon says. “I was trying to process how [to] deal with the pressure and stress of everyday life and still be healthy and get all the nutrients you need.”
■ Shiitake. According to webmd.com, shiitake mushrooms are high in natural copper, which might support healthy blood vessels, bones and overall immune system health.
■ Reishi. Similar to chaga, reishi is full of antioxidants but can also help relieve depression. Reishi is also believed to help lower cholesterol and maintain heart health.
■ Maitake. Known as the “dancing mushroom,” maitake is believed to promote mental and physical well-being. Popular for its immune-boosting properties, it is also used to aid in hormonal balance.
“I was doing things a bit backward,” she continues, “taking all these vitamins and running in circles. That’s when I started looking at reishi and chaga [mushrooms] and solutions that have been available to people for centuries.” Harmon and Aston say that instead of taking a daily concoction of vitamins and supplements, you can get similar or better effects from a teaspoon of adaptogens and superfoods in your coffee, tea or morning smoothie. “All adaptogens have a similar foundation of benefits,” Aston explains. “All of them are loaded with vitamins and nutrients and antioxidants, [but] each one has a special something that stands out more than anything else.” Aston recommends a shiitake or
maitake mushroom powder to start. “That’s a good all-around adaptogen that helps you in every situation and every part of your life. It’s great for mental and physical health, and it has all these vitamins and nutrients.” The couple also suggests lion’s mane, which Aston says has received “quite a lot of press” during the past few years for its alleged ability to produce new neural pathways—something that could potentially help prevent Alzheimer’s or dementia. Root and mushroom powders aren’t all that Shasta has in store. The son of Taiwanese restaurateurs, Aston created his signature eggplant crisps after tweaking a family recipe that’s been passed down through generations. “I veganized this recipe from my great-great-great-grandmother and then used it as a marinade for the eggplant,” Aston says. “There’s only four ingredients. We marinate it for over 24 hours, put it in a dehydrator for another 24 hours and then have these incredible snacks.”
LV W H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S
“We work seasonally,” Harmon adds, explaining that Shasta uses fresh fruits and vegetables when they’re available. “When persimmons are gone, they’re gone. We don’t fight to have something that isn’t in line with the natural cycle or order of things.” As Harmon and Aston gear up for winter, they’re excited to offer shungite powder, a rare provision found only in a specific region of Russia. According to healthline.com, shungite is a black stone from Shunga, a village in Karelia, Russia. The stone is composed of fullerenes, a type of carbon nanostructure that is believed to fight pathogens, bacteria and viruses, as well as shield against electromagnetic frequencies. Like all adaptogens, however, the benefits of each mushroom, powder or root takes time. It should be noted that there’s little long-term research about adaptogens’ effects on the body over time. As with all other supplements, you should talk to your doctor before adding adaptogens to your diet or routine. “Adaptogens are not something you take once,” Harmon says. “They’re about dedication. They definitely gain traction and are a slow build.” “Instead of us taking 19 different capsules and supplements,” Aston says, “we have some coffee or matcha, put in a measured scoop of our lion’s mane and pine pollen and call it a day.”
(Christopher DeVargas/Staff/Photo Illustration)
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LV W C OV E R S T O R Y
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SEASON’S E AT I N G S Vegas chefs share the secrets behind their favorite holiday dishes BY GENEVIE DURANO
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Of the thousand-plus meals we eat each year, there’s nothing quite as special as a holiday feast, whether you make family dishes handed down through generations or crib online recipes. Unlike the Thanksgiving meal anchored by turkey and classic sides, the holiday meal leaves much room for creativity and improvisation. We asked some top local chefs to share their favorites—maybe one of them will make it to your menu this year.
CHEESE AND CHARCUTERIE
From Diana Brier, Valley Cheese & Wine
“My favorite thing about the holidays is the way people feel joy and hope during this time of year,” Brier says. “I love what I do, because cheese is a universal love language, as is wine, and facilitating special moments for people during the holidays is my favorite part of being a retail business owner during this time of year.”
(Wade Vandervort/Staff)
n Brier suggests using the following for a showstopping charcuterie and cheese board … Rogue River Blue. “The reigning world champion of cheese, this is a raw cow’s milk blue wrapped in Syrah leaves that were soaked in a pear liqueur.” Harbison Mini. “A soft, ripened cheese in the style of Mont d’Or … [and] very expressive of its Vermont terroir.” Le Delice Cranberry. “An unripened triple crème Brie from France that has been coated in cranberries.” Beemster XO. “Beemster is a heavy-hitting Dutch Gouda producer, and the XO is what happens when a Gouda is aged for 26 months.” Moliterno al Tartufo: “A raw sheep’s milk cheese made in a Pecorino style. After six months of aging, the cheesemaker will determine whether the batch is good enough to be sent up to truffe country to have fresh black truffles drilled into the paste. The result is a visually stunning and perfectly balanced truffle cheese.” Brier adds, “Prosciutto di Parma and Genoa salami complement these cheeses well. For accompaniments, use Ritual Chocolate’s Ecuador blend, Bee Seasonal Angico Honey and the seasonal cranberry and hazelnut Raincoast Crisps.”
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(Courtesy)
SWEET SHRIMP COCKTAIL WITH CITRUS GREMOLATA From Marc Marrone, Graffiti Bao & SkinnyFats
“Holidays were split between my parents since I was young,” Marrone says, “so it was always Christmas Eve at my Italian grandmother’s house and Christmas Day with my mom’s family. One Italian tradition is to have a seafood feast on Christmas Eve. Before my dad passed away, I remembered always seeing this giant glass plate of shrimp cocktail. I never really liked it, but my dad loved it. It was also only served on Christmas Eve, so I came up with this version for the holidays now, and no matter what, shrimp cocktail will always remind me of Christmas Eve celebrating with my family.” n INGREDIENTS (FOR POACHED PRAWNS) 4 sprigs thyme 1 cup white wine 2 tbsp. kosher salt 5 black peppercorns 4 sprigs parsley 2 bay leaves 2 shallots, chopped 1 head garlic, cut horizontally peel from 1 orange 6-8 prawns (head on or off)
(FOR GREMOLATA) 1 lemon 1 orange 1 lime 6 tbsp. good olive oil 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 cup Italian parsley, chopped 1/4 cup mint leaves, chopped 4 shallots, minced 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar 1/2 tbsp. salt 3 cracks of black pepper
n METHOD Prepare a bowl with ice water large enough to fit the shrimp. Bring three quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add white wine, peppercorns, salt, thyme, parsley, garlic bay leaf and shallots. Bring back to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes. Add prawns and cook for 2-3 minutes. They should be opaque, pink and slightly firm to the touch. Remove from liquid and shock in ice bath. For gremolata: Using a vegetable peeler or zester, remove peels from lemon, lime and orange, then mince and add to bowl. Add garlic, shallots, parsley, mint and red wine vinegar. Add olive oil, salt and pepper and 1 tsp. juice from each citrus fruit. Arrange prawns on your favorite holiday plate, and spoon gremolata over the shrimp.
“These are the exact Prime cuts we hand-butcher into steaks every day on the menu at Smith & Wollensky,” King says. “Our classic cuts are fantastic any day of the week, but a full whole rib roast elevates the meal to a celebration, a memorable family gathering. The intense aroma from the kitchen will build pure anticipation and excitement.” n INGREDIENTS rib roast salt pepper n METHOD Remove rib roast from refrigerator and let come to room temperature for up to two hours before cooking. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Generously season roast with salt and pepper. Place beef, rib sides down, in a roasting pan, and sear in high-temp oven for 15 minutes, then drop temperature down to 325 degrees. Roast for approximately 12 minutes per pound— about two hours for a three-bone rib roast—or until it reaches an internal temperature of 125 degrees. Check internal temperature by using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast, avoiding bones. Remove from oven, tent with foil and allow roast to rest for 15-20 minutes.
