2021-01-28- Las Vegas Weekly by Greenspun Media Group

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L A S V E G A S W E E K LY

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FIRST CASE OF NEW COVID-19 STRAIN FOUND IN NEVADA A Las Vegas woman became the first person in Nevada to test positive for a more contagious strain of the coronavirus initially discovered in the United Kingdom, health officials said January 25. The woman, who is in her 30s, reported no travel history and had limited contact with people outside her household, according to the Southern Nevada Health District. She was not hospitalized and remained isolated in her home, officials said. Nevada State Public Health Laboratory director Mark Pandori said he doesn’t know the prevalence of the B.1.1.7 coronavirus strain in Nevada, but he thinks mitigation of its spread is still possible through contact tracing. “Yes, it’s here, and yes, there’s reason to be concerned about its biological capacity—that’s been shown,” Pandori said. “But the opportunity is here to prevent any further spread of it—or at least significant spread, or at least systemic spread, because we believe we’ve caught it pretty early.” The U.K. variant emerged in England in September and was first confirmed in the United States in late December, in a patient in Colorado with no known travel history. As of January 22, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 195 known cases of the variant had appeared in 22 states. Pandori said that in the few months since the strain popped up globally, it remains relatively uncommon, and though it appears to be more infectious, it’s still to be determined if the U.K. variant causes more severe illness. –Hillary Davis

LEGENDARY LAS VEGAS BAND TAKES THE MUSIC ONLINE

THEY SAID IT ■ “When we started to see the uptick in children taking their lives, we knew it wasn’t just the COVID numbers we need to look at anymore.” –Clark County School District Superintendent Jesus Jara, on trying to reopen schools as soon as possible

Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon, back left, coaches January 26 against the St. Louis Blues at T-Mobile Arena. Vegas' regular coaches were isolating after one of them tested positive for COVID-19. The Golden Knights rallied from two goals down in the third period to force overtime before losing in a shootout, 5-4. (John Locher/Associated Press)

GROUP GIVES NURSING HOME TABLETS TO CONNECT PATIENTS WITH FAMILIES

■ “Not only does [President Joe Biden] want to protect DACA, but he also introduced an immigration bill because he wants there to be a path to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants in this country.” –White House press secretary Jen Psaki, in a video tweeted January 24 in which she answered questions from the public ■ “You have put on a clinic on how a nominee should work and act. You haven't avoided the questions. You've been straightforward. And you know what the hell you're talking about. And that's pretty damn refreshing.” –Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., to Pete Buttigieg on January 21 during a Senate Commerce committee hearing on Buttigieg's nomination for secretary of transportation

Due to coronavirus restrictions, video chat can often be the only chance for nursing home patients to see their families. And sadly, with in-person visits curtailed, it's the only way some will ever see their loved ones' faces again. “One of the most heartbreaking parts of the COVID crisis is that so many people are dying alone,” said Anjali Kumar, a founder of COVID Tech Connect, a nonprofit group that has donated about 8,000 tablet computers to hospitals and nursing homes nationwide. The organization sent five devices to Life Care Center of Las Vegas, a 178-bed nursing home that only had a handful of tablets for patients to use. “We have zero visitations inside of our building,” said Jan Swallow, activities director for the home in the northwest Valley. The building has been off-limits to visitors since mid-March to protect critically ill and other vulnerable residents, Swallow said. Swallow said she learned about COVID Tech Connect from a colleague, who heard about the group on Ellen DeGeneres' YouTube channel. –Sara MacNeil

1 THINGS THAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK

Learning new skills has become standard operating procedure for most of us during the pandemic. It’s no different for the many talented musicians making a living in Las Vegas. For Jerry Lopez and his band Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns, adjusting to a new, temporary existence without live performances meant building a new way to spread their music to the masses. The result is a livestream concert taking place every other Monday, broadcast from the Copa Room at the Bootlegger Italian Bistro. The band posted its eighth show on January 18; next up is a February 1 performance at 6 p.m. The “ticket” price is $15, and you can find the music and more info at santafeandthefat cityhorns.com/live. The band has received offers to perform elsewhere in front of limited crowds, but “it just wasn’t going to feel right,” Lopez said. “We didn’t feel safe. The way we’re doing it now, the places where we can’t have 6 feet of distance, we have plexiglass between the singers and musicians.” –Brock Radke

HIGH COURT THROWS OUT EMOLUMENTS CASES

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS ON NO-FLY LIST

The Supreme Court on January 25 brought an end to lawsuits over whether Donald Trump illegally profited off his presidency. The outcome leaves no judicial opinions on the books in an area of the law that has rarely been explored in U.S. history.

Southwest Airlines on January 25 joined the nation’s other five major airlines in disallowing emotional-support animals from flying for free, starting March 1. It will still let passengers bring trained service dogs into the cabin.

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IN THIS ISSUE

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Cover Story: Get out of town with these daytrip recommendations Binge This Week: We're always on the lookout for new distractions The Strip: Harrah's stays focused on entertainment options Scene: Strip performer Anne Martinez's Saintly new venture Food & Drink: Fresh Japanese flavors from Robata En and Tao

WEEK IN REVIEW WEEK AHEAD N EWS YO U S H O U L D K N OW A B O U T

Sports: Predictions for UNLV's last 10 men's hoops games

Children enjoy a rare Las Vegas snowfall January 26 at Fox Hill Park in Summerlin. (Wade Vandervort/ Staff)

Vegas Inc: What should we expect from mortgage rates?

CHIEFS OPEN AS SUPER BOWL FAVORITES Patrick Mahomes and the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs opened as 3- to 3.5-point Super Bowl 55 favorites over six-time winner Tom Brady and his Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “I think the money is going to be one-way,” Jason Scott, vice president of trading for BetMGM, said of the game, set for February 7 in Tampa, Florida. “I think the bookmakers are going to be cheering for Tampa.”

FRAUD ARREST

BILLIONAIRE WINNER

Jorge Abramovs of Las Vegas was arrested January 15 on a count of bank fraud, according to court logs. He's accused of defrauding almost $2 million from COVID-19 relief funds to buy 2020 Tesla and Bentley cars and two luxury apartments on the Strip.

A winning ticket was sold in Michigan for the January 22 $1 billion Mega Millions jackpot, which had been growing since September 15. It's the third-largest lottery prize in U.S. history. The next estimated jackpot is $20 million. The odds of winning are 1 in 302.5 million.

5 NO NEW HALL OF FAMERS Curt Schilling came up 16 votes short of the 75% threshold for enshrinement into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on January 26, as the Baseball Writers’ Association of America did not elect a single player on the ballot. Barry Bonds (61.8%) and Roger Clemens (61.5%) were next closest.

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SENSIBLE SNACKING How to raid the fridge without busting your belt

BY C. MOON REED

he pandemic has done a number on our stomachs. We’re mostly stuck at home—whether working remotely or just staying safe in quarantine. And it’s too easy to just snack all day. Rather than trying to accomplish the impossible—ditch snacking altogether—the Weekly reached out to Samantha Coogan, the director of UNLV’s Didactic Program in Nutrition & Dietetics, for some expert snacking tips. A teacher of community nutrition and food science, Coogan knows how the mind and body work when it comes to temptation. She advises against being too strict and attempting a full health overhaul in one fell swoop. When it comes to your kitchen, Coogan says, “stock it with items you’ll actually eat, not just foods you think you’re supposed to eat.” Coogan says snacking is all about balance: “Don’t be afraid to have some of your favorite snacks in the house, but also be careful not to overindulge.” She says if you’re too restrictive and ban all “fun foods,” you’ll be more likely to overindulge when you inevitably give in. “Had you just allowed yourself that fun snack two to three times a week, the curiosity and cravings will subside,” Coogan says. “We always want what we can’t have, so why limit ourselves now?” Just don’t forget the balance. “Be smart and responsible in the remainder of your food choices, and you can still incorporate any of the foods you love into your day-to-day life,” Coogan says.

(Shuterstock/Photo Illustrations)

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Snack on this ■ Pair smartly. To feel fuller longer, Coogan says “pair a carbohydrate source [like fruit] with a protein or fat source [like nuts, nut butters or cheese].” In addition to helping achieve satiety, it can stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing an energy crash, also known as the 3 o’clock slump. ■ Eat whole foods. Nuts, seeds, nut butters, dried fruit, hard boiled eggs, cheese, produce and ground meats are great options, Coogan says. ■ Choose whole-grain baked goods over those with a white flour base. Whole grains are healthier and less likely to create the exhausting blood sugar spikes you get from, say, doughnuts. ■ The freezer is your secret weapon. “Frozen produce is typically as nutrient-dense and healthy as its fresh counterparts, due to the required freezing process by manufacturers,” Coogan says. The method of blanching and then flash-freezing produce “retains most, if not all, nutrients, and chlorophyll pigmentation allows for the natural vibrancy of color to remain.” ■ Canned fruits and vegetables are OK … with caveats. Coogan suggests opting for fruit preserved in water, not syrup. And she says canned vegetables should be rinsed to remove excess sodium. ■ Protein shakes and powders can help. “These are always great in a bind, or if your hunger cues have kicked in but your appetite hasn’t quite caught up yet,” Coogan says. “Liquid nutrition can be a viable option depending on the circumstances, or if you’re in the middle of a big project, heavily focused and just need a quick dose of nutrients.”

Eating mindfully Sometimes what you need isn’t a snack. Mindless eating happens for many reasons: distraction, boredom, fatigue. And sometimes the answer to those feelings is simply improved time management. Coogan suggests scheduling your workflow so you “take purposeful, planned breaks and get up and move around.” She suggests setting aside a 15-minute snack time every two to three hours. When it’s finally time

to eat, focus on eating. “You’ve dedicated enough time to the project you’re working on; now dedicate some time to your own health and nutrition,” Coogan says. “Fifteen minutes can feel like an eternity for many highly productive people, but you’ll experience so many more benefits, and even more increased productivity, by allowing yourself to separate your responsibilities in order to fully focus on them in that moment.”