THREE-BONE RIB ROAST
From Matt King, Smith & Wollensky
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MOLE DE POLLO MARIA
From Carlos Cruz-Santos, China Poblano
“The dish that I like to make the most around the holidays comes from a recipe that my mother makes: chicken mole,” Cruz-Santos says. “Unlike most traditional moles that use chocolate to sweeten the dish, this one is a bright red mole that’s both full of flavor and extra spicy because of the variety of chiles and spices added to the dish.” ■ INGREDIENTS whole chicken cut into 8 pieces, seasoned with salt and pepper 2 large Spanish onions, diced 10 cloves of garlic, diced 1.5 lbs. guajillo chile 4 oz. sesame seeds 6 oz. pumpkin seeds ■ METHOD Heat oil on medium in large stock pot. Place seasoned chicken in pan, skin side down. Sear both sides until golden brown. Set aside. In the same pot, slowly caramelize onions and garlic on low heat. While vegetables are caramelizing, de-seed guajillo chiles and toast on a griddle or comal. Chiles should be blistered with a light char. Set aside. Toast sesame seeds, cumin and pumpkin seeds until golden brown. Set aside. Once onions and garlic are caramelized, add toasted chiles, seeds and cumin, cloves and peppercorns to pot. Cover with water until chiles are fully submerged. Bring to a boil, then take it down to a simmer. Chiles should be tender and
1/4 oz. whole cumin 1/2 oz. whole black peppercorns 3 whole cloves 2 cups chicken stock kosher salt and pepper to taste 6 oz. blended oil 2 cups water ready to fall apart when done. Let sit for a few minutes to cool. Place chiles, seeds, spices and vegetables in blender, and purée until smooth, adding liquid from the pot to help with pureeing process. Carefully push purée through a fine mesh strainer. Set aside smooth mole and discard anything left in strainer. Place chicken back into stock pot, and add chicken stock and mole. Simmer and reduce for about 45-60 minutes. When finished, mole should be a bright reddish-orange color with a smooth consistency. Chicken should be fork-tender and cooked through. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, and serve over rice with side of warm tortillas. (Courtesy)
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(Courtesy)
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HOPPIN’ JOSE RICE From Lorena Garcia, Chica
“Hoppin’ John is a traditional dish eaten for New Year’s in the American South, representing luck and prosperity,” Garcia says. “I’ve given it my own Latin spin and created Hoppin’ Jose, which has become a fan-favorite side dish in my restaurants as well as in my own home during the holiday season.” n INGREDIENTS 2 cups cooked white rice 1 cup fresh guacamole Fresh cilantro for garnish (FOR SOFRITO) 1 small onion 1/2 red bell pepper 1 jalapeño 1 carrot, peeled 3 cloves garlic 3 slices of bacon, diced small 1 can black beans 1 can pinto beans cilantro, chopped 3 tbsp. olive oil 1/2 tsp. cumin 1/2 tsp. paprika 1 tsp. coriander 1 tsp. ginger 1 tsp. thyme salt and pepper n METHOD Small-dice all vegetables. In a pan, add olive oil and vegetables, and sauté until translucent. Add spices, and stir for 30 seconds. Add bacon and beans, stir for one minute. Add salt and pepper to taste. In a sauté pan at medium-high heat, add 2 tbsp. olive oil and rice. Sauté for three minutes. Add bean sofrito, stir and let cook for five minutes to develop a crust. Final stir until all flavors are combined, then set aside. Place Hoppin’ Jose Rice on a plate and top with 1 tbsp. of freshly made guacamole and cilantro sprig.
(Courtesy)
PEANUT BUTTER BROOKIES From Elizabeth Blau, Honey Salt
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INGREDIENTS (FOR COOKIES) 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda 3/4 tsp. baking powder 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 lb. butter, room temperature 1 cup sugar, granulated 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed 2 eggs 2 tsp. vanilla extract 2 cups creamy peanut butter (FOR BROOKIE) 2 cups sugar 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup cocoa powder 3/4 tsp. salt 4 eggs 3/4 cup oil 1/4 cup corn syrup
(Wade Vandervort/Staff)
n METHOD (FOR COOKIES) In a mixer, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar and brown sugar until fluffy. Mix in egg and vanilla for 30 seconds. Mix in peanut butter until combined. Add dry ingredients until flour mixture is incorporated (do not overmix). Using a medium cookie scoop (1.75 oz.), place cookie dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover. Transfer to freezer until it’s time to bake the brookie. (FOR BROOKIE) Whisk eggs, oil and corn syrup together in large mixing bowl. Whisk sugar, cocoa and flour separately. Add dry ingredients to wet ones and combine well. Scoop 2 dough balls (1 oz. for small; 1.75 oz for big) into mold. Bake at 325 degrees for 12 minutes for small dough ball, 20 minutes for large dough ball. Remove from oven, put peanut butter cookie in center and bake an additional eight minutes for small, 12 minutes for large.
(Yasmina Chavez/Staff)
“With all the turmoil of 2020, celebrating the holidays, cherishing our families and cooking up delicious meals is more important than ever,” Blau says. “For me, the most important part of any meal is dessert, which is why I love sharing all of my favorite holiday recipes.”
WHITE ELEPHANT NOG
From Cory Harwell, Carson Kitchen “This recipe hearkens back to classic nog or milk punch,” Harwell says. “I recommend serving in a punch bowl with glasses to get the full effect of this layered frothy, creamy beverage. Here is your chance to purge the liquor you’ve been ‘winning’ at those holiday parties. Experiment with flavor combinations and have fun.” n INGREDIENTS 12 egg whites 12 egg yolks 12 oz. granulated sugar 16 oz. brandy 16 oz rum 16 oz. liquor of choice 16 oz. liquor of choice 32 oz. whole milk 32 oz. heavy cream, lightly whipped pinch of salt nutmeg for garnish, grated n METHOD Beat egg whites until stiff and set aside. Beat yolks until light. Gradually add sugar and beat mixture until it’s thick and pale, then chill for an hour. Slowly beat in liquors. Add in milk and cream, beating constantly with a wire whisk. Fold in egg whites, and sprinkle surface of punch with nutmeg. Allow to rest for at least five days prior to serving so flavors can meld. It can also be bottled and aged for next year. Rum, brandy and bourbon are best for nog. For flavored versions, Schnapps, fruit or nut liquors and 8% ABV or higher dark beer also works well.
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Self-care products make excellent holiday gifts BY LESLIE VENTURA
All for Our Country There’s a treasure trove of goodies inside this beautiful store, a spin-off of the local furniture mart One Forty Three. Clay masks, bath soaks, CBD balms and handmade soaps will delight everyone on your holiday shopping list. Natural face masks like the cafe mocha mask by Rinse Bath Body Inc. will brighten skin and perk up noses with the blissful aroma of coffee and chocolate. 1028 Fremont St. #170, 702-297-5994, allforourcountry.com.
The Good Wolf Lifestyle Co. This local emporium stocks all kinds of goods, including tonics and remedies for the bearded men in your life. Bergamot-scented body buffers (aka glorified washcloths) and scented bath teas are a perfect way to incorporate some self-care into your beau’s life, and the oatmeal hand cream by Barr Co. is sure to turn even the scruffiest dudes into moisturizing converts. If that’s not enough, the selection of lip balms and candles— like the 18b Arts District candle—will give your guy or gal the extra TLC they need right now. 1401 S. Commerce St., 702-2722312, thegoodwolflv.com.
Local Oasis Aromatherapy sleep sets, lip balms and roll-on perfumes by Wanderflower are the tip of the iceberg at this lifestyle shop in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas. Whether it’s a new journal based on the phases of the moon or a planner to help schedule self-care, there’s something here for everyone. Yoga mats, incense, crystal kits and more can help your friends and family be the best and most grounded version of themselves heading into 2021. 220 E. Charleston Blvd., 702-2345151, localoasislv.com.