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Curb those cravings The American Heart Association (AHA) has suggestions for finding healthy ways to satisfy the most typical cravings. If you’re needing a satisfying crunch, slice some produce in advance. The better the variety, the more you’ll be entertained. So while apples, carrots and celery are always great options, add in some bell pepper, cucumber or cauliflower. Other crunchy snacks recommended by the AHA include popcorn, nuts, seeds, whole-grain crackers and roasted chickpeas. Thirsty snackers should ditch sodas for healthier options like fat-free milk, plain soy milk, vegetable juice, unsweetened tea, black coffee, and, yes, water (still or sparkling). Jazz up your water by adding fruits and herbs. If you must have fruit juice, the AHA suggests a small glass comprising 100% fruit. Craving sweets? The AHA advises that you get your sugar fix through natural fruits. Add some glam to your grapes and bananas by freezing them. Baked and dried fruits can also help add variety.

5-MINUTE EXPERT

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Where to dispose of e-waste

It’s a hard habit to get into—and in some cases, it can actually cost you money—but the long-term good of recycling e-waste far outweighs the drawbacks. You can begin by turning in your old cellphone when planned obsolescence forces you get a new one; many cellular retails offer buyback programs, and a dead phone in a drawer does you no good at all. For disposal of other e-waste, consider one of these options.

How to recycle your old electronics and batteries BY GEOFF CARTER

ate to add to your worries, but our relentless quest to update our smartphones and hi-def televisions might have an expiration date. The working components of those consumer electronics items—alongside others including computer monitors and rechargeable batteries, and lots of important nonconsumer items like lasers and wind turbines—require rare-earth elements, an assortment of metals that, while not exactly uncommon, seldom appear in large concentrations. And like everything we dig from the ground, they are finite. Now, hold that thought for a moment, because there’s more great news: Consumers simply throw away millions of cellphones and electronic devices yearly—approximately 40 million tons’ worth, according to environmental awareness site TheWorldCounts.com. (That’s equivalent to tossing out “800 laptops every second.”) These electronics end up in landfills, where their precious metals are rendered useless … and their more common elements, such as cadmium, lead and mercury, seep into the ground or are disbursed into the air by fire, and become toxic. Luckily, consumer recycling of electronic devices exists, though you’d barely know it: Several years ago, the Environmental Protection Agency noted that only 12.5% of electronic waste (or e-waste) is recycled yearly. Let’s talk about how we get those numbers up.

REDUCING

Regarding batteries For the most part, it’s a bad idea to throw batteries in the trash. Though most single use consumer batteries—AA, AAA, D, 9-volts and so on—are relatively landfill-safe nowadays (that wasn’t the case pre-1996, after which Congress forbade battery manufacturers to use mercury), it’s still a good idea to take them to a recycling center; their metal casings can be reused, and their minerals safely disposed or reused. And rechargeable and button cell (watch) batteries must

be recycled, full stop. Some nasty stuff in there. Consumer Reports recommends that you save expired batteries in their original packages; mark them with a Sharpie so you’ll know at a glance if they’re bad. Simply tossing loose batteries into a plastic bag or plastic or metal container could prove dangerous; even spent batteries could catch fire if their contact points touch. And on that note, if you must throw batteries away, put tape over their contact points to minimize fire risk.

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Best Buy The big-box retailer will recycle up to three items per household per day: TVs, computers, phones, even ink and toner cartridges. Some items might incur a fee. bit.ly/3hNCyUh

Call2Recycle This site locates free e-waste dropoff centers in your neighborhood (odds are good it’ll be a Lowe’s or Home Depot). Note that many of them don’t take single-use batteries. call2recycle.org

Republic Services Don’t want to leave the house? This waste and recycling firm takes dead electronics in bulk through a postage-paid, box mail-in program. Rates begin with a sixpound box for $89. republicservices.com

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Sustain Vegas This local firm takes your “unwanted, unused, broken or legacy computers and electronics” free of charge, and even wipes the data from them. (You should always wipe your own data before disposing of electronics, just to be sure; there are plenty of YouTube tutorials on how to do that.) Note that Sustain is unable to take old-school cathode ray tube TVs and monitors, and also batteries. sustainvegas.com

E-WASTE TERBIUM

The rare-earth elements (REE) are 17 metallic elements, mostly lanthanides— cerium, dysprosium, erbium, europium, gadolinium, holmium, lanthanum, lutetium, neodymium, praseodymium, promethium, samarium, terbium, thulium and ytterbium—plus scandium and yttrium. They’re kind of a big deal, according to the U.S. Geological Survey: “Although the amount of REE used in a product may not be a significant part of that product by weight, value, or volume, the REE can be necessary for the device to function. For example, magnets made of REE often represent only a small fraction of the total weight, but without them, the spindle motors and voice coils of desktops and laptops would not be possible.” There are two big problems with rare-earth elements that we can’t get around. One is that they’re mostly found in China, which makes them valuable bargaining chips in trade wars. The other is that, eventually, we will have mined all the large deposits of which we’re aware; some experts say we might get there in less than 100 years. At that point, the small and scattered amounts of rare earths in the ground might prove too expensive to mine, which means an end to rechargeable batteries and our dream of sustainable energy. It’s probably not a great idea to throw these things away, but we’re doing it.

(Shutterstock/Photo Illustration)

What are rare-earth elements?

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THERE AND BACK Daytrip destinations for a restorative change of scenery BY GENEVIE DURANO, C. MOON REED AND LESLIE VENTURA

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Note: Though these spots were open at press time, it’s always best to check for closures before traveling anywhere.

WITHIN ONE HOUR LAKE MEAD Nps.gov/lake

Distance from Las Vegas: 30 miles. The largest reservoir in the United States, boasting 750 miles of shoreline, is our very own aquatic playground. Desert dwellers find year-round fun in the country’s largest national recreation area, where swimming, boating, hiking, camping and more await. Walk the Historic Railroad Trail for some of the most majestic views of the lake, then find yourself at Hoover Dam, an engineering marvel that never ceases to amaze. Must-do: For a different view of Hoover Dam—from the water—book a kayak tour with Evolution Expeditions (evolution expeditions.com). A knowledgeable guide will take you from the base of the Hoover Dam down the Colorado River and through the Black Canyon.

MOUNT CHARLESTON Gomtcharleston.com

Distance from Las Vegas: 40 miles. If you think Nevada is all desert, think again. About a half an hour from the Strip sits this mountainous expanse, an oasis and reprieve from the scorching heat, complete with all the seasons. Whether you’re seeking snow in the winter or just a getaway from triple digits in the summer, Mount Charleston has a trail—or a campsite—for you. Must-do: Ride the ski lift in the springtime, followed by lunch at the Mt. Charleston Lodge. If you’re there in the winter, try snowboarding, skiing and/or sledding.

R E D R O C K C A N YO N Redrockcanyonlv.org

Mount Charleston (Yasmina Chavez/Staff)

Distance from Las Vegas: 18 miles. With its colorful scarlet and orange palette, strolling through Red Rock feels more like walking on Mars, but don’t be fooled: You’re very much in Nevada. With hikes for every age and fitness level—plus some of the world’s best rock climbing—it’s no wonder this park is a destination for some of the most avid thrill-seekers. Must-do: Calico Tanks or Ice Box Canyon for a moderate hike (or Turtlehead Peak if you want to really work up a sweat), followed by lunch at Cottonwood Station in the nearby town of Blue Diamond.

Nelson (Corlene Byrd/Courtesy)

N E L S O N , N E VA D A Ghosttowns.com/states/nv/nelson.html

Distance from Las Vegas: 45 miles Ghost towns are always fun places to explore, and there’s no shortage of them in Nevada. This one, an old mining town, is just a 45-minute drive from Las Vegas. It’s literally rich in history: In 1775, Spaniards discovered gold here and named the town Eldorado. The mines were active until 1945. Today, it’s full of rusted cars and various ruins of the past, including original buildings from its heyday. Must-do: Take a tour down the gold mine, once the richest in Nevada, operating for 80 years until World War II.

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VA L L E Y O F F I R E Parks.nv.gov/parks/valley-of-fire Distance from Las Vegas: 55 miles

It’s one of the most memorable destinations in Southern Nevada, and before hikers and adventurers sought out its beauty, it was home to prehistoric peoples, whose petroglyphs are still visible on multiple trails, including Mouse’s Tank and Atlatl Rock. From the early Pueblo tribe to the Paiute, this red sandstone state park is full of history, ready for exploration. Must-do: Stop at the visitor’s center to learn about the unique landscape and its history, then head to the Elephant Rock for a photo-op and Mouse’s Tank to scope out some cool archaeological finds.

ALSO Amargosa Big Dune; Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge; Boulder City; Spring Mountain Ranch State Park.

WITHIN ONE HOUR

(Above/below) Valley of Fire (Photographs by Corlene Byrd/Courtesy)

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London Bridge in Lake Havasu City (Shutterstock)

E X T R AT E R R E S T R I A L H I G H WAY Travelnevada.com/road-trip/ extraterrestrial-highway

Distance from Las Vegas: 122 miles. This 100-mile stretch of Nevada State Route 375 runs adjacent to the Nevada Test and Training Range, which includes Area 51. Over the years, numerous UFO sightings have been reported in the area, and the government’s 2013 acknowledgment of the existence of Area 51 only added to the mystery. Note that Area 51 is an active military facility, and mind the warning signs. Must-do: Your otherworldly trek must start with provisions at E.T. Fresh Jerky in Hiko and selfies at the alien murals. Since Area 51 itself is off-limits, stop by the Alien Research Center for a photo-op with a three-story metal alien, then drive to the town of Rachel and stop by the Little A’Le’Inn for a burger and a beer.