Mike’s Recovery This local apothecary makes bath soaks and soaps to help muscles after a hard workout or a rough day at the (home) office. Whether you’re looking for gifts that help detox, recover or restore, Mike’s scented bath mixes are designed to help relax the mind while treating fatigued and stressed muscles. The brand also just launched its immunity mineral soak, which combines ravensara, tea tree, eucalyptus, vetiver, sweet marjoram and lemon essential oils for a little health boost at bath time. 1028 Fremont St. #174, mikesrecovery.com.
The Tiny Bloom Get your paws on these adorable tea drops from the Tiny Bloom—bundles of tea leaves are shaped into stars and hearts and come in flavors like citrus ginger, matcha, sweet peppermint and rose Earl Grey (bonus points for the gorgeous wooden box in which they come). The Tiny Bloom plant shop also carries smudge sticks to burn, made of dried bundled flowers, along with nontoxic soy candles, so your giftees can get cozy on chilly nights. 1028 Fremont St. #113, 702-5088414, thetinybloom.com.
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LOOKING GOOD BY C. MOON REED
WHAT TO WEAR
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Visual tips for video chats and other virtual meetings Even as we’re confined to interacting with the world via tiny cameras, many of us don’t know how to look good onscreen. “Don’t feel stupid if you don’t know,” says Jaymes Vaughan, Las Vegas-based entertainer and host of Celebrity Page on ReelzChannel. “There’s so much about 2020 that we’re all figuring out, including how to look good on a Zoom meeting. It’s everybody’s first time with this stuff.” Las Vegas Weekly asked experts for tips on how to look awesome in video chats, whether you’re hoping to ace a job interview or just hanging with old friends.
As the workplace has gone virtual, wardrobes have become more casual, according to Tracie Anderson, volunteer development manager for Dress for Success Southern Nevada. The nonprofit provides professional attire and career development for women in need. This year, the organization has provided nearly 400 suitings for local women, despite a long pandemic-caused pause in operations. Anderson says the typical Zoom wardrobe includes a mix of comfort and style: a basic trouser paired with a “beautiful blouse and a key accessory. You also want to ensure that you’re comfortable,” she says. “The reality is, you’re on Zoom and everyone knows you’re home, so you don’t want to be too restricted.” Since you’re typically only seen from the torso up, Anderson says to focus on wearing a color that will brighten your face. Similarly, a simple yet professional necklace or earring will help polish your look, as long as it’s not so flamboyant as to be distracting. As for hair and makeup, Anderson says you don’t need a lot—just enough to ensure you’re looking your best. Men should dress as if they’re meeting in person, advises Toni Gonzales, a veteran Las Vegas-based television producer. “Your job will also dictate your attire,” she says. A presentation or crucial meeting would be more formal. For most white-collar workers, “a nice button up, no tie or even a crisp polo” are great daily wear, while those who working in more creative fields can typically feel freer to show their personality through their outfits. No matter your gender, Vaughan suggests solid colors, and avoiding logos. He also warns against small prints, which can appear to “strobe on camera.” “The best part of it all is that we don’t have to wear pants right now,” Vaughan jokes, before adding a final warning: “If you’re not wearing pants, please don’t stand up on the Zoom call.”
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LIGHTING “Lighting is essential; it’s incredibly crucial,’ Gonzales says. “When you think about it, Hollywood spends hundreds of millions of dollars just on lighting alone.” Fortunately, you don’t have to invest a million to look good on camera; simply follow Gonzales’ tips:
THE RIGHT BACKGROUND In our new virtual world, we’re suddenly representing ourselves in a tiny square. So make it “as tidy and as personable as you are,” Gonzales recommends. Choose a quiet, distraction-free area of your house that puts forth an aura of professionalism while also showcasing elements of your personality. “People are going to judge what your screen looks like,” Gonzales says. “Make sure it’s a great representation of you.” So display some of your favorite art, books, plants or collectibles in the background. Just make sure it’s not so cluttered as to be a distraction. Gonzales also recommends doing a quick pre-meeting sweep of your area to remove any old coffee mugs or other clutter.
n Instead, use the natural light from the window to your advantage by facing the window.
n If you video chat often, it’s worth investing in a circular ring light, which will provide even, flattering lighting for your entire face. They’re available in multiple sizes (including for your phone) and at multiple price points. n In a pinch, you can repurpose a reflective car sunshade to help bounce more natural light onto your face.
CAMERA SETTINGS Vaughan has a full home-studio setup, from which he recently hosted a major red carpet. “If I can host the Billboard Music Awards official red carpet from Zoom, then anybody can look good on Zoom, if you just know how to do it,” Vaughan says. Vaughan suggests adjusting your video chat settings so you can look your best. For example, some Zoom apps allow you to correct your exposure to make up for low-light situations. He also recommends using the “touch up your appearance” button judiciously. Think of it like the plastic surgery rule: You don’t want people to look at your face and see the nips and tucks. “If you slide [the filter] up too far, you look like one of those people who got mashed potato faces on Instagram that do way too much smoothing,” Vaughan says.
CAMERA ANGLES HOW TO ACT
n Don’t sit in front of a sunny window, because your face will be in shadow.
Double chin alert! Perhaps we’ve all learned this from the era of selfies, but you don’t want your camera to film from below your face. The No. 1 rule is to make sure the camera is even with your face—or slightly above to hide double chins. Vaughan uses a simple tripod laptop mount (purchased online) to achieve the correct angle, but he says a barstool and a stack of books can achieve the same result.
It’s easy to get distracted during a video meeting, so focus is more important than ever. “Ensure that you are looking at the camera on your device, because that is going to make you come across as if you’re giving eye contact with the person on the other end of that screen,” Anderson says, sharing what she advises Dress for Success clients. She also suggests making sure your body language and posture are professional, because “on a device screen, everything is amplified.” If there’s a home distraction—like a crying baby, barking dog or ringing doorbell—Anderson says to acknowledge the event, act natural and move on. Don’t try to pretend it didn’t happen.
(Shutterstock/Photo Illustration)
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Movie theaters are a bedrock American tradition—and they’re in trouble BY GEOFF CARTER
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ecember 3, Warner Bros. announced that its entire slate of upcoming films—from Wonder Woman 1984 to Dune—would appear on the HBO Max streaming service, the same day as their scheduled theatrical release. COVID-19 has shaken a business already reeling from the compound threat posed by streaming services and high-definition video. After all, why go to a movie when you can wait a couple months and stream it on Prime Video, Disney+ or Netflix? And why, in a post-pandemic world, would you go out to see Matrix 4 in theaters when it’s available 6 feet away from your couch? Or on your phone? Admittedly, moviegoing isn’t always the best time, even when you factor in reclining seats and cocktail service. There are too many commercials before the feature begins, and too many jerks texting during the movie itself. But movies are made to be shown in theaters; even Netflix screens its movies in theaters for limited runs. And we’re meant to see them there, with crowds of others, cheering, laughing and recoiling from the screen. We’ve been doing it for more than a hundred years, and we shouldn’t give it up now.
1874: THE FIRST MOTION PICTURE Chronophotography, a technique that captures movement as a series of individual images (think of a flip book), was used by French astronomer Pierre Jules César Janssen and Brazilian engineer Francisco Antônio de Almeida to capture a planetary orbit in 1874; their moving picture, Passage de Vénus, is the oldest listed on IMDb.com. But the oldest surviving movie actually screened from a film print is Louis Le Prince’s Roundhay Garden Scene from 1888.
LATE 1800S: FIRST MOVIE THEATERS Washington, Iowa’s State Theater began screening moving pictures May 7, 1897, and it continues to screen them to this day. Guinness World Records certified the venue, originally built as an opera house, as the “world’s oldest continually operating cinema” in April 2016. (Though there’s some debate over the “first” designation; assorted venues began screening rudimentary moving pictures as early as 1893.)
EARLY 1900S: FIRST STOREFRONT MOVIE THEATER The idea of opening up cinemas inside retail corridors like malls is hardly a recent one. The Nickelodeon debuted in a Pittsburgh storefront June 19, 1905. Its name combined the word “odeon,” ancient Greek for “theater” (literally “singing place”), with the 5-cent price of admission. Prior to its opening, movies were screened as part of vaudeville packages, alongside live acts. Later, the “Nickelodeon” name was liberally applied to a number of storefront theaters charging a 5-cent admission.