L A K E H AVA S U C I T Y, ARIZONA Golakehavasu.com

Distance from Las Vegas: 152.7

miles.

With 300 days of sunshine, it’s (almost) always sunny in Lake Havasu, also known as “Arizona’s West Coast” and “Arizona’s Playground.” Watersports—boating, fishing, swimming or just hanging out at the beach—are the star of this Arizona vacation destination, and you can also hike, golf, cycle or go off-roading. Check out Topock Gorge, aka “the miniature Grand Canyon.” Don’t bother loading up your boat; you can rent one when you get there. Must-do: See the London Bridge … yes, the historical one from Merry Olde England. The nearly 200-year-old structure crossed an ocean and traversed the Panama Canal to become an Arizona tourist attraction.

S T. G E O R G E , U TA H Visitutah.com/places-to-go/ cities-and-towns/st-george

Distance from Las Vegas: 120 miles. Just a few hours away from Las Vegas, this town with popular hiking and outdoor activities for groups and families awaits. A perfect stop on the way to Zion National Park, the 7,400-acre Snow Canyon State Park is home to old lava fields, rock climbing routes, bike paths and more. Must-do: Bring the kids and grab a burger at Morty’s Cafe. ALSO Grand Canyon West; Kanarra Falls; Rhyolite Ghost Town; Zion National Park.

Little A’Le’Inn on the Extraterrestrial Highway (Sun File)

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WITHIN THREE HOURS

Dixie National Forest (Wade Vandervort/Staff)

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B R YC E C A N YO N Brycecanyon.org

Distance from Las Vegas: 262 miles. Bryce Canyon’s winter landscape is dramatically different from its summertime look. Freshly fallen snow caps the hoodoos as the evergreen trees rise majestically against the red rocks. The park is quieter, too, giving visitors time for reflection and contemplation. If you’re lucky enough to be there after a big snowfall, snowshoeing is a fun way to explore. For day hiking, wear proper footwear, preferably with traction devices, as paths will be icy. Must-do: Ruby’s Inn Campground, located near the entrance of the canyon, has plenty of winter activities for the whole family, like outdoor ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and sleigh rides. No need to bring your own equipment—you can rent everything for full-day use.

C AT H E D R A L G O R G E S TAT E PA R K

Parks.nv.gov/parks/cathedral-gorge

Distance from Las Vegas: 167 miles. Cathedral Gorge, one of Nevada’s first four state parks, was founded in 1935, but its history dates back much further. Millions of years ago, volcanic activity set the stage for the park’s magnificent spires and cliffs by depositing volcanic ash. The area became a meadow and then a lake bed and then dried up again. All the while, water and wind erosion built up breathtaking landscape full of gorgeous slot canyons. Must-do: Check out the historic 1930s water tower, then hike the mile-long Miller Point Trail for panoramic views.

CORAL PINK SAND D U N E S S TAT E P A R K

D E AT H VA L L E Y N AT I O N A L PA R K

Nps.gov/deva/index.htm

Distance from Las Vegas: 150 miles. It’s the hottest and driest national park in the United States, not to mention the lowest—the park’s Badwater Basin sits 282 feet below sea level. Explore giant, sprawling sand dunes; colorful ice cream-colored mountains; and imprints of mysterious sailing stones, if you happen upon them. (Don’t forget to bring plenty of water.) Must-do: Check out the Mesquite Flat sand dunes or the 7-mile-long Panamint Dunes, then head to the Badwater Salt Flats and Zabriskie Point for a beautiful overlook.

Bryce Canyon (Wade Vandervort/Courtesy)

D I X I E N AT I O N A L F O R E S T Fs.usda.gov/dixie

Distance from Las Vegas: 180+ miles. With land running through both the Colorado River and the Great Basin and spanning 170 miles across Utah, Dixie National Forest is home to hundreds of hiking trails in its four distinct geographic zones. Start in Cedar City and go as far as you’d like—the options are endless. Extreme temperatures are common in the forest, so come prepared, as the weather can range from triple digits in the summer to 30 degrees below in the winter at some of the forest’s highest peaks. Must-do: Take the scenic byway on the All-American Road Highway 12. Be sure to pack a camera.

Stateparks.utah.gov/parks/coral-pink

Distance from Las Vegas: 181 miles. Just west of the town of Kanab, Utah, mountains of pink sand dot an otherworldly landscape, where you can play and frolic and roll down soft hills. The destination is popular for ATV riders and snowboarders, but the area’s so expansive, you’ll feel like you’re on an alien planet all by yourself. Must-do: Just 20 minutes away is Best Friends Animal Society, the largest no-kill shelter in the country. It’s home to 1,600 rescued cats, dogs, horses, birds, rabbits, potbellied pigs, farm animals and assorted wildlife. You can volunteer to walk four-legged friends or eat a vegan lunch at the Angel Village Cafe. You might even go home with a new best friend.

VERMILLION CLIFFS N AT I O N A L M O N U M E N T

Blm.gov/national-conservation-lands/ arizona/vermilion-cliffs

Distance from Las Vegas: 235 miles. Designated in 2000, this 280,000-acre national monument is as spectacular to see as it is difficult to visit. With no paved roads inside the monument, the scenic views and geologic formations typically require a four-wheel drive vehicle, ideally with high clearance and a spare tire in tow. But the unspoiled nature’s worth the effort—dramatic plateaus, cliffs, buttes and canyons. The BLM recommends opting for an authorized guide if you don’t feel completely confident braving the wilderness. Must-do: Vermillion Cliffs is part of a captive breeding program for California condors, so this is a chance to spot the endangered birds.

ALSO Cedar Breaks National Monument; Duck Creek Village; Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument; Joshua Tree National Park; Panguitch Lake. Death Valley National Park (Yasmina Chavez/Courtesy)

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G L E N C A N Y O N N AT I O N A L R E C R E AT I O N A R E A Nps.gov/glca Distance from Las Vegas: 257 miles.

Nearby Antelope Canyon remains closed, but this 1.25 million-acre area in Arizona remains open. You can hike, bike and camp; boat, fish and swim at Lake Powell; take a scenic drive along Hole-in-the-Rock Road; and view the Glen Canyon Dam and the Rainbow Bridge National Monument, a natural rock archway.

Must-do: Glen Canyon’s show stopping feature is Horseshoe Bend, where the Colorado River cuts a canyon to make a dramatic U-turn. Reach the overlook via a 1.5-mile (wheelchair-accessible) hike from a parking lot owned by the city of Page, Arizona.

G R A N D C A N YO N N AT I O N A L PA R K GrandCanyon.com, nps.gov/grca Distance from Las Vegas: 275.

You can’t be a true Southwesterner if you haven’t visited the Grand Canyon at least once. First-timers should visit the South Rim for what GrandCanyon.com calls the “true Grand Canyon” experience, though the North Rim, which is closed for the winter, offers more chances to commune with nature without skimping on world-class views of the Colorado River.

Must-do: Take one of the COVID-safe virtual tours, including a virtual raft trip and Canyon Field School @Home, and then visit the South Rim in person for unforgettable vistas of the mile-deep canyon.

SEDONA, ARIZONA Visitsedona.com Distance from Las Vegas: 275 miles.

Sedona is a gateway to the Grand Canyon for most travelers, but this gorgeous, red rock-rich spot is a destination in its own right. It’s an understatement to call the vibe there chill. Sedona operates on its own frequency, and a daytrip there can truly change one’s perspective.

Must-do: Hiking is king, with more than 100 trails. The Cathedral Rock Trail is one of the most popular, offering unparalleled views of red rock formations, but also check out the Palatki Heritage Site, ancient cliff dwellings once home to the Hopi tribe. ALSO Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park; Flagstaff, Arizona; Great Basin National Park; Jerome, Arizona; Prescott, Arizona.

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T H E R E

A N D

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GEAR UP

Packing tips for your next daytrip

Even if you’ll be back in a few hours, you’ll want to make sure you have these in your car …

The Grand Canyon (Shutterstock)

n Food and water. Due to COVID-19 conditions, you might not be stopping for a meal, so pack picnic provisions that can be easily eaten on the go. Think sandwiches, chips, cut-up veggies, hummus and treats. And above all, make sure you have enough water for everyone in the car. The temps might be cool, but you’ll be thirsty if you plan to do lots of hiking. n Extra masks. Of course, the goal is to limit your stops, but you’ll still be pausing to gas up. It’s also never a bad idea to mask up even while hiking and walking around outside, especially in high-foottraffic areas. n Hiking shoes. Most of the destinations on our list offer plenty of hiking opportunities, so pack appropriate footwear. n Small backpack. Use it to stash power bars and water bottles for your hike. n Paper maps. No one carries around atlases these days, but it doesn’t hurt to print one out, in case you find yourself in a cellular dead zone. n Extra phone charger. It’s always a good idea to make sure your phone is fully juiced, in case of an emergency. n Camera. For shutterbugs who want more than the cameras on their smartphones can offer.