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BLACK? 1902-1929: FIRSTS IN SOUND AND VISION The first motion picture filmed in color was George Albert Smith’s A Visit to the Seaside, released in 1908 (many early black-and-white films were hand-tinted; Georges Méliès, director of 1902’s A Trip to the Moon, was known for it.) The first movies seen by a paying audience that featured sound were a series of short musical films that screened at New York’s Rivoli Theater in 1923. The first hit film with sound was Warner Bros.’ The Jazz Singer, in 1927; the studio also released the first “talking picture” in color, 1929’s On With the Show!
1913-1948: ‘MOVIE PALACES’ Movies soon outgrew nickelodeons. Large, upscale theaters dedicated solely to motion pictures were built, beginning with the Regent Theater in Harlem in 1913. Most of them were owned by the five major studios of the time—Fox, Loews (MGM), Paramount, RKO and Warner Bros.—and screened those studios’ films exclusively. (In a 1948 case, the Supreme Court decided that this amounted to a monopoly and forced them to sell the theaters. The ruling was recently nullified.) Some of the “movie palaces” built during this era still stand, serving for the most part as performing arts venues. But a few—including LA’s Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the Roxie in San Francisco—still screen movies in old-Hollywood opulence.
1948-TODAY Most of the moviegoing innovations of the past 90 or so years have been technical—the first movie with stereo sound (Walt Disney’s Fantasia, 1940), the first film shot in a 70mm widescreen format (Fred Zinnemann’s Oklahoma!, 1955), first with a Dolby sound mix (Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange, 1971) and so on. The experience hasn’t changed much from those early days; there’s just improved sound, a sharper picture, better seats … and, yeah, more Coke ads.
THE FUTURE A number of theater chains and filmmakers have accused Warner Bros. of using the coronavirus shutdown as an excuse to bolster HBO Max, which is otherwise struggling to draw subscribers. But the studio—along with Disney, which experimented with simultaneous home and theater release this year with Mulan—might be reacting to trends that took root long before the coronavirus lockdowns: cheaper hi-def TVs, digital distribution and audiences that only leave home for “event” movies. If Warner and Disney are to believe that theaters aren’t obsolete, it’ll require us, once this virus is contained, to patronize cinemas in large numbers once again.
(Shutterstock/Photo Illustration)
Huntridge Theater (1944) It’s not the oldest theater still standing in Vegas—that would be Fremont Street’s El Portal—but it’s the only one that stayed a theater into its senior years, trading first-run movies for punk shows. Motor Vu Drive-In (1949) Las Vegas’ first drive-in, located adjacent to the former Stardust. The Valley used to boast several drive-ins, but now only one remains: the West Wind in North Las Vegas. And that’s one more than many cities can claim at this point. Las Vegas Cinerama (1965) A cool, domed Cinerama theater, similar to the one that still stands in Hollywood; its former space on Paradise Road is now occupied by shops and restaurants. Red Rock 11 Theaters (1966, additions 1971-1973) We still miss this charming Charleston Boulevard multiplex, with its cavernous “Main Street USA”-styled lobby. Like many old Vegas charmers, it was replaced by a strip mall. OmniMax Theatre at Caesars Palace (1979) So many hours spent staring at IMAX-size wonders of science and nature on that giant curved screen. Gold Coast Twin (1986) In the mid-1990s, this was the place to see independent films in Las Vegas. And their concessions were dirtcheap.
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BINGE THIS WEEK TV
SAVE THE SENATE FESTIVAL On December 18, dozens of musicians and other stars—including Jim James, Moses Sumney, Neko Case, Tom Morello, Sarah Silverman and Patton Oswalt—will perform to benefit the Democratic candidates in Georgia’s critical Senate runoff. $15, noonchorus.com.
PODCAST
BOOK
HOW TO WITH JOHN WILSON
STORIES WITH SAPPHIRE
THE END OF EVERYTHING (ASTROPHYSICALLY SPEAKING)
In this HBO series, documentarian John Wilson explores New York City, striking up conversations with (and capturing found footage of) strangers—casually dressed Vikings, an unaware Kyle MacLachlan attempting to scan a MetroCard. … He organizes the clips around innocuous topics like “How to Split the Check.” But detours happen: “How to Improve Your Memory” ends up at a Mandela Effect conference in Idaho, while a bit on plastic furniture covers leads to an anti-circumcision activist. The resulting episodes are funny, sad, cringeworthy, compassionate and unlike anything you’ve seen before. HBO/HBO Max. –Geoff Carter
“There is so much more to the spirit realm than the white figures (living and dead) we currently see on TV and in movies,” Sapphire Sandalo writes on her website, Stories With Sapphire. So she created a podcast to encourage more cultural diversity in supernatural storytelling, starting with stories from her Filipino heritage. Sandalo, a recurring paranormal expert on the Travel Channel’s Paranormal Caught on Camera and Paranormal Nightshift, truly knows how to tell a ghost story—so turn off the lights, pull up the covers and get ready for a chill ride. Apple Podcasts. –Genevie Durano
There’ve been lots of jokes about the apocalypse this year, how 2020 is the End Days or how we’re just all doomed. But if you really want to peek to the final page of our story, read The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking) by astrophysicist Katie Mack, who guides the casual reader through five possible endgames for our universe. The stars might expand outward into nothingness or snap back into each other like they’re a cosmic rubberband, but, thankfully, none of these scenarios involve a pandemic. Astrokatie.com/book. –C. Moon Reed
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A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS For 22 years, Las Vegan Karen Mack has produced this heartfelt special telling moving stories of children in foster care. This year’s edition, featuring performances by Josh Groban, Miranda Lambert, Leslie Odom Jr. and more, airs on CBS Sunday, December 20 at 9 p.m.