Horseshoe Bend (Corlene Byrd/Courtesy)

Cathedral Rock in Sedona, Arizona (Shutterstock)

n Entertainment. Load up digital and analog distractions for the kids, so everyone has fun. It’s a great time to catch up on podcasts, so download a few to play in the car. –Genevie Durano

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FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD Suggestions for getting to know the folks who live next door

“L

BY GEOFF CARTER owly, unpurposeful and random as they may appear, sidewalk contacts are the small change from which a city’s wealth of public life may grow.” So wrote theorist and author Jane Jacobs in the 1961 book The Death and Life of Great American Cities, her spirited rebuke to the kind of wrongheaded city planning that stifles community-building— low-density suburban sprawl, freeways cutting neighborhoods in half. Jacobs probably would have detested modern-day Las Vegas, which is essentially one large suburb split into pieces by giant, un-crossable freeways and wide arterial roads. But she might have appplauded our efforts to accumulate small-change sidewalk contacts on Water Street, in the Arts District and in Downtown Summerlin—fellow Nike Run Club app users, other Golden Knights fans and so on—and add them up into a community. Community is an important thing even in uncomplicated times, but it’s especially vital now as we enter the second (and hopefully last) year of an outbreak that has decimated families, friends and workplaces. This is a very good time to know, and engage with, the neighbors on the other side of the 6-foot brick walls that surround our homes. Here are a few tips to follow that will make your street feel more neighborly.

Organize a giant neighborhood bike ride. This might be something for after we’ve reached herd immunity, but I have to tell you that going on a group bike ride—a dozen people or more, though I’ve ridden in packs that number more than a hundred—is a perfect way to spend Las Vegas’ warm spring and early/late summer evenings. Whether it’s a nighttime pub ride (easy to do Downtown, probably less so in Summerlin and Henderson) or just a meandering ride through quiet subdivision streets, there’s something about a Critical Mass-style bike ride that makes neighborhoods feel magical.

Create a neighborhood Facebook group. Admittedly, this could backfire— few of us are huge Facebook fans right now, and social media is fraught with ugly divisions. But neighborhood Facebook groups, with membership limited to people who actually live in the area, are a great way to set up gatherings, keep a watch for shady activity and trade everything from home repair/landscaping/pool cleaning recommendations to unwanted furniture.

Socialize your doggos. Talk to your dog-owning neighbors as you pass one another on walks. Are they up for walking together or for backyard play dates? This pandemic lockdown has been stressful for your dogs, too. They’d probably love to run around in an unfamiliar yard with some new friends.

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HOME

Hold a (distanced) outdoor gathering. It’s inadvisable to have indoor parties right now (not to mention, against the terms of Nevada’s current COVID restrictions). But you can invite over a small number of neighborhood folks (no more than 10, from no more than two households) to sit on lawn chairs in your driveway and shoot the breeze. This might even be something you’ll enjoy doing after the virus is defeated; after all, our driveways are the closest most Southern Nevada homes come to a front porch. Or, post-pandemic, you could transform the gathering into a roving cocktail party that jumps from one house to the next from month to month.

Share homegrown food from your fruit trees and home garden. It’s a tricky thing to do in this climate, but it’s possible to create a sort of virtual orchard from neighborhood backyards—say, your citrus trees, your neighbor’s tomato plants and herbs from a retired teacher down the street—and share the spoils. Fruit trees, in particular, are well-suited to this; they often produce more fruit than you can handle, and fallen fruit is not only food waste, it attracts vermin. Why not let neighbors pick and enjoy it? Create a package lookout squad. Tired of porch pirates wandering off with your deliveries? Form a chain of your immediate neighbors, and text each other the second anyone lays a hand on a Prime delivery that isn’t theirs.

Set up a Little Free Library. The Las Vegas Valley has a relatively strong public library system, but it’s never a bad idea to increase access to books. The website of the Little Free Library nonprofit organization (littlefreelibrary.org) explains how to build and stock one of these front-yard book exchanges; place one in your yard, and encourage neighbors to take and donate books as they see fit.

(Shutterstock/Photo Illustration)

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BINGE THIS WEEK

BELUSHI The life and career of the brilliant but troubled Saturday Night Live/Animal House/Blues Brothers star is recounted through interviews, period footage and even animation in this affecting documentary by R.J. Cutler. Showtime.

Mackenzie Davis as Cameron Howe in Halt and Catch Fire (AMC/Courtesy)

TV SHOW

SERENA HENRY AT THE VEGAS ROOM Have you ever gone to a concert and been blown away by the backup singers? Serena Henry has been supporting performances (and stealing the spotlight) from headliners like Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson and Donny & Marie for years on the Strip and on national tours, and she has recently performed with Vegas acts like Clint Holmes and David Perrico’s Pop Strings Orchestra. Henry takes over the Vegas Room January 28-30, singing some of her personal favorites from a range of artists like The Beatles, Roberta Flack and Justin Timberlake. 6:30 p.m., $85, thevegasroom.com. –Brock Radke

HALT AND CATCH FIRE BOOK

THE GREAT GATSBY This month, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel entered the public domain, which means you can read it for free … or do most anything you want with it, really. In celebration of the occasion, NPR’s Planet Money podcast team read the entire book aloud for your auditory enjoyment. Listen to the compelling tale of wealth, love, mystery and death at NPR.org, or download a free e-book from a variety of sources, including Gutenberg.org. –C. Moon Reed

Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul, Mad Men and The Walking Dead might be the pillars of AMC’s prestige programming, but overshadowed by their splendor could be the network’s show with the most heart and relatability. Halt and Catch Fire, which aired from 2014 to 2017, is ostensibly about the growth of the personal computer industry in the 1980s and early ’90s, but that more-thrilling-than-it-sounds narrative serves largely as a backdrop for such characters as engineer couple Donna (Kerry Bishé) and Gordon Clark (Scoot McNairy), coding wiz Cameron Howe (Mackenzie Davis) and slick salesman Joe MacMillan (Lee Pace) to develop and evolve more than would seem possible over four, 10episode seasons. Netflix. –Spencer Patterson

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LOST NOTES This KCRW-produced podcast relates “the greatest music stories never told,” from that of pirate radio station WBAD to the unsung rock goddesses Fanny. The latest season focuses on how the year 1980 transformed popular music. kcrw.co/3a1flu9

(

AP /P

OUR PICKS FOR THE WEEK AHEAD

MUSIC

JEAN-MICHEL JARRE There’s a chance you’re unfamiliar with French electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre, even though he released his first proper album in 1976, has played to crowds as large as 3.5 million people (including Coachella 2018) and directly influenced M83, Pet Shop Boys and many others. He’s equally adept at dreamy ambient, dancefloor stompers and soundtracklike dramatic tracks—sometimes dropping them all on the same album. For a quick Jarre primer, stream 1976’s Oxygène, a blueprint for nearly all electronic music that followed; 1984’s Zoolook, a funky marvel featuring Laurie Anderson and King Crimson’s Adrian Belew; and 2018’s cinematic Equinoxe Infinity. –Geoff Carter

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PODCAST

BILL GATES AND RASHIDA JONES ASK THE BIG QUESTIONS Podcasts are as much about the subject as the host(s). Microsoft founder Bill Gates and actress Rashida Jones are an odd pair to host one, for sure, but their six-episode show actually tackles some timely head scratchers, like “What will the world look like after COVID-19?” and “Is it too late to stop climate change?” Gates, a man of immense intelligence, has a gift for breaking down complex topics, and Jones more than holds her own. They chat like old friends who really care about the state of the world. Apple Podcasts. –Genevie Durano

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THE STRIP

STAYING BUSY

(Shutterstock/Photo Illustration)

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Harrah’s remains focused on live entertainment BY BROCK RADKE

ny bit of live entertainment in Las Vegas has obviously adjusted to COVID conditions, but the Tape Face show running Tuesday through Sunday at 7:30 p.m. (plus 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday) at the Harrah’s Showroom has made more changes than most. Since the audience must be 25 feet away from the stage, the first few rows of seats are populated by mannequins wearing wigs and funny T-shirts. But that’s not as striking as the fact that this show usually takes place in the much smaller House of Tape on the casino floor—or the way you’re now greeted by the silent star of the show himself, somewhat out of costume and character. Since relaunching Tape Face in November with a preshow Q&A session,

X Country (Courtesy)

“We’ve become even more relaxed,” says Sam Wills, creator of the Tape Face show and character. “We do the meet-and-greet thing, but I’m onstage from the moment the audience comes in now, and we just hang out and chat. It’s a chance for me to host and introduce the other characters, and a chance to get a feel for what the audience will be like and to subliminally program a few people to behave in certain ways [that] I hope will make the show go better. Everything serves a purpose.” Nearby at Harrah’s Cabaret, dancers of X Country, the first Strip casino show to return to action last year, perform Thursday through Sunday (with two shows Fridays and Saturdays) while wearing transparent masks and can’t mingle with their

Tape Face (Mat Ricardo/Courtesy)

audience the way they used to. As capacity restrictions have fluctuated since the fall, X Country has consistently sold as many tickets as has been allowed, leading to the recent return of its sister show X Burlesque at the Flamingo. With only a few Vegas productions soldiering on these days while audiences are limited to just 50 people, it’s rare to find a casino with two shows ongoing. The Flamingo has X Burlesque in Bugsy’s Cabaret and Piff the Magic Dragon in its larger showroom. But Harrah’s—the Caesars Entertainment property originally opened as Holiday Casino in 1973 before it expanded and changed names in 1992—was hosting multiple headliners and shows before COVID-19 shut down the Strip last year, including Menopause the Musical, The Mac King Comedy Show and the reformed Righteous Brothers act featuring Bill Medley with Bucky Heard. During the pandemic, live music at Harrah’s has taken place on and off, depending on visitation at the popular Piano Bar just inside the casino’s southern Strip entrance and at the nearby outdoor Carnaval Court. The Bronx Wanderers, the family band and rock ’n’ roll tribute act that moved into Harrah’s Showroom mere months before the shutdown, performed at Carnaval Court on Fridays until a few weeks ago.