LIVESTREAMS
The Avalanches (Grant Spanier/Courtesy)
OUR PICKS FOR THE WEEK AHEAD
TV
SELENA THE SERIES It’s been 25 years since the late queen of Tejano music was murdered at the hands of her former manager, but her legacy lives on in songs like “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” and “Como la Flor.” If you’ve seen the 1997 biopic starring Jennifer Lopez, now’s the time to turn to Netflix for its new series on the Mexican American star and her family as they ascend to stardom, singing and hustling their way into the limelight. Netflix. –Leslie Ventura
Don’t end 2020 without “attending” at least one more show. This week features a number of promising streaming options, including a condensed version of Yo La Tengo’s annual eight-night Hanukkah run, December 18 at 5 p.m. Vegas time (reairing twice December 19). Per YLT tradition, the event will feature surprise musical and comedy support acts, followed by a headlining set from the Jersey indie vets. Tickets cost $20 at thegreenespace.org/series/ylt, with proceeds benefiting the National Independent Venue Association. December 19 at 1 a.m. Vegas time, Australian electronic faves The Avalanches will celebrate the release of new album We Will Always Love You—just their third since 2000—with a livestreamed DJ set from Melbourne. Included in the price of a $10 ticket (available at momenthouse. com/co/australia): a screening of the Jonathan Zawada film Carrier Waves, described as a “visual companion piece” to the new record. And December 21 at 6 p.m. Vegas time, Robin Pecknold—whose folk-rock band Fleet Foxes released one of the year’s most acclaimed albums, Shore, in September—will perform solo-acoustic from St. Ann & The Holy Trinity Church in Brooklyn. Tickets cost $20 at noonchorus.com/ robin-pecknold. –Spencer Patterson
Selena (Netflix/Courtesy)
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RESIDENCY REBOUND Donny Osmond and Usher look to lead Las Vegas entertainment into 2021
Donny Osmond (Lee Cherry/Courtesy)
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don’t know about you, but I’ve become too familiar with those muddy, complicated feelings associated with working during this pandemic. There’s preposterous juxtaposition at play. I’m super grateful to remain employed and be able to work safely, but also, I don’t want to do it. It seems uninteresting and insignificant. And when I buckle down and muster the motivation, doing the actual work feels dismal and dreary. Those are not adjectives a Las Vegas entertainment writer should be using. I felt like this once before, about three years ago, but it didn’t last long. Donny Osmond snapped me out of it. It was October 3, 2017, and I didn’t want to go see the Donny & Marie residency show at the Flamingo that Tuesday night, because I was pretty freaked out about the shooting that had occurred 48 hours earlier on the Las Vegas Strip. A few entertainment events that week had been canceled, but Vegas wasn’t empty; tourists were here, and shows were on the books. So Donny and Marie went onstage as planned. I saw the Strip pushing ahead despite the tragedy and confusion; took note of my brave, capable colleagues in the unique industry of Vegas; and realized I had to get back to work, too. I sat alone in a booth in the fabulous Flamingo Showroom, and before he started singing, Donny Osmond greeted the audience with his sister and said: “A theater is a place where people come to dream in public. And we as entertainers are in charge of that dream. So we hope, for the next 90 minutes or so, that Marie and I and our entire cast can take you to a place where there are no problems. That’s what show business is all about. That’s why we’re here.” All the Vegas shows that have reopened in recent months have done so with that same valiant goal, to offer a bit of an escape from the effects of the coronavirus. Sometime next year, when larger audiences can safely assemble, the various headlining musical residencies
THE INCIDENTAL TOURIST BY BROCK RADKE
that have defined the modern era of live entertainment on the Strip will rejoin the smaller productions that are bridging the gap through this tough time. And Donny Osmond will be part of that. Tickets are already on sale for his new solo residency at Harrah’s, opening August 31. “With all these restrictions right now, I honestly believe Vegas is going to explode with enthusiasm. Everybody is so sick and tired of being cooped up,” Osmond told me on November 19, the night before the Harrah’s announcement. “Vegas has been such a huge part of my life, all my life. I’ve seen this town go up and down and every way you can imagine. It’s almost turned into a cliché when people say ‘Vegas Strong,’ but it’s real. “This [pandemic] has been the toughest thing on Vegas, and you watch, Vegas is going to rebound bigger than ever,” he continued. “I’m very honored to be part of that wave, one of the first to be announced in a big way right now and help bring some life back into this city.” Osmond’s is the second new Strip residency unveiled by Caesars Entertainment since September, when Usher’s show, opening July 16 at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, was announced. Caesars was forced to postpone the residency debuts of Kelly Clarkson (April 1 at Zappos Theater
at Planet Hollywood) and Sting (May 22 at the Colosseum) this year, so adding a multigenerational pop star of Usher’s caliber is a big deal. When the Strip shuttered in March, its roster of musical headliners was shining brighter than ever before: Aerosmith, Christina Aguilera, Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey, Cher, John Fogerty, Journey, Lady Gaga, Barry Manilow, Bruno Mars, Reba McEntire with Brooks & Dunn, Wayne Newton, the Righteous Brothers, Diana Ross, David Lee Roth, Carlos Santana, Scorpions, Gwen Stefani, Rod Stewart, Shania Twain, Dionne Warwick and Robbie Williams. These shows happen in rooms of various sizes and command high ticket prices, but they’re also destination events. Visitors buy these tickets and build their trips around big, special nights. Osmond’s show is just one of the concerts dedicated fans will attend more than once in the same year. That’s why he’s formulating an all-new production with special segments designed to connect with his audience on a very personal level. For tourists, these residencies have become the comfort food of Vegas entertainment, and they’ve been missing it badly for almost a year now.
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uring times of collective social stress, an artistic response can point a new way forward. The bubonic plague gave rise to the Renaissance, World War I paved the way for surrealism and World War II set the stage for abstract expressionism. Historians will surely study the effects of COVID-19 on art, but those of us living through the pandemic have a front-row ticket to emerging styles, many of which recall a better time and place, and look to a virus-free future with hope and purpose. One musician on the forefront of that pandemic-driven movement in Las Vegas is John Stapleton, better known as electronic producer and singer Hogtrucker. His newest single “Doubts” drops December 18, and Stapleton will follow that up with his first solo EP, Discogoth, on January 8. “It’s mostly about everything that’s happened since quarantine started,” the singer says of the EP, which he describes as a “quarantine story in four songs.” With baritone vocals that conjure Depeche Mode’s Dave Gahan, Stapleton’s penchant for ’80s electronics evokes further influences from groups like New Order and Pet Shop Boys, repurposed and reimagined for a generation growing up amid very different conditions. There’s “a little bit of indie goth stuff going on in there,” Stapleton says, with nods to underground queer pop and, of course, Lady
Gaga. “She’s always going to be my No. 1 inspo,” he concedes, though the influence of emerging LGBT electronic artists like Rina Sawayama is also detectable on Discogoth. Stapleton wrote and recorded the dance-fueled demos in his bedroom studio, then worked with local producer and musician Elliot Garfias to fine-tune the sound. “I mostly move from my bed to my couch, which is 5 feet away, and then back [to my bed] at the end of the day,” Stapleton says with a laugh. Originally from Amherst, Massachusetts, Stapleton began writing classical music in high school before getting into modern pop and goth. From there, he created the synth duo Conversion Therapy and embraced his alter ego, sinister diva Chlamydia Razordick. “Around last year I was like, ‘Let me do something personal,’ and I dropped the whole character that I was doing,” Stapleton says. The result was Hogtrucker. “I was like, this fits; this works for me.” A natural performer—Stapleton often hosted and performed as Razordick at Oddfellows’ monthly club-kid event, Bodywork—the singer looks forward to a day when he can return to the stage. “As soon as the pandemic is over, I’m going to be harassing everybody to see me live,” Stapleton says. For now, recordings will have to suffice, as the musician continues to work on new sounds that stoke dancefloor desires. “Ideally, I want to do this a few more times before I release a full album,” he says. “I want to be able to put out as much material as I can.”
(Courtesy)
BY LESLIE VENTURA
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soundcloud.com/hogtrucker899 hogtrucker.bandcamp.com
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ENCORE ENGAGEMENT Actress Gail Kanner finds her second act in Las Vegas community theater
Gail Kanner (Christopher DeVargas/Staff)
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s acting a young person’s game? When thinking of actresses, the mind goes to the doe-eyed and innocent ingénue. But there’s another breed of performer, the one who has seen the world and can reflect that experience back to the audience: Think Helen Mirren, Judy Dench, Angela Lansbury and Elaine Stritch. These are Las Vegas actress Gail Kanner’s favorite thespians. With such fantastic role models, it’s no surprise that Kanner continues to light up the stage. She sizzled as the rapping grandma in The Wedding Singer at Super Summer Theatre. In another grandmotherly role, if slightly darker, Kanner plays Oma in the immersive holiday show Krampus by Majestic Repertory Theatre. She reprises Oma in this year’s socially distanced Majestic production Horrorwood Video: Slay Ride. She’s also a regular at Las Vegas Little Theatre, with credits including Spitfire Grill and 4,000 Miles. “I’ve just had more experiences than someone who’s 35,” says Kanner, who recently turned 80. “I can draw more out of myself because of my age.” For Kanner, performing in Las Vegas is something of a second act. She started young: singing at age 4, acting in school and performing in an elite choir. At age 16, she even competed in a television variety show called the Ted Mack Amateur Hour. “We lost to a 6-year-old trumpet player,” Kanner says of her singing group. “But we had a great time.” Then life—children, work, friends and three marriages—got in the way. She did some acting while living in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, playing the wife in the acclaimed play Sylvia. But when a job brought Kanner to Las Vegas 20 years ago, her weekend work schedule kept her
PILLAR OF STRENGTH
GAIL KANNER’S COLLEAGUES DESCRIBE HER “Gail is a fabulous musical theater actress, and I’ve always been monumentally jealous of that. After I was battling leukemia, she became my biggest friend, confidant and supporter. She never pussyfoots around— she’ll tell you exactly what she thinks” –Barbara King, actress
“Gail has a wealth of knowledge and experience. Not only does she have an excellent BS detector, she’s also kind and compassionate and always cracking jokes. She’s a role model in the theater and also for women.” –Natalie Senecal, actress
from the stage. “The beauty of being an old person is that you can retire,” says Kanner, who freed herself from the burdens of working and performed in her first Las Vegas Little Theater play in 2006. She has kept a full dance card for the last five-odd years—several plays a year, until the pandemic cut things short. “I’ve just been really happy that directors and artistic directors have chosen plays that have older women in them, so that I had the opportunity of auditioning, because I didn’t come here young,” Kanner says. Kanner didn’t study theater; her career consisted of sales and administration jobs. But she thrives on learning from her colleagues. “I love being directed,” Kanner says. “That’s been a very important part of my learning.” The pandemic has sidelined Kanner. Between her age and some minor underlying health conditions, she says that she’s too worried to participate in the few local in-per-
“I always cast Gail as women of steel. Although they may be older characters, they have a strong sense of integrity. Gail has a no-nonsense approach to acting that I respect, and the younger ensemble members inevitably adopt her as their diva.” –Troy Heard, artistic director, Majestic Repertory Theatre
son auditions. Still, she participates in a weekly play-reading group online. “The concept of losing a year at my age, philosophically, has been an interesting road,” Kanner says of her isolation, but that’s the closest she gets to negativity. She prefers to focus on the positive and look to the future. “I’m just hoping that there are more roles for me,” Kanner says of post-pandemic life. She acknowledges that her age leaves her “pretty pigeonholed,” but explains that she doesn’t need to be a leading lady to be happy—she just wants roles she can sink her teeth into. “It’s really nice to get a character role and not a lead. … There’s not pages and pages of lines to memorize … and you can really develop them. I would just love to have a good character role: somebody’s grandma, some old painter, some artist … I’m not giving up. I want to still act whenever this comes back.”