“It was just me and my dad, two guitars and a tip bucket,” laughs bandleader Vinny “Vin A” Adinolfi III. “We put the other [band] tracks on computer and just made it work. You’ve got to work with the budget of the day. But when the volume went down, the bar had to close. We’re hoping to get back to it for Super Bowl weekend.” Occasionally, the pared-down Bronx Wanderers were joined by a new Vegas supergroup called Original Chaos, comprising Tenors of Rock singer Dai Richards, Atomic Saloon Show performer Colin Cahill, Tenors and Rock of Ages guitarists Chris Cicchino and drummer Tim Sorbs. “It’s tough when you have all these hotels at, like, 13% capacity when normally we would have had CES here and we would have been rocking, [but] I get it.” Adinolfi says. “The cool thing is, Caesars has our backs and is trying to get us work wherever it can.” He says the band was thriving after relocating its show from the Linq to the better-equipped and more classically designed Harrah’s Showroom. With all those shows still scheduled to return to their various stages when that’s possible—plus the addition of Donny Osmond’s new solo residency in that same showroom in August—the often-overlooked center-Strip resort looks well-positioned to continue its entertainment tradition.

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Jesse Pino (Jam Unplugged/Courtesy)

NOISE

LOCAL SPIN New singles from the Vegas music scene BY LESLIE VENTURA

Enigo, “Cigarettes & Cheap Sweet Wine” (ft. Kella T.) Producer and musician Elliott Garfias teams up with smoky-sounding vocalist Kella T. for a slinky, hypnotizing pop-soul single as alluring as the title itself. Taking influence from the late Amy Winehouse, “Cigarettes & Cheap Sweet Wine” exudes confidence and charm, and the saxophone solos don’t hurt, either. bit.ly/3sYujd1 Jesse Pino, “Only a Shadow” Veteran pop-punk singer-songwriter Jesse Pino branches into new territory, giving us his best Damon Albarn delivery and employing more production, like echoing reverb on his vocals. Has Pino found a new sound? We’ll have to wait for his next release to find out. spoti.fi/3c9n38d Reeko Blakk, “4 Dayz” With a deep and sticky bassline, Vegas MC Reeko Blakk conjures an uber-chill vibe suited for late nights with friends … or maybe a Tinder friend with benefits. If, like us, you love “4 Dayz,” dig into the Vegas artist’s three 2020 singles next. spoti.fi/39hQD9P

Sabriel, “Love Again” The sultry, velvet-voiced singer returned with this December single, evoking the magical, whimsical feeling of finding love after you thought it couldn’t happen again. Looking to hear more from the songstress? Head to her YouTube channel (bit.ly/2LUW85D), where she recently covered indie-crowd faves by Frank Ocean and Radiohead. sabriel.bandcamp.com

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RHINESTONES ARE A SHOWGIRLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BEST FRIEND Anne Martinez (Patrick Rivera Photography/Courtesy)

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THE STRIP Strip performer Anne Martinez shines brightly with her new Saint Showgirl costuming venture BY C. MOON REED

ocalist, aerialist and showgirl Anne Martinez is a woman of many talents that involve a stage. She performs with her band Red Penny Arcade at the Venetian and in Sexxy After Dark at the Hustler Club. But Martinez’s latest creative pursuit is something now. Saint Showgirl technically still involves the stage, but not in the way you might think. “I started kind of by accident,” Martinez says. She wanted a costume covered in rhinestones, but the prices were astronomical. So she decided, well, heck, I’ll just do it myself. Martinez got to work, researching “how to stone a costume properly” and ordering supplies online. She was delighted by the results. “It was kind of like coloring … really relaxing,” she says. Then COVID-19 shut down Las Vegas. “I had nothing going on,” Martinez recalls of the pandemic’s early days. “So I thought, maybe I’ll make some more stuff.” In doing so, Martinez happened upon an unfilled Las Vegas niche. Unlike in, say, New York City, bespoke costuming options here are limited. “As performers, we want to go out and get a really cool showpiece, [but] there really isn’t that much in the market,” Martinez says. “A lot of times we end up buying the same bustier or bra outfit.” To combat that sameness, Martinez posed this question: “What if I could make something that could fit anybody, and also be unique?” To realize that goal, everything she makes is couture: “I don’t repeat the pattern. I take a picture of it, and then I archive it.” Rather than creating a website, Martinez simply posted a few of her creations on social media. “My phone just exploded,” she says. Martinez also gets orders from fans who’ve seen her pieces live in Sexxy. Thu, “this really fun side business of

making showgirl costumes” was born. Martinez called it Saint Showgirl, in honor of the year she spent singing in the classic Vegas show Jubilee!. “I was the shortest person they ever hired,” says the 5-foot-5-inch Martinez, who was blown away by the grace and talent of her peers. “They were just fiercely dedicated to the art form of being a showgirl. I loved their devotion to it. It was really beautiful, and it was so sincere,” Martinez says. “It was almost like a religion; they treated it with such delicacy and respect.” To Martinez, being a Las Vegas showgirl “is like a crown that we all want to wear.” Martinez has converted her dining room into Saint Showgirl central; it’s now full of glittering art supplies. To make a costume, Martinez will either start from scratch—hand-sewing a piece—or buy a simple wardrobe item, such as a bra, and build on that. Once she has the base piece, Martinez adds stones and appliqué by hand. Since her pieces are made for performers who will be very active, she makes sure the stones are firmly in place. She glues or sews the stones onto the costume, and sometimes does both. The work is very intricate and labor intensive, but Martinez says she loves it. She can “knock out a full bra in about four hours.” Bigger or more elaborate costumes can take several days. Saint Showgirl commissions aren’t limited to showgirls. Martinez also costumes burlesque performers and brides. She says her costumes run the gamut from “elegant and very formal” to “quirky pin-up” to “showstopper pieces” and even “bondage and S&M pieces.” Currently, Martinez is developing a 1920s flapperinspired pearl line. Above all, Martinez says she’s looking to put a twist on common Vegas costume tropes “so someone can find something unique and a little different.”

SAINT SHOWGIRL Instagram.com/saintshowgirl

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JAPANESE JOURNEY Ramir DeCastro’s Robata En takes up the torch from his former spot, Yonaka BY BROCK RADKE

ith a prime location adjacent to Chinatown favorites Sparrow + Wolf and Lamaii, Robata En looks poised to bolster one of many pockets of exceptional dining along Spring Mountain Road while advancing its own innovative culinary style. Chef Ramir DeCastro opened Robata En— the long-simmering follow-up to his exciting Japanese restaurant Yonaka—late last year. Known for artful presentations and distinct combinations of flavors and ingredients, Yonaka closed in 2013 when DeCastro decided its location at Flamingo and Decatur—with its limited parking—wasn’t the best spot for the evolution of his concept. “At the end, I was trying out this concept of modern kaiseki, and I already knew I wasn’t going to renew the lease,” he says. “After Yonaka closed, I was able to really sit down and jot down more ideas, and I also had the chance to work with other chefs from Japan, China and Europe. I was inspired by the things I found and things I have learned since then, and I want to share that food with everybody.” Robata En, a larger space taking over a former Korean barbecue spot, continues to use Japanese techniques and fresh ingredients from all over the world, serving familiar plates like chicken karaage ($12), raw oysters and a wide selection of nigiri and sashimi, but it expands with a

ROBATA EN 4480 Spring Mountain Road #500, 702-331-0619. Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday, 5-10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 5-11 p.m.

robust offering of meat and seafood grilled over natural binchotan oak charcoal. Standout selections include tsukune, or chicken meatballs served with marinated Jidori egg ($8); Kurobuta pork belly with soy and calamansi ($8.50); foie gras with coffee balsamic kabayaki ($18.50); and miso-marinated black cod ($36). DeCastro continues to experiment with unorthodox combinations when it comes to the robata menu. “Being a chef, you always have some unfinished business. You get addicted to it in the sense that it’s innate to you to feed people,” he says. “And seeing

their reactions and having smiles on their faces really inspires me to try something new.” When restaurant capacities are permitted to return to normal and business conditions improve, Robata En will change its menu more often to reflect seasonal ingredients. For now, DeCastro offers an eight-course tasting menu for those dining in, with the rest of the menu available for takeout. Some of Yonaka’s beloved raw fish dishes are back, including the sake orenji ($17) with Scottish salmon, orange supreme, yuzu tobiko, Thai chili

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FOOD & DRINK

(Above) An array of Robata En delicacies; (below) Toro & Yuzu; (right) Chef Ramir DeCastro (Wade Vandervort/Staff)

and ponzu. Other cold plates include sea urchin-topped Wagyu beef tartare ($25) with pineapple and anchovy aioli, tuna tataki ($17) and halibut ($22) with umeboshi, tomatoes, almonds and grapes. On the hot side, there’s flash-fried octopus with plum salsa ($23); pan-roasted branzino ($23) with grilled cherry tomatoes and spicy lobster emulsion; and uni pasta ($26) finished with Calabrian chili and organic egg yolk bottarga. For diners looking to share something special, there’s sushi and sashimi omakase ($33-$45) and Kobe A5 Wagyu beef from the Miyazaki

Prefecture ($28 per ounce), seared to perfection on the charcoal grill. “I’m overwhelmed at how people who supported Yonaka have taken time to come and support us here,” DeCastro says. “It’s really dawned on me how many people liked it as they come in and talk about their favorite dishes. It’s always been my goal to leave you with something memorable, and that they are remembering different components of a dish and what it tastes like and the texture is astonishing. “With Robata En, we’re just trying to go a little bit further.”

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(Courtesy)

TAO ASIAN BISTRO SUSHI BOXES Available through Postmates and Uber Eats. Taolasvegas.com.

FRESH DELIVERY Tao’s sushi box brings ocean favorites to your door

BY GENEVIE DURANO

hen it comes to indoor dining, one of the things I miss most is sitting at a sushi bar and watching the chef create bite-size masterpieces of rice and fish. It’s such a simple combination of ingredients, yet sushi artistry is nothing short of Zenlike, punctuated by the chef yelling out an order. It’s a familiar rhythm played out in countless spots around town. These days, of course, we have less of this interaction, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy quality sushi. Tao Asian Bistro at the Venetian, which has one of the most outstanding sushi programs on the Strip, now offers a curated box delivered to your door. Think of it as omakase to-go. Tao’s chefs have put together a selection of favorites that includes two signature sushi rolls (on a recent night, Crispy Spicy Tuna Roll with avocado and

soy paper and a Chef’s Roll with salmon, tuna, avocado and aji amarillo sauce); nine pieces of nigiri or sashimi including salmon, tuna and yellowtail; two pieces each of spicy tuna and yellowtail on crispy rice; edamame and Tao-branded tamago. The box also includes soy sauce, spicy mayo, kabayaki sauce, ginger and wasabi to complete the feast. For $75, it easily feeds two or three people. The box can also be customized with a la carte items, if something calls out to you. The handsome packaging features etiquette do’s and don’ts—don’t dump wasabi into your soy sauce; don’t top your sushi with pickled ginger before eating it; do eat nigiri in one bite; do rotate nigiri so the fish comes into direct contact with your tongue. It’s a reminder that even when you’re eating it at home, sushi is as much an experience as a meal.

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Food news you can use BY BROCK RADKE Al Solito Posto marked its official opening January 22, but it’s not the only new restaurant at Tivoli Village. Boston’s Fish House recently opened in the former Kabuki sushi space, serving seafood favorites like crab cakes, whole lobster, Oysters Rockefeller, Clams Casino, sea bass pappardelle and more. The kitchen is anchored by former Wynn and Venetian chef Francesco De Furia. Boston’s is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The secret sandwich shop serving Roman-style piadine at lunchtime out of Summerlin favorite Italian spot La Strega has become a permanent fixture. Piccola Strega officially launched on January 14, with those delectable flatbread sandwiches, salads, pickles and more available Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. La Strega chef Gina Marinelli also just launched a Sunday fish market program showcasing a crudo bar and a full wine list. She’s also conducting cooking demos throughout the day and providing instructions for shoppers to best prepare their selections at home. It all goes down Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Piccola Strega’s piadinas (Courtesy)

Beef Wellington from Hell’s Kitchen (Caesars Palace/Courtesy)

Three Caesars Palace restaurants are now offering take-and-bake packages for restaurant-style meals at home. Hell’s Kitchen features Gordon Ramsay’s famous Beef Wellington with potato puree, glazed root veggies and red wine demiglace for $59; Old Homestead steakhouse has a baked Maine lobster with lemon aioli, creamy spinach and Caesar salad for $79; and Rao’s is doing its signature meatballs with penne alla vodka for $39. Find more info and order online at bit.ly/36aQuDe.

Chef Masaharu Morimoto was recently inducted into the Asian Hall of Fame, a program directed by the Robert Chinn Foundation to educate the public about Asian contributions to the United States and the world, and to promote Asian artistic excellence and cross-cultural narratives. Morimoto’s eponymous restaurant at MGM Grand recently reopened for dinner service on weekends only, Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m.

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TEN TO GO

Projecting how UNLV’s final men’s basketball games will play out

NICK BLAKE

DAVID JENKINS

2 1

Nick Blake will start. Blake, the highest-rated prospect in the team’s large freshman class, has been living up to expectations— and in many ways exceeding them. He has shown a natural scoring touch (8.3 points per game, 37.1% from 3-point range) off the bench, and teammates have extolled his poise on the floor. It’s only a matter of time before coach T.J. Otzelberger promotes Blake from sixth man to starting point guard.

BY MIKE GRIMALA

NLV’s men’s basketball squad is entering the stretch run, with the first of its 10 final games scheduled for January 31 at UNR. It’s been a trying campaign for the scarlet and gray—including a three-week pause after a coronavirus outbreak and a struggle to get above .500—but a lot can happen over the final month of the regular season. Here’s what we think will happen over those final 10 games.

Bryce Hamilton will score 20 points per game. It’s not easy to average 20 points per game, but Hamilton has a great shot at it this year; the junior guard currently sits at 20.3 points. Hamilton has already had games of 27, 27 and 28 points. He’ll post a few like that and finish the season as UNLV’s first 20-pointsper-game scorer since Marcus Banks way back in 2002-03.

Moses Wood will start. Wood’s role is set to expand over the final 10 games. The 6-foot-8 forward is up to 37% from 3-point range, and that floor-stretching ability is something UNLV could really use in the frontcourt.

David Jenkins will move to the bench. The biggest surprise this season has been UNLV’s inability to figure out Jenkins. He played previously under Otzelberger at South Dakota State—and played well—so most assumed a smooth transition. It hasn’t worked out that way. When Blake moves to the starting lineup, Jenkins will assume the sixth-man role, where he can come off the bench and shoot to his heart’s content in short bursts.

UNLV will re-embrace a four-guard lineup. We saw UNLV go small at the end of last season—with spectacular results—and this roster looks to be headed in that direction, too. The crystal ball suggests a lineup with Hamilton, Blake, Jenkins and Caleb Grill in the “backcourt” with Wood or Mbacke Diong at center.

The end of the bench will have to wait. The time for developing young players has passed—it’s now time to win, and UNLV’s rotation is more likely to shrink than to expand. Youngsters who haven’t yet cracked the rotation will have to wait until the offseason to make their case for playing time going forward.

Defense will continue to struggle. On the season, 45.7% of opponents’ shots come from beyond the 3-point line. Only 10 teams allow a higher rate, which indicates how porous the perimeter defense has been. If UNLV is going to win games, it’s going to be via shootout.

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LV W S P O R T S

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REMAINING SCHEDULE

(NHL via Getty Images)

January 31 at UNR 8 p.m., Fox Sports 1 February 2 vs. UNR 6 p.m., CBS Sports Network February 6 vs. Air Force time TBD, CBS Sports Network February 8 vs. Air Force time TBD, CBS Sports Network February 11 at Boise State time TBD, CBS Sports Network February 13 at Boise State time TBD, Fox Sports 1 February 19 at San Jose State time TBD, Stadium February 21 at San Jose State time TBD, CBS Sports Network February 24 vs. Fresno State time TBD, Fox Sports 1 February 26 vs. Fresno State time TBD, CBS Sports Network

PLAYER OF THE WEEKLY: SHEA THEODORE Shea Theodore was back to his old tricks last week, netting three goals and two assists in four games. Through the first two weeks of the NHL season, Theodore led NHL defensemen with three goals and ranked second with six points. He was second on the Golden Knights with six points in six games.

BRYCE HAMILTON

Report MBACKE DIONG THIS WEEK’S VOTE 1. Shea Theodore 2. Marc-André Fleury 3. Mark Stone 4. William Karlsson 5. Alex Tuch As voted by Las Vegas Weekly’s panel, based on games played January 18 to January 24.

MOSES WOOD

UNLV will go 6-4. The back half of the schedule isn’t formidable. UNLV will have a tough time taking a game off Boise State, but the rest of the matchups (at UNR, vs. Air Force, at San Jose State, vs. Fresno State) aren’t so difficult. UNLV should be able split with UNR and Air Force, sweep San Jose State and Fresno State, and head into the Mountain West Conference tournament with momentum.

Makeup games won’t happen. The Mountain West left 11 days of lag time between the end of the regular season and the start of the conference tournament for “makeup” games, but don’t expect those contests to be played (not all of them, anyway). When the season ends, the MWC will say, “That’s good enough,” and go right into the tournament.

Mbacke will be back. Senior center Mbacke Diong—the first four-year player to graduate from UNLV since Carlos LopezSosa (2010-14)—will take advantage of the NCAA’s COVID-19 exemption and return to UNLV for another year in 2021-22.

Nick Blake, David Jenkins, Bryce Hamilton and Moses Wood (Steve Marcus/Staff) Mbackle Diong (Las Vegas News Bureau)(Photo Illustration)

SEASON STANDINGS 1. Mark Stone (8 points) 2. Marc-André Fleury (7 points) 3. Shea Theodore (5 points) 4. Max Pacioretty (4 points) 5. William Karlsson/Jonathan Marchessault (2 points) 5 points for 1st place in a week, 4 for 2nd, 3 for 3rd, 2 for 4th, 1 for 5th. UPCOMING GAMES January 28 vs. St. Louis Blues, 6 p.m. February 1 at San Jose Sharks (in Glendale, Arizona), 6 p.m. February 3 at San Jose Sharks (in Glendale, Arizona), 7:30 p.m. Games air on AT&T SportsNet & 98.9-FM/1340-AM unless otherwise noted. STANLEY CUP ODDS: 6-TO-1 at Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook