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The Royal Flush Reuben (Mark Mediana/Coutesy)
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Saginaw’s carries forth a Vegas tradition at Circa
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hen Derek Stevens announced the concept for his new Downtown casino Circa way back in January 2019— feels like a really long time ago, right?—his affectionate references to a classic Vegas experience paved the way for some exciting yet familiar dining options. It wasn’t surprising to see Circa revive the nearly extinct casino deli, but Stevens went above and beyond in recruiting Zingerman’s co-founder Paul Saginaw from his native Michigan to make the move to the desert and bring superior sandwiches along for the ride. This past January, when other Circa eateries like Barry Dakake’s Barry’s Downtown Prime and Dan Coughlin’s 8 East were also announced, Saginaw promised Las Vegas would soon get the best Reuben it has ever known—a two-hand sandwich stacked with Detroit legend Sy Ginsberg’s corned beef and Russian dressing that would drip down your forearms. Now it’s here. It’s called the Royal Flush ($22). It also contains the obligatory Swiss cheese and warm sauerkraut, all piled on custom-made rye from standout local bakery Bon Breads. Add an iconic shrimp cocktail in a parfait glass ($11) resurrected from the Golden Gate—Stevens’ first casino property—and you’ve got something special, available 24 hours a day. Perched on the second floor of Circa’s energetic casino, Saginaw’s Delicatessen has a lot more to offer,
starting with breakfast. Comforting diner-style platters featuring steak and eggs ($22), corned beef hash ($20) or veggie hash starring peppers, yams, rutabaga and béchamel sauce with poached eggs ($18) will have you feeling nostalgic any time of day, and you haven’t even tried Cousin Jeffrey’s cream cheese blintzes ($10) or Uncle Edel’s knish ($12 for two corned beef hash-stuffed pastries). There’s an omelet version of the Reuben called Detroit Never Sleeps ($18), but fellow eggy offering Circa’s Morning Wager ($18) boasts a half-pound of Ducktrap River smoked salmon plus sour cream, chives and capers. I was a regular at long-gone casino spots Carnegie Deli at the Mirage and Canter’s at Treasure Island, and I was a purist; just give me corned beef or pastrami on rye and I’ll put on the mustard myself. Those places served meat mountains with scrawny bread for twenty bucks or more. Saginaw’s makes actual sandwiches, with those bulkier Bon Breads and their chewy, delicious crusts, so the thing isn’t going to fall apart as you work through it. My corned beef or pastrami (both $19) comes with perfect house-made potato chips and my choice of a whole pickled cucumber, crunchy or soft and juicy from a longer bath in garlicky brine. Ben Sherman’s Win Place & Show ($22) splits the difference with both meats, lettuce, tomato and Russian dressing on toasted Pullman bread.
SAGINAW’S DELICATESSEN Circa, 702-726-5506. 24/7.
Matzo ball soup (Mark Mediana/ Coutesy)
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Chicken, tuna and egg salad sandwich options are also here, and vegetarians can enjoy a grilled cheese-tomato-avocado concoction ($16), or a caprese-style sourdough sandwich with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and a rich pesto ($18). The sleeper sandwiches at Saginaw’s have to be Ben’s Big Idea ($20), slow-roasted brisket on brioche with harissa aioli, and Nicole’s Big Bet ($18), terrific turkey with Muenster cheese and spicy “Las Vegas Gold” mustard on grilled sourdough. And somewhere along the way, you have to find room for super-dense vanilla bean cheesecake ($10) or Boston cream pie ($10), or maybe some latkes ($10) and thinly sliced Vidalia onion rings ($6). The traditional European-Jewish delicatessen is a dying breed in the restaurant world, and Saginaw’s is truly a throwback. But mixing new with old is part of the Circa thing, and if you love Las Vegas, you can appreciate that, even if you’re not into Russian dressing.
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9882 S. Maryland Parkway #100, 702-888-1378. Daily, 11:30 a.m.9:30 p.m.
NOODLE INNOVATIONS
Spicy beef noodle soup with spinach noodles (Wade Vandervort/Staff)
Shàng Miàn brings its ‘workshop’ creations to the southeast Valley
BY BROCK RADKE
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f you’ve dined at the acclaimed Shàng Artisan Noodle on West Flamingo, you know there’s nothing quite like digging into a bowl of flavorful, fresh, handmade noodles. When owner Sam Huang and his team decided two years ago to expand with a second restaurant in a slightly more residential neighborhood, they knew they had to make some slight changes. The result is Shàng Miàn, a “Chinese noodle workshop” in the southeast Valley that made its debut on October 18. The new spot is more accessible for Henderson-area residents, and the menu has more to offer, too. “We have been researching and working on this for countless hours, creating a new style of noodle that’s still made fresh daily and has that more
authentic texture for customers to enjoy whether they’re dining in or for takeout,” Huang says. “As we all know, this year the demand for takeout and delivery business has been increasing a lot. These dishes are more takeout-friendly, because even after 30 or 40 minutes—or even an hour when the customer might get home—you’ll get a better experience.” The hand-pulled and knife-shaved noodles that diners enjoy at the original four-year-old Shàng are at their best straight from the kitchen, whereas the more al dente noodle dishes at Shàng Miàn “won’t clump together as a whole piece of dough when you get home,” Huang explains. The new thin noodles and spinach noodle options are available in soups like the signature
Shàng beef noodle ($10), pork belly ($10) or seafood ($11.25), as well as the new vegetarian noodle soup ($11.25) with tofu and spinach leaf. Sauce noodle dishes like dan-dan or ma po tofu (both $9) round out the menu, and the beloved spicy pork wontons ($6) are also now available at Shàng Miàn, in dumpling form with pork or beef filling ($6). After preparing for months to get his updated restaurant open, Huang acknowledges that 2020 has been a difficult time to grow his business, but he’s looking forward to a brighter future filled with many more bowls of noodles for new customers. “Life is always full of changes,” he says. “If we can allow these changes to bring opportunity, then we’ll be able to grow.”
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WITCHY WAYS La Strega introduces pop-up ‘sandwitches’ and winter cocktails BY GENEVIE DURANO
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LA STREGA
3555 S. Town Center Drive #105, 702-722-2099. Tuesday-Saturday, 5-10 p.m.; Sunday, 4-9 p.m. “Sandwitches” from La Strega (Courtesy)
ant to up your takeout game? La Strega (Italian for “the witch”) has a secret “sandwitch” menu that’s only available to-go. Chef Gina Marinelli has created a pop-up sandwich shop within the main Summerlin restaurant, featuring piadinas—a thin flatbread typically eaten in the Romagna region of Italy. “We use our pizza dough baked to perfection in our pizza oven, and then we throw them on the grill so that they hold and travel well,” Marinelli says. There are five sandwiches from which to choose: salami, with salsa verde, burrata and basil ($12); mortadella, with fennel seed aioli and fontina ($12); smoked salmon, with caper crema, marinated cucumbers and pickled shallots ($12); prosciutto cotto, with aged provolone, black olives and pepperoncini ($12); and eggplant, with baba ganoush, bufala, roasted peppers and mint ($11). There are also salads and snacks on the provisional menu, which is available Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., including the Tri-Color Sciaini Salad ($12) made with salami, mozzarella and a pesto vinaigrette; house-made Parmesan chips ($3); and a piccola aperol spritz made with blood orange Pellegrino canned in-house ($10). “The inspiration was to offer something during the day that was more casual and reflecting a quick grab-and-go,” Marinelli says, “all while highlighting great salamis and imported cheeses from Italy and a quick spritz.” And the piadinas are here to stay, she says, though they will only be available out of the side of La Strega. If you want to hang out a little longer and enjoy the coastal Italian vibe, La Strega also just launched its Wintry cocktail menu, available through early spring. There are six cool sippers on the list, including the Ramona (vodka, Reposado tequila, Strega lemon and soda, $13) and the Malory (whiskey or rum, port reduction, allspice dram, vanilla, housemade apple cider, $13).
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bets to make as the NBA makes its short-notice return
BY CASE KEEFER
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wo and a half months after the conclusion of the 2019-20 season in a bubble environment at Walt Disney World, the NBA returns December 22 with its 2020-21 campaign at teams’ regular locations. ¶ If the resumption of play after an abnormally short break snuck up on you, you’re not alone; it also snuck up on the players, many of whom wanted to wait until late January to begin the next season. But league executives warned such a delay could result in a $1 billion revenue loss, according to ESPN, so the two sides negotiated the December start with a shortened 72-game— as opposed to the normal 82-game—season. ¶ Among the key benefits of playing now: safeguarding the coveted annual slate of five Christmas Day games, always among the NBA’s highest-rated telecasts. ¶ Local sportsbooks were quick to post point spreads for opening-night and Christmas Day games along with their usual future offerings, so it’s time to snap back into action and bet all the NBA has to offer. Here are seven plays to make at the onset of the season.
■ MILWAUKEE BUCKS TO WIN THE NBA CHAMPIONSHIP AT +745 (CIRCA SPORTS) With an average margin of victory of more than 9 points per game, the Bucks have been historically dominant over the past two seasons. They’ve just dissipated in the playoffs. Milwaukee’s back-to-back postseason collapses likely had as much to do with random ill-timed funks than systemic issues, but the team has addressed them adequately nonetheless. The Bucks sacrificed depth in the offseason to add another top-end talent by trading for Jrue Holiday, a move that could cut into their regular-season success slightly but serve the club better come playoff time. Holiday finally provides two-time defending NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo with a first-rate point guard to play alongside. Most importantly, it’s virtually unprecedented to get a team that has been this efficient at this high a price.
■ UTAH JAZZ TO WIN THE NORTHWEST DIVISION AT +250 (WESTGATE LAS VEGAS SUPERBOOK) Utah was a rimmed-out Mike Conley buzzer-beater from beating the Denver Nuggets in an opening-round NBA playoff series the Jazz once led 3-1. And now Utah is a sizable underdog to compete with the same Denver team less than four months later? That doesn’t compute, especially because the Jazz might have gotten better in the offseason, while the Nuggets arguably got worse. Utah should be buoyed by the return of injured Bojan Bogdanovic and free agent Derrick Favors. Denver lost Jerami Grant to Detroit. Just like the playoff showdown, this is a coin-flip divisional race.
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(Jeff Bottari/AP/Photo Illustration)
Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo (AP Photo/Photo Illustration)
■ PHILADELPHIA 76ERS TO WIN THE ATLANTIC DIVISION AT +300 (WILLIAM HILL) Philadelphia drastically improved its staff by hiring Daryl Morey as president of basketball operations and Doc Rivers as coach, and the duo’s influence should translate into a better on-court product. Rivers is an upgrade from the fired Brett Brown, but the 76ers will really reap benefits from having Morey aboard. The former Houston Rockets personnel head has already performed roster gymnastics to bring in a supporting cast that better complements star tandem Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, signing sharpshooters Danny Green and Seth Curry. And Morey likely won’t stop there. Known as one of the most aggressive maneuverers in all of sports on the trade market, Morey will do everything he can to keep adding pieces.
■ OPENING NIGHT: LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS +3 AT LOS ANGELES LAKERS (WILLIAM HILL) The Clippers were set to be slight favorites over the Lakers in the Western Conference finals before blowing a 3-1 series lead to the Nuggets in the semifinals. Now they’ve had an extra month to rest, while the Lakers battled their way to winning the NBA Championship. Don’t underestimate the fatigue that comes from having to win two more series at the highest level, and don’t forget that LeBron James was the most visible player speaking out against a quick start to another season. The Lakers deserve to be the Western Conference favorites as they defend their title, but look for them to start the season slow and ramp up later in the year. ■ CHRISTMAS DAY: MILWAUKEE BUCKS -8 VS. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (WILLIAM HILL) There’s too much optimism regarding the Warriors’ ability to regain the form that saw them make five straight NBA Finals from 2015 to 2019. The roster is no longer there. Steph Curry is still one of the best players in the league, but with Klay Thompson out for another season with an Achilles injury, and Draymond Green showing signs of regression, Curry has been left without top-notch sidekicks. It will become apparent early in the season that the Warriors are a bubble playoff team—at best—and their point spreads will adjust accordingly. Start betting against them before that happens.
■ BOSTON CELTICS UNDER 45.5 WINS (WILLIAM HILL) The Hornets’ signing of Gordon Hayward to a fouryear, $120 million deal in free agency has been the butt of many jokes, but there’s nothing funny about where it left the Celtics—getting no compensation for one of their cornerstone players. Hayward was often injured during his three-year stint in Boston, but he was a difference-maker when he was on the floor, especially last season. Depth has been one of Boston’s biggest weapons, and with Hayward departed and Kemba Walker out to start the season with a knee injury, it suddenly has none. The Celtics would need to win at roughly the same pace they did last season to beat this number, and that seems far too optimistic. ■ MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES OVER 31.5 WINS (SUPERBOOK) The lasting image of the Grizzlies is them blowing the final spot in the Western Conference playoffs—one they had held onto for months—with a play-in loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. That’s unfair, and has tempered expectations for a young team on the rise. Reigning Rookie of the Year Ja Morant is a budding superstar, and the point guard is surrounded with perfect complementary pieces, led by versatile big man Jaren Jackson. The 21-year-old Jackson missed the end of last season with a knee injury, but he’s expected back within the first month this season. Memphis seems more likely to improve than decline, even though this line suggests otherwise.
■ LAST WEEK: COLTS 44, RAIDERS 27 The Raiders’ defense played so poorly against the Colts, it cost defensive coordinator Paul Guenther his job. Las Vegas announced Guenther’s firing shortly after the loss, in which it gave up 7.7 yards per play and only one punt. Rod Marinelli will step into the coordinator role on an interim basis for the season’s final three games. After losing to the Colts, the Raiders will likely need to win out to reach the postseason for the first time since 2016.