VEGAS INC BUSINESS

1.28.21

Conditions ripe for local housing market to remain competitive, experts say

BY BRYAN HORWATH

otential homebuyers and those looking to refinance a mortgage shouldn’t expect interest rates to increase much in 2021, according to experts. “Most likely, interest rates will gradually rise as the economy begins to strengthen in the spring and summer,” said Mark Vitner, a senior economist with Wells Fargo. “I don’t think rates will spike higher. I don’t think we’ll wake up one day and rates will have jumped a half of a percentage point higher than they were the previous day.” Largely due to the pandemic, mortgage rates remained at historically low levels for most of 2020. Following a brief bump in rates in early January, Freddie Mac, the federally backed corporation that provides liquidity to mortgage lenders, reported January 21 that the fixed rate for a standard 30-year loan eased to 2.77%, down from 2.79% the week before. That same rate was 3.6% a year ago, according to Freddie Mac. The last time the 30-year rate was over 3% was in July. The last time it was over 5% was in November 2011. Long-term bond yields, which can influence interest rates on mortgages and other loans, climbed a bit recently amid expectations of higher U.S. government spending on pandemic relief. Some, Vitner said, have concerns that mortgage rates could experience “sharp run-ups” in the coming months—similar to what happened following the Great Recession—but he said he doesn’t expect that. “What happened then was the Fed began to back off of its monetary policy in the aftermath of the financial crisis,” Vitner said. “That’s a risk for the economy, but I don’t think it’s much of a risk for 2021.” In mid-January, Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist, said he expects mortgage rates to remain mostly steady, with the Federal Reserve likely to keep interest rates near zero until the economy recovers from the coronavirus downturn. The most recent Freddie Mac figures show 15-year

fixed-rate mortgages—popular among those looking to refinance an existing note—hovering around 2.2%. That’s down from just over 3% at this time last year. While the low rates have presented opportunity for some, Vitner said many would-be homebuyers have had to stay on the sidelines. “It’s been a fairly narrow set of folks who have benefited,” Vitner said. “This has tended to benefit wealthier folks who have good credit.” The decision to refinance, while attractive to some, can be different with each situation, said Kendee Ruark, who oversees JPMorgan Chase’s Home Lending division in Las Vegas. “I always ask people what their goal is,” Ruark said. “Are they wanting to pay off their mortgage more

quickly? Are they wanting a lower payment? There are often costs associated with refinancing, so you want to look at your break-even point. If a person is only going to be in a home for two more years, it might not make sense.” Planet Home Lending’s Brandon Rizk said the ability for homeowners to refinance at low rates can be seen as a bit of an “economic stimulus” in and of itself. “There’s a lot of people right now saving $200 to $500 per month,” Rizk said. “That might cover their car payment or pay for their groceries.” While the experts agreed that mortgage rates aren’t likely to go up much this year, Ruark cautioned against calling that a sure thing. After all, not many saw a global pandemic coming 18 months ago. “It’s anyone’s guess where interest rates will go,” Ruark said. “We did recently see the yield on the 10-year Treasury break 10 basis points for the first time since COVID-19 hit. That’s still well below preCOVID levels. That’s a key indicator. When we look at interest rates, we do keep an eye on government spending and investor demand for the Treasury.” Mortgage rates often follow the same trajectory as the 10-year Treasury yield. In early January, it had pushed to 1.15%, though it pulled back slightly after, largely because of lessening inflation concerns, according to reports. All things considered, Ruark called it a “very exciting time” to be in the housing market in Las Vegas, even though the market has continued to be tight on supply in recent months. “Demand is high and interest rates are low,” Ruark said. “With that, you do tend to see low inventory. There are a lot of factors that play into whether we see that inventory grow as we look to the immediate future.”

(Shutterstock/Photo Illustration)

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VEGAS INC BUSINESS

1.28.21

Credit union CEO: State can make no greater commitment than education of its children

BY REBECCA CLIFFORD-CRUZ cott Arkills, president and CEO of Silver State Schools Credit Union, speaks passionately about improving people’s lives through teaching financial literacy. “It’s incredibly important to me,” he says, “and something I have dedicated myself to.” Arkills conducts seminars on subjects such as “Understanding Credit,” “How to Finance an Auto” and “How to Finance Your First Home Loan,” and at a previous job, he partnered with a local university on a financial boot camp to integrate academic learning with real-life experiences. Now Silver State, which is celebrating its 70th year, is in the process of opening branches at local schools to support that mission. “As part of this financial literacy focus, the credit union is planning on conducting public financial literacy seminars,” Arkills said. “It also is in the process of working with local universities to create an executive mentor program to provide specialized financial literacy seminars to juniors and seniors preparing to start their careers.” What are the advantages and disadvantages of leading a credit union compared to a for-profit bank? As a past 25-year veteran of for-profit banks and large financial services organizations, I often like to cite the primary differences between credit unions and banks. Credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives where customers are member-owners. What that means is, credit unions are essentially of the community and for the community they serve. They are focused on being ultimately responsible for their members’ financial health. While proceeds earned by credit unions are reinvested in the day-to-day operations, they are also returned to members in various ways, such as lower fees and loan rates, as well as higher interest on deposits and the expansion of branches, ATMs, technology and services. What ultimately makes credit unions different, though, is our dedication to member service and to fulfilling our social purpose of “people helping people.” Banks, on the other hand, are profit-driven institutions with shareholders to please every quarter, and they benefit from charging late fees, returned check fees and

generally higher loan rates. Some of the disadvantages of credit unions are that while anyone can become a bank customer, credit union membership is generally limited to a shared affiliation with a certain group. Banks also enjoy some business lending advantages that credit unions are limited to because of our not-for-profit tax status. In what ways has the pandemic affected your credit union? We have offered our members over $60 million in mortgage forbearances and consumer loan deferrals since March. Our credit union, like many others in our market, has experienced dramatic deposit and asset growth. Somewhat surprisingly, in 2020 we saw continually strong loan originations, primarily driven by historically low mortgage interest loan rates. Our ongoing pandemic-related concern, shared by the entire financial sector, is tied to the potential increase in delinquencies and loan losses driven by continued high local unemployment rates.

What initiatives are in place that sets SSSCU apart? Our philanthropic commitment to giving to the communities that we serve. In 2020, SSSCU created a not-for-profit People Over Profit (POP) Foundation, charged with the dual purpose of making charitable contributions to the betterment of the education community, as well as to local charities. Other than the obvious, what’s the greatest issue facing Southern Nevada? The education of our children. Although improving, we will need to continually invest resources in education and make a commitment to improving our national standing. This will ultimately attract more businesses and people to Southern Nevada, which will benefit all of us. What is your dream job outside your current field? To be a teacher or professor. Coming out of college, that was originally going to be my career path, and I have always found education to be one of the most important and essential pieces of our society. What are you currently reading or binge-watching? A book called UnBranding, by Scott Stratten & Alison Stratten. Written in 2018, it’s a book of 100 branding lessons for the Age of Disruption. What is something that people might not know about you? I have competed in about 170 triathlons since starting in 1998. I concentrate on Olympic and sprint distances, and I have qualified for Nationals in my age group twice. This was born out of being a competitive swimmer when I was a teenager.

Scott Arkills, president and CEO of Silver State Schools Credit Union (Courtesy)

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BANKING & FINANCE

Clark County’s Department of Taxation 2019-2020 Secured Roll/2018-2019 Unsecured Roll Ten Highest Assessed Taxpayers

TAXPAYER NAME

ABOUT THE LIST Information in this list comes from VEGAS INC research. SPECIAL NOTE Information was taken from the Nevada Department of Taxation’s annual report. It can be found online at tax.nv.gov.

Assessed Value

MGM Resorts International

3,557,658,949

NV Energy

1,758,796,772

Caesars Entertainment

1,681,559,640

Las Vegas Sands Corporation

1,059,332,103

Wynn Resorts Limited

851,345,288

Station Casinos Incorporated

779,175,837

Howard Hughes Corporation

470,643,516

Boyd Gaming Corporation

428,411,315

The Blackstone Group

316,883,896

Hilton Grand Vacations

294,701,545

Total

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1.28.21

VEGAS INC BUSINESS

41I

VegasInc Giving Notes In partnership with Tyler Robinson Foundation and Project 150, Summerlin Hospital Medical Center opened a nourishment room on the pediatric oncology floor, inspired by TRF warrior Delilah Juarez. TRF and Project 150 also donated and delivered bags of snacks to stock the room, which offers patients and family members easy access to their favorite foods while in the hospital. Additionally, TRF and Project 150 recently collaborated to provide school supplies and meals to Las Vegas families in need. The Public Education Foundation announced a new “Children of the 58 Scholarship Fund” created in partnership with the family of Neysa Tonks, who tragically lost her life in the October 1 mass shooting. As of September, approximately $320,000 has been raised, and 55 dependents have been identified as eligible for the scholarship. This is the first year the scholarship will be awarded, and the foundation is working with six college-age students who are utilizing the funds for the current school year, totaling $28,055. Broadbent & Associates donated $4,500 in headsets to students at Robert L. Taylor Elementary School. The headsets provided a muchneeded learning tool to students as they navigated remote learning during the pandemic. Union Home Mortgage and its regional manager, Caitlin Turkovich, with support from several local businesses and individuals, donated school supply kits, including new headphones, to nearly 500 students at Addeliar D. Guy Elementary School in Northwest Las Vegas to support distance learning. Nevada Mining Association donated $8,700 to After School All-Stars of Las Vegas as part of the organization’s “Hope for Heat” campaign, which provides $100 for every day local temperatures topped 100 degrees during the summer. The association’s executive director, Tyre Gray, presented the check that will support After School All Stars’ work to provide free, comprehensive after-school programs that keep children safe and help them achieve in school. Homie donated $14,000 to United Way of Southern Nevada as part of its Homie Fund that helps Las Vegans most affected by COVID-19 avoid home foreclosure and pay utility bills. City National Bank donated $5,000 to Green Our Planet in support of its literacy garden program in schools throughout the Clark County School District. Bank colleagues are also taking part in Green Our Planet’s virtual financial literacy classes for local elemen-

ELEVATE YOUR SPACE

tary schools. In addition, City National provided nine nonprofit and community-based organizations in Southern Nevada donations totaling $20,500, including ALS of Nevada, Animal Foundation, Boys Team Charity, Discovery Children’s Museum YouthWorks, HELP of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas Natural HIstory Museum, UNLV Foundation Zeiter Paradise Elementary, Walk for Water and When U Dream a Dream Inc. More than 740 community superheroes joined Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada for its annual Superhero 5K to raise more than $210,000 to help children battling cancer. Awards were given to the highest fundraising teams in three categories: Team Joy, which raised $15,325, won in the Family & Friends category; OTF Las Vegas raised $2,681 to receive the award in the Corporation category; and Konrad Broock won in the Individual category with $6,602 raised. Among the event’s sponsors were Centennial Toyota on behalf of the Southern Nevada Toyota Dealers and Dollar Loan Center, Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, Blue Apple Electric, OptumCare, Lerner & Rowe Gives Back, Palm Mortuaries & Cemeteries, Las Vegas Raiders, Hey Frank, Southwest Gas Foundation Fuel Good and Law Firm of Jeffrey Burr.