RAIDERS
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THIS WEEK: CHARGERS (4-9) AT RAIDERS (7-6) When: Thursday, December 17, 5:20 p.m. Where: Allegiant Stadium TV: Fox (channel 5) & NFL Network Radio: 920-AM & 92.3-FM Betting line: Raiders -3.5, over/under 53 Opponent: The Chargers are widely considered to be a mess playing out their final string of games before they can make significant changes in the offseason. And yet, it took an overturned call on the final play to beat them 31-26 in LA, so this is no gimme for Las Vegas. Adding to the Raiders’ issues is the return of San Diego’s Austin Ekeler, who was hurt for the first matchup. The Raiders have struggled to contain running backs, and Ekeler has 343 yards from scrimmage in the past three games. Injuries: The team played without cornerback Damon Arnette and safety Jeff Heath on Sunday, and it’s uncertain if they can come back on a short week. The Raiders also lost defensive end Clelin Ferrell to a shoulder injury early in the game. Running back Josh Jacobs, right tackle Trent Brown, safety Johnathan Abram and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst returned from various ailments, but Brown might have been the only one who looked nearly 100% healthy. –Case Keefer
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BY C. MOON REED
alk into Herbally Grounded and you’ll feel a sense of serenity. Salt lamps emit a peaceful pink glow. Shelves of herbal supplements and natural remedies promise better health and well-being. A library of books holds ancient wisdom about the properties of plants. Candles, crystals, jewelry and incense complement the vibe. In the back, a treasure trove of dried herbs are sold in bulk. Most importantly, highly trained employees help demystify the experience for shoppers. Herbally Grounded is part grocery store, part herbal emporium, part wellness shop and part community center. “I just wanted to do something HERBALLY that made a difference and helps GROUNDED people,” co-owner Jon Estrada says. 4441 W. Charleston Herbally Grounded, which Blvd., 702has locations in Las Vegas and 558-4372; Henderson, sells more than 300 10345 S. bulk herbs and 50 locally made Eastern Ave. #150, 725formulas. “Our mission statement 203-1099; is that we provide hope through herbally herbs,” Estrada says. “We’re just grounded. a place where people can come in com. Mondayif they’re feeling hopeless, and Saturday, hopefully find their way.” 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Like many natural stores, Herbally Grounded carries vitamins, all-natural supplements, CBD products and all-natural drinks and snacks, along with home goods like soaps, cleaners and cosmetics. There’s a focus on carrying local brands. During the initial COVID-19 shutdown, Herbally
Grounded remained open as an essential business. Estrada says the store drew many customers seeking out natural ways to boost their immune systems. To support the body’s defenses, the store sells its popular Herbal Fighter, a blend of goldenseal root, echinacea, yarrow flower and ginger. Another option is Angel Teas, a restorative mix containing burdock root, sheep sorrel, slippery elm bark and more. Herbally Grounded began as a family endeavor. As a mother with health troubles and tight finances, Angela Harris opted to follow in her mother and grandmother’s footsteps. The fifth-generation herbalist and Las Vegas local tapped into herbal-
ism as a more natural and economical alternative to mainstream medicine. After decades of study and the birth of nine children, Harris—by then a “Master Herbalist”—had created many formulas for a multitude of purposes. Deeply religious, Harris sees her work as part of a “health ministry” and service to the community. “This concept of allowing our bodies to heal by adding pure, simple nutrients to our diet, has somehow been lost over the years,” Harris wrote in an article on HerballyGrounded.com. Harris began lecturing around the country, and in 2004, opened Herbally Grounded with her husband, Curt. The couple went on to launch HerbU.org, with the mission of “teaching the lost art of herbology by sharing our love of these magnificent plants.” In 2017, with Angela and Curt Harris focused on HerbU, it was time for Herbally Grounded to pass on to the next generation. The couple’s daughter, Emma Harris, and her husband, Estrada, took over the store. The younger couple purchased a distribution center and in 2019 opened a Henderson location. They plan to open a third location by early 2022. As social distancing permits, they will continue offering classes on herbs, wildcrafting and more. In an effort to continue Angela’s practices, Herbally Grounded works to keep its products accessible. “We try super hard to have things available at all price points,” Estrada says. In fact, he says, the store hasn’t raised many of its prices in more than 15 years. “Our bulk section takes up a quarter of our retail space. The markups [there] aren’t as good, but it doesn’t matter to us because there’s people at all levels that need herbs.”
Herbally Grounded owners Emma Harris and Jon Estrada (Wade Vandervort/Staff)
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VegasInc Notes Stefanie Fassbender, virtual design and construction manager with Burke Construction Group, was listed 16th on the BuiltWorlds 2020 Adoption Leaders 50 List. The list highlights those Fassbender in leadership roles within the architecture, engineering and construction industry that help their companies discover, select and integrate new technologies into their operations. Branden Murphy, MSNed, RN, CPN, CCRN, was named director of nursing for Silver State Pediatric. Murphy, who has more than 10 years of experience in pediatric nursing, most recently Murphy served as a nursing professor at Arizona College in Las Vegas. Nevada Donor Network appointed Daniel Lunn as vice president of tissue operations for the organization. Lunn has spent more than 23 years in the transplant field, holding various positions in senior leadership and clinical roles with organ procurement organizations, tissue banks, eye banks and tissue processors. In addition, Nevada Donor Network Foundation appointed Jan Jones Blackhurst, Mitch Britten, James Jimmerson and Rita Vaswani as founding board members. Jones Blackhurst is the former mayor of Las Vegas and a member of the Caesars Entertainment board of directors. Britten is CEO and founder of Thrive Cannabis. Since admitted to the Nevada Bar in 1976, Jimmerson has made a name for himself in the legal field. Vaswani is the vice president, client relationship manager for Nevada State Bank. As members of the board, each will help the foundation’s mission to maximize the gift of life and health through organ and tissue donation. Gov. Steve Sisolak announced that Madeline Burak has joined his administration team as director of community outreach and constituent affairs, and Vincent Nava was hired to serve as press assistant. Previously, Burak served as area director for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee in Houston, and as chief of staff to Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve. Prior to joining the governor’s team, Nava served as program coordinator for community engagement and diversity initiatives at Nevada State College. In addition to the new hires, Jessica Diss, who served as senior policy analyst since February
ELEVATE YOUR SPACE
2019, was promoted to deputy general counsel. JCJ Architecture, a planning, architecture and interior design firm, announced that the Hakkasan Grid project was awarded the Platinum Award under the Experiential and Immersive category for this year’s Muse Awards. The Hakkasan Grid is a multimillion-dollar, custom-built kinetic light installation. Comprehensive Cancer Centers nurses Nicole Contreras, Sara Connatser, Kris Haddrill, Carlos Cruz and Kathleen Gower recently passed nursing examinations. All five completed the Oncology Nursing examination, signifying a depth of knowledge that enables quick recognition of problems and initiation of evidence-based action. In addition, nurse practitioner Shannon Southwick completed the Advanced Oncology Nursing certification examination, signifying she has specialty knowledge and an advanced practice role in oncology nursing. Museum Fiasco, Las Vegas’ first Kunsthalle-style museum opening at Area15, announced Brian “Paco” Alvarez as the museum manager. Alvarez is a cultural anthropologist, a former Las Vegas arts commissioner and Las Vegas native. He has extensive knowledge of the city’s cultural arts scene and previously served as curator of the Las Vegas News Bureau photo and film archives; as interim-curator of the Neon Museum; and was the art curator for online retailer Zappos.com.
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City National Bank announced that Bruce Ford, senior vice president and Nevada regional banking manager, was appointed to the Las Vegas Natural History Museum board of directors. Ford joins Ford 18 other prominent business and community leaders on the museum’s board and will serve a minimum two-year term. The bank also announced a $5,000 donation to the museum. Nevada Department of Public Safety Director George Togliatti appointed David Fogerson as administrator of the department’s division of emergency management. Fogerson brings 31 years of fire, emergency medical services and emergency management experience to the position. His most recent post was in Douglas County and East Fork, where he led efforts against COVID-19 and managed operations, training and safety with the East Fork Fire District.
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