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Nevada State Bank donated $10,000 to the Shriners Hospital for Children Open, a PGA tour golf tournament benefiting its namesake charity. Proceeds support the Shriners health care system and its mission to improve the lives of children. The Collegiate 100 program at Nevada State College was awarded $22,000 by the Las Vegas chapter of 100 Black Men, a nonprofit organization that strives to improve the quality of life and enhance educational opportunities for African Americans. The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers and Gaming Laboratories International committed $120,000 to the National Museum of the American Indian’s new National Native American Veterans Memorial. The donation is part of the AGEM/GLI Lasting Impact Philanthropic Initiative, through which they collaborate to create a “lasting impact” inside the gaming industry and beyond. Clark County Medical Society raised $158,000 for its 2020 charity, Born This Way Foundation, which provides mental health first aid to teens in Southern Nevada. Additionally, CCMSA announced its 2021 charitable organization will be Cleveland Clinic Nevada and Keep Memory Alive, focused on the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement.

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1.28.21

“OBJECTS OF DEVOTION” BY FRANK LONGO

HOROSCOPES

WEEK OF JANUARY 28 BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In the 1950 film Harvey, James Stewart plays a middle-aged man named Elwood whose best friend is a tall invisible rabbit named Harvey. A psychiatrist tries to convince him to “struggle with reality.” Elwood replies, “I wrestled with reality for 40 years and I am happy to state that I finally won.” One of your long wrestles with reality will yield at least a partial victory in the coming weeks. And it will be completely real, as opposed to Elwood’s Harvey. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The light of the North Star travels 186,000 miles per second but the beams it shows us first embarked when Shakespeare was alive. And yet that glow seems so fresh and pure. Are there any other phenomena in your life that are metaphorically comparable? The coming weeks will be an excellent time to take inventory of such things. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In 1971, Alan Shepard had the privilege of landing on the moon, then walking on the lunar surface. He used this sublime one-ofa-kind moment to hit a golf ball with a golf club. Do not regard him as a role model in the coming weeks. When your sacred or lofty moments arrive, offer proper homage and honor. Be righteously appreciative of your blessings. CANCER (June 21-July 22): William Shakespeare worked with another playwright in creating Henry VIII, The Two Noble Kinsmen and Cardenio. The lucky collaborator was John Fletcher, who was popular and influential in his era. Name him one of your role models in 2021. You will have an enhanced potential to engage in fertile partnerships with allies who are quite worthy of you. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “How bizarre that in English, the word ‘emotional’ is used pejoratively, as though passion implies some sort of weakness,” writes Canadian journalist Nick Ashdown. Embody a different approach in the coming days. Take extra measures to respect and explore and reveal the spirited truth about yourself. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In Notorious, Ingrid Bergman played the daughter of a Nazi spy. During filming, Bergman explained her doubts about one scene, saying, “I don’t think I can do that naturally.” Alfred Hitchcock replied: “If you can’t do it naturally, then fake it.” Follow Hitchcock’s advice during the next two weeks. “Fake it till you make it” is an acceptable—probably preferable—approach.

2020 KING FEATURES SYNDICATE ACROSS 1 Serengeti trek 7 Freeway exit 14 Calm assurance 20 Neighbor of Saturn 21 Sun porches 22 Deli machine 23 Aficionado of air ducts? 25 Capital of Cuba 26 Jean jacket material 27 Email chuckle 28 Soccer player Hamm 30 Citrus peels in recipes 31 House actor 34 Aficionado of wild, irrational talk? 37 Contributor 38 — spell over 40 State of fury 41 Fly with no co-pilot 42 Thus 43 Hail — (yell “Taxi!”) 45 Las Vegas-to-Denver dir. 47 Ending for Japan 49 Aficionado of bellies? 52 Aficionado of sweet fillings? 58 Pet-rescuing org. 59 Walked very stealthily 62 San — (California county or city) 63 CIA missions, e.g. 66 Give the boot 68 River of Paris 69 Louisianans of French descent 70 Café au — (light brown) 72 Aficionado of confidential matters? 75 Shapes of parentheses

76 Member of a ruling family 78 Sank, as a putt 79 Writer Wiesel 81 Once surnamed 82 Cuban-born writer Calvino 83 Downgraded 85 Ward with Emmys 87 Aficionado of wickedness? 89 Aficionado of apartment managers? 94 Taking Woodstock director Lee 95 NFL stats 98 Loch — 99 Jethro — (rock group) 100 Do pool laps 104 Sir, to Brits 106 All mixed up 108 High-quality black tea 109 Aficionado of Mauna Loa snacks? 112 Set free 115 Fetus holders 116 Be mistaken 117 “— culpa” 119 Going Rogue author Sarah 120 Sends in 122 Aficionado of customs officials? 127 Painting on plaster 128 Made even 129 Rocky’s last name in Rocky 130 Electronic keyboards, for short 131 Escape artists, say 132 Like finger paintings DOWN 1 Chevy Equinox, e.g. 2 “Rules — rules!”

Spanish dance in triple time 4 Lobbies 5 That which destroys 6 Long Island airport town 7 Opposite of west, in Germany 8 Chocolate kiss wrapper 9 Elevator stops 10 Went longer than expected 11 Dog noise 12 Florida’s “Magic City” 13 Grilled Italian sandwiches 14 Silvery-gray 15 Town square 16 Energizes 17 Congress’ Alexandria — -Cortez 18 Cerebral 19 Donnie — (1997 Johnny Depp film) 24 Current unit 29 Assented 31 Laudatory poems 32 Funny Sahl 33 Wound cover 35 U-Haul rental 36 Tableland 39 Be up against 43 Confront 44 Rush after 46 Cut-rate, in brand names 48 Easy A star Stone 50 Likely 51 Model Bündchen 53 Actor Christopher 54 Mexican peninsula 55 Road reversal 56 Trespassing deterrent 57 Dancer Bob 60 Flying Pan

61 63 64 65

Spanish squiggles Vintage tune Premium channels Mideastern peninsula 67 “Danke —” 69 “Hear ye!” yellers 71 Like most NBA players 73 Boisterous 74 “That’s somebody — problem” 77 Couch 80 Pixie 83 Pea or lentil 84 Sandy hill 86 Tiny blood vessel 88 Actress Swenson 90 Ring out 91 Big pet food brand 92 Mucho 93 Painter Paul 96 Aykroyd of “Soul Man” 97 Up a tree 100 Blue toons of the 1980s 101 Aqueous 102 Deliverers of frozen blocks 103 The Red Foxes’ college 105 Macho 107 TV sleuth Remington 108 The Taking of — 123 (2009 thriller) 110 Last- — effort 111 Brand of cellulose fiber 113 NYSE debut 114 Fish piercers 118 Big PC brand 121 “Rescue us!” 123 Law & Order: — 124 NFL stats 125 Neither hide — hair 126 Week division

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The 17th-century polymath Thomas Browne had a brilliant, well-educated mind. He did have a blind spot, however. He referred to sex as the “trivial and vulgar way of union” and “the foolishest act a wise man commits in all his life.” Now and then there come times when we benefit from checking in with our own blind spots and decide whether to take any fresh steps to wisen them up. Now is such a time for you. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “There is no sunrise so beautiful that it is worth waking me up to see it,” declares actor and comedian Mindy Kaling. That’s not romantic but it’s evidence that she treasures her sleep. She is devoted to giving her body the nurturing it needs to be healthy. Let’s make Kaling your patron saint for now. Upgrade your strategies for taking good care of yourself. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): All of us go through phases when our brains work at a higher level than usual. You’re about to enjoy one of these times. In fact, you may string together a series of ingenious thoughts and actions. Use your enhanced intelligence for important matters—like making practical improvements in your life. Don’t waste it on arguments on Facebook or Twitter. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Artist Paul Cézanne (1839–1906) is regarded as an important and influential painter. He said that simply shifting the location of his easel in relation to his subject matter was almost more excitement than he could bear. That’s the kind of focused, detailed attitude you should cultivate toward your own labors of love. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “We all want everything to be OK,” writes author David Levithan. “We don’t even wish so much for fantastic or marvelous or outstanding. We will happily settle for OK, because most of the time, OK is enough.” You can have a series of appointments with the fantastic, the marvelous and the outstanding. Don’t skip those out of timidity or excess humility. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Don’t keep scratching an old wound until it bleeds. Don’t try to snatch away a teddy bear from an 800-pound gorilla. Don’t try to relieve your tension by pounding your head against a wall. Don’t try to convince a stone idol to show you some tenderness. Do ask supposedly naive questions that may yield liberating revelations. Do keep in mind that sometimes things need to be a bit broken before you’ll be motivated to give them the care they need and deserve. Do extinguish the fire on a burning bridge, and then repair the bridge.

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